More than 10,000 young people came together to discover more about the county’s fast-growing cyber ecosystem, with venues like Edge Hill showcasing the valuable cyber skills required for industries including aerospace, manufacturing and engineering.

Visitors to the Ormskirk campus met with the University’s staff and students from the Department of Computer Science to explore routes to academic study and heard from professionals in cyber-related roles.

And Edge Hill students took part in a ‘Capture the Flag’ competition against other university and HE students and apprentices, completing a number of real-world tasks across a variety of technologies.

Professor Amr Ahmed, Head of Department for Computer Science, said: “We were delighted to welcome so many bright young minds from across the county to discuss the wonderful opportunities available in the world of cyber.”

The event showcased the expertise of participating students and the practical application of their skills across computer and engineering sciences.

Dr Muhammad Usman, programme leader for BSc (Hons) Cyber Security, said: “We are proud that our students secured first and third place in the Capture the Flag event, a testament to the hard work of both our staff and students.

“It is also encouraging to see a significant rise in participation from local sixth forms and colleges, reflecting a growing enthusiasm for using cyber security skills to serve and protect our digital community.”

Lancashire Cyber Partnership’s vision for the county, and the wider North West Cyber Corridor, is to be one of the world’s leading destinations for cyber businesses, support agencies, careers, training and research, with Lancashire now the proud home of the National Cyber Force Headquarters.

A spokesperson for the Partnership said: “Education Week plays an important role in the Lancashire Cyber Partnership’s long-term goal of creating a talent pipeline for the many cyber-focussed roles UK businesses will require in the future.

“We are proud that many schools, colleges and universities in the county actively took part in the week. Unlocking the next generation’s ability to take advantage of cyber and tech-based jobs in Lancashire is imperative.”

Find out more about courses available in the Department of Computer Science at Edge Hill University.

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“Edge Hill helped me secure my student visa, and that support continued.

“Everyone from lecturers to the wider computer science department has been there for me, helping me settle in and adapt.

“I’m also grateful to the University’s financial team, which offered me more time to pay my tuition fees when I was struggling.

“While I’ve been working part-time to pay my way, my family, who had committed to helping me, were hit by the impact of Nigeria’s economic crisis and rocketing inflation.” 

As well as the great British weather being a culture shock for Racheal, she found studying at a UK university a very different experience from Africa. But her “grit and determination” have seen her pass with flying colours.

My first degree was all exams. There was little critical thinking and analysis which I needed to develop to be successful at Edge Hill.

“I took feedback on my assignments seriously, participated in the computer science research club and used the University’s learning service, which helped me with research methods, academic writing, and how to reference and critically present ideas. The sessions and online resources were so helpful.”

Her Masters complete, Racheal now has the skills, confidence and ambition to make it in an industry that safeguards all our futures. 

“I’m looking in the UK for a role as a server security engineer or analyst, which is more about monitoring networks to stop incidents occurring.  These would put me on the route to my dream job of becoming an ethical hacker or penetration tester.  

“Cyber security is a global issue, and South Asia is at the cutting edge, so in the longer term, I could see myself in Japan; it’s a country that’s always fascinated me. 

“Ultimately, I want to make an impact by becoming a leading female voice in an industry saturated with men. I follow several women in the industry and I’d love to be someone younger women can look up to.”

Racheal thanks God and her invaluable support network for helping her through her challenges.

It’s included her dear Uncle, who sadly passed during her studies, her family in Nigeria, her sister in Sheffield (who she’s also been supporting after the birth of her baby), Mencap colleagues, and church and university communities.

She advised any prospective students to seek help when they need it. 

“It’s going to be challenging, but you can get through it when you have a support system around you.

“People want to help but they can’t unless they know what you’re struggling with. Don’t be afraid to speak to your tutors, university support services or people in the wider network you’ve built.”

Find out more about studying cyber security, the wider Department of Computer Science and postgraduate courses at Edge Hill University.

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The grant was awarded to help deliver an online version of the Masters course in Artificial Intelligence, Digital and Cyber Law.

It is the second award Edge Hill has secured as part of a twinning partnership programme between universities in the UK and Ukraine.

