Professional Development Scheme

The MRS is the world's largest professional body for market researchers and the only awarding body officially recognised by the UK government to provide vocationally related qualifications in market, social and opinion research. GfK NOP's in-house training programme has been accredited by the MRS to enable us to offer the qualifications to our employees.

Aims of the scheme

The overall aim of the MRS Professional Development Scheme is enable new entrants to the market research industry to develop a wide range of research skills and to reach full professional status, represented by Full Membership of the MRS. Within this overall aim, the PDS offers:

• a framework of support for development programmes offered by GfK NOP for individuals working in research-related roles;
• a series of clear goals which recognise the individual’s achievement at different stages within the Scheme.

As you complete each stage in the PDS, you will be able to demonstrate your achievements and your commitment to the highest professional standards in market and social research.

Benefits of the scheme

What are the benefits for you?

Employees are usually registered as PDS participants at a very early stage in their market research career. Those participating in PDS programmes benefit by:

• developing a wide knowledge and skills base in the area of market research
• gaining nationally-recognised qualifications
• qualifying for full-member status of the code-holding body, MRS

What are the benefits for GfK?

• it provides a framework for broad training and development programmes
• allows for the benchmarking of training provision across departments and organisations
• ensures awareness of professional ethics and standards through the individual's membership of MRS
• helps companies to 'grow' a flexible and adaptable workforce

What are the stages of the scheme?

Year one is spent completing the MRS Advanced Certificate in Market & Social Research Practice and years two and three are for completing the MRS Diploma in Market & Social Research Practice.