Cyber Insights Summer School
GCHQ (Government Communications Headquarters) is the United Kingdom's intelligence, security and cyber agency.
About GCHQ
A UK government executive agency responsible for foreign-focused signals intelligence and cyber security work. It operates the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), which provides public-facing cyber-security guidance, tools, frameworks and incident-response services.
Skills
Candidate Availability
Required and preferred rules are kept separate and reflect the wording in the original posting.
About the Role
You will attend a 10-week, classroom-based summer school and develop offensive and defensive cyber security skills. You will take part in lectures, workshops, practical exercises, experimentation, and group activities. You will build knowledge of programming, computer networking, network fundamentals, malware analysis, penetration testing, ethical hacking, and forensics.
Requirements
- Have a basic understanding of a programming language such as Python, C or JavaScript
- Demonstrate interest in cyber-focused areas such as online security or networking
- Study a STEM subject, or a joint honours degree including a STEM subject, at university
- Graduate between summer 2028 and summer 2030
- Be a British citizen or hold dual nationality including British citizenship
- Be able to commit to the full programme period
- Be 18 before 28 June 2027 if successful
- Usually have been resident in the UK for 4 of the last 5 years
Responsibilities
- Attend the 10-week classroom-based summer school in Lancashire
- Develop offensive and defensive cyber security skills
- Complete practical exercises, experimentation, lectures and workshops
- Build programming and computer networking knowledge
- Develop knowledge of network fundamentals, malware analysis, penetration testing, ethical hacking and forensics
Benefits
- Weekly attendance payment of £300
- Free accommodation with an ensuite room and shared kitchen facilities
- Refunded travel costs for travel to and from the summer school, up to £200
- Organised social activities
- Pastoral care support
Hiring Process
Initial online application and pre-screening questions → online Situational Judgement Test → full application form → application-form sift → virtual interview.