Welcome to your Cyber Security course

Welcome to Cyber Security course at University of Staffordshire! We are thrilled to have you join us and excited for all that you will learn.

You are joining us in the Department of Computing within the School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation, and Business. With over 50 years of experience in delivering computing degree courses, our enthusiastic and highly qualified staff bring a wealth of academic and professional expertise, along with commercial and research backgrounds.

We are dedicated to helping you learn and achieve an excellent education, paving the way for a successful and rewarding future career.

Course delivery

  • Your lectures will be delivered live on campus (may be recorded), practical tutorial sessions will also be live on campus.
  • All learning materials will be hosted on our Virtual Learning Environment (Blackboard).
  • Tutorial (practical sessions) are normally maximum capacity of 25. Lectures can be up to 150 students in the lecture theatre.

Semester one activities

In the first few weeks, we will begin delivering the technical content of your course and assist you in building strong relationships with both staff and fellow students. We will also support you in resolving any issues and help you transition smoothly into higher education, adapting to the various learning methods. Our goal is to guide you towards becoming an autonomous, self-motivated learner.

The modules in your first year will consist of:

  • Algorithms and Programming Concepts
    Embark on an exciting journey that lays the programming foundation for your academic and professional career. This module focuses on designing and developing programs in Python. Along the way, you will learn about algorithms, data structures, problem analysis, solution modeling, and program testing.
  • Cloud and Cyber
    Computing infrastructure and the data which is stored upon this is essential to businesses from the smallest through to global enterprises. In this module we will be looking at how corporations have adapted to this changing landscape with the increased reliance on the data which is stored. We will look at the transition which is taking place of moving corporate data and infrastructure to a Cloud based environment and ensuring that this meets the requirements of local legalisation and locally defined security requirements. This module will make use of the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Academic Learning environment to allow students to build confidence in Cloud computing and cyber security. 
  • Software Development and Application Modelling
    In this module, you will begin an exciting journey of discovery that will lay the programming foundation for your professional career. You will focus on writing programs in Python using the procedural programming paradigm before beginning to explore the Object-Oriented paradigm using C# as the programming language. You will also learn about analysing problems, modelling solutions, and testing programs.
  • Computer Architecture and Operating Systems Design
    This module explores the different areas of technology within computing and identifies core elements within the field to make an informed choice for purchasing, designing, and developing systems. In addition to these core skills you will consolidate your understanding of an operating system and will be able to commission and program typically Windows and Unix derivative OS as used within your chosen field. Considering Operating Systems outside of traditional x86 computing is also a key skill for fundamental computing decision making.
  • Data and Distributed Systems
    Relational databases are extremely common in the IT industry. This module will teach students how to manage a relational database and will provide and discuss issues relating to the management and control of replicated and distributed databases. This module will take both a theoretical and practical focus with assessment requiring you to work on two case studies to explore problems and identify solutions.
  • Networks and Communication
    In studying this module, you will explore fundamental concepts such as OSI/TCP suite, TCP and UDP communications, IP addressing, Ethernet, wireless networks, switching, routing, network design, documentation, management and troubleshooting. Upon successful completion you will become proficient in designing efficiently networks, configuring devices like switches and routers, and managing and troubleshooting network issues.
  • Software Development
    In this module, you will continue your journey to build your software development skills by learning more about programming in languages such as Java, as well as designing and developing web applications with HTML, CSS and JavaScript. You will also look at how APIs are created and how they can be consumed by web applications. As part of the whole process, you will create and follow a test-and-deploy strategy to ensure the quality of your application.

Foundation year semester one activities

When you arrive, you will be starting four modules which will run through the year.

  • Communications and Cyber
    This module will prepare students to understand communications principles and implement a small network using industry grade equipment. Once this is completed you will be able to define the term Cybersecurity, identify attacks and threat attackers allowing you to understand data privacy and how to protect the user and organisation. This module will contain Theory and Practical implementations ensuring you have a well-rounded knowledge.
  • Computer Systems and Data
    This module will prepare students to create a solution using computer systems and basic data required to enable a start-up business to research and access its computing needs, which will provide a service to a local community. The business can be any reasonable enterprise that a high street shop would have. The module develops and uses problem solving throughout so that students explore problems and create sound solutions to them.
  • Individual Project
    Working in Teams on Projects is what so much of computing is about, this module will give you the opportunity to develop your team working skills. You will explore some of the theories about teams and group work and importantly use them to inform your behaviour whilst working on a group project. You will identify an organisation or opportunity to base your work around and produce a prototype application to support their activity. Groups will be made up of students with interests in many areas of computing so the chance to draw on each others interests will enhance the potential solutions to the organisations you work with. Finally you will reflect on the successes and challenges of working in groups with an increased toolset for future collaborative activity.
  • Programming and Artificial Intelligence
    You will learn about problem-solving in the context of programming on this module, and how to analyse a problem and produce a basic application. The module will introduce programming to help you implement a solution with different interfaces. You will also be introduced to areas of artificial intelligence (AI), using voice assistants as an example.
  • Study Skills and Data Analytics 1
    This module is designed to help you to develop study and research skills. You will learn about research which will lead you to creating a Literature Review. You will find out about different approaches to research and develop the skills so you can analyse and select from these to apply in your own studies. The module will look to develop your knowledge of referencing and aid you in building sound academic writing skills. Part of the assessment will get you to write a report where you will put your research and analysis skills in practice in relation to gathering data and representing this in the best way for others such as businesses to use.
  • Study Skills And Data Analytics 2
    This module is designed to help you to develop both academically and as a professional practitioner using digital technologies. You will be encouraged and supported in the creation of a portfolio of tasks to facilitate the development of key academic and professional skills alongside the development of digital skills at the levels required for your course. The module also identifies and explores ethical, legal, communication, and other non-technical factors that contribute to the success (or failure) of the development of digital systems in a professional environment. As part of the module you will consider your future career and perform a skills audit in order to produce a detailed personal development plan.

