Application deadline
Varies by function - please visit
for details.
Starting salary
Circa £25,000 + benefits
No. of graduate positions
Circa 75
No. of internship positions
Due to the security restrictions of
GCHQ we are limited in what we can
offer, but we will have a sponsorships/
placements scheme which will be
open for applications in the autumn
of 2011. For further details see
the ‘Sponsorships' page at
First year usually based location
99% of our graduates are recruited
to work at our HQ in Cheltenham,
Gloucestershire; we also occasionally
have opportunities at our Scarborough
and Bude sites.
Head office location
GCHQ's purpose built headquarters are
located on the outskirts of Cheltenham,
Gloucestershire (in the heart of the
Cotswolds).
Disciplines accepted
Many disciplines are considered but
we have specific roles for STEM
related subjects - Science, Technology,
Engineering and Mathematics –
particularly those with a focus on
Internet technologies, as well as
Information Science and Languages.
Most opportunities will require either a
2:1 or 2:2. Please check our website for
detailed entry requirements.
In all cases it is important that
individuals also have other key skills
(for example, problem-solving,
team working ability and good
communications).
University events list
Please check with your university
careers service for details of events, or
visit the ‘Events' section of our website.
How to apply
Graduate enquiries email address:
More about us
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. We also host the
UK 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 technical sponsorships/placements,
with applications accepted in the autumn
of each year. 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.
What are our graduate opportunities?
Want the chance to tackle global issues
like hacking or terrorism, and earn a
competitive salary at the same time? If
so, take a look at our world of work. We
recruit graduates from various disciplines
into a huge range of operational functions:
• IT
• Engineering
• Cyber Security
• Information Assurance
• Network Defence
• Mathematics
• Research and Development
• Languages
• Information Science
GCHQ recruits all year round so please visit
our website for details and closing dates.
Our Culture
Our work might be secret, but that doesn't
mean we work in silence or alone! One thing
that strikes new starters - apart from the
interesting work and range of career pathways
- is how friendly and helpful everyone is.
We want you to do well, and that means
supporting you fully with training and
development opportunities. We're an
established ‘Investor in People', and all
of our people have access to an individual
Continuous Personal Development plan,
and support - where applicable – for further
study. This means the skills and professional
qualifications you gain will be industry
standard and transferable.
Our application process
Application to GCHQ is online only, via
our website. To apply you must be a British
citizen (further details about our nationality
and residency requirements can be found
on our website). The sensitive nature of our
work means the application process can take
a little longer than normal (due to security
vetting). However, we encourage people
to apply during their final year, as we will
conduct our background enquiries whilst
individuals complete their studies. A variety
of assessment tools are used, depending
on the nature of the vacancy (for example,
psychometric tests, telephone interviews,
group exercises, presentations, assessment
days and panel interviews). Individuals will
be assessed against a competency system
and be expected to provide evidence of their
accomplishments and achievements.
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