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Science graduate schemes

AuthorDarcy Nathan, editor
Posted on

Designed to launch your science career, these programmes provide practical experience, skill development, and connections with top global companies - all while working on projects that really make a difference

Why choose a science graduate scheme?

Science graduate schemes offer more than a typical entry-level job. You'll work on real projects, contribute to research or technical innovation, and often rotate across different teams to build a range of skills.

By the end of the programme, you'll have developed valuable specialist expertise - whether that's using machine learning in finance, applying forensic analysis, improving pharmaceutical manufacturing, or helping design space technologies. These experiences can accelerate your early career and open up opportunities across the science sector.

You'll also benefit from structured training, mentoring and support from experienced professionals. This can help you explore different career paths and decide whether you'd like to specialise in areas such as:

  • laboratory science
  • regulation and policy
  • research and development.

Which companies run science graduate schemes?

Science covers a range of specialisms, so exploring different pathways can help you find a graduate scheme that fits your interests. Below is an overview across various disciplines.

Most of these programmes last two years unless otherwise stated.

Data science

You'll typically rotate across areas such as analytics and operations while building skills in machine learning, generative artificial intelligence (AI), statistical modelling and data-driven problem solving.

Criminology

You'll train in investigation, analysis and intelligence, developing skills in investigative techniques, case management and research.

  • National Crime Agency Officer Development Programme - build core investigative and analytical skills in your first year, before moving into either an investigation or intelligence pathway in year two, with opportunities to gain professional accreditation.
  • Police Now Police Detective Graduate Scheme - start with a 13-week detective academy, where you'll learn investigative techniques and evidence gathering before joining a Criminal Investigation Department team, supported by coaching and mentoring.
  • The Unlocked Programme - train as a prison officer while helping drive evidence-based improvements in the criminal justice system. You'll complete a fully funded MSc in Applied Custodial Leadership, focusing on research methods and analysing evidence on rehabilitation and prison systems.

Energy and defence

You could work on projects such as nuclear decommissioning, environmental modelling or defence systems, contributing to complex and high-impact scientific challenges.

Food science

You'll apply scientific principles in laboratories and production environments, working on product development, quality assurance, food safety and analytical testing to help create and improve food products.

  • Bakkavor Food Product Development Graduate Programme - rotate through product teams developing and trialling new recipes, while gaining insight into consumer trends, food innovation and large-scale production.
  • Campden BRI Graduate Programme - carry out research, laboratory analysis and practical projects in accredited labs that support food and drink innovation, quality and safety.
  • Cranswick Technical Graduate Programme - learn how food production works from farm to fork, gaining experience in areas such as HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points), traceability, compliance and new product development.

Forensic science

You'll apply scientific methods to analyse evidence, carry out laboratory testing and support criminal investigations, helping contribute to justice outcomes.

  • CYFOR Digital Forensics Graduate Programme - spend three years training in digital forensics, e-discovery and cyber security. You'll rotate through specialist teams, contribute to real investigations and produce reports that can be used in court.
  • NatWest Financial Crime Graduate Programme - develop skills in detecting and preventing financial crime using statistical analysis, pattern recognition and AI tools, while gaining exposure to anti-money-laundering investigations.
  • South Wales Police Digital Forensics Graduate Scheme - train within the Joint Scientific Investigation Unit, examining digital devices to support criminal investigations while working towards professional qualifications.

Healthcare and medical sciences

You'll work in clinical and biomedical settings, combining technical laboratory skills with patient-focused responsibilities.

  • AstraZeneca Medical Graduate Programme - work in medical affairs supporting strategy in specific therapy areas, applying your clinical and scientific knowledge to projects, clinical trials, governance processes and evidence generation.
  • NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP) - carry out and interpret scientific investigations in clinical settings, apply scientific judgement in quality-assured healthcare environments and contribute to service improvements while completing a funded part-time Masters degree.
  • MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences (LMS) Graduate Programme - develop laboratory skills, support scientific investigations and use specialist equipment to contribute to biomedical research and technical operations.

Life sciences

You'll apply scientific knowledge to areas such as health, genomics research, agriculture and environmental protection across research, scientific operations and applied science roles.

  • Bayer UK Future Leaders Programme - complete 18 months of rotations across life sciences teams, working on projects that build your scientific, analytical and leadership skills in areas such as healthcare, agriculture and regulation.
  • Environment Agency Graduate Training Scheme - spend four years rotating across environmental areas such as ecology, hydrology, water quality and data analysis, contributing to projects that protect and improve the natural environment.
  • Wellcome Sanger Institute Graduate Scheme - complete four six-month rotations across operations, management and research teams, gaining experience in genomics while supporting world-class scientific research.

Pharmaceuticals

You'll contribute to the research, development and manufacture of medicines, helping improve processes, support drug development and bring new treatments to market.

Space and technology

You could help develop and support advanced technologies across space, aerospace and digital systems, working on projects such as satellite operations, engineering design, secure communications and emerging technology solutions.

What will I do on a science graduate scheme?

