By Andre Atallah, CEO of EP Advisory
UK Graduate Programme · six discipline families · 33 cities · 2027 intake
Open · closes 3 Dec 2026, or earlierDeadline was set for 3 Dec 2026Missed it? Your options
Short answer: Apply now. AtkinsRéalis’s UK graduate ads close on Thursday 3 December 2026, but a role may close earlier because applications are reviewed as they arrive.This year’s UK graduate ads have closed. The deadline was set for Thursday 3 December 2026, and roles could close earlier as applications arrived. You get one application per campaign, so choose your role with care. After a short form come an online immersive assessment of about 45 minutes and a Microsoft Teams interview. Pay is £32,000 to £34,500. You need the right to work in the UK without sponsorship.
Where are you now?
Independent guide. EP Advisory is not affiliated with AtkinsRéalis.
AtkinsRéalis is hiring graduates for its UK Graduate Development Programme, for the 2027 intake.This guide covers AtkinsRéalis’s UK Graduate Development Programme, for the 2027 intake. On 17 October 2026, it listed 299 UK graduate ads in six discipline families, across 33 cities.
This playbook covers every family, stage by stage. For nearly 10 years, we’ve helped more than 5,000 professionals get hired. Want to know if your CV will pass screening in the UK? Check your CV for free: a score in 30 seconds, then a fix for each problem.
01/10
Your route to an offer
Pick your stage and tick each step when done. Rules and stages are AtkinsRéalis’s, checked 17 October 2026. Prep times are ours.
1. Apply: closes 3 December 2026, or earlier1. Apply (deadline was set for 3 December 2026)
One application per campaign, through a short online form. Prep 1 to 2 days.
2. Assessment: about 45 minutes, online
The online immersive assessment, with no strict time limit. Prep 2 to 3 days.
3. Teams interview: November to April
A short business presentation for most roles, then your interview. Prep about 1 week.
4. Outcome: within about two weeks
Hiring managers make the final decision after the interviews for your role. No assessment centre follows.
Your ticks save on this device.
02/10
The programme at a glance
Many roles, one programme, one pay band. Where AtkinsRéalis is silent, we say so.
3 Dec 2026
Closing date, or earlierDeadline (now closed)
299
UK graduate ads, 17 Oct 2026
33 cities
With graduate ads that day
£32,000+
Salary, up to £34,500
£2,500 × 2
On joining, then at chartership
33 days
Leave, with bank holidays
Where these facts come from
- Salary. “Our graduate salaries are between £32,000 – £34,500 depending on role and location” (graduate FAQs, 17 October 2026). The job board ads give no figure. Compare salaries in the UK.
- Payments. The FAQs name a “£2,500 settling-in allowance upon joining”, paid with your first month’s salary. The programme pages add “a further payment of £2,500 when you achieve chartered status or reach an equivalent stage in your professional development”.
- Leave and office. “33 days’ annual leave, including bank holidays”, plus “two paid annual volunteer days”. Every ad asks for “a minimum of three days a week in the office or on client site (project dependent)”.
- Ads and cities. Our count of the UK ads on AtkinsRéalis’s graduate job board at 23:34 BST on 17 October 2026. Most ads: Bristol 41, Manchester 35, Birmingham 31, Epsom 29, Glasgow 28.
- Not published. The 2027 start date, the programme length and the number of hires.The programme length and the number of hires. Check your ad for the start date.
03/10
What AtkinsRéalis looks for
Every graduate ad lists the same six things you can bring. Have one real example ready for each.
A curious mindset
“enthusiasm for solving real-world challenges”
Belonging
“A desire to champion a culture where everyone belongs”
Collaboration
“confidence building positive relationships”
Drive to develop
“seek out development opportunities within a supportive team”
Accreditation
“Motivation to achieve professional accreditation (where applicable)”
Agility
“Comfortable embracing agile ways of working and learning new technologies”
From “What you can bring” on every ad, such as Graduate Engineer, Derby. AtkinsRéalis adds that “Integrity is one of our core values”. Graduate roles are for people with “less than 2 years relevant work experience” since their latest studies.
04/10Stage 1 · Apply
How to apply
Apply now: the deadline is Thursday 3 December 2026, but roles can close sooner. No time of day is given.This year’s UK graduate ads have closed. The deadline was set for Thursday 3 December 2026, and roles could close sooner.
