Job summary
As an apprentice social researcher, you will be joining a community of over 2000 social researchers across more than 30 organisations across the Civil Service.
The range of opportunities open to you through the Government Social Research Degree Apprenticeship Programme (GSRDAP) is huge – working in government departments responsible for things like business, energy, justice, education, and the environment.
That means you will have the opportunity to have an impact on improving the areas that really matter to the world you live in – working on issues like:
- How government can tackle climate change
- How government can improve education
- How government can prevent crime
- How government can reduce homelessness
…that is to say, in government, social research underpins some of the most important challenges that the country faces. They help senior leaders make the biggest decisions better – providing them with the data and insight they need to get the big calls right.
For more information about the scheme visit our GSRDAP website Government Social Research Degree Apprenticeship Programme - GOV.UK
Question and Answer Session
There will be a Question and Answer (Q&A) session with the GSR Recruitment Team to chat about the application process and the experience of working as an apprentice in government.
Date: Tuesday 20 January 2026
Time: 16:30 pm to 17:30 pm
Place: Virtual, on Microsoft Teams.
Click here to join the meeting
We will give you:
- Information regarding a career in Government social research and in the Civil Service
- An outline of the recruitment process for the scheme
- Our tips on filling out the application form.
Job description
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.
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. 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.
About your BA research degree:
- This is the UK’s 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 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.
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.
Person specification
Eligibility
Nationality Requirements:
- You must have resided in the UK for at least the previous 3 years before the start of the apprenticeship.
- Individuals will also need to demonstrate that they meet the relevant immigration requirements and their eligibility under the Civil Service Nationality Rules (CSNRs). Please see below Nationality Requirements for more information.
- This includes the right to remain and take up full-time work in the UK for the entire duration of the 4-year programme by August 2026.
Qualification Requirements:
Candidates must have a minimum of:
- Five GCSEs including Maths and English Language at grade C (4) or above or equivalent.
- 96 UCAS points under the 2017 tariff point system (e.g., CCC at A Level or equivalent qualifications, not including General Studies) or expected to achieve this by August 2026.
Please note:
This apprenticeship is specifically designed for those who do not already hold a degree. You are, therefore, not eligible for the GSRDAP scheme if you have a further education qualification at level 6 (degree level) or above.
Desired skills
- Well organised, able to prioritise and work to deadlines.
- Able to understand and explain complex information verbally and in writing.
- Able to use IT, including Microsoft Office, Excel, and Outlook.
- Able to solve problems, establishing issues and advantages and disadvantages of different options.
- Able to work independently and as part of a team working towards a common goal.
- Able to think critically and question things.
Personal qualities
- Enthusiasm for what a degree in social research entails and a commitment to completing the apprenticeship over 4 years.
- Interest in undertaking a role which can improve people’s lives.
- Curiosity in current affairs.
- Keen to learn and develop.
- Not required, but flexible to travel within the UK.
If successful you must hold, or be willing to obtain, security clearance to CTC/SC/DV level. More information about the vetting process can be found at the following link Security Vetting and Clearance Levels Guidance
In addition, some departments require candidates to have resided in the UK for the last 5 years having spent no period longer than 3 months outside of the UK to get security clearance.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Communicating and Influencing
- Making Effective Decisions
- Delivering at Pace
- Working Together
Benefits
- Fully funded BA (Hons) Applied Social Research Degree with the University of Kent.
- Learning and development tailored to your role.
- An environment with flexible working options.
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity.
- A Civil Service pension.
- Minimum of 25 days Annual Leave.
Things you need to know
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths and Ability.
The selection process comprises of the following stages.
Stage 1: Application form including personal statement
Complete the online application form. You will need to provide details of your qualifications and any predicted grades up to August 2026. Plus, a personal statement of no more than 1000 words. Your statement should include the following:
1. Why you are interested in the apprenticeship;
2. How you are planning to balance work and study;
3. How you are planning to keep yourself motivated and keep track of your performance.
We will not require you toupload or attach a separate CV document to your application form. Once you have submitted your application form you will not be permitted to amend it.
Stage 2: Online tests
Once you have completed your application form, you will receive links to take two online tests, verbal and numerical. These tests are not timed, meaning you can take as long as you need to complete them. Please note that your application and online tests must be completed before applications close at 16.00 pm on Friday 6 February 2026.
Stage 3: Online test pass mark set
If you pass the online tests your application will be sent for sifting (marking).
Stage 4: Sift
Your application form will be sifted on your personal statement.
Candidates who are unsuccessful at the sift stage will not be given any feedback or comments.
Stage 5: Assessment Centre
Candidates passing the sift stage, will be invited to a virtual assessment centre. The assessment is split into two parts: a written exercise assignment and then on a separate day you will have an interview including a presentation task. Further information on what to expect at the assessment centre will be sent to candidates invited to attend.
Stage 6: Apprenticeship Offer
If you are successful, you will be offered a place on the apprenticeship subject to obtaining satisfactory grades, references (i.e., personal or work) and passing security checks.
All candidates will be offered a role based on merit. Location preferences will be taken into consideration but are not guaranteed. Please take note that due to the limited number of posts available in specific locations, successful candidates may be offered roles in nearby towns. It is important for candidates to note that many of the roles are located outside of London.
Occasionally, a department may withdraw from the scheme before placements are offered, or we have more successful candidates than available placements. In such cases, applicants will be placed on a reserve list. The reserve list will be open until September 2026.
If an apprenticeship offer has been made and a candidate's exam results received in August 2026 are lower than our minimum requirements (and the candidate has submitted the exam for a remark), the apprenticeship offer will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to determine if the offer can still proceed.
Recruitment timeline
Please note that this timeline may be subject to change.
- 13 January 2026 – Applications open.
- 6 February 2026 at 16:00 pm – Scheme closes (NB: the 2 online tests and application form must be completed by this deadline).
- w/c 16 February 2026 – Pass mark set for the online tests and successful candidates progressed to sift.
- February to March 2026 – Sift period of applications.
- w/c 30 March 2026 - Assessment Centre: Written exercise.
- 27 April to 8 May 2026 - Assessment Centre: Online interview, including a presentation task.
- From late May 2026 – Candidates informed of their Assessment Centre / interview outcome and successful candidates assigned to a government department. Departments contact successful candidates to start onboarding and pre-appointment checks.
- Early September 2026 – Apprenticeship starts.
Additional guidance will be given before each stage of the process.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
- Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).
Apply and further information
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : GESR Recruitment Team
- Email : GESRRecruitment@hmtreasury.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : GESRRecruitment@hmtreasury.gov.uk
Further information
Complaints procedure
Our recruitment process is underpinned by the principle of recruitment based on fair and open competition with decisions made on the basis of merit, as outlined in the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles.
If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with these principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should in the first instance contact us, the Government Economic and Social Research Team (GESR) by emailing gesrrecruitment@hmtreasury.gov.uk
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you may contact the Civil Service Commission, which regulates all Civil Service recruitment. For further information on the Recruitment Principles, and bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission, please visit their website at: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk
