Social Researcher Placement

Social Researcher Placement

Are you a social science undergraduate in your penultimate year of study? Do you want to gain practical professional experience and use your research skills to make a difference? Join the UK Government for a paid 12-month sandwich placement!

You would spend a year in a government department working alongside social researchers and policy officials before returning to your studies. The job could involve analysing research data to help government decision making, evaluating the impact of policies, and providing social research advice to help shape government strategy.

Sandwich students who successfully complete their placement also get an early access interview for a graduate government role and many return to work for us. Opportunities are available across the UK.

This scheme is a great way to kick-start your career in social research. We offer:

• Meaningful work that benefits society
• Chance to gain professional research experience
• Diverse and inclusive workplace
• Flexible working

Applications close 24 October 2025. We will be holding an online Q&A for students on Tuesday 14 October. Joining details are on the application page.

Minimum salaries: £27,800 for London and £23,800 nationally

Salaries vary according to department and location. Please refer to the job descriptions for full details.

For further information, please refer to the job descriptions and the application guidance notes. Please refer to the full eligibility criteria in the application guidance notes.

"My sandwich placement learning will help me on returning to university due to developing my primary research skills. I have learnt the skills to successfully conduct interviews, which will be imperative for my dissertation." Ella, Placement Student, Ministry of Justice

How to apply

To apply for this role and to find out more, please click on the apply button. Please note that applications may close before the application deadline, so apply early to avoid disappointment.