Graduate Jobs in the UK
Graduate jobs in the UK are designed for people who have recently finished a degree and are ready to start their career. They range from structured graduate schemes at large organisations to trainee, assistant and junior roles at small and medium-sized businesses, which often give you more responsibility sooner.
Current graduate jobs vacancies
About graduate jobs in the UK
Graduate schemes typically last one to three years and combine paid work with training, often rotating you through different teams so you understand the whole business. They are common in finance, accounting, engineering, law, consulting, retail management, the public sector and technology. Places are competitive and many schemes recruit almost a year ahead, so it is worth applying early.
Outside formal schemes, thousands of employers hire graduates directly into junior positions. Titles to look for include graduate, trainee, junior, assistant and associate. These roles are often available year-round, start sooner and can lead to rapid progression if you perform well. The listings on this page include both.
Most graduate employers look for a degree, but many accept any subject rather than one specific discipline. What they really want to see is evidence of skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, communication and organisation. Part time work, volunteering, society roles, placements and final-year projects all count, so describe them on your CV with clear examples and results.
Location matters too. London has the largest number of graduate roles, but cities such as Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Bristol, Edinburgh and Glasgow all have strong graduate job markets, often with lower living costs. Hybrid and remote graduate roles also let you work for employers based elsewhere while living where you prefer.
Upload your CV to a free JobsChance account and you can apply for graduate jobs in minutes. If you have no work experience yet, see our page on graduate jobs with no experience, or browse entry level jobs to widen your search.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a graduate scheme and a graduate job?
A graduate scheme is a structured training programme, usually lasting one to three years, often with rotations across departments. A graduate job is a regular entry-level role open to graduates, which may start sooner and is often available all year.
What is the average graduate salary in the UK?
Starting salaries vary widely by industry and location. Many graduate roles pay in the mid-£20,000s to low £30,000s, with higher salaries in some professional services, technology and London-based roles. Check the salary shown in each advert.
Do I need a 2:1 to get a graduate job?
Some large employers ask for a 2:1, but many no longer set a minimum grade and focus on skills and potential instead. Read the requirements in each job advert.
When should I apply for graduate jobs?
Many graduate schemes open in the autumn for the following year. Direct graduate and junior roles are advertised all year round, so keep checking for new vacancies.
How do I apply?
Open a job, press Apply and sign in or create a free account. Your CV is sent with your application and you can track progress in your dashboard.