Although employed by the University, KTP Associates are based in the partner business, to deliver the KTP project. Your KTP could involve anything from creating advanced software for a leading tech firm, creating innovative business strategies for a non-profit, enhancing data analytics for healthcare, designing and introducing new products or better processes, or developing sustainable practices for a manufacturing firm; the projects are diverse, and the opportunities are immense.

Applying for a KTP Associate role is a competitive process. If you reach the interview stage, a competency based interview will take place. Depending on the nature of the role, you may be asked to carry out a presentation as part of the interview process, or complete an unseen technical test or challenge. This will be communicated to you ahead of your interview.

The recruitment process is carried out jointly by University and Company, and we always try to hold the interviews on the business premises.

In general your day-to-day place of work is at the KTP company. You will work to the company’s hours of work and annual leave entitlement. Depending on the project stage and tasks involved there may be periods of time that you will need to access university facilities and equipment to complete various tasks. This will agreed between all partners at the outset of the KTP project.

On average KTP Associates will receive approximately 0.5 day per week supervision and support from the academic team. You are supported, not only by colleagues from within the university and business but also by an independent project officer, who is the Knowledge Transfer Advisor who monitors your project progress on behalf of Innovate UK.

Some roles are open for students who are nearing completion of their studies to apply – please look at the 'Candidate Information' section of the job description to see if this is the case for the roles you are interested in.

Most KTP projects are recruiting a Graduate with at least a 2.1 Honours Degree in the appropriate subject area. Some require less (maybe a 2.2 plus one year's relevant experience or a relevant higher degree) and some may require more (MSc or PhD). The key thing to remember is that each job will have its own requirements.

Upon completing your 2 to 3-year KTP project, you may have the opportunity to remain with the host company as around 70% of Associates are offered full-time employment. Regardless of whether you choose to stay or move on, you will leave with highly credible, commercial project management experience. Your role in delivering innovative and multi-layered solutions will have often made a significant commercial impact, enhancing your professional profile and opening doors for future career opportunities. 

Yes, as you will be employed by Queen’s and contracted to work in the company, international students about to graduate or who have already graduated can apply for KTP roles.