Expert
FOCUS
Mehdi Yousefi is the Senior Lecturer and Programme Lead in Computing at Wrexham Glyndŵr University. Here he explains more about this modern course…
How did you get into a career in computing?
are a great opportunity for students to have a face-to-face
I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in software engineering
opportunity to speak to lecturers and observe more about
in 2007 and then worked as a network engineer and security
studying at WGU. Our staff here in the computing department
consultant for seven years gaining industry experience. I have
are always keen to chat with perspective applicants and
always been interested in cyber security and networking,
answer any questions relating to the course and WGU as
especially the research side of things. I’ve been fortunate
a university. In order to get a place at WGU, we encourage
enough to work with cutting edge technologies in the
students to apply online using UCAS as all applications for
area and teaching allows me to share my experiences and
admission to full-time degrees, DipHE and foundation degree
knowledge, educating the new generations of cyber defenders
courses must be made online through UCAS. For further
and contributing to this vibrant field. When you work in the
information applicants can head to Glyndwr.ac.uk and speak to
cyber security domain, your work makes a difference and
our team directly.
it is incredibly rewarding. We’re helping students become security specialists to fulfil the vital and ever-growing
What opportunities are open to students after they
needs of society and industry to protect them against costly
graduate?
cyberattacks.
We would expect our graduates to embark on a range of career pathways including government agencies, law
What can students expect from a computing degree at
enforcement or associated private sector agencies. They
Wrexham Glyndwr University?
can go into supporting specialist roles such as forensic
Here at WGU we offer four computing undergraduate
practitioners, penetration testers (ethical hackers), security
degrees; Computer Networks and Security, Computer Science,
and forensic consultants or work as a network engineer. It’s
Computing and Cyber Security. They all share similar
such a broad subject area that opens many doors for students.
modules, branching into different specialisms. Students on
Here at Wrexham Glyndŵr University, we have the support
our Computer Networks and Security programme, acquire
system, research expertise and facilities you need around
practical applied skills relevant to the current and emerging
you. We work side-by-side with employers, including global
demands in the cyber security domain. They also gain the
giants such as Toyota, Tata Steel, Airbus and the BBC. It’s
ability to master relevant technologies, techniques, and
no surprise that Wrexham Glyndŵr University is number
strategies to design, implement, manage and maintain the
one in North Wales for getting students jobs, achieving an
overall security posture of a system. Secondly, they gain
employability figure of 93% in the latest Destination of Leavers
experience in working with real-world scenarios and case
Survey (DLHE).
studies which provide them with the knowledge and skills required to pursue a career in cybersecurity and networking.
Why should students choose to study at WGU? Our academic staff have real-world industry experience so
How can students apply to the programme?
we’re teaching current concepts and can give our students’
Our open days and online events give students the
real scenarios to work on and help them understand how they
opportunity to speak to staff and students and make an
can apply the theories we teach them to their future careers.
informed decision about their desired subject area. They
We are proud as a university to be second in the UK and first
can find out about our courses and discover our extensive
in Wales for Teaching Quality in the Times and Sunday Times
facilities and support services to ultimately make the decision
Good University Guide 2022. Not only do we offer excellent
whether we’re the right place for them. If the students know
teaching, we have a host of learning and support services
what area they would like to study and want to get more
available to students from our careers team who work closely
information about a particular course or subject, they can
with students to prepare them for their professional careers,
attend our online and on-campus subject events. These events
to our award-winning Student’s Union. n
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