2026 Apprentice - Human Insight Social Research - London

We’re not a traditional consulting firm — we do things differently here. 

The impactful work we do for our clients is underpinned by the strengths of our people. You would be joining our Human Insight capability, a team of 70+ mixed-method researchers, working with well-known brands and government departments to deliver strategic insight for design, innovation and better customer and citizen experiences. We are just one team in PA; there are also strategists, technologists, digital experts, designers, scientists, engineers — we all bring real-world experience to our work and apply it at pace. We all make an impact at PA. 

Joining us as an apprentice is a big step. We can offer you unique opportunities to develop your skills and gain hands on experience working on real-life client projects, building your social research and market research skills.  

What to expect from PA 

Project work 

• When you join as an apprentice you’ll work on real-life client projects within your first few months. You’ll gain the knowledge and experience you need to build a successful career in research and human insight for design, innovation and customer or citizen experience, and contribute meaningfully to vital projects. 

• No two days are alike. You might be helping to design qualitative or quantitative research projects to help clients gain deeper insights into their customer or citizens needs and behaviours, to inspire innovation, service or policy design.  Or perhaps you’ll be writing survey questionnaires or discussion guides, conducting interviews or focus groups, or developing AI prompts to analyse the findings. You could be crafting compelling presentations; presenting these insights to clients at their offices; or participating in PA learning and development sessions to expand your knowledge and skills. Each day offers a dynamic blend of opportunities to engage, learn, and make a real impact. 

Support 

• You will be coached and guided by human insight and social research experts, and receive support from the University of Kent, the apprenticeship provider. 

• We will assign you a dedicated line manager, who will be there to support you and to provide regular feedback to you, and the University of Kent. And, you’ll be given a ‘buddy’, another team member you can go to for help and support. 

• You will join alongside one other Social Research Degree Apprentice, and a wider cohort of apprentices from various teams across PA, studying different subjects.  

The learning approach 

• You will be enrolled on to the L6 Social Research Degree Apprenticeship delivered by the University of Kent. On successful completion of the 4-year course, you will gain L6  Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Applied Social Research (Social Researcher) degree. You will not pay any tuition fees for this course. Instead, you’ll earn a salary while learning.  

• The course blends theoretical learning with practical application. You will attend an annual five-day in-person intensive teaching block at the university (transport and accommodation provided) and in-person workshops and practical sessions held in London three times per year. More regularly, you’ll attend weekly online classes, complete guided self-study and have individual tutorials, all while completing university assignments too.  

PA Assessment process  

First stage assessments: 

• Application form answering three questions 

• Online assessments  

• Shortlisting and/or technical assessments 

Final stage assessments: 

• Assessment centre in London 

• Final stage interviews  

Our offer 

• The opportunity to work on meaningful projects with talented people 

• A 4-year Social Research Degree Apprenticeship programme 

• Multiple opportunities to stretch and grow your skills through hands-on experience working in supportive teams, on client projects, in a learning culture. A great way to start your working life! 

• This role is based in our Victoria office in London 

• Salary: £28,860 per annum  

• You will be expected to be in our London Victoria office between 2-3 days per week. 

• One day per working week will be dedicated to your learning time. You will not be completing client work on this day. 

• This role will start in Autumn 2026.