Welcome to your Cyber Security course

Welcome to Staffordshire University London (SUL)! With over 60 years of experience in delivering computing courses, our highly qualified and enthusiastic staff, who possess both academic and professional qualifications, are here to provide you with an excellent education. Located in the digital growth area of the capital, SUL-Computing offers a rewarding learning experience that will set you on the path to a successful and fulfilling career. Get ready for an incredible adventure at SUL-Computing!

Your staff team

We want to make sure you know some of our team before you arrive. Hopefully this will help you recognise us and ensure you know who you can contact if you need any additional help and guidance.

Dr Vahid Heydari Fami Tafreshi

Course Director - Computer Science

Vahid is a passionate researcher and course director specialising in Computing courses at the London campus. He leads the BSc and MSc Cyber Security courses, focusing on Internet Protocols, Architectures, Cybersecurity, and IoT Security.

Vahid's profile

Dr Maryam Shahpasand

Senior Lecturer

Maryam is a lecturer with over 15 years of intensive experience in cyber security teaching and research, professional training, security consultation, forensics investigation, malware analysis, penetration testing, and incident handling.

Dr Viraj Dawarka

Lecturer

Viraj is a lecturer in computer science/cyber security as well as an active researcher in cloud robotics. His main area of interest is towards the energy efficiency of cloud robotics using educational robots.

Dr Mahsa Zolfaghari

Lecturer

Mahsa is a lecturer in Computer Science and Cyber Security. Her research interests are Systems Design enhancements by Artificial Intelligence (AI), NET ZERO Technologies’ applications and IoT.

Dr Russell Campion

Head Of Department - Computing & Esports

Russell started at the University in 1990, studying a BA, then MRes, and finally a PhD before going into full-time teaching. He currently runs the Department of Computing. Previously he has managed the Information Systems group at Stafford befor…

Russell's profile

Course delivery

We have learned a lot in the past years and recognised that the best student learning experience is when we are all together and working towards our individual and collective goals. Therefore, for 2024/25, we are planning for a more enriched and enhanced learning experience where all students will have a minimum of 3 days per week on campus for their teaching sessions, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities.

Semester one activities

During first semester of undergraduate, students will study 3 modules as below:

  • 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.

  • Algorithms and Programming Concepts

In this module, you will begin an exciting journey of discovery that will lay the programming foundation for both your academic and professional career. You will focus on designing and developing programs in Python. On the way, you will also learn about algorithms, data structures, analysing problems, modelling solutions, and testing programs.

  • Networks and Communications

In studying this module, you will learn about the fundamental concepts e.g. OSI/TCP suit, TCP and UDP communications, IP addressing, Ethernet, wireless networks, switching, routing, network design, documentation, management and troubleshooting. Upon successful completion of the module, you should become a skilled user who is able to design a network efficiently, can configure network devices e.g. switches, routers etc., can manage and troubleshoot network issues.

While the second semester of undergraduate, students will study 3 modules as below:

  • Software Development

This module covers programming fundamentals like classes, objects, UML design, inheritance, polymorphism, and REST API data handling in JSON. It includes interface topics such as web standards, HTML/CSS design, and event-driven programming, and emphasizes skills like testing, debugging, and application deployment. Practical tasks reinforce learning, while employability skills like personal development, CV building, and career planning are integrated. Assessments focus on software and web app projects, ensuring proficiency in problem-solving, interface design, and testing.

  • Data and Distribution System

This module focuses on distributed computing and data management, covering topics such as database design, data modelling, SQL languages (e.g., SQLplus), and security considerations in databases and cloud infrastructure. Assessments include creating database artefacts and management-style reports based on real-world scenarios. Learning outcomes emphasize analysing database solutions for distributed data, understanding database concepts, legal data requirements, and options for data storage and processing. Teaching methods integrate theory with practical examples and independent study resources like case studies and academic papers.

  • Cloud and Cyber

This module covers a broad range of topics including security, cloud networking, databases, and cybersecurity frameworks. Students will learn about elastic computing, storage options, and monitoring techniques. Practical case studies involve planning and implementing secure cloud solutions and conducting digital forensic investigations. Learning outcomes focus on understanding cloud fundamentals, designing secure cloud-based solutions, mastering cybersecurity concepts, and performing cybercrime investigations using forensic tools. Teaching methods integrate theory with practical examples and provide resources for independent study, ensuring students build comprehensive knowledge and skills in these critical areas.

Pre-learning

Before starting your journey with us, students are advised to take a look at the module descriptors to know the nature of the modules.

Please feel free to watch other introductory videos, Ted Talks and YouTube are a good starting place. Please do not worry if you understand everything, that is what we are going to help you with. We suggest:

Web Development and Operating Systems:

Our library services offer some excellent guides to help you with your studies and workshops sessions can be booked for individual support. Please look at these additional resources that may be of use during your studies:

https://libguides.staffs.ac.uk/study-skills

Equipment and software

A suitable laptop preferably Windows OS, ideally Intel i7 or equivalent with a minimum of 16GB RAM memory is needed. Alternatively, a MAC or Linux based machine, warning: the new MACs (M1 based) are not recommended at present due to virtualisation issues.

Download software

Trips and activities

We are really excited to invite you to join in on a fun activity during Welcome Week. We want you to get to know other students from different courses as well as your cohort and academic staffs. Please make sure you attend all Welcome Week activities as this is very important for your orientation to the course before you embark on this academic journey with us. by attending the welcome week, you will have the chance to ask any question you have before you start the actual learning.

Please make sure you have a professional LinkedIn page before joining us and start following our updates and our student’s success stories updates from us on https://www.linkedin.com/company/sulcomputing/

Groups and societies

Have a look at our student union’s website and see if there are any clubs and/or societies that will interest you for welcome week. https://www.staffsunion.com/

Clubs and societies are a great way to meet new people and make lasting friendships.

For 2024/25 we will be encouraging the London student cohorts to establish some more societies and we will be speaking to you about this during Welcome Week.

Opportunity to get world accredited industry certificates during your study

Mobile Forensic, Cyber Security and Networking (all embedded in your modules and no need for any extra training)

Academic skills

Whether you're joining us from school or college, or you're returning to education after some time away, everyone can benefit from the Academic Study Skills resources provided by the University library.

The Academic Skills team is here to support you throughout your academic journey and to help you gain the skills you need to reach your full potential. They can assist with academic reading and writing skills, give advice on how best to plan assignments, and help improve your time management.

The library's Academic Skills Guides offer the key information to make studying easier and give a comprehensive guide to the learning resources and services we offer.

Staffs CampusConnect

Staffs CampusConnect is our student-led community app for new students. Connect with other people from your course, hometown or country, and even those with similar interests.

To register, please ensure you use your Applicant ID (Student Number) that you received in your offer letter, and the email address you used in your application to us.

Register for CampusConnect

Welcome website

Our welcome website will provide you the link to your new student life. It's all about how you find your place at university, including everything from how to meet friends, feel confident in doing your academic work, being a member of your Student Union and getting involved in Union Societies, Academic Societies, Sports, Volunteering or representing your peers in your School.

Part of this Welcome Week - we have an exciting program of University and course level activities planned for you for your first week in September. We are also building an extended program for you to join a series of events throughout the first half of the autumn term. Further details will be shared with you via the Welcome website and Students' Union pages over the coming weeks.

Welcome website

Campus map

Use our campus map to familiarise yourself with our campus before you arrive.

Campus map (PDF)

Check your email

Please make sure you check your personal email account regularly over the next few weeks. We will be sending you lots of information about Welcome Week.

in the UK for Quality Education

Sustainable Development Goal 4, Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Social Inclusion

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

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

Research Excellence Framework 2021

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

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021