Maths and Cryptography Graduates

Prospects; Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

GCHQ invites maths graduates or students to join a permanent Maths and Cryptography programme in Cheltenham. You’ll be trained to apply mathematical skills to critical problems that help protect the UK, with mentoring as you develop into a specialist.

You’ll work across cryptography, cyber security, data science and mathematical modelling in multi‑disciplinary teams, with diverse backgrounds and strong support from colleagues.

Qualifications

• By September 2027, you’ll have or expect to obtain at least a 2:2 undergraduate degree in a mathematical discipline.
• You could also be working in a maths-based role and looking for a change in career.
• To be eligible, you must be a British Citizen and have resided in the UK for seven of the last ten years.

Responsibilities

• Apply your maths skills to critical problems that help protect the UK.
• Work across cryptography, cyber security, data science and mathematical modelling in multi-skilled teams.
• Receive expert training and mentoring as you develop into a specialist.

Skills

Mathematics

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Teamwork

Education

2:2 undergraduate degree in a mathematical discipline

Mathematics/computer science/physics related degree

Job description

Make your maths skills count for more. Are you a maths student or graduate looking for an exciting first step in your career? Or are you in a mathematical role and ready for a change? Do you have a passion for maths and a love of learning? Are you curious about how your skills could help GCHQ protect the UK? We’ve got a variety of opportunities in our Maths and Cryptography teams, including these permanent opportunities. As one of the UK’s Intelligence Services, at GCHQ we unlock the complex world of communications to keep our nation safe. What we do is unique and ever-changing – and it’s driven by the amazing work of our Mathematics and Cryptography teams. Our mathematicians and cryptography specialists are at the cutting edge of everything from cyber security to mobile communications. They help solve an incredible range of interesting problems every day. The work they do is fascinating, rewarding, and impactful. And you could be part of it.

The opportunity

In this role, you’ll be trained to apply your maths skills to critical problems that help protect the UK. You’ll work across areas like cryptography, cyber security, data science, and mathematical modelling, supported by mentoring as you develop into a specialist. Collaborating in multi-skilled teams, you’ll tackle diverse challenges.

In a typical day you might:

• evaluate an existing theorem or develop a new one
• use cutting-edge technology to deliver world-class input on vital security projects
• study or design a new cryptographic protocol
• complete projects which influence key decisions made by government agencies.

With expert training and development opportunities, you’ll be working as a specialist in no time, producing innovative and one-of-a-kind work which has meaningful purpose.

We’re now open for applications. So, if you’re curious, why not take a look at the full details?

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 everyone, 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 commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion on our website.

By September 2027, you’ll have or expect to obtain at least a 2:2 undergraduate degree (or equivalent qualification) in a mathematical discipline, including (but not limited to) mathematics, computer science, statistics or physics. You could also be working in a maths-based role at present and looking for a change in career. If you aren’t a recent graduate, you’ll still need a 2:2 degree in a mathematical discipline, plus you’ll need to have been working recently in a role where maths is the main component. With a love of problem solving and the ability to easily adapt to new circumstances, you’ll be motivated by the challenge of learning new things at a fast pace, while being supported by your colleagues and mentors to do so.

It’s also great if you have an interest in technology, or experience in programming – but this isn’t essential, and we’ll train you in everything you need to know.

To be eligible to apply, you must be a British Citizen. If you hold dual nationality, of which one component is British, you will nonetheless be considered. Candidates must normally have been resident in the UK for seven out of the last ten years. This is particularly important if you were born outside the UK. You can apply at the age of 17 years, if successful you will not be offered a start date prior to your 18th birthday. See our website for full eligibility details.

GCHQ is an intelligence, cyber and security agency with a mission to keep the UK safe. We use cutting-edge technology, ingenuity and partnerships to identify, analyse and disrupt threats. Working with our intelligence partners MI5 and MI6, we protect the UK from terrorism, cyber-attacks and espionage. At GCHQ you’ll do varied and fascinating work in a supportive and inclusive environment that puts the emphasis on teamwork.

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 — including different identities, backgrounds, lived experiences and ways of thinking. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone, particularly those currently under represented in our workforce, such as ethnic minority candidates, women, people with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions, and those from lower socio economic backgrounds. Find out more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion.