Overview
Attendance payment: students will receive a weekly attendance payment of £350 per week. Accommodation will be funded by GCHQ. Receipted travel cost requests to support attendance will be refunded for travel to the Insights Programme, and at the end of your time with us (up to a total of £250).
Dates, duration and hours
Dates of Insight Programmes: this year, two two-week programmes are running. One for people from ethnic minority backgrounds and one for people who identify as women. Those identifying as women from an ethnic minority background may apply for either programme.
* Monday 29th June to Friday 10th July 2026: Our programme for people from ethnic minority backgrounds.
* Monday 13th July to Friday 24th July 2026: Our programme for people who identify as women.
Hours of Insight Programme: 9.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday. The programme is in person in Cheltenham. Remote or home working is not available. Applicants must be able to attend this two-week taught course in person (those who can't make one or two days should still be able to participate).
About the programme
The Maths and Cryptography Insight Programme represents one of the many things that GCHQ is doing to increase diversity within our organisation. It is designed for people from ethnic minority backgrounds and those who identify as women, who are currently under-represented in our teams. The programme introduces you to GCHQ and its mathematicians, covers topics on different forms of cryptography and how they are used in practice, and includes challenges to apply the knowledge both as a team and individually. It complements degree studies and provides an opportunity to explore future with us, including internships and maths and cryptography careers.
Eligibility and selection
This opportunity is open to people from an ethnic minority background, or those identifying as women (from any ethnic background). You’ll have an 'A' in A-level maths (or equivalent) and be in the first year or above of an undergraduate mathematics degree, or a degree where mathematics is the main component (for example, Maths with Philosophy or Maths with Physics). We will assess your mathematical aptitude as part of the application process, and look for a real interest in the subject and willingness to learn new things.
About GCHQ and equal opportunities
At GCHQ, we unlock the complex world of data and communications to keep the UK and its citizens safe. We work with our British Intelligence partners in MI5 and MI6 to protect the UK from threats including serious organised crime, terrorism, and cyber-attacks. We are proud of our inclusive and supportive working environment. The Maths and Cryptography Insight Programme will help you understand our ways of working and develop your skills through training from expert partners and world-class subject matter experts. It is a unique opportunity to learn where a career with us could take you and to explore full-time roles depending on your degree progress.
Equal Opportunities: At GCHQ, diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission. We welcome applications from those who are eligible and from groups under-represented in our workforce such as women, people from ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and those from low socio-economic backgrounds. We are Disability Confident and have achieved Leader status within the DWP Disability Confident scheme.
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