Welcome to your Computer Science course

Welcome to Staffordshire University London (SUL)! With over 50 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 Mohammad Heydari Fami Tafreshi

Lecturer

Mohammad is a lecturer in Cyber Security, leading the L7 Research Methods and MSc Dissertation modules. His expertise spans applications of AI and ML in Cyber Security, with key publications in IEEE, Elsevier, and Springer.

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 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 Dhuha Al-Shaikhli

Lecturer

Dhuha is a Computer Science lecturer at Staffordshire University London (SUL). Her research interest is in learning management systems and computer education.

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.

Course delivery

For the academic year 2024/25, we have designed a more enriched and enhanced learning environment that promotes collaboration and supports individual and collective goals. To achieve this, all students will be required to attend a maximum of three days per week for on-campus teaching sessions, including lectures and tutorials. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to participate in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities. Rest assured, we will strictly adhere to all regulations and guidelines to prioritize the safety and well-being of everyone on campus.

Our dedicated course tutors will be readily available to provide comprehensive support throughout your academic journey. Furthermore, we encourage you to make use of our Academic Skills team, who offer valuable assistance in various areas, including:

Study skills: Enhancing your abilities in reading, note-taking, and presentation skills.
Written English: Refining your grasp of punctuation, grammar, and overall language proficiency.

Academic writing: Assisting you in developing effective academic writing skills, including proper referencing techniques.

Research skills: Equipping you with the necessary tools and techniques to conduct successful research.

We are committed to creating a conducive learning environment where students can thrive academically and personally (Industry guest speakers, Career and technology Expo visits, National/international hackathon and competitions) . By availing yourself of the resources and support available, you will have the opportunity to maximize your learning potential and excel in your studies.

You can find all more at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sulcomputing

Semester one activities

September

  1. Research Methods & Project Management, COMP70026
  2. Software Engineering Principles and Practices COMP70066 or Web and Mobile App Development COMP70070
  3. Cloud Computing COMP70034 or Virtualisation and Infrastructure COMP70068

January

  1. Digital Forensics COMP70041 or Penetration Testing & Ethical Hacking COMP70057
  2. Machine Learning in Cyber, COMP70049 or Data Analytics, COMP70037
  3. Managing Emerging Technologies COMP70051 or Enterprise Systems COSE71204

Dissertation COMP70045

Pre-learning

Before starting your journey with us, students are advised to take a look at the following links to have a knowledge of Network concept, Windows and Linux OS:

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/administration/windows-commands/windows-commands

https://devblogs.microsoft.com/commandline/

https://ubuntu.com/tutorials/command-line-for-beginners#1-overview

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

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIhvC56v63IJVXv0GJcl9vO5Z6znCVb1P

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mffL36IGh4&t=339s

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 i5 or equivalent with a minimum of 16GB 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're thrilled to invite you to an exciting and engaging Welcome Week, packed with informative, fun, group, and individual activities! This is your chance to connect with fellow students from various courses, get to know your cohort, and meet our amazing academic staff.

To make this week even more special, we'll be wrapping it up with course briefings, semester plans, industry guest speakers, and a Big Day Out. Our team will do their best to ensure it's an unforgettable experience at the beginning of your study. Details will be sent to you once you've completed your enrolment.

Make sure to attend all Welcome Week activities – they're crucial for your smooth orientation and a fantastic start to your academic journey with us. We can't wait to see you there and embark on this exciting new chapter together!

Groups and societies

As you begin this exciting new chapter with us, we encourage you to dive into the vibrant community here at our university. A fantastic way to start is by exploring the myriad of clubs and societies we have on offer. Check out our student union’s website to find the perfect fit for you: The Students' Union - Staffordshire University (staffsunion.com)

Joining clubs and societies is not only a great way to pursue your passions and interests but also an incredible opportunity to meet new people and forge lasting friendships. Whether you are interested in sports, arts, or technology, a wide range of opportunities awaits you.

This year, we are particularly excited to support our London student cohorts in establishing even more societies. We'll be discussing how you can get involved and make a difference during Welcome Week. Get ready to make the most of your university experience, build connections, and create unforgettable memories.

Worldwide accredited industry certificates during your study

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

https://www.msab.com/course/xry-certification/ (Fundamental and intermediate)

https://cellebrite.com/en/training

https://www.netacad.com/careers/pathways-and-certifications

https://www.eccouncil.org/ (CEH, CHFI)

Industry recognition:

https://techskills.org/news/72/industry-recognition-for-staffordshire-university-computing-courses

Global Connections:

https://www.staffs.ac.uk/student-life/global-connections

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

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