Applications for this job open on 1 Sep 2026
Make your maths skills count for more.
Are you a maths undergraduate or graduate looking for an exciting first step in your career? Or are you already 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 upcoming opportunities in our Maths and Cryptography teams, from permanent roles through to two-week insight programmes and nine-week internships.
Our Maths and Cryptography teams solve an incredible range of interesting problems every day. 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.
We’re looking for people with mathematical skills to join across three different pathways. If you’re graduating in a mathematical discipline by September 2027, we’ll soon be recruiting for permanent roles where you’ll work across a range of areas and receive plenty of support as you become a maths and cryptography specialist.
We also offer a two-week Maths and Cryptography Insight Programme specifically for women undergraduates and for undergraduates from ethnic minority backgrounds, as these groups are currently underrepresented in our teams. You’ll do a mix of theory and practical learning as you discover what career pathways could be open to you. And, there’s our Maths and Cryptography Internship; a nine-week programme where you’ll work alongside our teams and get involved in real projects while getting an idea for what a role with us could look like once you graduate. So, wherever you’re at in your degree, there’s an opportunity for you get involved.
Curious? You can now find out more about what’s on offer. And if you’re from an ethnic minority background, or a woman from any ethnic background, you’ll have the opportunity to register* for our upcoming information events. Register your interest in the events by following the link below.
*Please note that we’re confining registrations of interest to the above groups only, due to their current under-representation in our workforce.
Any individuals who register their interest and who decide subsequently to apply for any of our maths and cryptography opportunities will need to complete an application form once the window for applications has opened.
Once the application window has opened, we will welcome applications from all candidates*, regardless of their ethnic background, gender, disability and/or any other characteristic(s). All applications will be assessed solely on merit.
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 diversity and inclusion.
*Dependent on the specific eligibility requirements for each opportunity.
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. See our website for full eligibility details.
Register your interest here:
