GSR Research Officer Scheme
Join us as a Research Officer to launch a brilliant career in Government Social Research.
The GSR Research Officer Graduate Scheme will be open for applications from 3 February 2026 to 27 February 2026.
Register to be notified when this scheme opens for applications
About Government Social Research (GSR)
We are the professional body for social researchers in the Civil Service. Our social researchers study and analyse various aspects of society, like people’s behaviour, opinions, and needs. This then helps the government make informed decisions.
We recruit students, graduates, and apprentices to work in over 30 government departments across the UK, from the Ministry of Justice to the Office for National Statistics. With over 2,500 members working across government, you will be joining an established community of social research professionals, getting access to all the training, networking, and access opportunities that come with being part of a social research community that has a diverse array of experiences and professional knowledge.
What would I do as a Research Officer?
Government social researchers play a critical role in gathering, analysing, and interpreting the information which forms the foundation for decision making for policies which affect every UK resident.
As a Research Officer working in the Civil Service, you would contribute through analysis of social trends, development of government policy, and evaluation of how policies make a difference to public services.
Your work might involve developing surveys, analysing data, producing statistics, reviewing existing research evidence, and working with other analysts in government to provide timely and relevant briefings for policy colleagues and ministers.
Where would I work?
Locations vary according to government department. Please see the scheme departmental job descriptions on the application page during the application window for details.
How much would I get paid?
Salaries vary according to government department and location. Please see the scheme departmental job descriptions on the application page during the application window for details.
Why join the GSR Research Officer Scheme?
There are many benefits to working in the Civil Service. Here are just a few:
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Meaningful work that that makes a difference to society
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Opportunities in a wide range of government departments across the UK
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Ongoing learning and development opportunities
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Flexible working
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25 days annual leave (+8 public holidays)
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Competitive pension scheme
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Inclusive working environment
Who is eligible?
Government Social Research (GSR) members come from a range of social science related backgrounds. There are two entry routes into the GSR Research Officer Scheme:
Qualification Route Eligibility Criteria
You are eligible to apply for this route if you meet the following criteria:
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Hold an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree at a minimum of a 2:2 in a relevant subject by August of the year you apply
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The relevant degree must contain a minimum of one third in social research methods covering all the criteria outlined below (it is not sufficient to hold the majority in one area – coverage across all areas is required)
It is the responsibility of the applicant to demonstrate these criteria clearly on the application.
Experience Route Eligibility Criteria
You are eligible to apply for this route if you meet the following criteria:
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Hold an undergraduate degree at a minimum of 2:2, in any subject, or a degree equivalent (e.g. an Advanced Certificate or Diploma from MRS), plus have at least 4 years’ of social research practice experience.
- To apply via this route, you must make explicit the breadth and depth of your research experience and skills, which must include the social research method degree content criteria noted in the qualification route section. You need to provide evidence of quantitative research methods and three of the following:
- Qualitative methods
- Study design & Hypothesis testing
- Systematic/literature reviews
- Interpretation of data and presentation of results
- The application of ethics to research
Social Research Method Degree Content Criteria
To qualify as a relevant subject, a degree must include quantitative research methods including research design, data collection (i.e., questionnaire design, sampling, weighting) and data analysis (e.g., statistical analysis).
It must also include at least three of the following:
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Qualitative methods, including research design, data collection (i.e., interviewing, focus groups, ethnographic), data analysis (e.g., thematic analysis)
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Study design, hypothesis formation, testing and evaluation
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Systematic/literature reviews
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Interpretation of data (qualitative and quantitative), presentation of results, provision of recommendations/ conclusions
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Application of ethics to research
It is the responsibility of the applicant to demonstrate these criteria clearly on their application. Please ensure you indicate the number of credits associated with the relevant modules covering your social research methods training.
Nationality requirements
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Please note that it is possible to meet the nationality requirements and still not be legally entitled to work in the UK.
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Individuals will need to demonstrate their eligibility under the Civil Service Nationality Rules (CSNRs).
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Candidates must have the right to work in the UK, as we do not offer sponsorship
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For full details please see nationality requirements.
Social media
Please follow our social media accounts to keep up to date with relevant information.
Updates to this page
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Application dates added.
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Applications are now closed.
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The GSR Research Officer Scheme has now opened for applications.
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Our GSR Research Officer Scheme closed for applications on the 18 March 2024. It will reopen in spring 2025.
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Q&A session slides have been added.
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The GSR Research Officer Scheme is now open for applications.
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The scheme is closed and information on when it opens in February 2024 has been added
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Link to Civil Service Jobs posting added. Application closing date updated. Candidate guide and example job descriptions added.
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Q&A Session information added.
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Application dates changed for the 2023 GSR Mainstream Campaign.
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Updated - Scheme now open
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Update on 2022 scheme dates
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Candidate pack and job description uploaded
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Candidate pack and job description have been uploaded
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First published.