Social Research Apprentice
IFF Research Ltd
London (SE1 0HR)
Closes in 12 days (Wednesday 1 April 2026)
Posted on 20 March 2026
Contents
Summary
Join us to work on meaningful projects while earning a BSc in Applied Social Research at a leading social research agency. Explore new topics every day, gain hands-on project experience, build core research skills and grow your career in a friendly, curious and supportive team.
- Wage
-
Competitive
Competitive wage offered
- Training course
- Social researcher (level 6)
- Hours
-
37.5 hours weeks typically working 9-5.30 (includes hour lunch which is not paid).
37 hours 30 minutes a week
- Start date
-
Saturday 5 September 2026
- Duration
-
4 years
- Positions available
-
2
Work
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you'll do at work
This is an exciting opportunity to gain a BSc degree in Applied Social Research over four years with the University of Kent, while kickstarting your social research career.
During the programme, you’ll be part of our research team in London, working on real projects throughout. The end goal is the successful completion of your degree and continuing your career as a researcher within our team.
We’ll ensure you’re developing the core skills needed to become a successful social researcher. As your experience and knowledge grow, so will your responsibilities. You’ll learn technical skills such as survey design, qualitative and quantitative analysis, report writing and statistics, alongside building your abilities in teamwork, communication, time management and problem solving. You’ll also develop an understanding of the research process, the sectors we work in, the work we deliver, our clients, and the processes we follow to produce industry‑leading research.
Where you'll work
The Harlequin Building 65 Southwark St
London
SE1 0HR
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
THE UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Training course
Social researcher (level 6)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
What you'll learn
Course contents
- Interpret research objectives and recommend which research methods are the most appropriate to meet objectives.
- Lead on the design of smaller research or evaluation studies and collaborate with others to design larger studies.
- Lead and design data collection tools such as topic guides and questionnaires.
- Undertake data collection using qualitative and quantitative research techniques.
- Design research projects with consideration of sustainability best practice including reducing carbon emissions.
- Undertake quality assurance and checks to avoid data errors.
- Work with commercial teams and contractors to commission and deliver social research.
- Project manage smaller research projects and manage discrete workstreams within larger studies.
- Interpret and apply relevant legislation, Regulations, Codes of Practice, and ethical guidance where appropriate to their work.
- Clean, analyse, and manipulate qualitative and quantitative data, including descriptive and inferential statistical analysis.
- Evaluate and bring together evidence from a range of sources to inform decisions.
- Interpret and derive insights from quantitative, qualitative, and secondary analytical and research outputs.
- Collaborate with stakeholders and research customers to design research projects.
- Use influencing and negotiation skills and techniques to design and deliver research projects.
- Develop and deliver analytical or professional training teach-ins or documents for others.
- Report and present on research findings, adapting the approach for different audiences.
- Organise and lead meetings, using digital collaboration tools to work with colleagues.
- Use software to clean, manage, manipulate, and analyse qualitative and quantitative research data and identify solutions to research questions.
- Interpret research objectives and recommend which research methods are the most appropriate to meet objectives.
- Lead on the design of smaller research or evaluation studies and collaborate with others to design larger studies.
- Lead and design data collection tools such as topic guides and questionnaires.
- Undertake data collection using qualitative and quantitative research techniques.
- Design research projects with consideration of sustainability best practice including reducing carbon emissions.
- Undertake quality assurance and checks to avoid data errors.
- Work with commercial teams and contractors to commission and deliver social research.
- Project manage smaller research projects and manage discrete workstreams within larger studies.
- Interpret and apply relevant legislation, Regulations, Codes of Practice, and ethical guidance where appropriate to their work.
- Clean, analyse, and manipulate qualitative and quantitative data, including descriptive and inferential statistical analysis.
- Evaluate and bring together evidence from a range of sources to inform decisions.
- Interpret and derive insights from quantitative, qualitative, and secondary analytical and research outputs.
- Collaborate with stakeholders and research customers to design research projects.
- Use influencing and negotiation skills and techniques to design and deliver research projects.
- Develop and deliver analytical or professional training teach-ins or documents for others.
- Report and present on research findings, adapting the approach for different audiences.
- Organise and lead meetings, using digital collaboration tools to work with colleagues.
- Use software to clean, manage, manipulate, and analyse qualitative and quantitative research data and identify solutions to research questions.
Training schedule
You’ll attend a week-long residential session once a year at the start of each academic year, join live online classes and receive online learning materials that amount to approx 6 hours per week to complete in paid working time, you'll also attend a 1-day face-to-face session in London each quarter.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade 4/C)
- Maths (grade 4/C)
A Level in:
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Communication skills
- IT skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Customer care skills
- Problem solving skills
- Presentation skills
- Administrative skills
- Number skills
- Analytical skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Creative
- Initiative
- Non judgemental
- Patience
About this employer
IFF is a leading UK social market research agency, designing research that helps governments, charities, universities and businesses make better decisions. We work across education, health, the environment, housing, finance and more, tackling real-world issues through innovative, high-quality research. Every project is different, meaning you’re always learning and making a meaningful impact. Our people are at the heart of what we do, our team is supportive, talented and passionate about understanding society and creating positive change. At IFF, you’ll join a collaborative team, gain hands-on experience and contribute to research that genuinely shapes the world around us.
After this apprenticeship
This is a permanent role, assuming successful completion of the degree their role would be maintained/promoted depending on the individual’s capacity.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
THE UNIVERSITY OF KENT
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000020863.
Apply now
Closes in 12 days (Wednesday 1 April 2026)
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.