Turn On Your Future @ UWTSD's School of Applied Computing & Electronics

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Project profile: James Frew

Fig.: James Frew

Name: James Frew

Course: BSc (Hons) Software Engineering

Project Title: An affordable device for monitoring noise levels in home studio environments to warn users of duration-based hearing damage.

Purpose: As a drummer and someone who regularly practises in home studio environments, I quickly became aware of how easily you can be exposed to loud sounds for long periods. Many people only think about hearing damage in terms of volume, but in fact, long durations of noises that aren’t excessively loud can be just as dangerous. I wanted to build a simple and affordable device that could help raise awareness of this overlooked danger and help people protect their hearing.

Fig.: Design

Implementation: The system consists of a small microphone and microcontroller, both housed in a compact 3D-printed case. The device connects to a desktop application built in Python. It monitors the noise in the room in real time, calculates how long it’s safe to be in that environment based on the current sound levels, and sends a warning when the average noise levels since starting the application reach a point where it becomes dangerous to continue listening.

Fig.: Case implementation

The GUI displays current noise levels, the average levels since starting, the time remaining before risk becomes high, and how long the app has been running. The system was built for under £20 and was tested with real users, receiving very positive feedback for its usability and clarity.

Fig.: Application

Conclusion:
The final product was a reliable, accurate tool that helped users understand their sound environment better. It successfully raised awareness of long-term hearing risks and provided clear, real-time feedback. The project met all its core goals and achieved an excellent System Usability Scale (SUS) score of 89.5. It also received valuable suggestions from users, which could shape future improvements, such as wearable versions and mobile app integration.

Next steps: I’m hoping to move into a role that allows me to work with people and ideally in music or creative environments. I’m particularly interested in opportunities that combine practical problem-solving with collaboration. My degree in Software Engineering has given me a strong foundation in project planning, technical thinking, and building things that work in the real world – skills that will be useful in many industries, not just computing.

Advice for students: Your time and energy are limited, so it’s important to prioritise your studies and project work, especially in your final year. Balancing other commitments is part of life, but giving focused attention to your degree when it counts will really pay off. Also, don’t be afraid to use the tools available to you – make use of AI, but without breaching academic standards. Do use it to help guide research and explore ideas related to your studies, don’t use it as a copy-and-paste tool to blindly research information. AI isn’t going to go away, so it’s important you learn how to use it to assist your studies as early as possible in your degree. Good luck with your studies!

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For further information about Computing & Computer Science courses at UWTSD, please click here.

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Project profile: Kelly Casey

Name: Kelly Casey

Course: BSc (Hons) Software Engineering

Project Title: Women in STEM Study Buddy – A Mobile Application for Academic Networking

Logo
Fig.: FemSTEMConnect

Project introduction:
The motivation behind this project was to address the under-representation and isolation that many women in STEM fields experience during their academic journey. I wanted to create a platform that would allow female students to connect, support one another, and collaborate through shared academic interests. The project reflects both my technical interests and my desire to contribute to inclusion and equity in higher education.

Overview of the Practical implementation:
The application was developed in Android Development Studio using the Kotlin programming language, with Firebase Backend-as-a-Service (BaaS) platform providing services for authentication, data storage, and real-time messaging.

Kotlin, Android Studio and Firebase image
Fig.: Kotlin | Android Studio | Firebase

Key features include:

  • Email link login (no passwords required)
  • Personalised academic profiles
  • Study partner matching using course and location filters
  • A Messaging system for real-time communication.
Fig: Coding

The project was tested on both emulator and physical Android devices for performance and usability.

Here are some screenshots from the final app up and working

Fig.: Navigation screen
Messaging inbox
Fig.: Messaging inbox
Fig.: Home screen & News feed

Conclusion: The final product successfully met the core functional goals. Users can register, create a profile, search for study partners, and communicate within the app. Although some features like the community forum were postponed, the application is stable, secure, and ready for future expansion. It represents a strong foundation for a peer-support platform specifically tailored to women in STEM.

What Career and job role are you hoping to move Into after Graduation? I’m planning to progress onto a Master’s degree and then move into a software engineering role, ideally within a company focused on education technology or socially impactful work.

Top Tips for Students interested in completing a University Degree: Don’t procrastinate. Choose a project that is manageable not just exciting. It’s better to complete something simple and solid than to get stuck in something too complex to finish on your own. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help.

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For further information on Computing courses at UWTSD, please click-here.

