So, you’ve opened your results and saw a 2:2…
It might be that you were aiming for a First, or perhaps you just feel like every job advert you look at screams ‘2:1 essential’ in bold, red letters. First things first: stop panic-scrolling.
While it might feel like the end of the world right now, we promise you it isn’t. You have a degree, you have skills, and you have plenty of options. In fact, many of the UK’s biggest and most prestigious employers have stopped looking at degree classifications entirely.
To help you figure out your next move, here are the best jobs for graduates with a 2:2, and our top tips on how to land them:
Key takeaways from this article
- A 2:2 is not a barrier: Thousands of graduates with lower second-class honours land high-paying, rewarding roles every year.
- Experience counts: Employers are increasingly valuing soft skills, work experience, and attitude over academic grades.
- Major shifts in hiring: Big names like the ‘Big Four’ accounting firms have scrapped the 2:1 requirement to improve diversity.
- Routes are flexible: Graduate schemes, apprenticeships, and internships are all viable pathways for you.
Can I actually get a good job with a 2:2?
Short answer: absolutely.
The graduate landscape has changed significantly over the last few years.
While some highly specific roles (such as medical research or very traditional law firms) might still be sticklers for grades, most industries are far more interested in who you are and what you can do, rather than what you scored in a second-year module on 18th-century pottery.
What job can I do with my degree?
2:2 degree graduate jobs
There are plenty of opportunities out there, irrespective of your degree classification. Here are just a few roles where a 2:2 won’t hold you back:
- Accountant – It’s a common myth that you need to be a maths genius with a First from Oxford to be an Accountant. Reality check: you don’t. Many firms value logical thinking and communication skills just as much. Plus, you’ll gain professional qualifications (like ACCA or CIMA) on the job, which eventually matter far more than your degree.
- Police Officer – If you want a job where no two days are the same, this is it. Leadership, resilience, and problem-solving are key here – not your dissertation grade.
- Recruitment Consultant – This is a target-driven, sales-focused role where your earning potential is often uncapped. If you’re resilient, great with people, and hungry to succeed, recruitment agencies will snap you up regardless of your 2:2.
- Technical Engineer – Demand for engineering talent is huge. If you have the technical knowledge and the degree to prove it, many employers will overlook the classification in favour of your practical ability to fix problems.
- Marketing Assistant – Creativity and a good portfolio often come above grades in the marketing world. If you can show you understand social media trends, can write good copy, or analyse data, you’re in with a shot.
Other roles to consider:
- Underwriter
- Teaching Assistant
- Quality Assurance Inspector
- Copywriter
- Business Consultant
- Machine Operator
- Risk Management
- Retail Manager
Remember, this is by no means an exhaustive list. No matter what sector you’re looking to work in, there is a role out there to suit you.
Which employers accept a 2:2 degree?
You might be surprised by the calibre of companies that are happy to hire graduates with a 2:2. Employers are waking up to the fact that academic grades aren’t the only indicator of potential.
Many of the UK’s leading employers now accept graduates with a 2:2 degree, and it’s not just a niche few:
- The ‘Big Four’: Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and PwC have all officially removed minimum degree classification requirements for many of their entry-level roles. Instead, they focus on online assessments and core skills, not just your degree result.
- Tech and Retail Giants: Google and Apple are famously open-minded about academic backgrounds and care much more about your problem-solving skills and cultural fit. Boots, John Lewis, and other national retailers often assess candidates beyond just degree class.
- Engineering and Sector: Companies like BAE Systems, Atkins, Jaguar Land Rover, Siemens, Network Rail, and Balfour Beatty openly accept 2:2s for many of their graduate programmes. Always double-check the role, as requirements can vary.
- Public Sector: The Civil Service Fast Stream, HMRC, the Met Police, RAF, Army, and many NHS graduate roles accept 2:2s.
- Transport, Media, and Beyond: Sky, Stagecoach, Transport for London, EDF Energy, National Grid, and British Airways are also known to consider 2:2 graduates for several schemes.
This list isn’t exhaustive – and things change fast – so always read the specifics in each job ad, and don’t be afraid to reach out to graduate recruiters to ask.
The top companies hiring right now
2:2 graduate schemes
If you thought graduate schemes were off the table, think again. Most of the UK’s top graduate schemes will accept a 2:2 degree.