The University was paired with Yaroslav Mudryi National Law University (YMNLU) in 2022 and first awarded a cash injection of £100,000 in March 2023.

Projects funded by the award included the launch of the International Justice and Human Rights Centre at Edge Hill and an online researcher development programme for Ukrainian academics.

The latest grant – managed by Cormack Consultancy Group and Mosaik – will help provide a dual degree with YMNLU students receiving Masters certificates from YMNLU and Edge Hill on completion of the programme.

The Masters explores how we govern the digital world, including cybercrime, cryptocurrencies, artificial intelligence, blockchain and data protection.

It provides students with an understanding of the role, application and regulation of AI and cyberspace, in addition to the principles and practice of digital investigations and enforcement of digital risks.

Students can develop specialist knowledge and practical skills, including practical experience in running an AI project from a compliance and regulatory perspective.

Dr Jennifer Giblin, Associate Head of the School of Law, Criminology and Policing said: “It has been a pleasure to work with our YMNLU colleagues over the last two years and we are delighted to have been awarded the dual degree grant which will further strengthen our partnership.”

As part of the twinning partnership, Edge Hill is also hosting an exhibition of war photography titled: Ukraine: The Price of Freedom.

A launch event will take place in the Law and Psychology foyer on Wednesday, April 17 at 5pm.

The exhibition, recently displayed in the House of Commons, features photographs by international prize-winning photographers, documenting the conflict with Russia.

To book a place go to:edgehill.ac.uk/event/ukraine-the-price-of-freedom-photographic-exhibition-launch

Find out more about the range of courses on offer at Edge Hill University by visiting: edgehill.ac.uk/study.

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Cyber Security Student Club

Do you have a strong interest in the field of cyber security? Do you want to expand your knowledge, enhance your employability, and practise ethical hacking exercises?

The Cyber Security Student Club is open to computer science students here at Edge Hill who express a strong interest in the field of cyber security. You will regularly meet to expand your knowledge by discussing and solving practical exercises and problems in system and network security, to socialise, and in general, to have fun with other members.

“The Cyber Security Student Club is an excellent opportunity for students at all years and levels to explore limitless security areas via practical exercises and gain new skills and knowledge beyond the scope of timetabled classes. With sessions organised every second week, club members can build new friendships, form collaborations as well as be part of a community, enjoying ethical hacking together. It is also a great opportunity for the students to show their leadership skills to present and guide a discussion on specific security problems, sharing their findings, showing their creativity and learning from other club members.”

Dr Vinh-Thong Ta
Senior Lecturer in Computer Science

The club launched in January 2022 as part of our Cyber Security Research Group. The research group is committed to carrying out internationally recognised, high-quality research on security and privacy in computer systems and networks.

We caught up with some of our students and members of the Cyber Security Student Club to find out what they like about the club and how it supports their studies.

The club sessions are led by staff and senior student member(s), and attendance is voluntary. You will extend your knowledge beyond the classroom with hands-on practical hacking exercises. Our extracurricular activities will enhance your professional development and inspire your future career.

If you are interested in joining the club, please contact Dr Vinh-Thong Ta. Note: The club is only open for students of the Computer Science Department at Edge Hill University.

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Criminal justice and cyber security insights Dr Abubakar Bello

Dr Abubakar Bello is the Programme Leader for our BSc (Hons) Criminal Justice degree. Abubakar sat down to talk to us about the programme and why the demand for criminal justice professionals with expertise in cyber security is growing rapidly.

“In a world where the quality of life is dependent on technology, the growth and dangers of cyber crime has become a major concern. Cyber security must be prioritised to effectively tackle the risks and negative effects of cyber criminality.”

Dr Abubakar Bello

Your area of expertise and specialist interest is cyber security. Can you share with us more about this area of work?

In a world where the quality of life is dependent on technology, the growth and dangers of cyber crime has become a major concern. Cyber security must be prioritised to effectively tackle the risks and negative effects of cyber criminality.