You will be supported by your award leader and module tutors. You will also have an academic mentor to help you.

Pre-learning

To prepare for your core modules, it would be beneficial to review the following videos:

Feel free to explore other introductory videos on platforms like TED Talks and YouTube. Don't worry if you don't understand everything right away; we're here to help you.

Our library services offer excellent guides and workshop sessions for individual support. Check out these additional resources that may be useful during your studies:

For Foundation Year students:

Stay updated with the latest ideas and innovations in digital technologies by reading news articles. Consider how technology supports daily processes and how data is collected and stored.

Here are some useful resources:

Equipment and software

Software

The software requirements will vary based on the individual modules you are studying. The University provides software at no extra cost to all students, which you can access from our University Software Portal.

Hardware

All of our labs are equipped with powerful computers, and additional computers are available in various areas for student use.

For personal hardware, we recommend a laptop with at least an i5 processor (or equivalent) and at least 16GB of RAM to ensure you can complete specific assignments. Using Linux or Apple-based laptops is perfectly fine, but please note that not all software has a compatible version for macOS. This is particularly true for some freeware utilities that might be used in your modules.

Download software

Trips and activities

There may be an opportunity for us to run a number of visits, these will be optional and communicated out to you closer to the time.

Our goal is to offer you a diverse range of opportunities to engage in research and attend industry guest talks. Although these talks are not mandatory components of your coursework, they provide valuable insights into the latest developments in computing. By participating in these events, you can stay up-to-date with the cutting-edge trends in the industry and expand your knowledge and expertise.

Groups and societies

While studying with us, we encourage you to engage with at least one of our numerous clubs or societies. Joining a club or society offers you the chance to meet and connect with like-minded peers, enriching your student life and experience.

For more information on the types of clubs and societies available here at University of Staffordshire please visit our Students Union website.

Meet the team

Christopher Howard

Course Director

Chris is a networking professional with over 30 years’ experience in the technical and academic field. He is currently the course director for Cyber Security and Networks.

Christopher's profile

Dr Mohammad Hasan

Senior Lecturer

Mohammad is a Senior lecturer who is involved in PG research, MSc course management, PG and UG teaching. He is the course leader for MSc Computer Science and has experience in Erasmus project management.

Mohammad's profile

Tomasz Bosakowski

Senior Lecturer

Tomasz has obtained his MSc in Computer Engineering and is currently close to completing his PhD degree. He currently lectures in Computer Networks and Security at Staffordshire University. Tomasz is also a member of the university's Cisco teach…

Tomasz's profile

Professor Elhadj Benkhelifa

Professor Of Computer Science

Elhadj is passionate academic and researcher with almost 20 years of experience and demonstrable leadership skills at an international level.

Elhadj's profile

Dr Ange ALY

Senior Lecturer

Dr Ange Aly is leading the MSc cyber security award as well as an active researcher in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Her main area of interest is the application of Physics-informed Machine Learning to Forensic and Cyber Security.

Ange's profile

Dr Mostafa Tajdini

Senior Lecturer

Mostafa is Course Leader for BSc (Hons) Cyber Security course at Staffordshire University as well an active researcher in Cyber and Network Security. His main area of the interest is Intrusion Detection/Prevention System in IPv6 and Phishing Attack.

Mostafa's profile

Dr Carolin Bauer

Senior Lecturer

Carolin has been working for Staffordshire University for a number of years in her capacity as a senior lecturer. She is currently the Course Leader for the MSc Software Engineering course.

Carolin's profile

Dr Justin Champion

Senior Lecturer

Justin has worked for the University for a number of years as a Senior Lecturer in Networking. He is a member of the university's CISCO teaching team and has a wide set of experiences within this field, and has mostly specialised in the area of…

Justin's profile

What to expect on Welcome Week

We're so excited for you to join us on campus and to welcome you to where you matter. During your welcome week you'll be able to meet our friendly student services teams, connect with new friends, join societies, explore on-campus venues attend club nights and much more.

We are here to help you learn, please ask questions and seek advice as and when needed so that we can make your studies with us fun and lead on to a fantastic career.

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025

for Social Inclusion

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026

for First Generation Students

The Mail University Guide 2026

in the UK for Games Education

Rookies Games Design and Development 2023, 2025 & TIGA Best Games Intuition 2024, 2025

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021