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2026 GSR Degree Apprenticeship Programme (GSRDAP)
| Government Social Research Degree Apprenticeship Programme |
The Government Social Research Degree Level Apprenticeship will be open for applications from 13 January 2026 until 6 February 2026 (16:00)
If you're naturally curious about why people behave the way they do or want to understand the "how" and "why" behind social issues, you could be perfect for a career in social research.
Our degree apprenticeship programme offers a fee-free Applied Social Research degree from the University of Kent alongside working in a government department. This scheme allows you to earn whilst you learn. No research experience is necessary, just a desire to learn!
Picture yourself designing surveys that capture what entire populations think, running focus groups that dive deep into people's experiences, or analysing data that reveals otherwise hidden patterns in how society functions. You might be evaluating whether a new policy is helping people find jobs, researching what makes communities feel safer, or investigating why some educational programmes succeed whilst others don't.
Social research helps government make better policy and deliver better services, using data and research to guide government decisions and delivery.
Learn more about Government Social Research, our recruitment schemes, and the benefits of working as a government social researcher.
About the Scheme
On the GSR Degree Level Apprenticeship, you'll spend four days a week working alongside experienced social researchers in a government department or agency, then dedicate one day a week to online study with the University of Kent. It's hands-on learning that puts you right where decisions are made, giving you real experience that will set you apart.
We offer:
- Meaningful work where you can directly improve people's lives
- A fee-free Applied Social Research degree from The University of Kent
- A paid government role
- Opportunities across England
- An inclusive and diverse working environment
- A permanent government role upon successful completion of the programme
How much will I earn?
Salaries vary according to government department and location. Please see the 2026 scheme departmental job descriptions during the application window for full details. Salaries for the 2026 scheme are: national minimum - £27,380 / London minimum - £29,722.
Where will I work?
Locations vary according to government department. Please see the 2026 scheme departmental job descriptions during the application window for details. Locations offered for the 2026 scheme are: Birmingham, Bristol, Croydon, Darlington, Fareham (Titchfield), Leeds, London, Manchester, Newcastle upon Tyne, Salford, Sheffield, Wolverhampton.
Which departments are recruiting?
Please see the 2026 scheme departmental job descriptions during the application window for details.
Study with the University of Kent
The University of Kent was chosen to deliver the programme because of the strength of their academic programme and the support they can offer to apprentices throughout their learning journey. The programme is delivered via blended learning and a mixture of distance and face-to-face teaching, so there is no need to travel to the university regularly.
On successful completion, you will gain an Applied Social Research degree, a permanent government role and you will already have four years’ experience of working in the Civil Service. This sets you up to build a brilliant career as a social researcher.
Eligibility
Academic requirements:
- You must have a minimum of five GCSEs (including Maths at grade C (4) or above and English Language at C (4) or above) or equivalent.
- You must have, or expect to a gain, a minimum of 96 UCAS points under the 2017 tariff point system (e.g. CCC at A Level or equivalent qualifications, not including General Studies). Calculate your UCAS Tariff Points.
- Please note - you are not eligible for this scheme if you have a further education qualification at level 6 (degree level) or above.
Nationality requirements:
- You need to have the right to work in the UK.
- You need to have resided in the UK for at least the previous 3 years before the start of the apprenticeship.
- You need to meet the Civil Service Nationality Rules.
- We do not offer sponsorship for this programme.
Application process
Applications to the Government Social Research Degree Apprenticeship Programme are assessed using Civil Service Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths and Ability.
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
Communicating and Influencing
Making Effective Decisions
Delivering at Pace
Working Together
The recruitment process involves the following steps:
1. Online application
2. Verbal & numerical tests
3. Application sift
4. Interview
5. Offer
Here is some information on each of the 5 stages:
1. Online application
To begin your application, you will need to register on this site using the ‘apply now’ button above. You will be asked to give your personal details, along with details of your academic qualifications. You will also be asked to complete a personal statement (1,000 words max.) Your statement should answer the following:
• Why are you interested in the apprenticeship?
