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Graduate IT Jobs in the UK | Skills, Salary & Career Growth
19/01/2026
Graduate IT Jobs in the UK: Skills, Salary & Career Growth
Introduction
The UK technology sector continues to expand rapidly, creating strong opportunities for graduates entering the job market. With organisations investing heavily in digital transformation, cloud computing, data analytics, and cyber security, graduate IT jobs in the UK offer an excellent starting point for long-term and rewarding careers.
Graduate IT roles are designed to help candidates transition from academic learning to real-world professional environments. These roles typically include structured training, mentoring, and clear career progression. This guide explains everything graduates need to know about skills, salary expectations, and career growth in the UK IT job market.
What Are Graduate IT Jobs?
Graduate IT jobs are entry-level professional roles specifically aimed at recent university graduates. These positions focus on skill development and hands-on experience.
Key Features of Graduate IT Roles
- Open to recent graduates (0–2 years experience)
- Structured onboarding and training programmes
- Exposure to real business and technical projects
- Clear promotion and progression pathways
Graduate roles are common in both private and public sector organisations across the UK.
Popular Graduate IT Jobs in the UK
Graduates can enter the IT industry through a wide range of roles, including:
- Graduate Software Developer
- Graduate IT Support Analyst
- Graduate Data Analyst
- Graduate Cyber Security Analyst
- Graduate Cloud Engineer
- Graduate Network Engineer
- Graduate QA / Software Tester
- Graduate DevOps Engineer
- Graduate Business Analyst
Many employers also run graduate IT schemes that rotate candidates across multiple teams.
Skills Required for Graduate IT Jobs
Technical Skills
UK employers typically expect graduates to have strong fundamentals rather than deep expertise.
Commonly required skills include:
- Basic programming knowledge (Python, Java, JavaScript, C#)
- Understanding of software development principles
- Operating systems basics (Windows, Linux)
- Networking fundamentals
- SQL and database basics
- Cloud fundamentals (AWS or Azure basics)
- Version control (Git)
Employers value problem-solving ability and learning potential more than mastery of every tool.
Soft Skills (Critical for Graduates)
Soft skills are especially important for graduate roles:
- Communication and teamwork
- Willingness to learn and adapt
- Time management
- Analytical thinking
- Professional attitude
Graduates who demonstrate strong soft skills often progress faster.
Degree & Education Requirements
Do You Need a Computer Science Degree?
- A computer science or IT-related degree is beneficial
- Not mandatory for all graduate IT roles
- Employers increasingly accept graduates from STEM and non-STEM backgrounds with strong technical skills
Alternative Entry Routes
- Coding bootcamps
- Online certifications
- Internships and placements
- Apprenticeships
Graduate IT Salary in the UK
Graduate IT salaries vary by role, location, and industry.
Average Graduate Salary Ranges
- Graduate IT Support Analyst: £22,000 – £28,000
- Graduate Software Developer: £25,000 – £35,000
- Graduate Data Analyst: £26,000 – £38,000
- Graduate Cyber Security Analyst: £28,000 – £40,000
- Graduate Cloud / DevOps Engineer: £30,000 – £42,000
Salaries are typically higher in London, Manchester, Cambridge, Reading, and Bristol.
Career Growth After Graduate IT Jobs
Graduate IT roles provide a strong foundation for rapid career growth.
Typical Career Progression
- Graduate IT Role
- Junior IT Specialist
- Mid-Level Engineer / Analyst
- Senior Engineer / Specialist
- Lead / Architect / Manager
Career Paths Available
- Software Engineer
- Data Scientist
- Cloud Engineer
- DevOps Engineer
- Cyber Security Engineer
- IT Project Manager
- Technical Architect
With the right skills, career progression can be fast and financially rewarding.
Industries Hiring IT Graduates in the UK
Graduate IT professionals are hired across almost every industry:
- Technology & SaaS companies
- Banking & Financial Services
- FinTech & Insurance
- Healthcare & Life Sciences
- Retail & E-commerce
- Government & Public Sector
- Consulting & IT Services
Remote & Hybrid Graduate IT Jobs
Many UK employers now offer:
- Remote graduate IT roles
- Hybrid working options
- Flexible graduate training programmes
Remote opportunities are particularly common in software development, data, and QA roles.
How to Get a Graduate IT Job in the UK
Practical Tips for Graduates
- Build academic and personal projects
- Maintain a GitHub profile or portfolio
- Tailor your CV to each IT role
- Practice technical and behavioural interviews
- Apply early to graduate schemes
- Network via LinkedIn and university career events
Certifications That Help IT Graduates
Certifications can significantly improve employability:
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
- Google IT Support Certificate
- CompTIA A+ or Network+
- Scrum Fundamentals
These certifications show commitment and industry readiness.
Future Outlook for Graduate IT Jobs in the UK
Graduate IT job demand will remain strong due to:
- Ongoing digital transformation
- Growth of cloud and AI technologies
- Increased cyber security requirements
- Shortage of skilled IT professionals
Graduate IT roles continue to be one of the most reliable entry points into high-growth tech careers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Are graduate IT jobs in the UK in demand?
Yes, graduate IT roles are consistently in demand across industries due to ongoing technology adoption.
Q2. Can non-IT graduates apply for graduate IT jobs?
Yes, many employers accept graduates from non-IT backgrounds if they demonstrate strong technical skills.
Q3. What is the average salary for graduate IT jobs in the UK?
Graduate IT salaries typically range from £22,000 to £40,000 depending on role and location.
Q4. Do graduate IT jobs offer training?
Yes, most graduate IT roles include structured training and mentoring.
Q5. Are remote graduate IT jobs available in the UK?
Yes, many companies offer remote or hybrid graduate IT positions.
