+MASTERS
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+MASTERS
The Code First Girls +Masters is a four-week intensive course that will provide learners with additional skills and knowledge across DevOps & Cloud, Data for Business, Cyber Security, AI & Machine Learning or Java.
CFGDEGREE +MASTERS
The +Masters is intended as an extension for recent grads of our CFGdegree, to help prepare candidates for more specialised job roles with our partner companies.
INTERNAL UPSKILLING OR CANDIDATE ATTRACTION
The +Masters is also an option for companies wanting to upskill internally or attract women and non-binaries in tech to more bespoke roles inside their businesses.
+MASTERS CERTIFICATION
Candidates who successfully pass the +Masters will receive a certification recognising their learning achievement and specialisation.
+MASTERS COURSE
TIMINGS & STRUCTURE
The +Masters courses will be timed to commence approximately one week after each CFGDegree cohort finishes. This will usually be in June, September, and November.
COURSE LENGTH
Each course runs for four weeks and, like our CFGdegree, it will run four nights per week (Monday – Thursday) between 6.30pm and 8.30pm.
VIRTUAL OR IN-PERSON?
Currently, all of our courses are virtual, however, we do like to celebrate with a little (optional) graduation ceremony at the end for our CFGdegree and +Masters grads!
WHAT IS THE COURSE STRUCTURE?
Aside from the lessons and virtual learning over the four weeks, learners will also need to pass a final assessment to receive their certification.
DEVOPS & CLOUD (DEPLOYMENT)
The skills you will learn in our DevOps & Cloud (Deployment) +Masters will allow you to continue on your software engineering career pathway, with roles including DevOps Engineer, Site Reliability Engineer, Cloud Engineer, and more!
- AWS, Azure & Google Cloud fundamentals
- Security and compliance
- Using Docker and containers
- Kubernetes and deployments
- Overview of Terraform
DEVOPS & CLOUD +MASTERS
COURSE STRUCTURE
- WEEK 1: Working with Cloud Platforms
- WEEK 2: Using Docker
- WEEK 3: Intro to Kubernetes & Pipelines
- WEEK 4: Tying it all together
Data for Business
The skills you will learn in our Data for Business +Masters will allow you to explore a wide variety of roles across tech such as a Business Analyst, Data Business Analyst, Quantitative Analyst and more!
- Data collection methods with Excel
- Data analytics & explanatory statistics
- Data visualisation with Python
- Data report and professional presentations building
- Data project maintenance
Data for Business +MASTERS
COURSE STRUCTURE
- WEEK 1: Data Analytics, Quality and Ethics
- WEEK 2: Data Analytics & Explanatory Statistics
- WEEK 3: Data Visualisation
- WEEK 4: Data Management and Project Maintenance
CYBER SECURITY
The skills you will learn in our Cyber Security +Masters will allow you to explore a wide variety of roles across tech such as a Computer Forensic Analyst, Security Engineer, IT Security Specialist and more!
- Network security
- Product Physical & environmental security
- Encryption techniques
- Ethical hacking techniques and practice
- Software reverse engineering
CYBER SECURITY +MASTERS
COURSE STRUCTURE
- WEEK 1: Introduction to Cybersecurity and Network Scanning
- WEEK 2: Web Application Security and Vulnerability Scanning
- WEEK 3: Wireless Network Security and Network Attacks
- WEEK 4: OWASP Juice Shop and Web Application Security Testing
JAVA
The skills you will learn in our Java +Masters will allow you to explore various roles across tech such as Java Software Developer, Java Developer, Java Software Engineer, Backend Developer (Java), Java Test Engineer and more!
- Object-oriented programming
- RESTful services with Spring
- Test-driven development
- Microservices
- Cloud Development
Java +MASTERS
COURSE STRUCTURE
- WEEK 1: Intro to Java Programming
- WEEK 2: Spring Framework and APIs
- WEEK 3: Development, Testing and Code Quality
- WEEK 4: Microservices and Deployment
*NEW*
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
The skills you will learn in our AI & ML +Masters will allow you to explore various roles across tech such as AI Engineer, ML Engineer, AI Designer, Big Data Engineer and more!
- Statistics, core data science concepts and models
- PyTorch
- Apache Airflow
- Churn modelling
- Kubernetes & Kuberflow
AI & MACHINE LEARNING +MASTERS
COURSE STRUCTURE
- WEEK 1: AI & Machine Learning Foundations
- WEEK 2: AI Implementation
- WEEK 3: Application
- WEEK 4: Advanced AI/Machine Learning
+MASTERS: ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA & DATES
All CFGdegree graduates will be eligible for four-week extension +Masters courses, giving candidates an even deeper level of learning across DevOps & the Cloud, Java, or Data for Business and Cyber Security specialisations.
To take part in the +Masters, you will need to apply for a role at a company that is sponsoring both CFGdegree +Masters learning.
As companies will be sponsoring candidates through this learning, it will be completely free for successful CFG applicants with some great job opportunities attached!
