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Social Policy Researcher

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Primary Secondary Post-16

A social policy researcher investigates social issues and analyses the effectiveness of policies that impact people in areas such as health, education, welfare, housing, and employment. Researchers collect data, conduct interviews, analyse statistics, and write reports to inform policymakers, charities, and the public about the outcomes of different policies. Many work for government departments, non-profit organisations, universities, or independent research institutes. This career involves critical thinking, strong analytical skills, and an interest in making a positive social impact. Social policy researchers often present their findings at conferences, contribute to academic journals, and advise on policy development.

Social Policy Researcher

📊 Statistics

Average Salary

The average salary for a social policy researcher in the UK ranges from £25,000 for entry-level positions to £45,000 or more for experienced researchers.

Employment Numbers

There are approximately 8,000 people employed in social policy research and related roles across the UK, working in government, think tanks, charities, and academic institutions.

Job Growth

The sector is expected to see steady growth of around 5 to 6 percent over the next decade, with increased demand for research into pressing social issues.

🚀 Careers in this path

Health Policy Analyst

Focuses on researching and evaluating policies that affect healthcare services, public health initiatives, and patient access within the UK.

Child Welfare Policy Researcher

Specialises in analysing and developing policies that impact children's services, safeguarding, and family support programmes.

Housing Policy Researcher

Concentrates on examining and improving policies related to social housing, homelessness, and affordable housing schemes.

Build a Strong Educational Foundation

Achieve Good GCSEs and A-levels

Focus on subjects like Sociology, Politics, Economics, and Maths at GCSE and A-level.

Social Policy Researchers need strong analytical and communication skills, so subjects that develop your understanding of society, research methods, and data analysis are ideal. Consider taking A-levels in Social Sciences and Maths, as well as developing your writing skills through subjects like English.

Earn a Relevant University Degree

Apply for a degree in Social Policy, Sociology, Politics, Economics, or a related field.

Most employers require at least a 2:1 degree for entry-level positions. Many universities offer degrees in Social Policy or related subjects. Some courses include placements or research projects which will give you practical experience.

Consider Postgraduate Study

Pursue a Master’s or PhD in Social Policy or a related area to specialise and improve your prospects.

A postgraduate qualification can deepen your research skills and open doors to more senior roles or academic careers. Look for courses that offer practical research training and opportunities to conduct your own research projects.

Gain Practical Experience

Undertake Internships or Voluntary Work

Seek internships or volunteering opportunities with research organisations, charities, or policy think tanks.

Experience in a research environment is highly valued. Look for opportunities to assist with data collection, report writing, or community engagement. Even short placements can help build your CV and professional network.

Develop Research Skills

Get involved in research projects at university or in your community.

Many degree courses offer chances to participate in research. You could also join a student research society or volunteer for community-based research initiatives. Learning to use data analysis software or survey tools is a useful skill.

Start Your Professional Career

Apply for Entry-Level Roles

Look for jobs such as Research Assistant, Policy Analyst, or Junior Researcher.

Entry-level roles can be found in think tanks, charities, universities, government departments, and private consultancies. Tailor your CV to highlight your research experience and academic achievements.

Network and Build Professional Relationships

Attend conferences, seminars, and join relevant professional associations.

Networking can help you learn about new job opportunities and keep up to date with developments in the field. Professional associations such as the Social Research Association (SRA) offer training and events.

Continue Professional Development

Stay up to date with new research methods, policy changes, and sector developments.

Continuous learning is important in this field. Attend training courses, read journals, and consider further qualifications if you wish to progress into senior or specialist roles.

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.

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Fantastic opportunity for an Accounts Apprentice to join our Finance team, supporting the Purchase Ledger Manager and Financial Control Team and supporting the provision of a professional and efficient service being delivered by finance to colleagues across the business. An exciting and varied role.

Closing date: in 2 months

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Accounts Assistant Apprentice

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Start your career in accounting with this excellent apprenticeship! Gain practical skills and earn while you learn towards your Level 3 qualification. Help reconcile invoices, issue customer invoices, track employee payments, and record financial transactions — all while building a strong future in finance.

Closing date: in 19 days

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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

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 involve analysing data to gather insights and inform policies or business strategies. Both roles require strong research skills, data interpretation, and an understanding of societal or consumer trends.

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.

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:

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