Summer Placements
Our summer placements give you a unique chance to get to grips with your area of interest and develop your professional and personal skills. Your travel and accommodation will be covered where possible, and for many schemes you’ll also be paid. So, you’ll earn money whilst earning lots of valuable experience.
Roles & responsibilities
Summer Intelligence Internship
On this ten-week internship, you’ll immerse yourself in the work of one of our intelligence mission teams. You don’t need a technical background; your passion for puzzles and interest in new technologies will be welcomed and encouraged by friendly, supportive colleagues. This isn’t just work shadowing. With access to genuine case studies and briefings by various Operational Intelligence teams, you’ll be treated like a member of our organisation and expected to get involved with real projects. And after your internship, you will be eligible to apply for a permanent role. If you’re in your final (or penultimate) year of university (as of the 2023/24 academic year) and from a Black, Asian or ethnic minority background, and from a socially or economically disadvantaged background, this is your opportunity to discover if a career in intelligence is right for you. We’ll even cover your accommodation - all you need to bring is your fresh perspective.
Maths and Cryptography Internship
In just nine weeks, you’ll stretch and develop your maths research skills and work alongside our experts on problems that have genuine practical importance. You’ll have the chance to do everything from investigating cryptographic algorithms and assessing application and protocol security, to developing mathematical techniques and analysing data sets.
Interested in applying for the Internship? Why not practice your skills by taking on our sample Internship questions. It’s a great way to help you prepare and put your problem-solving skills to the test. You can view the sample questions here.
Maths and Cryptography Insight Programme
This two-week training programme is for maths students from under-represented groups in our maths community, currently women and those from ethnic minority backgrounds. You'll gain an insight into the nature of GCHQ’s work. You’ll be introduced to a mix of technical content we use in maths and cryptography roles at GCHQ, as well as meeting current mathematicians and learning skills that are useful in the world of work.
Cyber Insights Summer School
With lectures, workshops and practical learning opportunities, you’ll get real insights into how we use innovative technologies. And you’ll be supported the whole time. If you show us real passion and dedication, we might offer you another summer placement - or even a job. On this ten-week course, you’ll also receive £300 per week and free accommodation.
Student Scheme for Technologists
This scheme gives you the opportunity to build your technical skills and meet other like-minded students. Our roles span a range of areas, including research, engineering and computer network operations. You’ll take on university-delivered classroom and lab education, along with technical training and real projects.
Summer Language Talent Programme
Our skilled Language Analysts will help you make the most of your Mandarin, Persian or Turkish language skills. You’ll get to experience some of the technical and analytical tools we use and get stuck into our projects. With plenty of support, you’ll draft intelligence reports, translate foreign language material and deliver briefs.