Cyber Insights Summer School
GCHQ is the United Kingdom's intelligence, security and cyber agency, working to identify, analyse and disrupt threats to the UK.
About Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ)
A UK public body whose statutory function includes foreign-focused signals intelligence. GCHQ uses technical capabilities, analysis and online effects across counter-terrorism, cyber security, serious and organised crime, strategic advantage and support to defence. It has publicly described responsible AI use in its national-security mission.
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 in Lancashire. You will build practical cyber security skills through structured teaching, workshops, exercises and experimentation. You will learn network fundamentals, malware analysis, penetration testing, ethical hacking, forensics, programming and computer networking.
Requirements
- Have a basic understanding of a programming language such as Python, C or JavaScript
- Demonstrate an 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
- Commit to the full 10-week programme
- Be 18 before 28 June 2027 if successful
- Usually have resided in the UK for 4 of the last 5 years
Responsibilities
- Attend the 10-week classroom-based summer school
- Develop offensive and defensive cyber security skills
- Complete practical exercises, workshops and experimentation
- Build knowledge of network fundamentals, malware analysis, penetration testing, ethical hacking and forensics
- Develop programming and computer networking skills
Benefits
- Funded accommodation with an ensuite room and shared kitchen facilities
- Refunded travel costs to attend the summer school, up to £200
- Organised social activities
- Training, coaching and mentoring
- Pastoral care support
Hiring Process
Initial online application and pre-screening questions → online Situational Judgement Test → full application form → application form sift → virtual interview.