The SRA | Careers in social research Careers in social research So you want to work in social research? General advice: get some form of research methods training or qualification; decide which sector you are interested in; and scan the SRA Job Board, the online job pages of The Guardian, the Times Higher, and the ESRC; and it is also worth checking the more general job sites (google ‘job websites’ for a list). There is some useful guidance to becoming a researcher on the AGCAS website. Funding for training The National Centre for Research Methods (NCRM) offers training bursaries of up to £500. There are no deadlines for applications – you can apply at any time. Research agencies Many of the larger research agencies have specialist social research departments and some offer graduate traineeships as well as roles for more experienced social researchers. There are many small businesses specialising in social and market research. Charities, independent organisations, trade unions, pressure and lobby groups, and others
Social researcher: job description Social researchers design, manage and undertake research projects that aim to investigate social issues such as employment, unemployment, gender, health, education and social policy. What does a social researcher do? Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills Social researchers undertake research projects to investigate a number of social issues and then report their findings. Key responsibilities of the job include: preparing tenders for research contracts receiving instructions and project briefs from clients outlining objectives directing/undertaking pilot studies and fieldwork collecting, analysing and interpreting qualitative and/or quantitative data writing reports identifying and advising about possible strategies controlling budgets managing staff Local, national and occasionally international travel may be required. Typical employers of social researchers Jobs are advertised online, in national newspapers and on the Social Research Associations' website.
Social researcher: Job description Social researchers plan, design and manage social research projects. They use a variety of computer software packages to collect, analyse and organise information and data, which they then present to others, either in a written report or oral presentation. A variety of methods, such as interviews, questionnaires and focus groups, are used to investigate the views of population samples on specific issues. The research might centre on a range of topics, such as: population structure and migration; unemployment; gender; crime; transport; social services; healthcare; education; the environment. Survey results may be used to shape policy or to examine the effectiveness of existing policy. Tasks may vary slightly depending on the sector you work in and your employer, but typically include:
Political and Social Research Careers “Social research” can be summed up as research in any field of social sciences. Social research provides empirical evidence and analysis to understand and explain the nature of human behaviour, social structures and cultures, as well as the social impacts of issues such as government policies. Social research is used by policy makers and political representatives, the media, academics and businesses to inform policy choices and to help understand and manage the risks associated with these choices. It may be carried out within universities, public bodies or specialist research organisations. Social research includes research related to politics, but the term “political research” tends to refer to research carried out within a “political” context, such as for an MP or a political party. Often, this research focuses on providing responses to specific questions and may therefore be more varied and time-pressured,and less analytical, than other forms of social research. Civil Service
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