At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a two-year rotational programme in cyber security and make a real impact.
- Company: FCA, a leader in financial services with a focus on innovation and resilience.
- Benefits: £37,000 salary, flexible benefits, 25 days leave, and private healthcare.
- Other info: Access to senior leaders, networking events, and structured learning opportunities.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in cyber security while protecting the UK's financial sector.
- Qualifications: 2:1 degree or above in any discipline; curiosity and motivation to learn are key.
The predicted salary is between 37000 - 37000 £ per year.
We offer you the chance to start your career and make a real difference.
Locations: London
Programme Length: Two years
Programme Type: Rotational (Year 1 - 2 x 6 months & Year 2 - 1 x 12 months)
You’ll rotate across teams, gaining exposure to different areas of financial services – from regulatory frameworks and consumer protection to strategy and firm supervision. From day one, you’ll help deliver important work, expand your capabilities, and start building a career that has lasting impact.
About the Programme
Technology and cyber security are critical to maintaining trust and confidence in the UK's financial services sector. As a Cyber & Information Resilience Graduate, you'll join a function that helps the FCA remain secure, resilient and prepared to respond to an evolving threat landscape. Based within the FCA's Cyber & Information Resilience (C&IR) division, you'll complete a series of rotations across specialist teams, gaining exposure to a broad range of areas including cyber defence and threat intelligence, cyber assurance, governance and human risk, security advisory, strategy, and third-party risk management. These rotations will give you a unique insight into how the FCA protects its people, information and services while supporting the resilience of the wider financial services sector.
Throughout the programme, you'll build technical knowledge in areas such as cyber security, cyber risk management, threat intelligence, security controls, incident response and technology risk. You’ll also develop valuable professional skills including methodological thinking, problem solving, stakeholder engagement and communication. Working alongside experienced specialists, you'll contribute to meaningful projects from day one, benefit from structured learning and development opportunities, and gain the breadth of experience needed to build a rewarding career in cyber and information resilience. Whether your future lies in cyber defence, cyber risk, security strategy or information resilience, this programme will provide a strong foundation for a career helping to protect one of the UK's most important sectors.
Learning & Development
We invest in your future from day one. Our two-year rotational programme combines meaningful work experience with a structured learning journey, giving you access to professional development programmes, specialist training and career-building opportunities. As you develop your technical and professional skills, you’ll be encouraged to explore a range of career paths, expand your professional network, and build the confidence to contribute across the FCA.
You’ll benefit from:
- Structured learning and development to support your growth
- Tailored induction and professional training
- Opportunities to build your network across the FCA
- Social and networking events with your graduate cohort
- Access to senior leaders and inspiring career stories
What We Look For
We’re looking for people who are curious, driven and motivated by the opportunity to learn. You’ll be motivated to develop new skills, build good relationships and use data and evidence to help solve complex challenges. Our colleagues come from a wide range of backgrounds, and we believe diverse perspectives help us make better decisions. Whatever your degree discipline, you’ll be supported to learn and grow through practical experience, structured development and guidance from experienced colleagues, helping you build a rewarding career at the FCA.
What We Offer
- £37,000 salary plus a flexible benefits scheme designed around your lifestyle
- Colleagues spend a minimum of 50% of their working time in the office each month across our London, Leeds and Edinburgh offices
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Non-contributory pension (8–12% depending on age) and life assurance at eight times your salary
- Private healthcare with Bupa, income protection and 24/7 Employee Assistance
- 35 hours of paid volunteering annually
- Commitment to diversity and inclusion
- Wellbeing resources and support
- Sports and social clubs
- Subsidised on-site fitness centre (London only)
- Free eye tests
- Subsidised restaurant
- Interest-free season ticket loans
Application Process
Submit your online application by midnight, Sunday 29th November 2026. We encourage you to apply early, as vacancies may close before the advertised deadline if we receive a high volume of applications. You can only submit one application to an FCA Early Careers programme within a six-month period. Please consider your options carefully before applying. You have obtained, or be on track to obtain, a 2:1 degree or above in any discipline. To be eligible for the 2027 graduate programme, you must either have already graduated or be in your final year of study. Your application and all assessment submissions must be your own work. We do not permit candidates to receive assistance from another person or to submit responses generated by artificial intelligence (AI) tools or similar software. We are committed to creating an inclusive recruitment process. If you require a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the application process or during the programme, support is available.
