AQA - Research Graduate

Shape the future, starting with yours - Join AQA as a Research Graduate and use evidence-based insights to influence education. Over this two-year programme, you'll work across our Research and Evaluation teams, contributing to projects that inform the development of new products and services, improve assessment design, and support better outcomes for students. We'll support you through a Market research executive (level 4) - apprenticeship training course to give you the research skills you need in this role.

What You'll Be Doing

As a Research Graduate, you'll design and conduct research studies using both qualitative and quantitative methods, analyse results, and support the development of assessment strategies and evaluation frameworks. You'll collaborate closely with Data Scientists, Psychometricians, and Customer Insights colleagues to ensure your work informs meaningful decisions. You'll also rotate through several teams including Customer Intelligence and Product Management.

On the Customer Intelligence team, you'll develop your analytical skills by working alongside the Customer Insight Analyst to collect and interpret both quantitative and qualitative data from sources such as surveys, customer feedback, CRM systems, and market research. Using tools like Excel and Power BI to identify trends and customer behaviours to support the Customer Insight Data Communicator in turning this data into actionable insights through clear visualisations and storytelling, contributing to reports and presentations that inform strategic decisions.

On the Product Management team, you'll gain hands-on experience in product management by developing an understanding of AQA's day-to-day practices, including product reviews and customer engagement. Supporting the team with market research, data analysis, planning, and project coordination, while also contributing to the management of product development by learning key focus areas and helping to guide products through the development process.

You'll also:

• Apply your research skills by working with the Customer Insight Analyst to source and interpret data from surveys, feedback, CRM platforms, and market research. Using tools like Excel and Power BI, you'll uncover trends and behaviours to inform strategy.
• Support the Customer Insight Data Communicator in turning data into actionable insights through visualisations, storytelling and shaping both reports and presentations that guide customer-focused decisions.

Who We're Looking For

We're looking for a curious, analytical graduate with a passion for research and education. You'll need strong communication skills, the ability to interpret complex information, and an undergraduate degree in any subject - ideally including some qualitative or quantitative research. Other qualities we'd like to see include:

• The ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong attention to detail and a positive attitude towards learning
• Critical thinking skills and confidence in analysing data.

We believe that everyone stands to benefit when we embrace and value the diversity of thoughts, ideas and ways of working that people from different backgrounds, experiences and identities bring.

What You'll Get Out of It

You'll be part of a structured graduate scheme with buddy support, and accredited training in interpersonal skills. Gain experience across multiple teams, build confidence, and contribute to meaningful work in education.

Other benefits include:

• A starting salary of £26,000
• Mentoring from Senior Leadership
• Access to well being and many other benefits

Join AQA - Where Questions Matter

At AQA, we believe that every journey starts with a question. As the UK's largest exam board and a registered charity, we're driven by a powerful purpose: to advance education by delivering fair, inclusive, and world-class assessment. With over 120 years of expertise, we support more than a million learners annually - and we never aim to let them down. Working at AQA means being part of a team that puts teachers front and centre, reinvests every penny into improving education, and shapes the future of assessment through innovation, integrity, and collaboration.

At AQA, we are committed to fostering a workplace that celebrates diversity and promotes equity and inclusion. We believe that a diverse team brings richer perspectives and drives better outcomes. Our ED&I strategy ensures that everyone—regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, age, disability, sexual orientation, or background—is valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. We actively promote inclusive language, avoid stereotypes, and strive for representation across all dimensions of diversity. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences.