Creating Career Path...

Finding Further Careers...

Science & Research

Social Policy Researcher

View this career for different education levels:

Primary Secondary Post-16

A social policy researcher analyses and evaluates policies related to social issues such as health, education, housing, and welfare. Their work involves gathering and interpreting data, conducting interviews or surveys, and producing reports that inform decision-makers in government, charities, or think tanks. Social policy researchers play a key role in shaping and improving public services by providing evidence-based recommendations. They often work with both quantitative and qualitative data, and need strong analytical, communication, and writing skills.

Social Policy Researcher

📊 Statistics

Average Salary

The average salary for a social policy researcher in the UK ranges from £25,000 to £45,000 per year, depending on experience and location.

Typical Working Hours

Most social policy researchers work full-time, approximately 37 to 40 hours per week.

Job Market

There are over 4,000 positions in policy research and analysis across the UK, with opportunities in government, charities, and academic institutions.

🚀 Careers in this path

Child Welfare Policy Analyst

Focuses on researching and evaluating policies that affect the wellbeing of children, such as education, safeguarding, and social care services.

Housing Policy Researcher

Specialises in studying and developing recommendations around housing policy, homelessness prevention, and affordable housing initiatives.

Health Inequalities Researcher

Examines the impact of social policies on health disparities among different communities, working to inform public health improvements.

Build a Strong Educational Foundation

Achieve Good GCSEs and A Levels

Focus on subjects such as Sociology, Politics, Economics, and English to prepare for university.

A good set of GCSEs, particularly including English and Maths, is essential. For A Levels, subjects like Sociology, Politics, Economics, Geography, or Psychology are highly relevant. These will help you develop critical thinking and analytical skills needed for research roles.

Complete a Relevant University Degree

Earn a bachelor’s degree in Social Policy, Sociology, Politics, or a related subject.

Most social policy researchers have at least a 2:1 degree in a related discipline. Look for courses that offer modules in research methods, statistics, and policy analysis, as these will be directly applicable to your future career.

Gain Research Experience

Undertake Internships or Voluntary Work

Look for placements with charities, think tanks, local councils, or research institutes.

Work experience will give you practical skills in data collection, interviewing, and report writing. Many organisations offer summer internships or opportunities to volunteer on research projects, which can help you build your CV and make professional connections.

Develop Research Skills

Learn about both qualitative and quantitative research methods.

You might do this through optional university modules or by taking part in research assistant roles. Understanding how to design surveys, conduct interviews, and analyse data will be crucial for your career.

Progress to Specialist Roles

Apply for Entry-Level Research Positions

Look for jobs such as Research Assistant or Junior Policy Analyst in relevant organisations.

Entry-level roles are available in government departments, academic institutions, charities, and independent research bodies. These positions will allow you to contribute to real projects and develop professional skills.

Consider Further Study or Specialisation

A master's degree or PhD in Social Policy or a related field can help you move into more senior or specialist research roles.

Postgraduate study is not always essential, but it can help you stand out and provide opportunities to focus on a particular area of interest, such as health policy or education policy. Some employers may support further study while you work.

Available Apprenticeships

Please note that this may not be a comprehensive list of available apprenticeships. To view a more complete collection, visit the Find an apprenticeship service.

Click on any card to be redirected to their vacancy page.

Assistant Accountant Apprentice

UNIVERSAL ACCOUNTANCY LTD

( Added 10 Jul 2025 - 1 position available )

This exciting opportunity offers you the chance to develop your accounting skills and delve into the world of work. We are looking for a confident, reliable individual who has a strong interest in building a career in the finance sector.

Closing date: in 5 days

Possible start date: 27 Oct 2025

Finance Assistant Apprentice

FIRST RUNG LIMITED

( Added 30 Jul 2025 - 1 position available )

If you are you good with numbers, like to keep things balanced, and have an interest in accounting, this apprenticeship provides you with the skills and qualifications required to start your accounting career. The role includes producing spreadsheets and timetables for staff members and ensuring training lists from Centre Managers are updated.

