Social Research Apprentice (Level 6)
NATIONAL CENTRE FOR SOCIAL RESEARCH
London (EC1V 2AB)
Closes in 19 days (Tuesday 7 July 2026)
Posted on 16 June 2026
Contents
Summary
This entry-level development role provides a structured pathway into a career in social research through a combination of practical experience and study. The role supports the delivery of high-quality research by building skills in research design, qualitative and quantitative data collection, analysis, reporting and stakeholder engagement.
- Wage
-
Competitive
Competitive wage offered
- Training course
- Social researcher (level 6)
- Hours
-
Shifts to be confirmed.
40 hours a week
- Start date
-
Monday 7 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
- Support the design and delivery of social research projects, including smaller research or evaluation studies and defined workstreams within larger projects
- Assist with the development of research materials, such as questionnaires, discussion guides and other data collection tools
- Undertake qualitative and quantitative data collection and carry out quality checks to support the accuracy and integrity of research outputs
- Clean, manage and analyse data using appropriate software and research methods, with guidance from experienced colleagues where needed
- Contribute to reports, presentations and other project outputs by summarising findings clearly and accurately for different audiences
- Work collaboratively with colleagues, stakeholders and research customers, using digital tools to support meetings, communication and project delivery
- Complete apprenticeship learning requirements, including off-the-job training and formal study, and apply learning to day-to-day work
Where you'll work
250 City Road
London
EC1V 2AB
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
Our blended learning approach, combining online and face-to-face learning, allows apprentices to thrive in the workplace while gaining a degree.
At least 6 hours per week of the apprentice’s normal paid working time should be spent on off-the-job learning away from their usual work tasks.
Apprentices participate in the following off-the-job learning:
Online learning:
- Live real-time online classes
- Online distance learning materials that will typically take 6 hours per week to complete
Face-to-face learning:
- Block residentials in Canterbury in September of Year 1, Year 2, Year 3 and Year 4
- 1 day-long face-to-face teaching session per quarter in London (this may be repeated in other locations depending on employer demand)
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade 4/C)
- Maths (grade 4/C)
96 UCAS points 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
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Problem solving skills
- Team working
About this employer
At the National Centre for Social Research, we believe social research has the power to make life better. By understanding people’s lives and views in depth, we help ensure the public has a powerful voice in shaping services and policy. As an independent, not-for-profit organisation, we focus on high-quality research that works for society.
After this apprenticeship
Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).
- Possible permanent position in completion
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
THE UNIVERSITY OF KENT
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000037371.
Apply now
Closes in 19 days (Tuesday 7 July 2026)
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.