GCHQ graduate jobs

GCHQ careers and training scheme

GCHQ – the Government Communications Headquarters - works in association with MI5 and MI6 to make up the UK's National Intelligence Machinery. Our operations relate to national security matters, the prevention and detection of serious crime and the UK's economic well-being. GCHQ relies on the latest technologies to intercept vital information which is decoded for delivery to branches of the military or government to help inform on foreign policy and affairs. GCHQ also works to protect and secure information on Government IT and communication systems from hackers and other threats. This work is carried out by CESG, a specialist organisation within GCHQ and the National Technical Authority for Information Assurance.

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The Company

GCHQ - the Government Communications Headquarters - works in association with MI5 and MI6 to make up the UK's National Intelligence Machinery. Our operations relate to national security matters, the prevention and detection of serious crime and the UK's economic well-being. GCHQ relies on the latest technologies to intercept vital information which is decoded for delivery to branches of the military or government to help inform on foreign policy and affairs. GCHQ also works to protect and secure information on Government IT and communication systems from hackers and other threats. This work is carried out by CESG, a specialist organisation within GCHQ and the National Technical Authority for Information Assurance.

GCHQ plays a crucial role in cyber security for the UK with expertise concentrated on understanding threats and exploiting opportunities in cyber space. GCHQ also hosts the Cyber Security Operations Centre (CSOC) at our headquarters in Cheltenham.

We offer a wide range of exciting career opportunities for graduates, please see below for details. We also offer two undergraduate placement schemes for technical and mathematics students.

Intelligence work is unique, constantly evolving, extremely challenging, and always interesting. Everyone benefits from a personalised training programme, and we offer a range of benefits including flexible working arrangements.

Applicants must be British citizens.

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Live Jobs

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Training & Profiles

GCHQ accepts graduates into entry-level positions in a number of functions. We currently have vacancies open for application for the following graduate roles:

Software Engineers
To apply you must have, or expect to gain (by the summer of 2012) a 2:1 in a Computer Science, Software Engineering or Information Technology degree, and possess a keen interest in technology with knowledge of a variety of programming languages.
Closing date: 21st November 2011.

Mathematics
To apply, you should have, or expect to obtain by summer 2012, a 1st or 2nd class honours degree in mathematics, statistics, physics or other subject with significant mathematical content. Additional credit will be given for a Master’s degree in a mathematical subject.
Closing date: 28th November 2011.

Cyber Security Specialists
To apply, you will be expected to have, or be studying towards (by the summer of 2012) a minimum 2:1 honours degree in a STEM related subject (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), preferably with a significant IT component.
Closing date: 11th December 2011.

ICT Research
You must be a British citizen and be expected to have, or be studying towards (by the summer of 2012) a minimum 2:1 honours degree in a single or joint subject such as Applied Mathematics, Physics, Electronic Engineering, Computer Science or any other numerate/technical subject. Further A level qualifications are required, please check our website. You’ll need a knowledge of software development and the ability to apply mathematical and/or analytical techniques to problem solving is essential.
Closing date: 11th December 2011.

Applications will also open for our Leadership Development Scheme at the beginning of November 2011, closing on 11th December 2011.

We also have undergraduate placements opportunities:
Sponsored Student Scheme
Summer Undergraduate Maths
Closing date: 13th November 2011.

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Case Studies

Name: Jamie
Role: Cyber Security Specialist

What do you enjoy most about your job?
"For me it’s the freedom to experiment! I use my skills as a developer in order to create tools to aid my own and my team’s analysis work. If I consider I have a good idea then I don’t come up against any resistance about trying it. There is a real drive in the Department for change and innovation, and when you add to that the opportunity to make a difference it adds up to a very satisfying role."

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Information & FAQ

Do you need to be a British citizen to apply?
Due to the nature of our work the answer to this is yes, however for full details please visit the Nationality and Security page on our website: GCHQ careers

What does GCHQ do?
Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) is an intelligence and security organisation. A Civil Service Department, we report to the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs and work closely with the UK's other intelligence agencies (commonly known as MI5 and MI6).

We have two missions: signals intelligence (SIGINT) and Information Assurance.

Our SIGINT work protects the vital interests of the nation: we provide information to support Government decision making in the fields of national security, military operations and law enforcement. The intelligence we provide is at the heart of the struggle against terrorism and also contributes to the detection and prevention of serious crime.

Information Assurance helps keep Government communication and information systems safe from hackers and other threats. We also help those responsible for the UK's critical national infrastructure (power, water, communications etc.) keep their networks safe from interference and disruption.

What’s the difference between GCHQ and MI5 and MI6?
GCHQ (and CESG), as one of the 3 UK Intelligence agencies, is an intelligence and security organisation. All 3 have a remit to protect national security. GCHQ and MI5 both provide support to law enforcement, and GCHQ has a third remit to support military operations overseas. GCHQ differs from MI5 and MI6 in two key ways:

In its role as an intelligence agency, GCHQ collects SIGNALS intelligence (SIGINT) in order to provide intelligence to customers, whereas MI5 and MI6 collect intelligence from human sources (in the UK and overseas respectively)

Our additional mission as a security organisation is to provide information assurance (protecting Government communication and information systems from attack), as well as providing technical advice to a range of UK customers.

Is the working environment secretive?
Our work might be secret, but that doesn’t mean we work in silence or alone! We have a friendly and supportive atmosphere, and our offices are open plan so it’s easy to talk to your colleagues and your managers too. The only secretive bit is the fact that you can't take work home or even talk about it outside the offices. So when you step out of GCHQ it's officially your own time.

What provisions do you have for people with disabilities?
All GCHQ facilities have excellent disabled access, and we’ll also make other reasonable adjustments to the workplace where needed. We even have a Disability Contact Officer Network, and an award-winning Dyslexia and Dyspraxia Toolkit to help staff with different "thinking" styles overcome difficulties at work.

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