Every scheme is different, but all science graduate programmes give you hands-on experience applying what you learned at university to real projects. Your work will often contribute to wider organisational goals - whether that's improving healthcare, developing new technologies or tackling environmental challenges. For instance:

  • On the NHS Scientist Training Programme, one radiotherapy science graduate tested an AI tool designed to improve treatment planning for patients with head and neck cancer.
  • In the energy sector, a graduate geophysicist at BP used 3D seismic and well data to identify oil and gas reserves, spending time in Oman supporting drilling operations.

Day-to-day tasks might include:

  • analysing data and interpreting results
  • conducting lab experiments or fieldwork
  • developing technical solutions and specialist skills
  • supporting or managing projects
  • working with colleagues across different teams.

Some schemes also involve cutting-edge research or large-scale technical projects. For example:

  • On the European Space Agency programme, a graduate helped test robotic systems analysing how different rover designs perform on the lunar south pole.
  • At Sellafield Ltd, a graduate commissioning engineer supported the retrieval of radioactive waste from one of the UK's oldest nuclear silos - a world-first milestone - while helping develop a new storage facility.

Many programmes also support your professional development. Some employers, like BP, help you work towards chartered status, while others, like the National Crime Agency, offer pathways to professional accreditation.

How do I apply?

Most science graduate schemes use a structured recruitment process with several stages.

You'll usually need:

  • a tailored CV
  • a cover letter explaining your motivation
  • academic transcripts or references.

Many employers also ask you to complete psychometric tests, such as:

  • aptitude tests
  • coding challenges
  • situational judgement tests
  • technical exercises.

If you pass these stages, you may be invited to an assessment centre or final interviews round. This could include:

Timing is important. Most graduate schemes open six to twelve months before the start date, and some recruit on a rolling basis, so applying early can improve your chances. Here are some example application timelines:

  • TfL usually opens applications in the autumn for roles starting the following August or September.
  • National Crime Agency roles open throughout the year depending on demand.
  • GSK typically begins recruitment in autumn for roles starting between June and September the following year.

Discover our tips on securing your graduate scheme place.

What skills will I need?

Alongside scientific knowledge, employers look for a range of transferable skills. These include:

  • adaptability - responding to new technologies, methods or changing priorities, particularly in fast-moving sectors like energy, biotechnology or space
  • commercial awareness - understanding how scientific research contributes to innovation and business goals
  • communication - explaining complex ideas clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
  • critical thinking - solving problems using evidence and analytical reasoning
  • teamwork - collaborating with colleagues across disciplines, which is common on rotational graduate schemes
  • time management - balancing multiple projects and deadlines.

Some programmes also look for specific technical skills. For example, the data science schemes at Lloyds and TfL expect experience with programming languages such as:

  • Python
  • R
  • SQL.

For more guidance, see what skills do employers want?

What are the entry requirements?

Most of these graduate schemes look for strong academic results - usually a 2:1 or higher in a science-related degree, such as:

For example, the NHS Scientist Training Programme asks for a 2:1 in a pure or applied science subject, or a 2:2 if you've also completed a relevant Masters degree.

Discover our guide to university grades in the UK.

Some schemes have additional requirements. For example:

  • Campden BRI - you'll need a driving licence because the site is in a rural area.
  • European Space Agency (ESA) - you must be a citizen of an ESA member or cooperating state and be within a year of finishing a Masters degree.
  • PA Consulting - you must have the right to work in the UK and be able to obtain security clearance.
  • Sellafield Ltd - you must be a UK national or have indefinite leave to remain due to security requirements.

Relevant experience - such as internships, lab placements, or research projects - isn't always required, but it can strengthen your application. It shows you can apply your scientific knowledge in real-world settings.

How much could I earn?

Salaries vary depending on the sector. Science graduate schemes typically start at around £27,000 and range up to £45,000. Here are some example starting salaries:

Company Graduate scheme salary
Lloyds Banking Group £45,000
Sellafield Ltd £40,802
BP £39,000
NHS £35,392
MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology £35,000
South Wales Police £32,250
AstraZeneca £32,000
AWE £31,000
TfL £31,000
Environment Agency £30,685
Cranswick £28,000
Morrisons £28,000
National Crime Agency £26,370

Many schemes also offer additional benefits. These may include:

Public sector schemes - such as those with the NHS, police or government agencies - may offer strong pensions and generous holiday allowances. Private sector schemes sometimes provide:

  • higher salaries
  • options to buy shares
  • performance bonuses.

Where could a science graduate scheme take my career?

Completing a graduate scheme doesn't always guarantee a permanent job, but many programmes are designed to fast-track you into a full-time role.

After finishing a scheme, you might move into positions such as:

Many graduates progress into specialist or leadership roles within three to five years.

For example:

With experience, many science professionals move into senior technical or leadership positions, often earning £50,000 to £70,000 or more, depending on the sector. For example, a senior scientist at AWE earns around £51,000, while principal scientists at GSK can earn £121,000 to £202,000 annually.

Find out more

Written by Darcy Nathan, editor

Prospects · March 2026