If you’re interested in pursuing a career in marketing, graduate schemes remain one of the best entry routes into the industry in 2026. Designed for final-year students and recent graduates, these programmes typically don’t require prior marketing experience, making them ideal if you’re looking to build practical skills straight out of university.
Marketing graduate schemes usually combine structured training, hands-on project work, and mentorship from experienced professionals. You’ll gain exposure to areas such as brand strategy, digital marketing, consumer insight, e-commerce, and data-driven decision-making — all while working on real campaigns for major UK and global brands.
Below, we’ve rounded up some of the top marketing and marketing-adjacent graduate schemes in the UK for 2026, including expected salaries, locations, and what you can expect from each programme.
1. P&G Marketing Graduate Scheme 2026
Location: Weybridge, Surrey
Salary: Competitive (typically £33,000–£36,000 + benefits)
Applications: Open annually (usually autumn)
P&G’s Marketing Graduate Scheme remains one of the most prestigious routes into brand management in the UK. From day one, graduates take on real responsibility, working on globally recognised brands such as Ariel, Gillette, and Oral-B.
You’ll be involved in developing marketing strategies, analysing consumer data, and creating campaigns that directly impact sales performance. P&G is known for its strong internal training culture, offering coaching, leadership development, and long-term career progression.
This scheme is ideal for graduates with strong communication skills, commercial awareness, and a genuine interest in consumer behaviour and branding.
2. M&S Enterprise Graduate Scheme
Location: London
Salary: Around £32,000
Scheme length: 18 months – 3 years
Applications: Typically open in autumn
Marks & Spencer’s Enterprise Graduate Scheme offers a broad introduction to marketing within a major UK retailer. Graduates rotate through multiple six-month placements across areas such as digital marketing, commercial strategy, brand campaigns, and customer insight.
You’ll work on high-profile projects, from seasonal marketing campaigns to improving online customer journeys on M&S.com. The scheme is well-suited to analytical, commercially minded graduates who enjoy problem-solving and working in fast-paced retail environments.
3. L’Oréal Marketing Management Trainee Scheme 2026
Location: London (Hammersmith)
Salary: Around £33,000
Scheme length: 12 months
Applications: Open annually
L’Oréal’s Marketing Management Trainee Scheme offers graduates a deep dive into the world of beauty, luxury, and FMCG marketing. Participants usually complete two to three rotations across brand management, product launches, and digital marketing.
Graduates work closely with commercial and creative teams to bring new products to market, manage campaigns, and analyse performance in competitive global markets. The programme suits confident, creative graduates who thrive under pressure and enjoy working in trend-driven industries.
4. Mondelēz International Sales & Marketing Graduate Scheme 2021
Location: UK-wide
Salary: Competitive
Applications: Ongoing / rolling
Mondelēz International — home to brands like Cadbury, Oreo, and Toblerone — offers a highly regarded Sales & Marketing Graduate Scheme. Graduates rotate through placements lasting up to 12 months, gaining experience in brand strategy, customer relationships, and commercial planning.
The scheme focuses heavily on developing business acumen and leadership skills, making it a strong option for graduates interested in combining marketing creativity with commercial decision-making.
5. Amazon Business Development Graduate Programme
Location: London or Manchester
Salary: Competitive (often £35,000+)
Applications: Ongoing
Amazon’s Business Development Graduate Programme is ideal for graduates interested in marketing within the digital and e-commerce space. While not a traditional marketing scheme, it offers strong exposure to brand growth, data-driven marketing decisions, and customer-centric strategy.
Graduates work with external partners and internal teams to support product launches, optimise performance, and deliver marketing insights. Strong analytical skills, adaptability, and commercial awareness are key for success on this programme.
6. Johnson & Johnson International Recruitment and Development Programme
Location: UK & Europe
Salary: Competitive
Scheme length: 2 years
Applications: Ongoing
Johnson & Johnson’s International Recruitment and Development Programme offers graduates the chance to build a career within a global healthcare organisation. While roles span marketing, sales, and supply chain, marketing-focused graduates gain experience in healthcare branding, product strategy, and market access.
The programme is best suited to graduates with a strong academic background, strategic mindset, and interest in healthcare or life sciences, particularly those seeking international exposure.
Marketing graduate schemes in 2026 are more data-driven, digital-focused, and commercially integrated than ever before. Whether you’re interested in brand management, digital marketing, e-commerce, or strategic marketing roles, these schemes offer structured training and real responsibility early in your career.
Most schemes open between September and November, so final-year students should start researching and preparing applications early — especially for competitive programmes like P&G, L’Oréal, and M&S.