Welcome to your Computing 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, Technologies and Arts. We have over 50 years of experience delivering computing degree courses and 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

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

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

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 Rakan Aldmour

Senior Lecturer

Rakan is a Senior Lecturer and Course Leader for MSc Business Computing. He teaches Enterprise Systems, Project and Change Management, Managing Emerging Technologies, Research methods and other modules. Rakan also supervises PhD and MSc students.

Rakan'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

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

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.

Before You Start

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 map - https://www.staffs.ac.uk/about/how-to-find-us/pdf/stoke-campus-map.pdf
Staffordshire University, Stoke Campus - https://www.staffs.ac.uk/student-life/campus-and-facilities/stoke-on-trent
Staffordshire University, Stoke Campus students - https://www.staffs.ac.uk/welcome/stoke-campus-students
Plagiarism and Turnitin - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bjnVRVIdJA

Equipment and Software

Software link:

https://staffsuniversity.sharepoint.com/sites/software/SitePages/Home.aspx

A suitable PC preferably Windows OS, ideally Intel i5 or equivalent with a minimum of 16GB memory.

Alternatively, a Mac or Linux based machine, warning the new Macs (M1 based) are not recommended at present due to virtualisation issues.

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.

Groups and Societies

Information about several clubs is available at https://www.staffsunion.com/getinvolved/clubsandsocieties/

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

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.

We look forward to welcoming you to the campus in September.

If you have any questions, please send them to mynewcomputingcourse@staffs.ac.uk

Computer Science Course Team