Which engineering employers accept graduates with 2.2 degrees?

A 2.1 will definitely make it easier to find a job in engineering, but don’t rule yourself out with a 2.2. There are plenty of companies that consider graduates with 2.2s, even among the leading engineering firms.

Graduate schemes open to engineers with 2.2s in 2022 and 2023

Discover some of the engineering firms that accept 2.2s for at least some of their graduate schemes, or don’t include grade requirements at all. This is not an important list; if your dream employer isn’t here then check their careers site directly.

• Atkins , an SNC-Lavalin business, includes no specified grade requirements for the majority of graduate schemes and accepts 2.2s for most others. Schemes for ground engineering, tunnelling and underground space schemes require either 2.1 bachelor’s or 2.2 masters.
• Babcock International Group does not specify grades for most of its engineering schemes. Only its marine – defence business operations management programme requires a 2.1.
• BAE Systems accepts 2.2s or above for most of its engineering graduate schemes – including air quality, electronic systems and submarines manufacturing engineering programmes.
• Balfour Beatty asks for a 2.2 or above for its engineering graduate schemes.
• BMW Group accepts 2.2s for its process engineering development graduate programme
• BOC requires a 2.2 MEng (or equivalent) in chemical, mechanical or electrical engineering as the minimum requirement for its graduate engineering scheme.
  Boeing does not specify any degree requirements for its engineering graduate programme.
• British Airways accepts graduates with 2.2s for its engineering graduate scheme.
• Caterpillar asks for candidates with a 2.2 or above in relevant subjects for its engineering graduate schemes, which include mechanical engineering and design engineering.
• Dstl doesn't state it requires a specific degree classification for its graduate programmes, including the engineering one.
• EDF Energy accepts a 2.2 at undergraduate or postgraduate level for its graduate programmes in design engineering, renewable energy engineering and science and engineering.
• First Group has previously accepted 2.2s in electrical, electronic, mechanical or aerospace engineering.
• Ford Motor Group has previously not specified minimum degree classifications.
• Jaguar Land Rover requires a 2.2 as the minimum requirement for all its graduate schemes.
• Lockheed Martin doesn't mention any degree classification requirements.
• MBDA UK accepts candidates with a 2.2 in STEM subjects for its graduate engineering programmes – except the scheme dedicated to weapon system simulation and experimentation engineering, for which a classification isn’t mentioned.
• National Grid accepts 2.2s for its graduate power system engineering roles.
• Network Rail accepts candidates with a 2.2 or above in a degree that is accredited by the relevant body for its civil, mechanical and electrical and electronic engineering schemes.
• Nuclear Graduates accepts engineers with 2.2 degrees or above for its engineering graduate schemes.
• Rolls-Royce does not specify classification requirements for its engineering and technology graduate scheme.
• Severn Trent accepts all degree classifications for its engineering graduate programmes.
• Siemens asks for a 2.2 or above for its UK graduate programmes.
• Thales doesn't specify any grade requirements.
• Thames Water accepts applications from students and graduates with any degree classification.
• Transport for London accepts applications from candidates with a 2.2 for its fire engineering, architecture and engineering and technology roles – but requires a 2.1 for mechanical engineering.
• UK Power Networks has previously required at least a 2.2 for its graduate scheme.
  

Don't forget about opportunities with smaller employers too; they may often be more flexible on your degree result.

Competing against engineering job hunters with 2.1s and firsts

Keep in mind that your application will be competing against those of graduates with 2.1s and firsts. To be offered a place on the graduate scheme, you’ll therefore need to outperform these candidates in other ways, both at the application and interview/assessment stages. Use our advice on applications and interviews and work experience to ensure that you present yourself in the best possible way and demonstrate your commitment to a career in the employer's industry.

What if I have mitigating circumstances for my 2.2?

Mitigating circumstances are situations beyond your control that affected your degree result, such as periods of illness (more than just freshers' flu) or bereavement. They also include sickness or caring responsibilities related to Covid-19.

If your degree classification was lower than expected because of mitigating circumstances, you can often apply for roles that require a 2.1, provided you include information about how your studies were affected.

So, if you spot that an employer you want to apply to states that it requires a 2.1 or above, don't give up just yet. First, have a closer look on its graduate recruitment website (particularly the FAQ section if it has one) to see if it mentions mitigating circumstances. If not, contact the recruitment team (either over email, phone or at a careers event) to ask if they would consider your application. Be ready to explain your situation.

You can also read our advice on how to approach employers about mitigating circumstances and what to say.

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