I want to work in...Social Research
This list of links and resources has been carefully compiled by our Careers Consultants and Careers Information Team to provide you with the key knowledge you need if you are considering a career in this line of work. All the links are reviewed regularly to ensure the source is reliable and the information is accurate and relevant.
If you need any further information or clarification please Email us
Sector overview
Typical job profiles
Social Researcher (Prospects)
Social Researcher (TARGETjobs)
Social Reseacher (AllaboutCareers)
Useful online resources
Your career in research (pdf) from the Market Research Society
Careers in research from the Social Research Association
ESRC careers information
Careers in local goverment research Local Goverment Association
Gov.uk - information about social research opportunities including summer placements
National Centre for Social Research
Scottish Centre for Social Reserach
Scottish Government Social Research Action (including information about career opportunities and how to get involved in short-term projects)
A view from the inside: House of Lords (youtube video)
A view from the inside: House of Commons (youtube video)
See also page on Policy and Research
Think Tanks
Think Tanks are organisations which explore and research issues including social, public and economic policy and reform, social justice, democracy, and the environment. Most are independent but some are government funded and/or linked to a political party. Many, but not all, are not-for-profit organisations. Internships, often unpaid, are offered by some think tanks.
Working in the Think Tank sector - recording of a session hosted by the National Institute of Economic and Social Research
Resolution Foundation YouTube channel includes videos about Working in the Think Tank Sector
Smart Thinking careers resources, including blogs and interviews, for those wanting to work in think tanks or policy
List of Organisations:
Institute for Development Studies
Institute for Economic Affairs
Institute for Public Policy Research
Think Tanks - information and links from Oxford University Careers Service
Job sites and specialist recruiters
Euro Brussels internships and trainee positions
Government Statistical Service Recruitment - Information on the Office for National Statistics website
Faststream careers in the Houses of Parliament
The Houses of Parliament Faststream (pdf)
Directory of companies offering graduate training from AQR
Useful Organisations - Private Sector
MrWeb The Market Research Industry Online
Further Study
Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) - The UK'S leading research and training agency addressing social and economic issues
Institute for Social Marketing Includes useful information including case studies
Social Research Association Training Programmes
Social Research Courses postgraduate level in the United Kingdom
Professional bodies
Association of Profesional Political Consultants
Association of Qualiative Research
Social Research Association SRA
To find out more about what it's like to work in this career, use the LinkedIn alumni tool to make contact with Strathclyde alumni working in this area.