Graduate Development Programme 2021

Think we only talk numbers? Think again.

At the Bank of England, whilst we have a rich history, we’re certainly not stuck in the past. We think innovatively to oversee the country’s entire financial system and keep it going. It takes lots of different people with lots of specialisms to help us do that. So we don’t just look for graduates with economics degrees, or one ‘type’ of person.

We offer graduate development programmes for those who are studying, or have studied, any subject. Depending on your passion and skills, you’ll take on either a generalist scheme or a specialised scheme, where you’ll work across anything from technology to research. No matter the area, we’ll support you to develop your skills and build your confidence. And you’ll also have the chance to attend talks and networking events alongside other graduates.

What will you learn?

• You’ll gather and analyse information, take part in meetings, and start to develop the skills you need to become an expert analyst.
• We’ll give you a comprehensive introduction to what the Bank of England does and you’ll be able to attend talks and networking events.
• Our working environment is supportive and inclusive. You’ll join many other people on the graduate scheme, so it will be fun and sociable too. 

We’ll ask you to apply for one of the following areas:

Operations

This is our generalist scheme. It is open to students from any degree discipline. We would assign you to one of the following teams: 

• Banking Payments & Innovation
• Financial Stability Strategy & Risk
• Internal Audit 
• Markets
• Prudential Policy Directorate
• Supervisory Risk Specialists

Economist

If you’re doing an undergraduate degree in economics or finance, this is for you.

We would assign you to one of the following teams: 

• Financial Stability Strategy & Risk
• Prudential Policy Directorate

Risk

We will help you develop technical expertise in areas such as stress-testing, the Help to Buy scheme or wider market risks. These roles are within our Supervisory Risk Specialists Directorate.

Data

If you study a quantitative degree such as maths or engineering, this is for you. You’ll collect, compile and analyse data for publication.

We would assign you to one of the following teams:

• Data & Statistics Division
• Finance

Technology

Interested in technology? You don’t need a degree in Computer Science to work with us because we will support you in achieving a Level 7 (MSc) apprenticeship in Digital and Technologies Solutions.

We would assign you to one of the following technology teams: 

• Project Management
• System Development and Engineering
• Service Management.

Supervision

You can have any degree to become a supervisor. Your role would involve supervising financial institutions such as insurance companies, banks and building societies.  

We would assign you to one of the following teams: 

• Authorisations
• Financial Market Infrastructure
• International Banks Supervision
• Insurance
• Resolution
• UK Deposit Takers Supervision

Postgraduate

If you’re doing a master’s degree in Economics or Finance, this is for you. 

We would assign you to one of the following teams: 

• Financial Stability Strategy & Risk
• International, Markets
• Monetary Analysis
• Prudential Policy Directorate

Entry requirements

To join us, you’ll have less than two years’ relevant work experience. Plus, you’ll need to hold - or be expecting – a 2:1 in any subject (remember, you don’t need a numerical or economics degree).

• Expecting or have achieved a 2.1 class degree
• 120 UCAS points from three A-levels or equivalent (excluding General Studies) using the 2017 UCAS Tariff System
• Have less than two years relevant work experience
• Any degree subject

So whatever your degree subject, we’ll value your perspectives and support you from day one. It’s a really collaborative and innovative environment, so you’ll need to be a great team player with plenty of ideas. And, importantly, we’re after people who are keen to learn and up for a challenge. Are you?

We also have a range of paid internships and industrial placements for undergraduates, and actuarial development programmes for graduates in numerical subjects.

Are you who we’re looking for? 

If you’re motivated to work for us, we would love to work with you. We’re looking for people who enjoy working with people and share our values of diverse ideas and open debate. You need to be a quick learner who’s able to work with tools and data sources. You also have to be comfortable with setting your own targets, meeting tight deadlines and working under your own initiative.