Right to Work
Candidates requiring visa sponsorship are welcome to apply. However, sponsorship for our Early Careers graduate, apprenticeship and summer internship programmes is available only in very limited circumstances and is unlikely to be possible. Candidates must have, or expect to have, the right to work in the UK for the full duration of the programme. Where a candidate requires sponsorship to meet this requirement, eligibility will depend on Home Office requirements, the programme meeting relevant immigration requirements, the candidate’s individual circumstances, and the availability of Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) allocated to the FCA. Sponsorship eligibility can only be assessed once a formal offer of employment has been made. For the Graduate Programme, a Graduate visa will not cover the full programme duration and the FCA cannot guarantee subsequent sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route. Candidates relying on a Graduate visa may therefore apply but would need to have an alternative right to work in the UK for the remainder of the programme. Where a CoS is issued, any visa application remains subject to Home Office approval, and candidates must have valid permission to work in the UK before the indicated programme start date.
More information
For queries, contact early.careers@fca.org.uk
Apply now and discover where your potential could take you. Significant Impact. Surprising Careers.
2027 Cyber Graduate Programme - London employer: Financial Conduct Authority
The Financial Conduct Authority is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters creativity and collaboration in the heart of London. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will have access to professional development opportunities and a supportive culture that values innovation and data-driven decision-making. Join us to make a meaningful impact in financial regulation while enjoying the benefits of a hybrid working model.
Contact Details:
Financial Conduct Authority Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 2027 Cyber Graduate Programme - London
✨Get Involved in the Cybersecurity Community
Diving into the cybersecurity community is key for landing that full-time gig. Join forums like Reddit's r/cybersecurity or attend local meetups to connect with industry veterans and other job seekers. Networking is everything in this field—don’t just be a passive lurker!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Capture the Flag Competitions
Participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions; these are not just a fun way to boost your skills but also a chance to showcase your talent to potential employers. Many companies, including Financial Conduct Authority, love seeing candidates who actively engage in these challenges.
✨Tailor Your Online Presence
Make sure your LinkedIn and any professional profiles reflect your cybersecurity expertise. Share your projects, whether they’re personal or from a previous role, to catch the eye of hiring managers. This is how they’ll find your passion and commitment to the field!
✨Apply Directly Through Financial Conduct Authority
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Financial Conduct Authority. Applying directly can sometimes give you an edge, especially if you can mention that you've been following our work or engaging in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace 2027 Cyber Graduate Programme - London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your technical skills:In cybersecurity, it's crucial to highlight your technical prowess. Make sure your CV showcases specific skills like network security, penetration testing, or threat analysis. If you have relevant certifications (like CEH or CISSP), pop those on the front page to grab attention!
Tailor your portfolio for the role:Even for a full-time role, a portfolio can set you apart. If you've worked on any cybersecurity projects—be it CTF challenges, security assessments, or research papers—include these in your application. This demonstrates not just your skills, but also your hands-on experience!
Use real-world examples:When writing your cover letter, don’t just stick to your qualifications. Share real-world examples of how you’ve tackled security issues or vulnerabilities. This gives the hiring team at Financial Conduct Authority insight into your practical problem-solving abilities and makes your application memorable.
Demonstrate your passion for cybersecurity:Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, so show us that you’re always learning! Mention any recent courses, webinars, or industry events you’ve attended. This not only exhibits your enthusiasm but also signals to Financial Conduct Authority that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at Financial Conduct Authority
✨Sharpen Your Technical Skills
For a role in cybersecurity, it’s essential to be up-to-date with the latest tools and techniques. Brush up on your knowledge of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability assessment tools. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you’ve applied these skills, as hands-on experience can really set us apart in interviews.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect the interviewers at Financial Conduct Authority to throw in some hypothetical situations to see how you’d handle them. Think about common security breaches or incidents and be prepared to explain how you would respond. This not only shows your problem-solving skills but also your understanding of real-world cybersecurity challenges.
✨Highlight Your Certifications
Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH can give you a significant edge in a full-time role in cybersecurity. Make sure to mention these during your interview and be prepared to discuss what you learned through those certifications and how they relate to the position at Financial Conduct Authority.
✨Show Your Passion for Cybersecurity
Since you’re going for a full-time gig, showing genuine enthusiasm for the field can make all the difference. Share any personal projects, blogs, or communities you’re part of that relate to cybersecurity. This not only showcases your passion but also your commitment to staying engaged in this ever-evolving field.
