Postgraduate Opportunities in Edinburgh: Your Guide to Internships, Graduate Jobs, and Further Study

Edinburgh is one of the UK’s most exciting cities for graduates. With a thriving tech and finance sector, a world-class educational scene, and a growing start-up economy, postgraduate opportunities in Edinburgh are more diverse and plentiful than ever. Whether you’re looking to launch your career, secure a spot on a graduate scheme, or continue your academic journey, the Scottish capital has something to offer every ambitious graduate.

What are the Best Internships in Edinburgh?

Internships are one of the most effective ways to bridge the gap between education and employment. Edinburgh’s economy offers a wide variety of placements across multiple sectors.

The financial services industry is particularly strong here. Companies such as Baillie Gifford, Standard Life Aberdeen, and Lloyds Banking Group regularly offer structured internship programmes for postgraduate students. Meanwhile, Edinburgh’s booming technology sector is centred around Codebase, Scotland’s largest technology incubator. This provides opportunities in software development, data science, and product management.

Both Heriot-Watt University and Edinburgh Napier University run dedicated careers services that connect students with local and national employers offering internship placements. Heriot-Watt, with its strong reputation in engineering, business, and the sciences, partners with a range of firms to offer international opportunities. Edinburgh Napier’s industry-focused programmes in areas like computing and business make it particularly well-placed to connect graduates with relevant placements.

The University of Edinburgh also supports students through its Careers Service and the Edinburgh Internship Scheme, which facilitates paid internships with local businesses and organisations, often specifically designed for postgraduate students looking to gain sector-relevant experience.

How Can I Find a Graduate Job in Edinburgh?

Edinburgh’s job market is performing better than many cities, with it consistently ranking in the top UK cities for graduate employment prospects. Key graduate employers include the Royal Bank of Scotland, Skyscanner, FanDuel, and the Scottish Government, all of which offer formal graduate schemes or entry-level professional roles.

The creative industries are also thriving. Organisations such as Creative Scotland help promote a vibrant festival economy, ensuring graduates from arts, media, and communications backgrounds will find Edinburgh particularly open to them.

• Edinburgh Napier University has built strong employer networks in tourism, hospitality, and creative media. Its Graduate Apprenticeship programmes also offer a work-integrated route into full-time employment.

• Heriot-Watt University’s strong ties to the energy sector, particularly oil and gas as well as renewables, make it an excellent launchpad for postgraduates pursuing careers in engineering and sustainability. The university’s dedicated Employability Team actively connects graduating students with sector-specific job opportunities.

• The University of Edinburgh offers a comprehensive Graduate Recruiter Programme and maintains an extensive alumni network spanning global industries. The Edinburgh Award scheme helps postgraduates stand out to employers by formally recognising skills developed outside the classroom.

Staying at University: Research and Further Study

Of course, many postgraduate opportunities in Edinburgh and beyond are focused on staying at university. The city’s universities provide excellent environments for postgraduate research and further study.

The University of Edinburgh is ranked among the top 20 universities in the world and offers a vast selection of Master’s and PhD courses across every major discipline. With access to cutting-edge facilities and one of the UK’s most engaged research communities, it’s a compelling choice for students wishing to deepen their knowledge. The university also offers funded PhD studentships through bodies such as the ESRC, AHRC, and UKRI.

Heriot-Watt University is a global institution with an outstanding reputation in areas such as robotics, actuarial science, and photonics. Its postgraduate research programmes benefit from close collaboration with industry, offering graduates the chance to conduct applied research with real-world impact.

Edinburgh Napier University offers a range of postgraduate taught programmes and research degrees, with a focus on applied and professional learning. Its research centres in areas such as cybersecurity, transport, and data science are growing in prominence, offering strong supervisory support for postgraduate researchers.

Extending Your Edinburgh Experience

Whether you’re pursuing an internship to build your CV, chasing a graduate job, or choosing to extend your academic journey, the postgraduate opportunities in Edinburgh span every background and discipline. By engaging with your university’s careers services early and tapping into Edinburgh’s connected professional community, you’ll be well-positioned to take your next step with confidence.

If you’re opting for the academic route, then take a moment to explore our collection of student accommodation in Edinburgh. We have properties that cater to postgraduates who want to ensure they live in luxury for another year. Contact our sales team today if you would like further information.