Every UK graduate ad says:Every UK graduate ad said: “As we review applications on a rolling basis, this vacancy may close earlier than the advertised closing date if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. We therefore encourage you to apply as soon as possible.” Checked 17 October 2026.
The rule to know first
You can make one application per recruitment campaign. AtkinsRéalis asks you to consider which role “best aligns with your skills, interests and career ambitions before applying”.
1
Pick one role
From six families
2
Check the degree rule
It varies by role
3
Fill the short form
No CV or cover letter
4
Submit early
Cities can fill
The form, entry rules and adjustments
- The form. “A short online application form designed to gather some basic details about you, your academic qualifications and your areas of interest” (selection process). AtkinsRéalis’s 2024 guide video adds your degree and modules, the part of the business, and first and second location choices.
- No CV. “We don’t accept CVs or cover letters for our Early Careers roles.”
- Cities can fill. “Locations may close due to volume of applications. If your preferred location isn’t available when you go to apply, please select an alternative.”
- Degree. Most ads ask for a minimum 2:2 in any degree subject. Some ask for a 2:1, an MEng or a RICS accredited degree. “Achieved or on track to achieve” means final-year students can apply.
- Adjustments. AtkinsRéalis invites you to ask for adjustments in confidence. The contact is on its selection process page.
Pick your role: six families, 299 ads
The job board groups every role into six families. Each ad is one role in one city.
| Family | Ads | Most-listed roles | Degree in most ads |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering and Technology | 155 | Civil Engineer (Water), Geotechnical Engineer, Civil Engineer (Bridges, Highways) | 2:2 (142 ads) |
| Project, Commercial and Consultancy | 88 | Quantity Surveyor, Project Manager, Project Controls Engineer | 2:2 (84 ads) |
| Environment, Planning and Sustainability | 26 | Transport Planner, Bioresources Consultant, Environmental Consultant | 2:2 (18 ads) |
| Digital, Data and Systems | 11 | Information Manager, Software and AI Solutions Engineer, GIS Analyst | 2:2 (all 11) |
| Built Environment and Design | 10 | Building Surveyor | 2:2, RICS accredited |
| Science and Applied Sciences | 9 | Hydrogeologist, Environmental Scientist | 2:2 (5), 2:1 (4) |
Our count of the UK ads on the graduate job board at 23:34 BST on 17 October 2026. Ads come and go, so check the board. Some 2:1 ads accept a 2:2 Master’s instead, and some civil and geotechnical roles ask for a Master’s.
Your form answers: do and don’t
Do
“My dissertation modelled flood risk on a local river, which is why I chose Civil Engineer, Water”
AtkinsRéalis recruiters say to tailor your answers to the team in the ad.
Don’t
“I want to work for a global engineering company”
It fits any firm. Read each question carefully and check your spelling and grammar.
AtkinsRéalis takes no CV, but your form draws on the same facts. Write each experience as a result, as in our CV achievement examples. Getting ready to apply for jobs in the UK? Check your CV for free: see it the way a recruiter does, then fix each problem.
Save AtkinsRéalis and over 2,000 other UK schemes to one free calendar. See what closes next and what you have applied to.
Track my schemes freeFree account, no card.
Missed the deadline, or your role closed? Your options
- Placements. Industrial and summer placements are for students not in their final year. They close the same day as graduate roles, 3 December 2026, or earlier.This year’s placement ads have closed. Their deadline was set for 3 December 2026.
- Direct roles. AtkinsRéalis lists its other UK jobs on its job search page. Its FAQs point there when graduate roles do not fit.
- Talent community. “Not ready to apply? Join our talent community to stay connected” (talent community).
- Next cycle. AtkinsRéalis has not said when its next graduate cycle opens. A new cycle means a new application.AtkinsRéalis has now given a date for its next graduate cycle, so check its graduates page. A new cycle means a new application.AtkinsRéalis has opened its next graduate cycle, so check its graduates page. A new cycle means a new application.See AtkinsRéalis’s graduates page for its next graduate cycle. A new cycle means a new application.
05/10Stage 2 · Assessment
The online immersive assessment
Step 3 is the online immersive assessment: about 45 minutes, with no strict time limit. AtkinsRéalis names no test provider.
