Maths and Cryptography Insight Programme

The Maths and Cryptography Insights Programme represents one of the many things that GCHQ is doing to increase diversity within our organisation. People from ethnic minority backgrounds and those who identify as women are currently under-represented in our teams. We'd therefore like to encourage people from these backgrounds who might not necessarily see GCHQ as a potential employer, to join us for our two-week summer programme and see what life with us is really like.

This year we're running two programmes. Both programmes run for two weeks, 9.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday. Both programmes will have an introductory session at the provided accommodation on the Sunday evening before the programme begins.

During the programme, we'll introduce you to GCHQ and you'll meet our mathematicians to learn about the work they do. We'll cover topics on different forms of cryptography and how they're used in practice (including symmetric and asymmetric cryptography, hashing, digital signatures, networks and historical cryptography). Once you've learnt the theory, we'll ask you to apply this knowledge to a series of challenges, both as a team and independently.

What you'll learn about maths and cryptography will complement your degree studies and you'll also be able explore your future with us, from our internships to our maths and cryptography careers.

This opportunity is open to people from an ethnic minority background, or those identifying as women.

You have an 'A' in A-level Maths (or equivalent) and you're in the first year or above of an undergraduate Maths degree, or a degree where Maths is the main component (for example, Maths with Philosophy or Maths with Physics). We'll assess your mathematical aptitude as part of the application process, and we'll be looking for a real interest in the subject. We also want to see that you're willing to learn new things.

At GCHQ, we unlock the complex world of data and communications to keep the UK and its citizens safe, both in the real world and online. Working closely with our British Intelligence partners in MI5 and MI6, we protect the UK from threats including serious organised crime, terrorism, and cyber-attacks. A role in GCHQ means you'll have varied and fascinating work in a supportive and encouraging environment that puts the emphasis on teamwork., At GCHQ, we're proud of our inclusive and supportive working environment. As an organisation that values and nurtures talent, we're committed to helping you succeed.

The Maths and Cryptography Insights Programme will help you understand our ways of working. You'll gain skills and experience through training from our expert partners and world-class subject matter experts. We'll also develop your skills around writing job applications, and preparing for interviews and presentations.

This is a unique opportunity to learn where a career with us could take you, and explore our full-time roles (depending on where you are in relation to completing your degree).

Equal Opportunities

At GCHQ, diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission. To protect the UK, we need a truly diverse workforce that reflects the society we serve. This includes diversity in every sense of the word: those with different backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, ways of thinking and those with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions. We therefore welcome and encourage applications from those who are eligible for this opportunity, including those from groups that are under-represented in our workforce such as women, those from an ethnic minority background, people with disabilities and those from low socio-economic backgrounds.

Find out more about our culture, working environment and diversity on our website.

We're Disability Confident

GCHQ are proud to have achieved Leader status within the DWP's Disability Confident scheme. This is aimed at encouraging employers to think differently about disability and take action to improve how they recruit, retain and develop disabled people. Being Disability Confident, we aim to offer a person-to-person interview to any candidate who self-identifies as disabled. This is our 'Offer of Interview' (OOI)., To work at GCHQ, you need to be a British citizen or hold dual British nationality. You can read our full eligibility criteria here.

This role requires security clearance. It's something everyone in the UK Intelligence Community undertakes. You can find out more about the vetting process here.

Please note we have a strict drugs policy, so once you start your application, you can't take any recreational drugs and you'll need to declare your previous drug usage at the relevant stage.

Before you submit, we advise you to consider setting up a separate email address for your contact with us, to ensure your personal and application correspondence remain separate. Try to avoid having identifying features in your email address, such as your first and/or surname and date of birth. This is good practice and will help you to manage your application with us more discretely.

The role is based in Gloucestershire. Accommodation will be arranged for you and funded by GCHQ.

Please note, you should only launch your application from within the UK. If you are based overseas, you should wait until you visit the UK to launch an application. Submitting from outside the UK will impact on our ability to progress your application. You should not discuss your application, other than with your partner or a close family member.

£350 p.w. for the 2 weeks + travel expenses up to £250 total, Receipted travel cost requests to support your attendance will be refunded for travel to the Insights Programme, and at the end of your time with us (up to a total of £250).

Salary: Students will receive a weekly attendance payment of £350 per week. Your accommodation will be funded by GCHQ.

Flexibility: Applicants must be able to attend this two-week taught course. (Those who can't make one or two days should still be able to participate.)