Closing date: in 5 days

Possible start date: 27 Oct 2025

Finance Assistant Apprentice

FIRST RUNG LIMITED

( Added 30 Jul 2025 - 1 position available )

If you are you good with numbers, like to keep things balanced, and have an interest in accounting, this apprenticeship provides you with the skills and qualifications required to start your accounting career. The role includes producing spreadsheets and timetables for staff members and ensuring training lists from Centre Managers are updated.

Closing date: in 5 days

Possible start date: 27 Oct 2025

Apprentice Accountant Assistant

THE TRAINING PLACE OF EXCELLENCE LIMITED

( Added 04 Aug 2025 - 2 positions available )

An ideal opportunity which help candidates to build their future career in accounting through an apprenticeship program. Updating and reconciling nominal ledgers activities and transactions, updating the sales, purchase ledgers, dealing with bank postings and bank reconciliation.

Closing date: in 28 days

Possible start date: 15 Dec 2025

Apprentice Accountant Assistant

KACO LTD

( Added 04 Aug 2025 - 2 positions available )

This is an ideal opportunity which help candidates to start to build their future career in accounting through the apprenticeship programme. Duties will include; Updating and reconciling nominal ledgers activities and transactions. Maintaining the sales and purchase ledgers. Setting up and updating cash flow report.

Closing date: in 28 days

Possible start date: 15 Dec 2025

Career Progressions

This page showcases various career options and the pathways to reach them. Each career listed here shares transferable skills and knowledge, making it easier for individuals to transition between them.

Your current career is highlighted to help you see how it fits into the broader landscape of potential career choices. By clicking on any career, you can learn more about it, including the training and education required to pursue it.

Remember, progressing in your career often involves further learning and training. This page provides insights into future career options as well as those that can lead up to your current one.

These career progression decisions are informed by comparing the skills and knowledge needed for different occupations, along with data on how people move between them. Explore the possibilities and discover the exciting journey ahead in your career!

Sample Qualifications

A Social Policy Researcher and a Market research data analyst both focus on collecting, analysing, and interpreting data to inform decision-making and policy development. Both roles require strong research skills, understanding of societal issues, and the ability to present findings clearly to stakeholders.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • a graduate training scheme
  • specialist courses run by professional bodies

University

You'll usually need a degree or postgraduate qualification that includes data analysis, like:

  • maths and statistics
  • marketing and analytics
  • business and marketing
  • data science

Some market researchers focus on understanding what customers think and feel to give insight into products and services. Relevant degree subjects for this role include psychology, social sciences and sociology.

If you want to specialise in an area like medical or economic market research, you'll find it useful to have a postgraduate master's degree or PhD in statistics or applied statistics.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

College

You may be able to apply for a junior analyst position with a company after doing a T Level in Digital Business Services.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

Apprenticeship

You may be able to start by doing a Data Analyst Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship, or a Social Researcher Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

These can take 2 years to 3 years and 6 months to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You could start as a research assistant, and move into statistical work after getting more experience and doing qualifications on the job.

The Market Research Society offers training courses at different levels, depending on your job role and responsibilities.

Other Routes

You could apply for a place on a graduate training scheme with a market research company and start as a junior analyst. You'll need a relevant degree or postgraduate qualification to apply.

You could get a marketing qualification like those offered by The Chartered Institute of Marketing, which often include a market research focus.

More Information

Career tips

Knowledge of social media analytics will be useful.

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the Royal Statistical Society and The Market Research Society, for professional recognition and training opportunities.

Further information

You can find out more about working in market research from:

Interested in More Career Paths?

Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.

Browse All Careers Generate New Career Path

Flag Media

Please select a reason for flagging this content.

Stay connected

Join our newsletter to stay up to date on features and releases

Address
Developing Experts Limited
Exchange Street Buildings
35-37 Exchange Street
Norwich
NR2 1DP
UK

Phone
01603 273515

Email
[email protected]

Developing Experts

LessonsAboutResearchReportingPlans & Pricing

Legal

GDPRPrivacy PolicyTerms and ConditionsCookie Policy

Contact Us

Get in touchRequest SubscriptionChildren's CodeAbout UsCareers

Copyright 2025 Developing Experts, All rights reserved.