Verian UK Social Research Degree Apprenticeship Programme
Location: London, Westminster
Contract: Fulltime, Permanent
Salary: £26,000 per annum
Hybrid working: 2 days a week in the office 3 days working from home
Closing date: 28 March 2025
About Verian
Verian is one of the leading social research agencies in the UK. We carry out research for governments, charities and other public sector organisations – helping them understand what people feel, think and do. This supports government priorities and, ultimately, improves people’s lives. We have over 150 specialist researchers and are based in a fabulous, open-plan office in Westminster, opposite the Houses of Parliament.
Our work hits the headlines and helps shape government policy:
- We run projects like the Crime Survey of England and Wales, interviewing over 30,000 people each year about their experiences as victims of crime, on behalf of the Home Office and Office for National Statistics.
- We carry out the UK's largest longitudinal household study, Understanding Society, which follows people over a long period of time, capturing life in the 21st Century.
- Our team helps government and public bodies analyse and increase the impact of their communications; from NHS healthy eating campaigns to Transport for London posters reminding you to ‘mind the gap’.
- We also evaluate government policy. For example, the Project ADDER evaluation for the Home Office which aimed to address drug addiction and stop the supply of illicit drugs in the hardest-hit areas across England and Wales.
The role
As a Social Research Apprentice,you will gain practical experience in the workplace whilst studying for a degree in applied social research.
In the workplace (80% of your time), you’ll be involved in all stages of the research, supporting the day-to-day running of projects and conducting quantitative and qualitative research. You will help create research tools, coordinate surveys, carry out interviews and focus groups, analyse data and share findings.
Alongside your practical work, you will study for an honours degree in applied social research at the University of Kent, with weekly online seminars, and an annual residential on campus. Verian will cover the cost for you to attend in-person teaching when required. You will also have access to one-to-one coaching and guidance from a dedicated Apprenticeship Advisor.
Throughout the programme, you’ll engage in collaborative learning. You’ll be part of a group of social research apprentices (2-4 at Verian and around 40 across various organisations) learning together and supporting each other as you work towards your degree. This collaborative approach helps you grow both individually and as part of a supportive team.
You will have extensive support in the workplace with a dedicated line manager and development plan to support your degree learning.
Over the course of 4 years, you will develop key skills such as project management, communication, and data analysis, preparing you for a future career in social research. At the end of the programme, you’ll have the opportunity to apply for a permanent Social Research Executive role at Verian.
What We Offer:
- A competitive salary of £26,000 per annum
- 25 days of holiday plus flexible benefits
- Comprehensive support from both academic experts and workplace mentors
- Hybrid working model, with a requirement to be in the London office at least 40% of the time
- Clear career progression, including the potential to become a leader in social research
- Fully funded degree at the University of Kent, with a focus on practical, hands-on learning
- Access to a supportive apprenticeship network, including peer learning and coaching
Who Are We Looking For?
- You might be an ideal candidate for this apprenticeship if you are:
- Curious about how people think and behave
- Excited to contribute to projects which impact society
- Organised, able to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
- A good communicator who works well within a team
- Keen to learn and develop new skills in both academic and workplace settings
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, you will need to:
- Hold a minimum of five GCSE (including Maths and English at grade C (4) or above)
- Have or expect to gain at least 96 UCAS points under the 2017 tariff point system (e.g., CCC at A Level or equivalent qualifications, not including General Studies). See the UCAS Tariff Calculator.Have lived in the UK for at least the previous 3 years before the start of the apprenticeship (Sept 2025)
- Have the right to work in the UK (we do not offer sponsorship for this programme)
How to Apply
To apply, you will need to provide some information about your education and work/volunteering experience and answer four questions about yourself.
There is no need to upload a formal CV. Instead, please upload a Word or PDF document that includes the following:
- Work Experience and Volunteering: Summarise any work experience or volunteering activities and the skills you have gained from these experiences.
- Application questions: Answer the following four questions (250 words max for each – the STAR method is a good way to approach these).
Q1: Why are you interested in becoming a social researcher?
Q2: How will your qualities and strengths make you a good researcher?
Q3: Tell us about an achievement you are really proud of – this might be something from education, work or from your personal life.
Q4: Tell us about something you’ve seen in the news recently that you have found interesting or inspiring and explain why.
After the initial application stage, we will invite candidates to an assessment half-day at our London office. It will include an introduction to our Apprenticeship programme, lunch with the current Apprentices plus a data interpretation exercise and an interview.
We anticipate a high volume of applications to this process and will therefore only be able to offer detailed feedback to candidates who participate in the assessment half-day.
The closing date for applications is midnight on 28th March 2025.
Learn More
To hear directly from those already working at Verian and find out what the role involves, visit our Degree Apprenticeships website, where you can watch videos from current Apprentices and others involved in the programme sharing their experiences.
Diversity, Equality and Inclusion
We are committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a diverse group of individuals in an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive. We foster and encourage diversity and inclusion through our Employee Networks and provide access to resources and education to facilitate dialogue and foster understanding. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on age, race, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, marital status, or other legally protected characteristics. If you have a disability or are neurodivergent and need assistance with your application, please contact uk.degreeapprenticeships@veriangroup.com.
We also promote mental health and wellness at work, providing everyone with the necessary tools to support their well-being and that of others.
Why Join Verian?
Working for us means being part of a dynamic, forward-thinking organisation that values diversity, collaboration, and innovation. You’ll have the opportunity to work on high-profile projects that make a real difference to society. To learn more about Verian and hear from current employees across the globe visit our careers page.
