The Confusion Is Real
When searching for entry-level tech roles in the UK, you'll encounter two distinct types of opportunities: graduate schemes and standard graduate jobs. Many applicants treat them as interchangeable, but the differences are significant - and understanding them will help you make smarter application decisions.
What Is a Graduate Scheme?
A graduate scheme (also called a graduate programme or graduate rotational scheme) is a structured, multi-year programme designed specifically for recent graduates. Key characteristics include:
- Duration: Typically 2–3 years
- Rotations: You move through different teams or departments (e.g., Frontend → Backend → DevOps → Cloud)
- Formal training: Most schemes include professional qualifications, mentoring, and dedicated learning time
- Cohort model: You join alongside other graduates, which creates a peer network
- Structured progression: Clear milestones and review processes
Examples in UK tech: Google EMEA Technology Associate Programme, Amazon Future Engineer, Arm Graduate Programme, Barclays Graduate Technology Analyst, BT Technology Graduate Scheme, GCHQ Graduate Development Programme.
What Is a Standard Graduate Job?
A standard graduate job is simply an entry-level permanent role that requires a degree but doesn't come with a structured scheme. You're hired into a specific team and start contributing immediately. Characteristics:
- Duration: Permanent (no fixed end date)
- No rotations: You work in one team from day one
- Less formal training: Learning is on-the-job and self-directed
- Faster real responsibility: You're a full team member immediately
- More flexibility: Easier to negotiate salary, remote working, and responsibilities
Common at: startups, scale-ups (Monzo, Revolut, Checkout.com), SMEs, and many software agencies.
Salary Comparison
In 2026, UK graduate tech salaries broadly look like this:
- Top-tier graduate schemes (Google, Amazon, Goldman Sachs): £45,000–£70,000+
- Mid-tier graduate schemes (BT, Capgemini, Accenture): £28,000–£38,000
- Standard graduate roles at scale-ups: £35,000–£55,000
- Standard graduate roles at agencies/SMEs: £24,000–£35,000
Counterintuitively, many startup graduate roles now pay more than mid-tier graduate schemes, especially in London.
Application Process Differences
Graduate schemes tend to have:
- Earlier deadlines (September–November for autumn applications)
- More rounds (4–6 stages including assessment centres)
- Psychometric testing and SJTs
- Group exercises and presentations
Standard graduate jobs tend to have:
- Rolling applications (no fixed deadline)
- Fewer rounds (2–4 stages)
- More technical focus, less psychometric testing
- Faster turnaround (decisions in 2–4 weeks vs. 2–4 months)
Which Should You Apply For?
Choose a graduate scheme if:
- You're unsure which area of tech you want to specialise in
- You want structured mentoring and formal learning
- You value the brand name and prestige for your CV
- You're willing to commit to a longer, more competitive application process
Choose a standard graduate job if:
- You already know what you want to build or specialise in
- You want to make an impact immediately, not follow a rotation
- You prefer faster hiring decisions and fewer application stages
- You're more interested in equity, fast growth, or a specific product
The Smart Move: Apply for Both
There's no reason to restrict yourself. Apply for 3–5 graduate schemes (for the big names) and 5–10 standard graduate roles simultaneously. This maximises your chances and gives you real options to compare when offers come in.
GradSignal lists both graduate schemes and standard entry-level tech roles across the UK. Each listing indicates whether it's a scheme, and company pages include interview playbooks so you can prepare for whichever path you choose.