Social Research
This page has been designed to give a starting point for those looking into careers in social research.
What is social research?
The main areas of employment for social researchers are in central government, local authorities, the academic community, independent research institutes and commercial market research organisations. Get some form of research methods training or qualification; decide which sector you are interested in. You can improve your chances of landing a job in social research by undertaking training in social research methods.
Prospects
Prospects is a graduate careers website with job profiles, including,
government research officer, social researcher, trade union research officer.
www.prospects.ac.uk/links/infosocres
Target Jobs
Is a graduate careers website with information on the folowing occuational sector:
Public Service and Government
How do I get into it?
The most useful advice the Social Research Association (SRA) could offer to any budding social researcher is the most obvious.
Get some form of research methods training or qualification; decide which sector you are interested in; keep reading the job sections in the quality press, sending your CV and cruising the various job websites and eventually you will be rewarded. (SRA)
You can improve your chances of landing a job in social research by undertaking training in social research methods. Courses on methodology range from part-time evening to full-time Masters degrees. As well as formal educational qualifications it may be helpful to attend some day or short courses. Day or short courses can be a effective introduction to new methods or techniques.
The Social Research Association (SRA)
Government Social Research
Career information, news, training, events and the latest methodological developments for government social researchers.
www.gsr.gov.uk/
The National Centre for Social Research
The largest independent social research institute in Britain. It conducts social research among members of the public to provide information on a range of social policy issues in Britain.
www.natcen.ac.uk
Look for courses at the university
See the courses database for University of Brighton courses in this area http://courses.brighton.ac.uk/
Finding a job or employer in this sector
Social Research Association
New Statesman and Society
The Times Higher Education Supplement
Jobs go public
Local Government jobs
Further Information and Useful Links
The Association for Qualitative Research
Social Research Association (SRA)
The SRA has compiled section of links that may be useful in your search for employers in this sector.
www.the-sra.org.uk/links.htm
Market Research Society
Arts Research Digest
This provides a unique overview of recent and current research in the arts, media and cultural sectors around the world.
www.arts-research-digest.com
Policy Library
Policy Library is a social, economic and foreign policy resource - updated daily with the latest jobs, research, and events.
www.policylibrary.com/
Scottish Centre for Social Research
This is Scotland's leading resource for studies in the field of social policy and public services.
www.scotcen.org.uk/
Trade Union Congress
Electus Start
Electus Start is the essential guide to a career in politics and public affairs in the UK and European Union.
www.workinpolitics.com/
Working4MP
This site provides information for staff of MPs at Westminster and in the constituencies. The site has useful information on finding jobs and internships.
www.w4mp.org/default.asp