Government Social Research Degree Apprenticeship Programme

What does a Government Social Researcher do?

Being a Government Social Researcher involves studying and analysing various aspects of society, like people’s behaviour, opinions, and needs. This then helps the government make informed decisions. social researchers in government work on a wide variety of programmes and projects and are at the heart of building better policy that can improve people’s lives. 

To do this, social researchers use a range of methods; for example, they design and gather data on surveys that aim to quantify a population’s views, conduct interviews, and focus groups that explore what people think in greater depth, and run experiments to decide what kinds of social programmes work best. Alongside this, social researchers often make use of transferable and in demand coding skills to analyse and visualise large amounts of data. 

They use these results to provide recommendations to policymakers. Social research helps make society better and fairer by using data and research to guide government decisions.

What is the Government Social Research Degree Apprenticeship Programme (GSRDAP)?

The Government Social Research Degree Apprenticeship Programme (GSRDAP) is a four-year programme which offers an opportunity to gain real experience working on some of the government’s most impactful projects, while gaining a BA undergraduate degree in Applied Social Research.

Where will I be working?

Government Social Research apprentices will be located at Government departments across England. Locations include Birmingham, Bristol, Croydon, Darlington, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Newport (Gwent), Nottingham Salford, Sheffield; Titchfield (Fareham).

Salaries and locations vary by government department. Learn more about the departments offering apprenticeships in our department job descriptions here: GSRDAP Job Descriptions 2025 (ODT, 186 KB)

Can I choose which department I will work for?

Successful candidates may be allocated to any of the participating departments, though we will take your location preferences into consideration. Please note: while we will make every effort to allocate you to a department within a preferred location - this is not guaranteed.

Some departments require candidates to have a UK footprint for 5 years to get security clearance including the Home Office, Office for National Statistics, and some other departments.

Who will I be studying with? 

Apprentices will typically spend one day a week being taught by some of the world’s foremost social research experts at the University of Kent via online distance learning. On successful completion of the programme, apprentices will receive an honours degree in Applied Social Research from this university. Most learning will take place virtually.   

Apprentices will work closely with academic methods experts and peers remotely through weekly online live lectures and seminars, and face-to-face through an annual residential on campus. These are occasions for both in depth learning and socialising with fellow apprentices. Throughout the degree, apprentices will have access to one-to-one coaching and guidance from a dedicated course tutor.   

During the course, apprentices will also be fully registered as students at the University of Kent, giving them all the benefits that come with this.

What will I be studying?

This is the UK’s first ever social research undergraduate degree apprenticeship. You will develop transferable and applied knowledge, skills and behaviours that will set you up for a long career in modern social research. The course will cover a broad range of contemporary quantitative and qualitative social research methods and skills, alongside how they can be applied to bring about real-world change and help government and organisations make better decisions.  

This includes, but is not limited to: how to collect and use data for analysis in a range of different social contexts; how to design impactful research projects that could inform some of society’s most pressing questions; how to make use of modern social research software that will also bring you transferrable skills in coding; and you will have the opportunity to undertake an independent research project in an area of relevant interest to you.

When will it start?

Apprentices usually start in September of each year.

How do I apply?  

The application window is open from 6 January 2025 to 30 January 2025.

For more information on applying please see our candidate pack here: GSRDAP Candidate Guide 2025 (PDF, 5.79 MB, 16 pages)

Apply now

Virtual Candidate Q&A Session

We will be holding an online Q&A session for candidates where you will be able to hear from current apprentices and ask any questions you may have about the recruitment process. It will take place on Microsoft Teams and details are: 

Wednesday 15 January, 16:30-17:30, join the meeting here.

Who can apply?

The GSRDAP is open to a wide variety of candidates from school leavers to career changers, and lots of people in between. Prospective apprentices can apply from as early as their last year of school. You will need a minimum of five GCSEs  (including Maths at grade C (4) or above and English Language at C (4) or above) or equivalent. 

You will need a minimum of 96 UCAS points under the 2017 tariff point system (e.g. CCC at A Level or equivalent qualifications, not including General Studies). You can check how many UCAS points you have by using the  UCAS Tariff Calculator 

We don’t expect you to have studied any social research or social sciences previously, but we are keen to know what interests you about the subject. 

This apprenticeship is open to applicants from all backgrounds and demographics. 

Can I apply if I already have a degree?

Yes, if your degree did not contain a substantial social research component. Applicants who would already meet the eligibility requirements in the GSR membership guidance through the qualification or experience routes are ineligible to apply for the apprenticeship programme. If you do already meet the eligibility requirements in the GSR membership guidance, we would strongly encourage you to apply to our upcoming Research Officer scheme instead. Applications for our Research Officer scheme open in February and this will be the best way for you to find a role that will better reflect your pre-existing skills and experience.

What’s the salary?

The minimum salary will be £26,337 nationally, or £28,576 in London. Salaries vary according to department and location. Please see individual job descriptions for details here: GSRDAP Job Descriptions 2025 (ODT, 186 KB)

What benefits will I enjoy?

The GSR DAP offers you a unique opportunity to earn while you learn. Our apprentices benefit from:  

• A fee-free Applied Social Research degree from The University of Kent 

• A paid government role 

• Opportunities across England 

• Meaningful work that makes a difference to society 

• An inclusive and diverse working environment 

• A permanent government role upon successful completion

What hours will I work?

Working weeks are 37 hours. 80% of this time is spent on GSR work, and 20% of this time will be for learning. 

What happens once I complete my apprenticeship?

Upon successful completion of your apprenticeship and after passing the End-Point Assessment, you will receive a full honours degree in Applied Social Research from the University of Kent and a guaranteed permanent graduate job as a member of the Government Social Research Service.

Further guidance on the apprenticeship can be found here: GSRDAP Candidate Guide 2025 (PDF, 5.79 MB, 16 pages) GSRDAP Job Descriptions 2025 (ODT, 186 KB)