Welcome to your Computer Science course - University of Staffordshire

Hi and welcome to Staffordshire University if you are joining us on the start of your postgraduate course, and welcome back if you are continuing in your studies, in the Department of Computing within the School of Digital, Technology, Innovation and Business. We have over 50 years of experience delivering computing degree courses and have launched a brand-new MSc Computer Science course based on the current industry demands from Sep 2024. Our staff are enthusiastic, highly qualified academically and/or professional qualifications with a commercial and/or research background.

We are here to help you learn and gain an excellent education so that you have a successful and rewarding future career.

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 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

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

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

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

Robin Oldham

Course Director

Robin Oldham is Course Director for Computer Science and Digital Apprenticeships at Staffordshire University having worked in Higher Education for 20+ years as a Lecturer, Manager and Technology Professional

Robin's profile

Dr David Dyke

Course Director

David's expertise focuses on control engineering, electrical circuit analysis, analogue electronics and hardware-based digital electronics. His research interests focus on social implications of technology and the use of AI for power systems design.

David'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

Course Delivery

If you are a full-time on campus student, the lectures will be delivered live on campus/streamed, practical tutorial sessions will be live on campus.

For distance learning students the material will be pre-recorded and hosted on our VLE, the tutorial material will also be hosted on our VLE.

Semester one activities

We run 2 taught semesters in every academic year e.g. 2024-2025. Sep is our Sem 1 and Jan is our Sem 2. In Sem 1 i.e. Sep 2024, you will take two core modules which will be Research Methods & Dissertation Proposal and Software Engineering Principles & Practices of 20 credits and an option module of 20 credits.

Pre-course reading

We advise to start looking at research methods, Saunders Research onion is a good start point. If you have been out of education for a while it may be worth looking at academic writing and cite-me-rite referencing.

Our library services offer some excellent guides to help you with your studies and workshops sessions can be booked for individual support. Please take a look at these additional resources that may be of use during your studies: https://libguides.staffs.ac.uk/study-skills

Please have a look at the following items as well.

- Staffordshire University, Stoke Campus - https://www.staffs.ac.uk/student-life/campus-and-facilities/stoke-on-trent
- Plagiarism and Turnitin - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bjnVRVIdJA

Equipment

As a student of Staffordshire University, you get access to various software.

You will need a suitable PC with Windows operating system, Intel Core i5 or equivalent or higher, a minimum of 16GB of Random Access Memory (RAM) and a minimum of 500GB of Solid State Drive (SSD) is recommended to run computing intensive applications e.g. virtual machines, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), data analytics, Digital forensic etc. tools. Alternatively, an equivalent Mac or Linux based computer will be needed.

Warning: the new Macs (M1 based) are not recommended at present due to virtualisation issues.

Download software

Groups and Societies

There are many clubs and societies you can get involved with at university.

Clubs and societies

Welcome Week

We deliver a Welcome Week every semester before teaching starts and deliver several important sessions e.g. course structure, module choices, meet your course leader etc. We also deliver other sessions e.g. Plagiarism, competitions etc. It is very important to attend these sessions so that you understand the requirements e.g. attendance, expectations, assessments etc. for your MSc.

Course hoodies

As a new student you will be eligible for a free hoodie that you can wear to show that you are part of the wider Computing community within the University. We will send out links after your arrival to allow you to log on and state what size hoodie you require.

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.