We're the Government Communications Headquarters – GCHQ. We're a world-leading intelligence, cyber and security agency that unlocks the complex world of data and communications to keep the UK and its citizens safe, both in the real world and online. Through the ingenuity of our people, we combat cyber-attacks, espionage and terrorism.
So, everyone who works here, works towards that goal. But we always do it together, supporting each other every step of the way and learning as we go. We also work closely with our British Intelligence partners, MI5 and MI6. It means you'll have one of the most interesting careers around.
We run a range of graduate entry points, from Languages and Intelligence Data Analysts to Software Engineering, Business Enablers and Project Management. With training and development opportunities for every role, including opportunities to acquire industry-recognised qualifications, you'll always be learning valuable new skills while protecting your country. We run regular recruitment campaigns for a range of technology and engineering roles as well as many others. Why not sign up for job alerts to hear about the latest opportunities.
Here at GCHQ, you'll have a unique career with endless possibilities. We work in a collaborative atmosphere, which helps us solve unusual problems in creative ways. In fact, your ideas will push boundaries and keep us a step ahead of ever-evolving threats.
From a variety of employee networks, (LGBTQ+, Women in Tech, ethnic minority and disabled staff), to excellent training and flexible work patterns, such as part time, compressed hours and job shares, we offer a work environment where you can balance life with work and be yourself.
In short, ingenuity, attention to detail, good communication and problem-solving skills. However, beyond that, we don't recruit a particular ‘type' of person.
Our unique work relies on people with unique perspectives, so we welcome applications from everyone – regardless of age, experience, cultural background or sexual orientation. As Disability Confident Leaders, we want you to feel supported throughout the recruitment process, so we offer reasonable adjustments to ensure those with disabilities, long-term health or neurodivergent conditions can perform at their best. We're also committed to ensuring a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a role will be offered an interview.
To be eligible to apply, you must be a British Citizen or hold dual British nationality. Candidates must normally have been resident in the UK for seven out of the last ten years. You can apply at the age of 17 years, if successful you will not be offered a start date prior to your 18th birthday. For full eligibility details, please visit our website.
Join us, and you'll find there's huge scope to develop both personally and professionally. Many of our roles are totally unique and, from day one, you'll have access to tailored training to bring you up to speed. We not only offer extensive learning and development for your role, but also encourage you to explore new opportunities both within GCHQ and with external partners, supported by appropriate training. That means you can build a long, rewarding and varied career. From a personal development plan, mentors and work placements to links with academia, industry and professional partners, we'll give you all the opportunities you need to succeed.
Are you a student or graduate with proficient language skills in Russian*? Interested in a paid internship where you can use your skills to piece intelligence together, be valued for your insights, and get a behind-the-scenes look at how vital linguists are to our work at GCHQ? Then look no further.
Introducing the Language Talent Programme, an 11-week paid internship within our Language Specialist teams. As an aspiring linguist at GCHQ, you'll engage in meaningful projects, learn exciting new skills, and discover if a career as a Language Specialist is the right for you.
*In addition to the current Russian programme at GCHQ in Cheltenham, Manchester or Scarborough, there may also be future opportunities in London for MI5 on the programme in both Russian and Arabic, as well as Arabic in Cheltenham. Final details will be confirmed prior to our recruitment campaign launching in August 2025. We encourage you to register your interest if you have proficient language abilities in Arabic and Russian and wish to complete the programme in Cheltenham, Manchester, Scarborough or London.
GCHQ is an intelligence, cyber, and security agency with a mission to keep the UK safe. We use cutting-edge technology, ingenuity, and partnerships to identify, analyse and disrupt threats. Working with our intelligence partners MI5 and MI6, we protect the UK from terrorism, cyber-attacks and espionage. At GCHQ, you'll do varied and fascinating work in a supportive and inclusive environment that puts the emphasis on teamwork.
On our Language Talent Programme, you'll discover that being a linguist at GCHQ is about more than just translation. You'll analyse foreign language written materials, listen to audio recordings, and provide input using your cultural knowledge. By doing so, you'll play a key role in mission-critical work, supported by our Language Specialists, who'll guide you every step of the way.
Once the programme finishes, you'll have the opportunity to apply for a permanent role with us. With our support, you can build an incredibly exciting career, with opportunities to work across the UK's Intelligence Services.
The registration of interest is now open for this campaign and our upcoming information event on 9 July 2025. By registering your interest, you'll receive a job alert when the campaign goes live in August 2025. The Language programme starts in September 2026.
To apply, you must be in the final year of your undergraduate degree or have graduated in Summer 2022 or later. If you're not a heritage speaker of Russian or Arabic, your degree must be in one of these languages.
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. Candidates must normally have been resident in the UK for seven out of the last ten years. This is particularly important if you were born outside the UK. You can apply at the age of 17 years; if successful, you will not be offered a start date prior to your 18th birthday. Full eligibility details can be found on our websites.
Any
Location: Cheltenham Manchester Scarborough
Salary: £6,505 - £7,255 dependent on location, for the 11-week programme.
Contract, dates and working times: Fixed term Full-time
Please note: Registering your interest does not constitute a job application, nor will such registration have any bearing upon the recruitment process itself. Individuals who register their interest and later decide to apply for the Language Specialist role will need to complete an application form once the application window opens in August 2025.
Click Apply to start your application now. This job will be available on Prospects until 7 July 2025
Don't forget to mention Prospects to employers when you contact them.
Closing date: 7 July 2025
Job posted: Jun 23, 2025
Expiration date: Jun 23, 2026