In recent years, there has been a massive increase in the number of companies removing degree classifications from their job ads altogether. They realise that screening out 2:2s means missing out on huge amounts of talent.
As many graduate schemes offer a rotational system, they allow you to try multiple roles during your employment to find your forte. So they’re a great option for anyone looking for diversity in their role, or who may still be unsure what exactly they want to do.
Graduate schemes: What you need to know
Apprenticeships
Forget what you think you know about apprenticeships – they aren’t just for school leavers.
With recent changes to how apprenticeships are funded and structured, more companies are offering these roles to graduates than ever before. It’s known as a ‘Higher Apprenticeship’ or ‘Degree Apprenticeship’ (although you already have the degree, the qualification you get is equivalent).
Not only are they a great way to receive another recognised professional qualification, but they also offer paid work experience and allow you to get your foot in the door.
Roles will vary in duration and salary, but they can often provide a fast track into a difficult sector by building your skills on the job.
Apprenticeships: How to get started
Internships
When graduating from university, one of the biggest challenges you will face is the classic ‘need experience to get a job, need a job to get experience’ trap.
If you’re struggling to find immediate permanent work, look for internships. Unlike the coffee-fetching stereotypes of the past, modern internships are structured and often paid.
They usually don’t require you to sign a long-term contract, meaning you still have time to look and apply for other roles while getting some very valuable work experience on your CV. Plus, if you impress them, an internship is the easiest way to turn a temporary role into a permanent offer.
Internships: What you need to know
Postgraduate qualifications
If you have your heart set on a specific career path that requires extra knowledge, or you just want a second chance to prove your academic abilities, a Master’s degree could be the answer.
In some industries, postgraduate qualifications are a prerequisite. But here’s the good news: universities are often flexible. They may not be solely interested in your original degree classification.
You will still be able to apply for a whole host of different courses with your 2:2 degree. It could be that just one more year of studying starts opening doors for you – no matter how things went the first time around.
Going back to university: Is it right for me?
Do I need a postgraduate degree?
Can I still apply for a job that asks for a 2:1?
If a job advert explicitly says ‘2:1 essential’, should you bother applying with a 2:2?
If the company uses an automated filtering system (common with massive corporate schemes), your application might be automatically rejected. In that case, it’s probably better to save your energy.
However, if you’re applying to a smaller company or sending your CV directly to a hiring manager, apply anyway. But, ensure you read the job description thoroughly. Many might state their ‘desires’ or ‘would likes’ rather than ‘musts’.
Even if they ask for a 2:1, you could still end up getting the job if you have incredible work experience, a killer cover letter, or a portfolio that blows them away. A well-written application will always be well received – regardless of the grade on your certificate.
Tips for getting a graduate job with a 2:2
Ready to get hired? Here is how to make your application stand out:
- Be open-minded: Don’t fixate on one specific job title. Look at the skills you have and where else they could apply.
- Sell your strengths: Don’t dwell on your degree level in your application. Instead, focus on what you can do.
- Highlight your skillset: Did you lead a society at uni? Did you volunteer? Did you work part-time? These show time management and leadership.
- Customise your CV: Use the job description to match your attributes to the role. It helps overcome any initial hang-ups the recruiter might have.
- Own it: Stop seeing your degree as a hindrance. You completed university and graduated – and let’s face it, that’s an achievement.
- Relax: Great opportunities are still out there. Write a good CV and cover letter, apply to the right roles, and do your interview preparation. Trust us, you’ll be just fine.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 2:2 a bad degree?
No. It is still an honours degree that proves you have studied at a high level for three years. While a 2:1 is the most common grade, a 2:2 is a respectable qualification that is accepted by thousands of employers across the UK.
Do employers check your degree grade?
Some do, some don’t. Large corporations with formal background checks will verify your certificate. Smaller companies might just take your word for it. However, you should never lie about your grade. If you get caught (and you likely will), your offer will be withdrawn immediately. Honesty is always the best policy.
Can I become a teacher with a 2:2?
Yes. You can absolutely train to teach with a 2:2. You generally need a degree and a GCSE grade C/4 in English and Maths (and Science for primary teaching). There are plenty of teacher training providers who will welcome your application.
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