FAQs
Here you'll find answers to frequently asked questions about our Graduate Programme. Whether you're wondering about which offices offer apprenticeships, Right to Work requirements, or specific application details, we've got you covered.
If you don't find the information you're looking for, don't hesitate to contact us at studentcareers@jamescowper.co.uk for further assistance.
We currently offer training roles in all our offices apart from London.
Our London office is a smaller location that houses some of our more specialist teams. As such, it’s not set up to support students or provide the full training experience required for your professional qualification.
We currently offer Business Tax Internships in our Reading, Oxford, and Southampton offices.
At James Cowper Kreston, our Non-Graduate programmes are all delivered as structured apprenticeships:
- AAT as Level 3 & 4
- ATT as Level 4
For our Graduate programmes, changes to Level 7 apprenticeships from 1 January 2026 will mean that whether you can complete your training under an apprenticeship will depend on your individual circumstances. Regardless of your route though, at James Cowper Kreston we are fully committed to:
- Funding your professional qualification in full
- Providing consistent technical and skills training
- Ensuring equal support and development opportunities for all students - apprentices and non-apprentices alike
To be eligible for our student programmes, you must have a confirmed Right to Work in the UK for the entire duration of your training programme.
Our programmes last for a minimum of three years, so for the 2026 student intake, you must have the Right to Work in the UK until at least December 2029. If, however, you are applying for the ACA/CTA Joint Programme, which has a longer training period, you must have the Right to Work until December 2030. Unfortunately, if your current Right to Work status expires before these dates, we are unable to consider your application.
Please note we are unable to offer visa sponsorship.
Yes, we do accept Master’s students on to our Graduate programme. However, due to the changes to Level 7 apprenticeships from 1 January 2026, you will not be able to complete your professional qualification under an apprenticeship. We may still be able to support you with your qualification though so please do still apply and we can consider your specific circumstances.
For roles in our Audit & Assurance team, having a full UK driving licence and access to a car is a mandatory requirement. This is essential due to the need to travel regularly to our other offices and also client sites, many of which may not be easily accessible by public transport.
For other service lines, being able to drive is strongly preferred. During your training, you will be required to visit our other offices, client locations, or third-party venues, and the ability to travel independently will support your development and flexibility in the role.
We want to get a well-rounded view of you, so please include any information you feel is relevant to your application. In particular, we would like to see:
- Your predicted or achieved A-level (or equivalent) subjects and grades
- Your GCSE grades, including Maths and English Language
- Details of any work experience, whether accountancy related or not
- Your extra-curricular interests and achievements, to help us get to know you beyond your academic and professional background
No, you don’t need to submit a covering letter as part of your application.