Graduate recruitment has recovered nicely in 2022, following the global pandemic. In fact, figures suggest that the number of graduate jobs is expected to rise by 15.7%, the biggest annual rise in over 15 years. This means now is a fantastic time for fresh graduates to land their first graduate role. But what are the best cities for graduate jobs?
With many job opportunities available, choosing where to look can be tough. And while big UK cities such as London or Manchester offer great opportunities, other locations certainly have their perks. For instance, smaller cities across Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland may offer more affordable living costs, more disposable income, and better work-life balance.
If you’re a recent graduate looking for your first role, it may be time to consider relocating. To help you narrow down the search, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best cities for graduate jobs in the UK.
Top 10 Best Cities For Graduate Jobs UK
There’s no doubt that the UK is a great place to look for graduate opportunities. However, deciding which city you want to live and work in can be challenging as a recent graduate. To be as fair as possible, we based our selection on the following criteria:
- The number of graduate job opportunities
- The cost of living
- Culture and lifestyle
Without further ado, here are 10 of the top cities for graduate jobs in the UK.
-
Glasgow
If you fancy putting down roots in the home of whiskey distilleries, bagpipes, and stunning lochs, Scotland’s second-largest city has a lot to offer. Named the 4th best city in the world, Glasgow is packed with culture, live music, incredible nature, and friendly locals. In terms of livability, Glasgow is a well-connected city with good infrastructure. Plus, there are plenty of job opportunities for graduates.
Glasgow boasts one of the fastest-growing economies in the UK. In particular, the marine, energy, technology, and food and drinks industries seeing massive growth. There is also a wide range of job opportunities in the financial and business sectors. As a result of its steady economy and affordable cost of living, Glasgow is fast becoming a firm favourite amongst new graduates.
Discover the latest graduate jobs in Glasgow and graduate jobs in Scotland.
2. Newcastle upon Tyne
You’ll never be bored in Newcastle. This gem in the North of England is a vibrant city that is growing steadily. What’s more, it has a relatively low cost of living compared to other UK cities. Whether you want a night on the town, a look at some impressive architecture, or a history lesson, Newcastle won’t disappoint. Despite its industrial roots, Newcastle is a warm and friendly city with stunning local history, food markets, and scenery.
The energy, banking, and financial services industries are booming in Newcastle, making it a great place for new graduates to break into these industries. Plus, Newcastle is home to some large graduate employers, including Greggs and Sage Group plc.
Earning potential in Newcastle is relatively high for graduates compared to other UK cities and it only looks set to grow.
Discover the latest graduate jobs in Newcastle.
3. Cambridge
Known for having one of the top universities in the world, Cambridge is a fantastic city for new graduates. While the cost of living in Cambridge is higher than some of the other cities on our list, so is the earning potential. This picturesque city has booming healthcare, science, and technology industries, offering high earning potential for recent graduates. Plus, with over 24,000 students living in the area, it’s possible to find affordable accommodation in shared housing.
Science and technology graduates may be particularly interested in Cambridge thanks to the world-famous Cambridge Science Park. The park is the longest-serving centre dedicated to commercial research and development and a wonderful place for recent graduates to begin their careers.
Discover the latest graduate jobs in Cambridge.
4. Sheffield
Sheffield is fast becoming one of the top cities for graduate jobs in the UK. Compared to other UK cities, Sheffield is an affordable place to live and work. This is great news for recent graduates or those completing graduate schemes as it offers higher disposable income. The city itself is steeped in history and has a great nightlife scene.
Sheffield has a flourishing industrial past but has since seen a boon in job opportunities in both the public and private sectors. The main industries include wholesale and retail trade, manufacturing, construction, education, and medicine and healthcare. There has also been a large boon in the technology and creative sectors. Sheffield is home to several prominent graduate employers, including IBM, Cap Gemini, BT, and HSBC.
Discover the latest graduate jobs in Sheffield.
5. Belfast
Northern Ireland’s charming capital city has some of the lowest accommodation prices in the UK, making it an attractive option for graduates. That’s not all Belfast has to offer. Belfast is fast earning a name for itself as a thriving city with great culture, friendly locals, and breathtaking natural beauty. Plus, with 38.5 new start-ups per 1,000 inhabitants, Belfast is an exciting place for new graduates looking to get in at ground level.
Once an industrial city, Belfast now has a growing technology industry. It’s also home to many top graduate employers, such as Marks and Spencers, Asda, and Tesco. In recent years, Belfast has become a leading tourist destination, creating a host of new graduate jobs in the tourism and hospitality industries.
Discover the latest graduate jobs in Belfast.
