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Social Policy Researcher

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Primary Secondary Post-16

A social policy researcher investigates and analyses social issues to inform policy decisions and improve public services. This role involves gathering and interpreting data on topics such as health, education, housing, welfare, and social inequality. Researchers may work for government departments, local authorities, universities, charities, or independent research organisations. Typical tasks include designing surveys, conducting interviews, analysing statistics, writing reports, and presenting findings to policymakers and stakeholders. The work aims to understand societal challenges, evaluate the impact of policies, and recommend improvements. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a passion for making a difference in society are important qualities for this career.

Social Policy Researcher

📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Social policy researchers in the UK typically earn between £25,000 and £45,000 per year, depending on experience and location.

Job Opportunities

There are approximately 7,000 to 10,000 social policy research positions across the UK, with opportunities in government, think tanks, universities, and charities.

Graduate Prospects

According to Prospects, over 80 percent of social policy graduates are employed or in further study within six months of graduating.

🚀 Careers in this path

Child Poverty Policy Analyst

Focuses on researching and evaluating policies aimed at reducing child poverty and improving outcomes for young people in the UK.

Housing Policy Research Officer

Specialises in analysing the impact of housing policies on communities, including issues like homelessness, affordability, and social housing.

Health Inequalities Researcher

Examines how social factors affect health outcomes and evaluates policies designed to reduce health inequalities across different groups in society.

Develop Academic Foundations

Study Relevant Subjects at School

Focus on subjects such as sociology, politics, economics, and maths at GCSE and A-level.

Choosing subjects that develop your analytical, writing, and critical thinking skills is key. Sociology and politics will introduce you to key social issues, while economics and maths help with data interpretation. These subjects are often prerequisites for university courses in social policy or related fields.

Complete a Relevant Undergraduate Degree

Apply for university courses in social policy, sociology, politics, or a related discipline.

Most social policy researchers hold at least a degree in a relevant subject. Courses in social policy or sociology provide a strong foundation, but degrees in economics, public administration, or similar fields are also valuable. University study will also develop your research and data analysis skills.

Build Research Experience

Gain Practical Research Skills

Take part in research projects, internships, or voluntary roles with think tanks, charities, or university research teams.

Practical experience is crucial. Look for opportunities to assist with data collection, literature reviews, or policy analysis. Summer research placements, voluntary work with charities, or student research assistant roles are all great ways to gain hands-on experience and build a network in the sector.

Consider Postgraduate Study

Pursue a master’s degree in social policy, public policy, or research methods to enhance your expertise.

A postgraduate qualification is not always essential, but it can improve your job prospects and allow you to specialise in a particular policy area. Master’s courses often include placements or projects with external organisations, helping you gain further practical experience.

Start Your Professional Career

Apply for Entry-Level Roles

Look for jobs such as research assistant, policy researcher, or analyst at research institutes, charities, or government departments.

Entry-level roles often involve supporting senior researchers with data analysis, literature reviews, and report writing. Organisations such as the Institute for Fiscal Studies, Joseph Rowntree Foundation, government departments, and local authorities regularly advertise these positions. Tailor your CV to highlight relevant skills and experience.

Continue Professional Development

Join professional networks and stay updated on current policy issues and research methods.

Membership in organisations like the Social Research Association and attendance at conferences or workshops will help you stay informed and build a professional network. Continuous learning is important, as policy priorities and research techniques evolve over time.

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 require strong skills in data collection, analysis, and interpretation to inform decision-making and policy development. They focus on understanding societal trends and behaviours through quantitative and qualitative research methods.

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

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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

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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

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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.

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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:

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