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,views, and needs. This then helps the government make informed decisions. socialSocial 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 onthrough surveys that aim to quantify a population’s views,views. They also conduct interviews, and lead 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 government make society better policy and fairerdeliver bybetter services, using data and research to guide government decisions.decisions and delivery.

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 impactfulimportant projects,work, while gaining aan BA undergraduate degree in Applied Social Research.

Apprentices Moretypically detailsspend canfour bedays founda week working alongside experienced social researchers in oura guidegovernment todepartment candidatesor here:agency, GSRDAPthen Candidatededicate Guideone 2025 (PDF,day a 5.79week to MB,online 16study pages)with the University of Kent. It’s hands-on learning that puts you right where decisions are made, giving you real experience that will set you apart.

Where will I be working?

SalariesLocations and locations vary byaccording to government department.department Learnbut morethere aboutare theroles departmentsacross offeringthe apprenticeshipsUK. inFor 2025full indetails, ourplease departmentsee job descriptions here:when GSRDAPapplications Jobare Descriptions 2025 (ODT, 186 KB)open.

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?  

Applications usually open in January of each year. Please registerDetails tocan be notifiedfound whenon theour recruitment scheme reopens in early 2026.portal.

Who can apply?

TheAcademic GSRDAPrequirements:​ 

• You ismust openhave 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 five GCSEs (including Maths at grade C (4) or above and English Language at C (4) or above) or equivalent. equivalent.

• You willmust needhave, or expect to a gain, 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).Studies). Calculate your UCAS Tariff Points. ​  

• You canare checknot howeligible many UCAS pointsif you have bya usingfurther the education UCAS Tariffqualification Calculator at level 6 (degree level) or above.

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We demographics. do not offer sponsorship for this programme.​

What’sWhy have you changed the salary?eligibility criteria to exclude those with a degree?

TheWe minimumhave salarychanged the eligibility criteria for our 20252026 cohortscheme wasto £26,337exclude nationally,those with an existing degree. We made this change because this is our only non-graduate entry route into the GSR profession. As such, we want to ensure it maximises access for people who haven’t yet had the opportunity to study at degree level, or £28,576for whom the cost of higher education might be a barrier. We recognise this change will be disappointing if you were planning to apply and already have a degree. 

Our Research Officer Graduate Scheme contains an entry route for those with a degree in London.any Salariessubject who have gained relevant work experience in social research. Find out more about the GSR Research Officer Scheme.

What’s the salary?

Salaries are competitive and vary according to department and location.locations. For full details, please see job descriptions when applications are open.

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 of the programme

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 membersocial researcher and a member of the Government Social Research Service.Research community.

Contact point for applications

GESR Recruitment Team: GESRRecruitment@hmtreasury.gov.uk