About 45 min
Typical length, in one sitting
Untimed
“no strict time limit”
No video
No video interview questions
“You’ll complete a range of interactive exercises, including cognitive tasks designed to explore your approach to problem-solving and how you process information.” It “helps us understand how you approach different situations” (selection process).
Your device, your room and the practice version
- Device. AtkinsRéalis recommends a laptop or desktop computer, though a tablet or mobile also works. You need a strong internet connection.
- Room. A quiet space, with enough time to finish in one sitting. No suitable kit or room? AtkinsRéalis suggests “your local library, or university”.
- Practice. AtkinsRéalis provides “a practice assessment that closely reflects the format and experience of the real assessment”. It sits in the Candidate Preparation Zone, which needs a free account.
- Older guides. Some, including AtkinsRéalis’s own from 2024, describe a different format. Follow today’s selection process page.
The AI rule: prepare with it, answer on your own
Allowed
- AI tools to help you prepare
- A laptop or desktop, ideally
- A tablet or phone, if you must
- A library or university room
Asked not to
- AI answering for you in the assessment
- Anyone else’s answers
- AI help in the interview
- A second application this campaign
AtkinsRéalis says “You’re welcome to use these tools to help you prepare for your assessment and interview.” It adds: “during the assessment and interview process itself, we ask that all responses be your own.” It says nothing about calculators or notes.
Go further: the best outside help
Our own picks, checked on 17 October 2026. We are not linked to any of these sites and earn nothing from them.
From the employer
- Candidate Preparation ZoneAtkinsRéalis · free account neededThe practice immersive assessment. AtkinsRéalis says it closely reflects the real one.Free
- Selection process, step 3AtkinsRéalis · no account neededAbout 45 minutes, no strict time limit, no video questions, plus the device and quiet-room advice.Free
- Graduate FAQsAtkinsRéalis · no account neededWhat the practice zone holds, and the rule that AI is for preparing only.Free
Watch
- 6 Smart Ways to Ace the AtkinsRéalis Application / AssessmentAtkinsRéalis on YouTube · Feb 2024 · 2 min 36Recruiters on tailoring answers to your team and taking the assessment somewhere quiet.Free
Skip paid test packs sold under AtkinsRéalis’s name. The free practice zone is AtkinsRéalis’s own, and it reflects the real format.
Next: build your problem-solving speed for cognitive tasks with our guide to psychometric and logic tests.
06/10Stage 3 · Interview
The Teams interview
Step 4 is one virtual interview on Microsoft Teams. It is “your opportunity to tell us more about yourself, your skills and strengths, and demonstrate why you’re interested in the role”.
Usually two interviewers
“from the team, or teams, hiring for the role”. Hiring managers make the final decision.
A short business presentation first
For most roles, with its own Teams invitation. “You don’t need to prepare anything”, but think of questions to ask.
November to April
“dates vary depending on the role and the business area you’ve applied to”.
Competency and technical questions
AtkinsRéalis’s 2024 interview tips video says to expect both, so revisit how your degree applies to the role.
From the selection process page and FAQs, 17 October 2026. The interview length is not published.
How to answer: AtkinsRéalis’s STAR steps
AtkinsRéalis’s own interview blog suggests the STAR technique for questions about things you have done.
Situation
“Present the situation” in a line or two.
Task
“Explain what the task was” and why it mattered.
Action
“Describe what action you took”. Say I, not we.
Result
“Illustrate the result”, with a number if you can.
Follow-ups to rehearse
Why this team?What was your part?What would you change?How does your degree help here?
The blog also says to practise out loud and use your university careers service for mock interviews. See our guides on how to pass a job interview and the toughest interview questions.
Practise: the question types AtkinsRéalis names
Motivation questions
Our own practice questions. AtkinsRéalis publishes no interview questions, so each card follows a topic it names.
About you
Tell us about yourself.
What they’re testing: your “skills and strengths”, in a clear order.
Show a strong answer
- Two minutes: your degree, one experience, one strength.
- End on why that leads to this role.
Why this role
Why do you want this role at AtkinsRéalis?
What they’re testing: that you can “demonstrate why you’re interested in the role”.
Show a strong answer
- Name the team and sector from your ad.
- Give one real moment that drew you to it.
- Add one fact you found beyond the website.
The business
What do you know about the business area you applied to?
What they’re testing: research, which the 2024 tips video asks for.
