Language Talent Programme - Registration of Interest

Language Talent Programme - Registration of Interest

Closing Date - 23:00 on Sunday 26th July 2026

Language Specialists

£6,380 to £7,059 dependent on location for the 11 week programme

Flexible working: this programme is full time and office based for the duration of the 11 weeks, ensuring you get the most out of your time. Full time attendance is hours per week, with specific hourly attendance required for training courses, notified in advance.

About us

GCHQ and MI5 are part of the UK's Intelligence Services. We work together to safeguard Britain's people, interests, and businesses from various threats at home, overseas, and online, including cyber attacks, espionage, terrorism, and organised crime. Working across our vital missions, we deliver impact at the heart of national security within a supportive and inclusive environment that allows everyone to thrive.

About the programme

Language Specialists play a uniquely valuable role translating, interpreting and contextualising foreign language content, providing mission critical insights that influence operations. The Language Talent Programme is an 11 week paid programme providing a pathway to becoming a specialist in Russian or Mandarin on a permanent basis. With dedicated training, support and on the job exposure, it equips you with the skills and experience required to apply and fulfil a full time role with us.

You need not have previous experience or technical ability, but you will have, or be expected to obtain, a 2:2 degree or above in Russian or Mandarin. Applicants should be starting the final year of their degree in Autumn 2026, or have graduated in Summer 2023 or later.

What you will do

• Begin with a three day induction to GCHQ or MI5 and our ways of working
• Gain privileged access to operational intelligence, language tools and a range of audio and written materials which you will analyse, transcribe and translate, supervised by a mentor
• Be embedded within a friendly, welcoming team that shares your love for language
• Develop the skills needed to pass the language test element of the full time role assessment, with the support of an experienced linguist

Around 7 9 weeks in, you will sit your language test and competency interview. If successful, you will move directly into a role as a Language Specialist with either GCHQ or MI5. We ask that you only apply if you can start a full time role immediately after the programme ends.

Location details

The Mandarin programme is available at GCHQ in Cheltenham or Manchester. The Russian programme can be conducted at GCHQ in Manchester or Cheltenham, or MI5 in London. Applicants must live within a commutable distance; a relocation loan is available to support moves to London.

Eligibility

• British citizen or dual British nationality
• Compliance with our no drugs policy from the point of application and undergo Developed Vetting if successful
• Familiarisation with guidance on the use of AI in applications for GCHQ and MI5
• Complete all registration, application and recruitment processes from within the UK

All applications are assessed solely on merit.