• How are you planning to balance work and study?
• How will you keep motivated and track your performance?
When we sift the applications to decide which candidates to interview, we will review the personal statement, so do try and answer the questions above as fully as possible.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
2. Online tests (verbal & numerical)
After you have completed the application form, you will be required to complete two online tests: one verbal reasoning test and one numerical test. Links to both tests will be sent to you by email. You can complete these at a time that suits you and the tests do not need to be taken together, but both tests must be completed before the application deadline. You will need access to a laptop/ desktop computer.
The tests are not timed. Once you have started a test, you will need to complete it in one sitting. You cannot exit and return to it.
There are practice tests available to help you prepare and to know what to expect. Please do use them. Access the practice verbal test and detailed test guidance.
Please note: The test deadlines are the same as the application deadline. Make sure you leave yourself plenty of time to go onto the platform and complete the tests - don’t leave it to the last minute. You don’t want to miss the deadline if you encounter last minute technical difficulties!
After applications have closed, pass marks for the online tests will be set. You will then receive your result via email.
3. Sift
If you meet the pass mark that has been set for the online tests, your application will be sent for sifting (marking) where assessors will look at your personal statement. If you are successful at the personal statement sift, you will then be invited to an online interview.
Unfortunately, due to application volumes, candidates who are unsuccessful at the sift stage will not be given any feedback or comments.
4. Interview tasks and activities
The assessment for the GSR DAP programme has several elements and all candidates invited to the interview stage will be provided with full details of how it will take place and what you will be asked to do. Initially, you will complete a timed written exercise which will be marked by two Civil Servants. Then, at a different time you will come to an online interview where you will complete a presentation exercise and be asked questions by two members of the Civil Service. This combination of tasks and activities enables us to evaluate your suitability for the apprenticeship programme.
The outcome of the assessments will be communicated to you via the recruitment platform.
5. Apprenticeship Offer
If you are successful and gain a place on the programme you will be allocated to a government department. Allocations will be made in merit order based on interview scores. We will try to place you into one of your top three location preferences, however due to large numbers of applications this is not always possible.
Occasionally, a department might withdraw from the scheme before placements are offered or there could be more successful candidates than available placements. In such cases, applicants are placed on a reserve list. The reserve list is open for 6 months.
Pre-appointment checks
If you are offered a role, you will be sent an email with the contact details of the government department you have been placed with. Your department will then be in touch directly to begin pre-appointment checks, including security clearance. You cannot start your placement until your security checks are completed.
Some departments – but not all – require candidates to have lived in the UK for 3 to 5 years and to have spent a period no longer than 3 months or more at any given time outside of the UK to obtain security clearance.
You should address any questions regarding your role and contract to the department you have been allocated to in the first instance.
Candidate online Q&A session
We will be holding an online Q&A session for anyone planning to apply for the programme. This will be a chance for you to learn about Government Social Research, to hear from current apprentices, to get an overview of the recruitment process, and ask any questions you may have. This will take place via MS Teams on:
Tuesday 20 January 2026, 16:30 – 17:30
Join the session here.
Recruitment timetable
The expected timetable for the 2026 scheme is outlined below. Please note that dates for sifting, interviews and offers are subject to change.
Online applications open | 13 January 2026
Online applications deadline | 06 February 2026 (16:00pm)
Online tests deadline | Complete before 06 February 2026 (16:00pm)
Sift | 23 February - 13 March 2026
Written Exercise | 30 March - 3 April 2026
Interviews | 27 April - 8 May 2026
Offer | Late May 2026
Apprenticeship starts | September 2026
Frequently asked questions
Q: I previously applied for last year’s apprenticeship scheme, and I wasn’t successful. Can I apply this year?
A: Yes, if you have applied in a previous year, you can apply again. It’s not unusual to succeed after 2 or 3 attempts. However, you can only apply once in each recruitment campaign. Information from previous applications will not be available to assessors.
