Maths and Cryptography Internship

Prospects; Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 56,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accommodation near GCHQ

Stipend for the internship

Job summary

GCHQ in Cheltenham offers a nine-week Maths and Cryptography Internship for current undergraduates. You will work on real operational projects, learning from technical experts and applying maths and cryptography skills in security contexts.

The internship runs from 21 June to 20 August 2027, full-time (37 hours/week). Office-based with a £5,528 stipend and accommodation options near GCHQ.

Qualifications

• Current undergraduate studying for a degree in mathematics or related field.
• Minimum two taught years completed by internship start (June 2027).
• British citizenship required; dual nationality allowed if one component is British.

Responsibilities

• Work on real operational projects with technical experts.
• Complete research on multiple technical projects to apply maths/cryptography skills.
• Learn about a potential future role at GCHQ and develop new skills.

Skills

Mathematics

Cryptography

Problem solving

Education

Undergraduate in mathematics or joint honours with math

Job description

If you're currently studying maths at university and considering your future, applications are now open for our nine-week Internship. This is a unique chance to gain hands-on experience and discover where your passion for maths can take you. 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. From evaluating existing theorems and developing new ones, to using cutting-edge technology to contribute to security projects, the work they do is fascinating, rewarding, and impactful. And you could be part of it. The opportunity Over the nine-week Internship, you'll get a unique insight into the work we do, becoming part of our mission as you learn unique ways to apply your maths and cryptography skills. You'll get involved in real operational projects, working alongside, and learning from, technical experts. You'll complete research on multiple technical projects, grow your skills and confidence, and get an idea of what a role with us could look like once you graduate.

Internship dates

The 2027 Maths and Cryptography Internship will run from Monday 21 June until Friday 20 August 2027, full-time (37 hours a week, Monday to Friday). For the first two weeks, you'll need to attend 9am to 5pm, after that, flexitime may be available, subject to agreement and depending on events taking place on certain days. Please note that this is office-based for the duration of the internship - remote or home working is not available.

Attendance payment and benefits

£5,528 over nine weeks (£31,937 pro-rata). Accommodation close to GCHQ can be provided, and the cost paid in arrears from your payment. You'll also have 4.5 paid days off to use throughout the internship.

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.

You'll need to be a current undergraduate studying for your degree (Bachelors, Integrated Masters or equivalent) in mathematics, or a Joint Honours subject with mathematics as the main component. By the beginning of the internship (June 2027), you'll have completed a minimum of two taught years of your degree (or equivalent for part-time courses). Please note that a Scottish foundation year doesn't count towards the minimum two years of study. You'll also be on track to receive a 2:1 by the end of your degree, and you'll have achieved at least an 'A' in A-level maths (or equivalent). We don't require specialisation in any particular areas, but we'll look for evidence of sound mathematical grounding and ability. Previous programming experience is useful but not essential, as training will be provided. You'll also have a love for solving problems and an interest in developing new skills. 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. You can apply at the age of 17 years, if successful you will not be offered a start date prior to your 18th birthday.

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.