Graduate schemes
These schemes typically begin recruitment up to a year in advance; rigorous application processes and multiple interview stages are the norm, so be sure to do plenty of research – with our help – before sending off your application form. Generally, the schemes will give a wide period in which to submit your applications. Be aware, however, that the second round of selection could occur within this period, so early application is always preferable to avoid disappointment.

Other graduate jobs
As a graduate, your qualifications are greatly sought after by all sorts of companies – not just those running high-profile graduate recruitment schemes. In fact, the majority of graduates ultimately find work outside of these schemes, so keep your search broad. Small and medium sized businesses (those which employ fewer than 250 people) often hire graduates, and more are recruiting as time goes on. The smaller size of these businesses means that your presence is highly valued: without the large hierarchy of a major corporation constricting your position, you could find yourself working alongside more senior staff. In the UK 99% of businesses are small or medium sized, and opportunities in the sector abound for graduates. Such opportunities are likely to be less widely advertised than the large-scale schemes so you will need to think more creatively in your job-search. Check out the how to search for jobs page for some ideas.

Self-employment
Running your own business may sound daunting, but it is an increasingly popular option for graduates, and we can help you each step of the way. ‘Spark’, our business start-up service, is available to all students whilst at Leeds, and for five years after graduation. If you are feeling entrepreneurial, come to us with your business idea and we can offer expert advice, support, and even preliminary funding.

Internships and other work experience
As the first step on the road to employment, undertaking work experience lets you build experience and relationships with employers. Whilst most posts are temporary, they can often lead to full-time graduate employment. Formal undergraduate internship programmes tend to begin either in September or early summer, with applications opening in the spring or the preceding autumn.  

Graduate internships or placements may begin at any time of the year, and you should consider making speculative approaches to companies you are interested in to find your own work experience placement or internship. For more information, see our page on Speculative Enquiries.

Volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to build skills, experience and industry contacts. Voluntary organisations are always in need of enthusiastic helpers, and require a whole range of jobs from fund-raising to marketing and IT. If you are hoping to pursue a career in the charity sector, then some volunteering experience is often essential. Do not think that it is all give-give-give: volunteering posts at festivals like Leeds and Glastonbury let you enjoy a week of fantastic music in return for a few hours of muddy marshalling.

Two-year post-study work visa to enhance UK work experience

A-level: ABB including art/design subject or media. Excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking.

If you don’t have an art or design-related subject but you are taking Media Studies A-level, we may also consider your application based on a high grade at GCSE in Art/Design and a portfolio of recent and relevant work.

GCSE: 5/6 A-C (or 4+) including English.

Minimum qualifications include:

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Academic or IELTS for UKVI (United Kingdom Visas and Immigration) (Academic) or IELTS Online at 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in each component skill. Please note that we cannot accept results from these tests that are over two years old at the start date of the course you intend to study. We do not accept IELTS Indicator.
TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test) or TOEFL iBT Home Edition at 80 overall with no less than 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 19 in writing. Please note that we do not accept TOEFL MyBest scores and we expect candidates to have met the relevant requirements from a single TOEFL test. We cannot accept results from these tests that are over two years old at the start date of the course you intend to study. We do not accept the TOEFL Paper-delivered Test.
PTE (Pearson Test of English) Academic or PTE Academic UKVI or PTE Academic Online at 60 overall with no less than 59 in any component. Please note that we cannot accept results from these tests that are over two years old at the start date of the course you intend to study.
Password Skills or Password Skills Plus at 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in any component. Please note that Password Skills tests must be arranged by an institution, so you cannot book a test as an individual. The University does not currently administer Password Skills tests, but if you have taken this qualification through a different institution then we will consider your results.
LanguageCert International ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) B2 Communicator (either the online or test centre test) or LanguageCert International ESOL SELT (Secure English Language Test) B2 with a minimum of 36 in each of speaking, listening, reading and writing. Please note that we cannot accept results from these tests that are over two years old at the start date of the course you intend to study.
A suitable Cambridge English qualification with at least 169 overall and no less than 162 in any component. B2 First is the most relevant to these scores but we also accept C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency.
Trinity College London ISE (Integrated Skills in English) at a Pass in ISE II or above (if taken in the UK). Please note that we cannot accept results from these tests that are over two years old at the start date of the course you intend to study.
NCUK English Language Test at 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in any component. Please note that this qualification is no longer offered but we can accept existing results as long as they will be no more than two years old at the start date of the course you intend to study.
GCSE English Language or IGCSE English as a First or Second Language at C/4. GCSE English Literature may be considered in certain circumstances for some courses.
National 5 English at C.
IB (International Baccalaureate) English (standard or higher level) at 4.
A minimum of two years of study in the UK to complete an undergraduate degree. Although applicants are ordinarily expected to have undertaken their studies in the UK in order to meet the language requirement, if the qualification was studied remotely from outside the UK then it may be considered as English language evidence on a case-by-case basis.
Overseas doctors who are registered with the NHS (please note that this may not apply for courses with higher requirements).
We might also accept an English language qualification from your country, which you can find among our admissions qualifications.