Maths and Cryptography Insight Programme
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 two-week, classroom-based programme and learn about mathematics and cryptography. You will explore cryptographic concepts, including symmetric and asymmetric cryptography, hashing, digital signatures, networks, and historical cryptography. You will apply what you learn to team and independent challenges.
Requirements
- Be from an ethnic minority background or be a woman
- Hold an A in A-level mathematics or an equivalent qualification
- Be in the first year or above of an undergraduate mathematics degree or a degree with mathematics as its main component
- Demonstrate mathematical aptitude and interest in mathematics
- Be a British citizen or hold dual British nationality
- Pass security clearance
Responsibilities
- Attend the two-week classroom-based programme in person
- Learn cryptography theory and its practical applications
- Apply cryptography knowledge to team and independent challenges
- Meet mathematicians and explore mathematics and cryptography careers
Benefits
- Funded accommodation
- Travel-cost reimbursement of up to £250 for programme attendance
- Reasonable reimbursement of travel costs for in-person recruitment and vetting appointments
Hiring Process
Initial online application and eligibility pre-screening → full online application → application sift → online technical-problem test → conditional offer.
