23rd May 2019
What we do
In the current digitally dependent global economy, it is predicted that the digital skills shortage will continue to worsen. Requiring new and talented individuals in various sectors including but not limited to cyber security, software and network engineering. The FdSc Computing degree equips you with the essential skills and competencies that employers seek in graduates, and will open up opportunities for you in both the public and private sectors worldwide.
The programme reflects industry requirements with a mix of cyber security, programming paradigms, hardware and networking and client and server web development, relevant to the current skills shortage and growing industry needs. Whilst encouraging digital trends, innovations and entrepreneurial mindset, this programme will give emphasis to current technological advances, such as VR, AR, AI and IoT technologies, highly desired by employers.
What we are planning to do
In this academic year we are repeating the successful field trips to Bletchley Park and the Plymouth research showcase. We have also arranged for the learners to engage with training from SilverNet Pro Range and Wireless Systems in Miton Keynes whilst visiting Bletchley Park. In addition to this, local employers are keen to engage with learners and provide opportunities for work experience, as well as short term projects. We also continue to host guest speakers, this year with a focus around the ever-changing landscape of cyber security.
Our industry is growing
The IT inductry continues to grow and skills shortages remain widespread; concerns for employees lacking the required skills in cybersecurity and cloud migration. https://www.itproportal.com/features/the-tech-skills-gap-has-huge-implications-for-cybersecurity/
The best books for studying cyber security – https://www.bcs.org/content-hub/the-best-books-for-studying-cyber-security/
Secure South West 11
Organised by the University of Plymouth and Plymouth City Council, this event series is supported by the south west branches of BCS – The Chartered Institute for IT; and the Institute of Information Security Professionals.
Whilst giving numerous opportunities in awareness-raising, this was an ideal networking opportunity for FdSc Computing students to get to know potential employers in the south-west. The programme was led by Prof. Steven Furnell and had an impressive line-up of speakers from both industry and academia, such as representatives from Kaspersky Lab, Securious, Ipsos MORI, DCMS, Cisco as well as the Deputy Director of National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). All the speakers were happy to discuss topics relevant to the current cyber security market and industry insights and students had ample opportunities to meet the experts during breaks designed for networking.
All the post event SDC student feedback indicated the positive nature of this event and highlighted that the topics not only helped them to understand some cyber security issues and solutions, but also enabled them to use the knowledge shared in their assessments and the future career choices.
Cyber Discovery Elite Camp (London)
Initiated by the UK government, as part of the Cyber Schools Programme, this was a four phased competition to attract students into cyber security sector. From over 23000 participants, just 170 top performing and highest scoring students were invited to take part in an elite camp and current SDUC first year student of FdSc Computing, Rhys Chalmers was amongst these cyber elites.
The day of the camp was filled with industry talks, panel discussions and networking sessions with potential employers from some of the leading cyber security organisations consisting of both private and public sector. Towards the latter part of the day, students were teamed up to perform in a tense ‘Capture the Flag (CTF) challenge. Challenges included opportunities to show off their skills in web attacks, digital forensics, cryptography and binary exploitations, which are skills needed in real-life cyber security experts.
Needless to say that this event was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity for the students where their future careers in cyber security looks bright and promising.