Show a strong answer
- One recent project or client type in that area.
- What your first year might involve.
- A question it raises for you.
Accreditation
Which professional accreditation are you aiming for, and why?
What they’re testing: “Motivation to achieve professional accreditation”.
Show a strong answer
- Name the body that fits your role, such as ICE, RICS or APM.
- Say what you will do in year one towards it.
Competency questions
Our own practice questions, one per trait in the ads. Answer each with STAR.
Curiosity
Tell us about a time you solved a real-world problem.
What they’re testing: “a curious mindset and enthusiasm for solving real-world challenges”.
Show a strong answer
- A real problem with a real user, not a textbook one.
- How you worked out the cause before acting.
- The result, and what you learned.
Collaboration
Tell us about a time you built a good working relationship with someone very different from you.
What they’re testing: collaboration and “a culture where everyone belongs”.
Show a strong answer
- What made it hard at first.
- What you did to understand them.
- What the two of you achieved.
Agility
Tell us about a time you learned a new tool or technology quickly.
What they’re testing: “learning new technologies”.
Show a strong answer
- The tool, and the deadline that forced the pace.
- How you learned it, step by step.
- What it let you do that you could not before.
Development
Tell us about a time you asked for feedback and acted on it.
What they’re testing: drive to “seek out development opportunities”.
Show a strong answer
- Who you asked, and why them.
- The one change you made.
- The difference it made next time.
Technical and situational questions
Our own practice questions. AtkinsRéalis’s 2024 videos describe technical questions and “imagine what you would do” questions.
Your degree
How would you apply what you learned in your degree to this role?
What they’re testing: that you have linked your studies to the job in the ad.
Show a strong answer
- Pick two modules that match tasks in the ad.
- Give one example of using each.
Explain it
Explain your final-year project to someone outside your field.
What they’re testing: technical grasp and clear explaining.
Show a strong answer
- The question, your method and the result, in plain words.
- One limit you would fix with more time.
Situation
Imagine a client changes the brief a week before your deadline. What would you do?
What they’re testing: calm judgement and teamwork.
Show a strong answer
- Clarify what changed and why.
- Tell your manager early, with options.
- Agree what moves and what stays.
Integrity
Imagine you spot an error in a senior colleague’s work. What would you do?
What they’re testing: integrity, which AtkinsRéalis calls a core value.
Show a strong answer
- Check your facts first.
- Raise it with them privately and politely.
- Escalate if it affects safety and they do not act.
Your story bank: a worksheet to print or copy
Two STAR stories for each trait in AtkinsRéalis’s ads.
| Trait | Story 1 | Story 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Curious mindset | ||
| Everyone belongs | ||
| Collaboration | ||
| Drive to develop | ||
| Accreditation | ||
| New technologies |
Go further: the best outside help
Our own picks, checked on 17 October 2026. We are not linked to any of these sites and earn nothing from them.
From the employer
- How to prepare for an early careers interviewAtkinsRéalis blog · 2025 · no account neededAtkinsRéalis’s own prep list: research, STAR, practise out loud, test your camera.Free
- Graduate FAQs: interviewsAtkinsRéalis · no account neededThe short business presentation before most interviews, and the November to April window.Free
Watch
- 5 Excellent Tips For a Successful Interview at AtkinsRéalisAtkinsRéalis on YouTube · Feb 2024 · 1 min 39Expect competency and technical questions, so plan how your degree applies to the role.Free
Practise
- Early Careers TalentConnectorAtkinsRéalis mentors · free account neededAsk current graduates about the team you applied to.Free
- The STAR methodNational Careers Service · no account neededAtkinsRéalis’s own blog links this guide to structuring competency answers.Free
07/10Stage 4 · Outcome
Your interview outcome and offer
The interview is the last stage: there is no assessment centre. Hiring managers make the final hiring decision.
Within two weeks
“You should expect to hear from us about the outcome of your interview within two weeks of interviews being concluded for the role you applied for.”
People decide
The Early Careers team handles shortlisting. AtkinsRéalis says “recruitment and hiring decisions are made by people.”
Offer conditions
“All offers are subject to confirmation of immigration status.” Some roles need security vetting, and your degree result must meet the ad.
From the selection process page and the international students page, 17 October 2026. The FAQs add that you hear “when you can expect to hear from us” at the end of your interview day.