Q: Why have you changed the eligibility criteria to exclude those with a degree?
A: We have changed the eligibility criteria for our 2026 scheme to exclude those with an existing degree. We made this change because this is our only non-graduate entry route into the GSR profession. As such, we want to ensure it maximises access for people who haven't yet had the opportunity to study at degree level, or for whom the cost of higher education might be a barrier. We recognise this change will be disappointing if you were planning to apply and already have a degree.
Our Research Officer Graduate Scheme contains an entry route for those with a degree in any subject who have gained relevant work experience in social research. Find out more: GSR Research Officer Scheme - GOV.UK
Q: Is security clearance required?
A: Yes. If successful you must hold, or be willing to obtain, security clearance to CTC/SC/DV level. Certain departments require a 3 - 5-year footprint in the UK. Read more information about the vetting process. More information can also be found in the departmental job descriptions.
Q: I am a current Civil Servant, can I apply?
A: Of course, if you meet the entry requirements!
Q: How often would I need to be in the office?
A: The expectation across the Civil Service is that civil servants will be in the office at least 60% of the time. This can vary by team and government department. People with a caring responsibility for someone with a long-term health condition or disability, may apply for a carer's passport if they are not able to attend the office.
Q: Do you offer sponsorship?
A: To be eligible for this scheme, you need to meet the nationality requirements and have the right to work full-time in the UK. We do not offer sponsorship.
Q: Is there an age limit for your schemes?
A: The scheme is open to people of all ages. We encourage applications from BTEC & A-Level students, apprentices, existing civil servants and those seeking a new career.
Q: Can I retake the verbal / numerical test?
A: You can only take each test once during the application period. You will be able to take it again during next year’s application window.
Q: Can I get feedback on my application?
A: Due to the volume of applications, we are only able to offer feedback on applications for candidates who reach the interview stage of the recruitment process.
Q: Can I choose which department I will work for?
A: We take into account your location preferences when assigning you to a department. Some departments including Home Office, Ministry of Defence and Office for National Statistics require candidates to have lived in the UK for 5 years and to have spent a period no longer than 3 months or more at any given time outside of the UK to obtain security clearance.
Q: What happens if I appeal my grades and apply for a remark?
A: Students who are applying for a remark cannot be guaranteed a place. GESR may be able to offer a place subject to:
• A role in one of our participating Government departments being available.
• Whether any further security/onboarding checks can be completed promptly (different departments have different security and onboarding requirements and processes.)
• Consideration from University of Kent and the new line manager on whether they will be able to accommodate a delayed start date (there will be significant learning lost in the first few weeks and University of Kent and the new line manager need to consider whether anyone starting late will have the aptitude, time and support to catch up.)
Further information
Contact point for applicants
GESR Recruitment Team: gesrrecruitment@hmtreasury.gov.uk
Please note that the GESR Recruitment Team work Monday-Friday 9am – 5pm. Therefore, technical support will not be available outside of these hours, including those leading up to the application deadline.
If you need technical support with this recruitment website or the application form, please use the chat button provided on the application pages.
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles.
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.
Complaints procedure
Our recruitment process is underpinned by the principle of appointment based on fair and open competition and appointment on merit, as outlined in the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with these principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should in the first instance contact HMT by email at: gesrrecruitment@hmtreasury.gov.uk.
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission, which regulates all Civil Service recruitment. For further information on the Recruitment Principles, and bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission, please visit their website at: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk
Contract Terms and Applications
Contracts are open to accommodate working pattern needs and can be on a full or part-time basis as set by the relevant departments. All civil servants are appointed on merit through fair and open competition. The selection process will consider your attitude, capability, talent and willingness to learn. If appointed you will be expected to carry out your role with dedication and a commitment to the Civil Service and its core values of integrity, honesty, objectivity, and impartiality.
If you have any questions about this scheme or our recruitment processes, please contact the GESR Recruitment Team on gesrrecruitment@hmtreasury.gov.uk or follow us on social media.
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