SPRING 2025 COHORT
DATES: 19 MAY - 12 JUNE
4-week extension to the Spring CFGdegree
Four nights/week (Monday - Thursday)
APPLICATIONS ARE CLOSED
SUMMER 2025 COHORT
DATES: 8 SEPTEMBER - 7 OCTOBER
4-week extension to the Summer CFGdegree Four nights/week (Monday - Thursday)
APPLICATIONS OPEN JANUARY
AUTUMN 2023 COHORT
DATES: 8 JANUARY - 1 FEBRUARY
4-week extension to the Autumn CFGdegree Four nights/week (Monday - Thursday)
APPLICATIONS OPEN MAY
CONNECTING CODERS TO COMPANIES:
+MASTERS OPPORTUNITIES
UK OPPORTUNITIES:
AUTUMN 2025
+Masters Autumn 2025 applications are now open. Applications will close Friday 20th June, however may close earlier due to popular demand.
Please read all the application requirements in full before applying and apply for one opportunity only. For more help understanding the opportunities listed, please check here!
- ROLE/S: Education only
- STREAM/S: (Software or Data) Engineering
- +MASTERS: Cyber Security & Vulnerability Research
- LOCATION/S: All UK
GCHQ is sponsoring education-only places on the (Software or Data) Engineering CFGdegree, plus Cyber Security & Vulnerability Research +Masters to help more women upskill and start their journey into tech.
- TOP THREE REASONS TO APPLY:
- Free 26-week education sponsored by GCHQ
- Plus, become a specialist in Cyber security
- Opportunity to apply for permanent roles at GCHQ
GCHQ is partnering with Code First Girls for the Autumn 2025 CFGdegree to offer education-only places on the (Software or Data) Engineering CFGdegree, followed by the Cyber Security and Vulnerability Research +Masters.
Please note: This opportunity is not linked to a direct role, but upon completion of the (Software or Data) Engineering CFGdegree, Cyber Security +Masters and Vulnerability Research specialisation, there may be opportunities to apply for a permanent role within GCHQ, where you will enjoy the following benefits:
- 25 Days Annual Leave automatically rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service, and an additional 10.5 days public and privilege holidays
- Flexible working patterns
- Opportunities to be recognised through our employee performance scheme
- Interest-free season ticket loan
- Excellent pension scheme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Facilities such as a gym, restaurant and on-site coffee bars (at some locations)
- Paid parental and adoption leave.
- Opportunities for remote/hybrid working (dependent on role)
…to name just a few!
Candidates will need to apply for a CFGdegree space, followed by +Masters.
- Minimum of 2 GCSES or equivalent
- Commitment to completing full 26 weeks of training
If candidates go on to apply for a permanent opportunity at GCHQ:
- Disclosure and barring security check. More info HERE.
- British nationality only
GCHQ are the Government Communications Headquarters.
At GCHQ, we unlock the complex world of data and communications to keep the UK and its citizens safe, both in the real world and online.
Tasked by the UK government, we are a world-leading intelligence, cyber and security agency.
Working closely with Government partners, we protect the UK from threats including serious organised crime, terrorism, and cyber-attacks.
A role in GCHQ means you’ll have varied and fascinating work in a supportive and encouraging environment that puts the emphasis on teamwork
We’re really proud of our purpose – and our people. Join us to be a part of it all.
To find out more about GCHQ and our recruitment opportunities, click HERE.
Please note: only apply for ONE CFGdegree role. We will capture other preferences in your form. Candidates will need to apply for the CFGdegree in addition to the +Masters.
- ROLE/S: Education Only
- STREAM/S: (Software or Data) Engineering OR Data Science
- +MASTERS: Cyber Security
- LOCATION/S: All UK
Dstl is sponsoring education-only places on the (Software or Data) Engineering and Data Science CFGdegree Autumn 2025, followed by the +Masters in Cyber Security, to support you on your tech career and explore the exciting world of cyber defence!
- TOP THREE REASONS TO APPLY:
- Opportunity to apply to recruitment campaigns when live
- Free education to kickstart your career in tech
- Mentorship to support with group projects and create support network
Dstl is partnering with Code First Girls for the Autumn 2025 CFGdegree and +Masters to give more women and non-binary people the chance to break into tech and create the tech career they want.
Candidates will need to apply for a CFGdegree space, followed by +Masters.
Candidates will be eligible to apply for future roles with Dstl and also encouraged to actively seek employment in the technology industry with coaching and interview opportunities from Code First Girls.
- This is an education and mentorship opportunity
- Dstl or Code First Girls cannot extend or sponsor any visas
- Candidates must be of UK nationality
- Candiates will need to apply for a CFGdegree space, followed by +Masters
Do you have an inquisitive mind?
Do you like to understand how something works?
Are you interested in using your skills on classified projects you can’t see anywhere else?
Can you work in a team of world-class scientists and engineers?
Then join Dstl!*
Who are Dstl?
The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) is the science, technology and engineering arm of the UK’s Ministry of Defence. Dstl has set out a bold new vision as the government agency that provides the science inside UK defence and security.
