Government Social Research Degree Apprenticeship Programme
This is a four-year apprenticeship programme offering a first of its kind opportunity to gain real work experience while studying for an undergraduate degree.
Applications for our 2026 scheme will be open from 13 January 2026 - 8 February 2026.
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?
Salaries and locations vary by government department. Please refer to the job descriptions when the scheme is open for applications.
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 register to be notified when the scheme reopens in early 2026.
Who can apply?
Academic requirements:
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You must have a minimum of five GCSEs (including Maths at grade C (4) or above and English Language at C (4) or above) or equivalent.
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You must have, 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). Calculate your UCAS Tariff Points.
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You are not eligible if you have a further education qualification at level 6 (degree level) or above.
Nationality requirements:
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You need to have the right to work in the UK.
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You need to have resided in the UK for at least the previous 3 years before the start of the apprenticeship.
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You need to meet the Civil Service Nationality Rules.
We do not offer sponsorship for this programme.
Why have you changed the eligibility criteria to exclude those with a degree?
We have changed the eligibility criteria for our 2026 scheme to exclude 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 for 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 any subject who have gained relevant work experience in social research. Find out more about the GSR Research Officer Scheme.
What’s the salary?
The minimum salary for our 2025 cohort was £26,337 nationally, or £28,576 in London. Salaries vary according to department and location. Please refer to the job descriptions when the scheme is open for applications.
What benefits will I enjoy?
The GSR DAP offers you a unique opportunity to earn while you learn. Our apprentices benefit from:
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A fee-free Applied Social Research degree from The University of Kent
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A paid government role
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Opportunities across England
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Meaningful work that makes a difference to society
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An inclusive and diverse working environment
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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.
Contact point for applications
GESR Recruitment Team: GESRRecruitment@hmtreasury.gov.uk
Updates to this page
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GESR Recruitment email address added as a contact point for applications.
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The scheme is now closed for applications, please register if you want to be notified when it reopens.
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The GSRDAP job descriptions and candidate pack has been added.
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The 2025 Government Social Research Degree Apprenticeship Programme is now open for applications.
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The Government Social Research Degree Apprenticeship Programme has now closed.
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GSRDAP Candidate Guide 2024 - file attachment has been updated.
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Applications for the GSR Degree Apprenticeship Programme are now open. Further information has been added about how to apply. A link to the application form on Civil Service Jobs has been added.
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First published.