Key dates: 2027 intake
17 Oct 2026
299 UK graduate ads were open
17 Oct 2026
299 UK graduate ads were open
November to April
Teams interviews, by role and business area
November to April
Teams interviews, by role and business area
3 Dec 2026
Deadline, unless your role closes earlier
3 Dec 2026
Applications were due by this date, or sooner if a role filled
About 2 weeks later
Your outcome, once interviews for your role end
08/10
Visa and right to work
AtkinsRéalis needs the right to work in the UK without its sponsorship, for the whole programme. Its own words are below.
The ads: “AtkinsRéalis requires applicants to have the right to work in the UK (without sponsorship by AtkinsRéalis) for the duration of the programme.” Its international students page: “Given the length of our graduate programme, AtkinsRéalis are unable to accept applications that will rely on the applicant holding a graduate visa.” And: “AtkinsRéalis are not able to sponsor any skilled worker visas for our early careers programme”.
Our reading: if you would need any visa, including a Graduate visa, this programme is not open to you this cycle. Check your status before you use your one application.
Who can apply, and security vetting
- Accepted. AtkinsRéalis lists Irish citizens, EU, EEA or Swiss nationals with settled or pre-settled status, and visas “independent of any company sponsorship”, such as dependant, Hong Kong BN(O) or UK ancestry (international students page).
- Security vetting. Every ad says some roles need UK Security Vetting, which “may require candidates to provide proof of residency in the UK of 5 years or longer.”
Need sponsorship? See our guides to UK companies that sponsor visas and UK jobs for foreigners. This is general information, so check GOV.UK.
09/10
Key takeaways
Before you apply
- The deadline is Thursday 3 December 2026, but roles close earlier as applications arrive, so apply now.This year’s UK graduate ads have closed. The deadline was set for Thursday 3 December 2026, and roles could close earlier.
- You get one application per recruitment campaign, so pick your family, role and city with care.
- Most ads ask for a 2:2 in any subject, but check your ad’s degree rule.
- The online immersive assessment takes about 45 minutes, untimed, with a free practice version.
- The Teams interview usually has two people from the hiring team, after a short business presentation.
- Pay is £32,000 to £34,500, and you need the right to work in the UK without sponsorship.
When a scheme gives a close date, we email you a few days before it closes. Save AtkinsRéalis once and the reminder is set.
Set my reminders freeFree account, no card.
10/10
Frequently asked questions
When does the AtkinsRéalis graduate programme close?
Every UK graduate ad says the deadline is Thursday 3 December 2026. AtkinsRéalis reviews applications on a rolling basis, so a role may close earlier if it gets many suitable applications. Apply as soon as you can.This year’s UK graduate ads have closed. The deadline was set for Thursday 3 December 2026. AtkinsRéalis reviews applications on a rolling basis, so roles can close earlier. Apply early in the next cycle.
How many AtkinsRéalis graduate roles can I apply for?
One. AtkinsRéalis says you can only make one application per recruitment campaign. Pick the family, role and city that fit you best before you apply, and have a second city in mind in case your first fills.
What degree do I need for the AtkinsRéalis graduate programme?
It depends on the role. On 17 October 2026, most UK graduate ads asked for at least a 2:2. Some engineering, environmental and science roles asked for a 2:1, or a 2:2 Master’s. Final-year students can apply if they are on track.
What is the AtkinsRéalis graduate salary?
AtkinsRéalis says its graduate salaries are between £32,000 and £34,500, depending on role and location. You also get a £2,500 settling-in payment when you join, and a further £2,500 when you reach chartered status or its equivalent.
What is the AtkinsRéalis online immersive assessment?
A range of interactive exercises, including cognitive tasks. It typically takes about 45 minutes, has no strict time limit and has no video questions. A practice version is in AtkinsRéalis’s Candidate Preparation Zone, which needs a free account.
What happens at the AtkinsRéalis graduate interview?
For most roles, a short business presentation on Microsoft Teams comes first, with nothing to prepare. Then a Teams interview, usually with two people from the hiring team. Interviews run between November and April, and you hear back within about two weeks.
Does AtkinsRéalis sponsor visas for graduates?
No. You need the right to work in the UK without sponsorship for the whole programme. AtkinsRéalis does not accept applications that rely on a Graduate visa and sponsors no Skilled Worker visas for early careers.
