Government Social Research Degree Apprenticeship Programme 2025

As an apprentice social researcher, you will be studying for a bespoke degree in social research whilst putting your cutting-edge research skills to direct use in the workplace every day, by producing the evidence base for decisions on high profile public policies. This is an exciting time to be joining the Civil Service, and with continuous support you will prepare vital briefings for senior officials, ministers, or the public, produce critical social insight and ensure the quality and appropriate use of government data. Social Researchers study what people feel, think, and do, to answer questions in all areas of society, including education, crime prevention, uses of artificial intelligence, homelessness, climate change, many more. The Government Social Research profession works across these issues and many more to develop impactful research projects and support national and local government priorities. You can read more about the GSR here. To keep up to date with our latest news and information please follow us on social media X/Twitter - LinkedIn.A Government Social Research (GSR) apprenticeship is a four-year programme undertaking the Level 6 applied social research standard including attaining a BA honours degree with the University of Kent. At the same time, you will be working in a team of social researchers and other analysts in a government department, supported by a manager and a buddy.Your degree will be a mixture of online and face-to-face teaching with a residential week each year at the University of Kent in Canterbury at the beginning of September. The department you work in will make any necessary travel arrangements and payment for you to attend in-person events, with the University of Kent, from your office location. There will also be a day-long face-to-face teaching session in London arranged by the University of Kent during the 2nd and 3rd terms of each academic year.About your BA research degree: This is the UKs first ever bespoke applied 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 societys 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. Working as a member of the GSR involves the development and use of: Quantitative skills: manipulating and presenting data.Writing and presentation techniques: communicating research clearly and succinctly to senior officials and ministers.Applied research skills: undertaking and using research to provide critical insight to government on a range of issues from the environment to transport. At the end of four years, successful completion of the End Point Assessment (EPA) will guarantee you permanent employment within the GSR.