6. Leicester
Leicester is one of the UK’s oldest cities and a great place for graduate jobs. Its central location means it’s well-connected with most major cities. Leicester has been touted as one of the 5 most affordable cities in the UK, making it a great choice for graduates. Whether you want to soak in some local history, sample delicious English food, or paint the town red, Leicester has it all.
There is a wide array of graduate jobs available in Leicester. The city is home to employers in the business, finance, retail, and leisure industries. You will also find the headquarters of some large companies, such as Next. Graduate job opportunities in Leicester are diverse, with Amazon, Santander Bank, and Barratt Developments all having offices in the city. As such, it’s a great city for graduates from all walks of life.
Discover the latest graduate jobs in Leicester.
7. Aberdeen
Known as ‘The Silver City’, Aberdeen is the 3rd largest city in Scotland. Aberdeen is well-connected to other cities across Scotland and the UK and boasts a top-class bus and rail network. In terms of livability, Aberdeen scores highly. It was ranked the best city in the UK for work-life balance and has an extremely low unemployment rate of just 2.6%. As such, Aberdeen is a fantastic city for new graduates looking to start their careers.
Aberdeen is also an incredibly affordable city, with rental costs averaging 66% lower than in London. This is great news for graduates starting on an entry-level salary. Once the UK’s biggest exporter of granite, Aberdeen is now internationally recognised as a global leader in the gas and oil industry. Other key sectors include renewable energy, technology, life sciences, and food and beverages. With such a diverse and thriving economy, there’s no shortage of graduate opportunities in Aberdeen.
Discover the latest graduate jobs in Aberdeen.
8. Cardiff
Cardiff is known for its welcoming locals and stunning countryside. It also holds the title as the city with the most castles in the worldThe Welsh capital is well-connected to most large UK cities and is home to one of the top universities in Britain. What’s more, it’s one of the most affordable capital cities to live in. As a graduate, Cardiff will certainly keep you entertained. Whether you are into sports, music, or nature, you won’t be disappointed.
Cardiff’s key sectors are financial and professional services, creative and digital industries, life sciences, tourism, and retail. As such, there is a plethora of graduate jobs available in these sectors. Cardiff is also home to some large graduate employers, including PwC, Tesco, Starbucks, Amazon, Asda, and Deloitte. With such a varied landscape of industries, Cardiff is an excellent choice for graduates from all backgrounds.
Discover the latest graduate jobs in Cardiff.
9. Birmingham
Birmingham is one of the top cities for graduate jobs in the UK. Originally starting out as an engineering hub, Birmingham now has one of the biggest concentrations of businesses in the UK. In particular, the finance, education, health, defence, and transport industries are thriving. Many major banking institutions such as HSBC, Barclays, and RBS have relocated to Birmingham, making it an excellent city for graduates interested in banking and finance.
That’s not the only industry thriving in the city. In fact, it earned the nickname of “the city of 1,0001 trades” thanks to its many industries. Graduates coming from a background in logistics, construction, and public administration will also find plenty of job opportunities in Birmingham. Recently named the UK’s fastest-growing tech sector, it’s also an excellent city to look for IT graduate jobs. Despite its booming economy, Birmingham remains relatively affordable. It ranked as the 2nd most livable city in the UK and the 5th most expensive.
10. Nottingham
Logistics, life sciences, financial and business services, and creative and digital are just some of the major industries in Nottingham. In fact, Nottingham is quickly becoming a top city for small business growth. It also boasts the largest business centre in the East Midlands. Currently going through a period of economic regeneration, many industry giants such as Boots, Speedo, Capital One, and Experian now have their headquarters in Nottingham. This is great news if you’re looking for graduate jobs in the area.
Nottingham isn’t just a great place to work, it’s a wonderful city to live in too. Not only is it affordable, giving graduates more disposable income, but it’s also cultured. You can find a wealth of independent retailers, top-class restaurants, and the incredible Sherwood Forest on your doorstep. Named the UK City of Culture, you can also enjoy live music, contemporary art spaces, and gorgeous theatres.
If you fancy trying the digital nomad lifestyle, why not look for remote graduate jobs? That way, you can live and work from anywhere in the UK. All you need is a laptop and a strong internet connection.
Finding Work In The Best Cities For Graduate Jobs
Graduating is a huge life achievement, but deciding what’s next can be daunting. Fortunately, the number of graduate jobs in the UK is on the rise. Therefore, there’s never been a better time to start your graduate career.
Whether you’re looking close to home or across the UK, our dedicated Student and Graduate Jobs Board is packed with the latest opportunities to kickstart your career. Be sure to browse our resource hub for up-to-date information on graduate jobs, industry trends, and advice for job seekers. You can also catch what’s new on our blog every Wednesday.
Get in touch if you have questions or sign up for our free newsletter using the form below.