Cyber security encompasses a broad spectrum of strategies, technologies, processes, and practices aimed at protecting civil society. More specifically, it involves “the application of administrative, technical and legislative controls such as policies, procedures, and best practice standards and guidelines to protect humans, technology, and confidential information in the cyber space”.

Due to the interdisciplinary nature of cyber security, professionals integrate both technical and non-technical controls to combat cyber crime and disrupt criminal activities. By applying concepts and theories from criminal justice, we can gain a better understanding of the complexities and challenges in cyber security. For instance, control theories of crime and deviance allow for behavioural analysis and mapping of attacks to determine the traits of hackers and their modus operandi. Understanding the characteristics and reasons behind individuals’ participation in cyber criminality enables law enforcement agencies to wear “attackers’ hats”, predicting and mitigating their actions and attack consequences using pertinent laws
and regulations.

Criminal justice does not only support our knowledge and understanding of cyber crime, but also aids in identifying and addressing cyber security gaps and needs to respond to this growing challenge in our society.

Can you tell us more about the BSc (Hons) Criminal Justice degree and what it offers students?

Our criminal justice programme draws upon disciplinary areas such as criminology, policing, law and psychology for the investigation and prevention of crime, prosecution of criminals, and victim and offender management. This degree links theory to practice and targets a range of central themes and issues. The degree is ideal for those interested in following a career in criminal justice, including in prisons, youth justice and probation sectors.

Crime rates are increasingly more prevalent – with over 8 million crimes reported in the UK, each year. Criminal justice experts play a key role in investigating crimes and ensuring that victims get justice and criminals are punished. These experts are also engaged in the design and development of proactive measures to prevent crime.

Close links with criminal justice agencies are built into the design, development and delivery of this degree. There are opportunities to explore how criminal justice systems work to serve individuals and the community through law enforcement, policy, practice and reform. You will also learn about the uses of technology in crime, crime theories and crime investigation, as well as the fundamental principles and concepts of cyber security – essential for cyber crime prevention.

Why is studying and working in this field important?

Criminal justice and cyber security are fused together in endless ways, especially as cyber crimes are becoming increasingly prevalent and sophisticated.

Having a fundamental understanding of cyber security while studying criminal justice is essential in this information age to protect society against harm. Law enforcement agencies have now established specialised units dedicated to investigating cyber crimes. Criminal justice professionals with cyber security knowledge frequently collaborate with these agencies to identify, track, and apprehend criminals involved in activities such as hacking, fraud, identity theft, cyber stalking, cyber bullying and harassment, cyber espionage, cyber terrorism, and cyber warfare.

Likewise, cyber security laws and regulations are an essential part of the criminal justice system. Criminal justice legislators and policy makers with cyber knowledge, work to create and update laws that define cyber crimes, establish penalties for offenders, and outline procedures for investigating and prosecuting cyber crimes.

Moreover, since cyber attacks can have devastating impacts on individuals, businesses, and communities, professionals working in this field collaborate with victim support organisations, legal advocates, and law enforcement agencies to provide assistance to victims of cyber crimes, advocate for their rights, and help them navigate the criminal justice system.

The demand for criminal justice professionals with expertise in cyber security is growing rapidly, creating numerous career opportunities and avenues for professional growth. The UK government has committed approximately £2.6 billion to increase the number and diversity of skilled people to work in the cyber profession. Working in this field offers competitive salaries, job security, and opportunities to make a meaningful impact on society.

Any advice or top tips for prospective students looking to study this topic?

Criminal justice is an extremely rewarding profession that offers diverse career opportunities in various sectors, including government, law enforcement, defence, healthcare, finance, technology, consulting, and academia. It is important to explore different career paths, industries, and roles to discover what aligns with your interests, values, and aspirations.

To work in criminal justice, you must be able to uphold ethical standards, respect privacy and confidentiality, and prioritise the welfare and rights of individuals and communities. Remember that your actions and decisions can have significant impacts on people’s lives, organisations, and society at large.

In preparation for embarking on your criminal justice degree, be sure to keep up with current affairs and stay informed on government responses to crime and criminality. Work experience and volunteering – for example with young people, with victims of crime, and with organisations like Citizens Advice – will really give you a head start on your studies and enhance your employability too.

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