Non-cognate graduate programmes
Build your career with a Project & Programme Services graduate job
At AtkinsRéalis, we believe that the skills and knowledge you’ve developed during your degree – no matter the subject – can be the foundation for a rewarding and impactful career. Our Project & Programme Services non-cognate graduate jobs offer an exciting pathway for graduates from unrelated degree backgrounds to develop essential industry expertise and achieve professional Chartered status.
Through our "non-cognate" graduate pathways, you'll gain hands-on experience, working on high-profile projects that shape the built environment and transform communities. Our graduate jobs provide structured training, mentorship from industry leaders, and a clear route to becoming a fully Chartered professional, regardless of your undergraduate discipline.
If you’re a graduate looking to apply your transferable skills in project management, consultancy, or programme delivery, AtkinsRéalis offers the perfect platform. Join us to build your knowledge, enhance your capabilities, and make a meaningful impact through our Project & Programme Services graduate jobs. Start your journey with AtkinsRéalis today and turn your degree into a successful professional career.
Career paths you could take
Our Project & Programme Services graduate roles are open to all disciplines and backgrounds, offering equal opportunities to develop your career as a Project Manager, Building Surveyor, or Quantity Surveyor.
Better still, at AtkinsRéalis, we fully fund your Master’s conversion course and APC for Chartership, providing dedicated time away from your desk for structured training, events, personal development, and mentoring to support you every step of the way as you work towards professional qualification.
Who are Project & Programme Services?
We deliver project and programme management consultancy across the world. We build strong relationships by understanding the challenges our clients face, sharing their vision and helping them transform potential into reality.
You could work on large prestigious infrastructure projects with clients including TfL, Gatwick Airport and Thames Water, or focus on public building projects ranging from a primary school extension to a medieval fortress.
What will I be doing?
You'll be supported and trusted to drive your own success and can choose the pathway which best suits your learning style - alongside the substantial experience, skills and confidence you’ll be developing in your day to day job.
Most of our non cognate graduates say that variety is one of the most appealing aspects of their roles. It really is true to say that no two days are the same! We operate a flexible, hybrid way of working – most people choose to work a number of days in the office per week, and organise site visits and days working from home around that. You are able to choose which pattern suits you and your learning style best.
How will you support me?
MSc – this is a self-directed study, with the added benefit of being surrounded by experts in the field so you’ll never have to look far for support or guidance.
APC - We will pay for your RICS registration and yearly professional fees. We offer a national APC structured training programme, supported by APC supervisors and counsellors, with regular CPD workshops and a comprehensive final assessment training programme.
What pathways can I follow?
1. Masters conversion course (AKA an RICS accredited MSc in Building Surveying/Quantity Surveying or Project Management). Duration 2-2.5 years
You will then follow the APC24 (2 year) route – which requires 2 years of structured training. (1 year must be post-graduation)
Total time to complete MSc and APC = 3 - 3.5 years minimum
Or
2. APC Preliminary Review route
You can start this pathway if you have 5+ years' work experience and ANY undergraduate degree.
No conversion MSC is required - but it will take you 5 years to complete if you have no relevant industry work experience.
"Our pass rate for both APC sessions in 2022 (June and November) was 100%. Our graduates achieved this through a structured and nationwide APC training programme, supported by APC supervisors and counsellors, with regular CPD workshops and a comprehensive final assessment training programme. We also pay for your RICS registration and annual professional fees - it really helps!"
- Emma Hazell, National APC Programme Lead
What is life at Project & Programme Services like?
We’re a diverse business, full of people who want to make a positive difference to the communities in which we live and operate.
It means we’re a really nice, friendly, approachable bunch. You’ll be joining a large community of graduates who socialise, support and inspire each other; and a leadership team which wants to include and energise you all. After all, our graduates, placement students and apprentices are the next generation of our workforce – and our Project & Programme Services business is committed to ensuring you have the best opportunity to fulfil your potential.
We are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves, thrive and develop. To help embed inclusion for all, from day one, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee networks to support staff from different backgrounds. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and ability.
Next steps and to apply:
Our graduate schemes are now open for applications! Learn more about each scheme via the links below:
- Project Management Graduate Scheme job
- Asset Management Graduate Scheme job
- Management Consultancy Graduate Scheme job
- Project Controls, Risk and Planning Graduate Scheme job
- Building Surveying Graduate Scheme job
- Quantity Surveying Graduate Scheme job
- Health and Safety Graduate Scheme job
Our apprenticeships opportunities are now open for applications. Learn more about each scheme via the links below:
- Apprenticeships in London and the South East
- Apprenticeships in the Midlands
- Apprenticeships in the North West
- Apprenticeships in Scotland
- Apprenticeships in the South West and Wales
- Apprenticeships in Yorkshire and The Humber
Our summer and industrial placement opportunities are now closed. They will open again for applications in Autumn 2025.
Related roles
Salary
£21,000 - £28,808 depending on the role and apprenticeship Level
Location
Epsom
Job Type
Full Time
Brand
Atkins
Career Area
Epsom - Apprenticeship Programme 2025
Market
Cities & development
Environment & geoscience
Project, programme & cost management
Transportation
Water
Category
Apprenticeship
Location
Epsom
Description
Based in our Epsom office, we have a range of apprenticeship opportunities at different Levels and within various business areas
Reference
AP-322
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
£21,000 and £28,808 depending on the role and apprenticeship Level
Location
Bristol
Job Type
Full Time
Brand
Atkins
Career Area
Bristol - Apprenticeship Programme 2025
Market
Cities & development
Clean power
Environment & geoscience
Project, programme & cost management
Security, aerospace & defence
Transportation
Water
Nuclear
Category
Apprenticeship
Location
Bristol
Description
How about starting your career by learning, earning, and making a real impact? As an apprentice at AtkinsRéalis you'll work on projects that engineer a better future for our planet and its people.
Reference
AP-314
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
£30,500 - £33,500 depending on role and location
Location
Nationwide
Job Type
Full Time
Brand
Atkins
Career Area
Project Management Graduate Scheme 2024
Market
Clean power
Project, programme & cost management
Transportation
Nuclear
Category
Graduate
Location
Cambridge
Oxford
Birmingham
Whitehaven
Leeds
Manchester
Southampton
Tunbridge Wells
Croydon
London
Epsom
Bristol
Aberdeen
Edinburgh
Glasgow
Cardiff
Description
Our project management graduate programme has been designed to give you an insight into a wide variety of areas of work and the chance to explore where your own skills and interests lie.
Reference
GR-205
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
£30,500 - £33,500 depending on role and location
Location
Job Type
Full Time
Brand
Atkins
Career Area
Building Surveying Graduate Scheme
Market
Cities & development
Environment & geoscience
Project, programme & cost management
Water
Category
Graduate
Location
Cambridge
Birmingham
Nottingham
Manchester
Tunbridge Wells
London
Epsom
Bristol
Exeter
Cardiff
Swansea
Description
As a Building Surveying graduate, you'll enjoy variety, working on large and small projects with the opportunity to explore different career pathways including consulting and design.
Reference
GR-216
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Talent community
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