Maths and Cryptography Insight Programme
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 two-week, classroom-based maths and cryptography programme in Cheltenham. You will learn about symmetric and asymmetric cryptography, hashing, digital signatures, networks and historical cryptography, then apply your knowledge to challenges independently and with others.
Requirements
- Be from an ethnic minority background or be a woman
- Have an A in A-level mathematics or equivalent
- Be in the first year or above of an undergraduate mathematics degree or a degree with mathematics as the main component
- Demonstrate mathematical aptitude and interest in mathematics
- Be willing to learn new things
- Be a British citizen or hold dual British nationality
- Attend the two-week course in person
Responsibilities
- Learn cryptography theory and practical applications
- Apply cryptography knowledge to technical challenges independently and in teams
- Meet mathematicians and learn about their work
- Develop job application, interview and presentation skills
Benefits
- Funded accommodation
- Travel-cost reimbursement up to £250
Hiring Process
Initial online application and pre-screening questions → full online application → application sift → online technical-problem test → conditional offer of a programme place.