To make this a reality, we are looking for motivated individuals who are inquisitive and have a desire to understand how technology and systems fundamentally operate, who can bring their developing technical experience into play to ensure that Dstl can meet the constantly evolving challenges of the digital age.
At Dstl, we harness science and technology to protect our nation and aims to attract the best talent. We recognise the importance of diversity and inclusion as people from diverse backgrounds bring fresh ideas. We are committed to building an inclusive working environment in which each employee fulfils their potential and maximises their contribution.
We are taking positive action to actively encourage under-represented people. We particularly welcome female and ethnic minority applicants and those from the LGBTQI community, as they are under-represented within Dstl.
It’s not the stuff that we can say that makes this an exciting opportunity….it’s the stuff we can’t – we offer hands-on work like no other, with unique capabilities, facilities and colleagues
We are looking for someone who has:
A passion for engineering and technology, and who is looking for more than just a job – a career. You will work on a variety of interesting and challenging problems that owing to their sensitivity cannot be done elsewhere, and you will be driven by a desire to ensure that the United Kingdom’s armed forces have the best information and equipment possible.
In addition to your technical skills, you will develop an ability to think systematically, logically and creatively. You will have curiosity to understand how things work and why they perform as they do, and you will be able to communicate effectively at all levels with customers and stakeholders.
*Please note: this opportunity is not linked to a job role with Dstl
Please note: only apply for ONE +Masters place. We will capture other preferences in your form.
- ROLE/S: Full Stack Engineer, Data Analyst
- STREAM/S: Full-stack OR Data Science
- +MASTERS: Java OR Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- LOCATION/S: London
- START DATE: January 2026
We’re excited to be partnering to So Energy to offer places on the Autumn 2025 CFGdegree in either Full-stack or Data Science, followed by places on the +Masters, leading to exciting roles at their London office.
- TOP THREE REASONS TO APPLY:
- Fantastic career and professional development opportunities
- Employee resources groups
- Work for the fasting-growing 100% renewable energy supplier in the UK
Be sponsored by So Energy on the Autumn 2025 CFGdegree and join their team as either a Full Stack Engineer or Data Analyst at their London location!
Candidates will embark on either the Full-Stack CFGdegree, followed by the Java +Masters, or Data Sciene CFGdegree followed by the Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning +Masters.
Do your values align with So Energy’s? Are you looking to start your career in tech at a company that is clear, honest, ambitious, inquisitive, caring and sustainable? This is the perfect opportunity for you!
Full-Stack Engineer
Work closely with the Customer Operations team to provide practical workarounds and new features to improve systems. You’ll have the opportunity to take ownership and proactively look for improvements, proposing new implementations.
For more info view the full job description HERE.
Data Analyst
As part of the Data team, you’ll play a key role in turning data into actionable insights to improve business performance. The perfect opportunity for someone looking to apply their newly acquired skills in SQL, data analysis and reporting.
For more info view the full job description HERE.
- Mandatory DBS check required
So Energy is a dynamic and customer-centric renewable energy company that has been revolutionising the way people think about their energy supply.
Founded with a commitment to making energy simple, transparent, and affordable, So Energy has rapidly emerged as a trusted and innovative player in the energy industry.
Check out just some of the perks of working at So Energy:
- Learning and Development – Personal budget to support your development
- Smart Working Charter – Hybrid working
- Technology – Everything you need to work from home
- Empowering you to be your most authentic self
- Annual Performance bonus
- 25 Holiday Days + bank holidays
- 1 Birthday day – it only happens once a year!
- Mental Healthcare – Unlimited qualified therapy-based support, champions network and app through Unmind
- Employee resources groups – we currently have a women’s, LGBTQIA+ and Sustainability group; could you lead the set-up of our next one?
- Paid sick leave – We aren’t robots
- Enhanced Family Leave
Please note: only apply for ONE CFGdegree role. We will capture other preferences in your form.
INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES:
AUTUMN 2025
We do not currently have any international opportunities open for our +Masters Autumn 2025 cohort.
To be the first to hear about new opportunities, register your interest and we’ll notify you when applications open for our next cohort.
+MASTERS
FAQS
The Code First Girls +Masters is a four-week intensive course that helps students extend their career pathways by studying specialised modules in DevOps & Cloud, Cyber Security, Mobile App Development or Data for Business.
The +Masters courses will be timed to commence approximately one week after each CFGdegree cohort finishes. Each course runs for four weeks and, like our CFGdegree, it will run four nights per week (Monday – Thursday) between 6.30 pm and 8.30 pm.
Aside from the lessons and virtual learning over the four weeks, learners will also need to pass a final assessment to receive their certification.
The eligibility criteria for the +Masters is similar to all of our classes/courses being that you need to be aged 18+ and be a woman or non-binary person.
To take part in the +Masters, you will need to apply for a role at a company that is sponsoring both CFGdegree +Masters learning.
Other questions? Visit our knowledge base for more information.