FAQ

Here are a range of questions that we are often asked whilst at Careers Fairs.
Please contact us if you have any more questions.

• What is DESG and how does it fit into MoD?

  The Defence Engineering and Science Group (DESG) is the community of thousands of engineers and scientists within the Ministry of Defence. We are not military personnel but work in support of the defence of the UK through our engineering and scientific contribution.

• Which degree disciplines do you accept?

  The degree disciplines we accept vary between recruitment campaigns but centre on the mainstream engineering disciplines and a limited number of science disciplines. All degrees must be accredited by a UK institution licensed by the Engineering Council (UK) or the UK Science Council. You can check current UK engineering degrees at the Engineering Council (UK) web site.

• Are degrees accepted from non-UK universities?

  Degrees from non-UK universities must be recognised as equivalent by the relevant UK institution through an international agreement or accord. If in doubt please consult the relevant UK professional institution.

• How many graduates do you recruit each year?

  Last year we recruited over 120 engineering and science graduates.

• How long does the recruitment process last?

  For the Graduate Scheme we aim to complete the recruitment process within 12 weeks from initial campaign advert to provisional offers being made. Offers are subject to security clearance procedures which can delay final offers.

• Is there an age limit to apply for the Graduate Scheme?

  There is no age limit for entry to the Graduate Scheme, but, it is designed for graduates with little or no work experience in engineering and science and may not benefit those who have significant previous experience.

• Where am I likely to be working?

  Most graduates are based in Bristol, Andover, Wyton or London. Work placements during the graduate scheme, however, can be located anywhere in the UK or overseas. At the end of the graduate scheme, most graduates take up permanent appointments in the above areas, but there are also openings across the UK including Rosyth, Clyde, Barrow-in-Furness, Newcastle, Plymouth and Portsmouth.

• When can I change jobs?

  Your first professional appointment, after successfully completing the Graduate Scheme will have a minimum tour period (typically two years) after which you can apply for a wide range of internal vacancies (within MoD, Dstl and wider government) either at your existing grade or on promotion.

• When can I obtain Professional Registration?

  Assuming no previous experience, you should be ready to apply for Incorporated or Chartered status within four to five years of joining the DESG Graduate Scheme. The time required, however, may vary between Institutions.

• Will I receive any re-location allowances?

  We do not offer re-location allowances to new employees starting at their first permanent place of work. You will, however, be entitled to claim travel and subsistence allowances for any subsequent duty away from your permanent place of work. You may, however, be entitled to re-location allowances if you move your permanent place of work on completion of the graduate scheme.

• How much leave will I get?

  You will get 25 days annual leave, rising to 30 days after 5 years service, plus 10 days of privilege and public holidays a year. Flexible working hours also allows you to accumulate up to two days leave in each monthly period.

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