Social Research Degree Apprenticeship

What is the Social Research Degree Apprenticeship (SRDAP)?

The SRDAP is a four-year apprenticeship programme which gives the opportunity to gain real world working experience as a social researcher in Government or in some of the UK’s foremost research supplier, whilst gaining a recognised and bespoke degree in applied social research.  

Apprentices split their time between studying and gaining new skills in the workplace, with experienced and multi-disciplinary teams. Their managers and course tutors will work closely together to build a holistic package of training tailored to apprentices’ personal development. 

Apprentices will earn a salary, while having their degree fully funded.  It is an opportunity for apprentices to gain marketable and flexible skills that will set them up for the future. 

Why was it developed? 

The employers behind this apprenticeship are all firm believers that the cost of a degree should not be a barrier to bringing the best talent to the profession. This apprenticeship also fills a gap in the market for a made-to-measure degree programme which is focused solely on the broad range of skills required to be an effective social researcher. 

What will apprentices learn? 

Over the course of four-years, apprentices will receive a comprehensive grounding across the breadth and depth of modern social research techniques, with scope to adapt course content as innovations emerge in the profession. Techniques ranging from data and statistical skills, qualitative research approaches, study design, how to tell compelling stories through research, and much more besides. Upon completion, apprentices will be well-rounded social researchers, capable of studying 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, and many more.

The curriculum for this apprenticeship has been designed by global experts from the University of Kent, with input from the employers below to ensure it is laser-focused on the skill needs of modern social research institutions.

If you want to find out more about the employers behind this or apply for one of these great opportunities, please follow the links below:  

• Government Social Research (GSR) is the analytical profession that provides social and behavioural research and advice to government. Our researchers enable government to understand issues relating to society, groups and individuals, supporting policy debate and decision-making through a variety of approaches, advice and evidence. Social researchers in government work across the country on a wide variety of programmes and projects and are at the heart of building better policy that can improve people’s lives. Our social research apprentices will build rewarding careers while helping to tackle some of the most pressing challenges our society faces today. Click here to find out more. 
• Start your research career at Verian, one of the largest and the most prestigious social research agencies in the UK. Based in a fabulous, open plan office opposite the Houses of Parliament, we are in the heart of government, close to where our data is used to shape policy development and decision-making. Our work hits the headlines, and our fun and friendly team will help you to grow your skills and meet your goals. For more information and to apply, visit Verian Degree Apprenticeships (veriangroup.com).
• The Health Foundation is an independent charity committed to bringing about better health and health care for people in the UK. From giving grants to those working at the front line to carrying out research and policy analysis, we shine a light on how to make successful change happen. Our aspiration is to create a virtuous circle, using what we know works on the ground to inform effective policymaking and vice versa. This is an exciting opportunity to join our dynamic Research Team and play a role in commissioning research and evaluation work that influences the future direction of the Health Foundation and has a wide impact on policy and practice. Click here to apply. 
• The Institute for Employment Studies (IES) is an independent, international centre of research and consultancy in employment policy and human resource management. We work closely with employers, government departments/agencies, and professional, employee, and third-sector bodies. For over 50 years IES has been a focus of knowledge and practical expertise on employment, education and training policy, labour markets, and workforce development. IES is not-for-profit with c.50 multidisciplinary staff. Our head office is in Brighton, and we have a friendly, inclusive and supportive culture. Our team strives for excellence, to be collaborative, and to bring curiosity to what we do. We work with integrity and treat people respectfully and with compassion. We are disability confident and committed to inclusion by race, gender and social equity factors. Click here to apply.
• BMG Research is a leading social research and analytics agency operating throughout the UK.  In joining BMG Research, you become part of a 170-person team based across Birmingham, London and Glasgow, reinforced by the support, learning and development opportunities provided by the RSK Group.  RSK Group is a leading integrated environmental, engineering and services company operating across over 40 countries. For further information on BMG Research visit:  www.bmgresearch.co.uk. For careers information visit:  https://rskgroup.com/early-careers/ 
• Kickstart your career in social research with IFF Research, based incentral London. We are passionate about making a positive difference in the world, both through the research we do, and in the way we support our staff to learn and develop throughout their whole careers. We’re small enough that you’ll get to know everyone, but big enough to do research that makes the news, and to offer loads of varied opportunities for socialising and finding your people. Apply here: Social Research Apprentice | IFF Research

Training Providers offering the Social Research Degree Apprenticeship can be found here