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Graduate profile: Myles Anderson

Fig.: Graduate – Myles Anderson

Q. Name: Myles Alexander Anderson

Q. University course: BSc (Hons) Business Computing at UWTSD

Fig.: Computing at UWTSD

Q. Job title and role: BT Group (EE/BT) Team Lead

Additional Occupation: Redevelopment Business Director

Q. The organisation you work for?

The BT and EE group is the UK’s largest residential Internet Service Provider, in addition to being the UK’s largest mobile phone network provider.

cc-fig.: BT EE

Additionally, I am the director of my own company, focusing on the redevelopment of properties and converting them into environmentally conscious, sustainable student lets. (Known officially as HMOs, Houses of Multiple Occupation.) 


Fig.: Pre-renovation
Fig.: Post-renovation

Q. Which skills learned at University are helpful to you in your job?

As part of my undergraduate degree, I undertook modules such as ‘Managing People and Change’ and ‘Usability Engineering’. These modules provided me with real-world insight into how to lead and manage teams of individuals in my professional career. Additionally, usability engineering directly aided me in developing contemporary business plans and product/marketing strategies.

Q. What aspects of your job do you enjoy most?

Money.. Jokes aside, there is something incredibly satisfying in helping others achieve heights they once thought impossible. Turning low-confidence, underperforming team members into smiling, highly productive employees helps both the individual and the wider business achieve the goals and targets set before them.

The same satisfaction is directly correlated to the real-estate projects, as turning unloved, dilapidated properties into homes for multiple students allows me not only to see a project develop from its infancy until its final stage, but it also provides high-quality, lower-cost accommodation for individuals who are trying to achieve more for themselves. 

Q. What opportunities has University opened up and supported you in pursuing?

Upon my graduation, the university kindly offered me the opportunity to pursue further study, such as PHD Doctoral support, and whilst at this stage I have not taken up this offer, the fact that this is available for high-achieving graduates illustrates how UWTSD is willing to invest and support in home-grown talent.

In addition, the network I built during my time at the university has proved invaluable, with friends who have become Mortgage Brokers (aided in real estate) and Openreach Engineers (Helped in my BT teams roll-out of FTTP in South Wales).

cc-fig.: BT Towers in Swansea (Wales) & London (England)

Q. Do you have any advice for students who would like to start a Career?

Do not be afraid to take risks. Through personal travel, I have visited nations where ‘real’ abject poverty is unavoidable. This reality check gave me a major perspective shift on the country we call home. 

We are incredibly lucky to live in a country with such a strong safety net, so if you’re ambitious and have a business idea you really want to try, plan it out properly and then give it a go! Worst case scenario, you’re back where you started. Best case? Skies the limit.

Fig.: Myles Anderson – 12,000ft above Sea-level in Taiwan.

Q. A Quote that sums up your time at the University?

“Do. Or do not. There is no try.” – Yoda

cc-fig: Yoda
(Legendary Jedi Master)

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For more information about Computing courses at UWTSD click-here.

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Project profile: Tour App by Ewan Richards

Project Title: Investigating the Technologies available for Guided Tours

The aim of the project was to build a University Tour Application that utilises location-based technologies to provide the user with locational information.

An application was made starting from the bottom up using Java and SQL Server through use of Java Database Connection (JDBC) for both a version 1 console application and a second implementation using a graphical user interface (GUI) that integrated images. The next stage would be to take this to Android Studio to create a mobile application.

The images below show a brief overview of the practical implementation. First, the image below shows the code to create the ‘Room’ database table:

Next, the code below shows data being added to the RoomUsage table.

The first version of the App below displays Room details, an image and QR code.

The image below shows the planned layout for the mobile app, to be developed with Android Studio:

Outcome & conclusion: I am pleased that a working application using JDBC that enables users to search for a room within the SA1 Campus was successfully built. This successfully broadcasts data in relation to the room such as the type of room it is, which department it is in, description of the hardware, equipment and software as well as timetabled sessions in that room. Going forward, my next iteration would be to get the app working in Android Studio and incorporate the use of QR codes via a mobile phone camera.

Top tip/advice for students completing a project:
The main bits of advice that I would give to students completing a project is to enjoy it, and to plan your time. You’ll be doing this project for a few months, so base it on something you enjoy or have a particular interest in. If you plan your workload carefully and correctly, you’ll do just fine. Work hard, take the advice from your supervisors, take time to complete each section, and I’m sure you’ll get the grade that you want. I wish you all the best!

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Skills Synergy 2025

The School of Applied Computing at University of Wales Trinity Saint David are thrilled to announce the annual ‘Skills Synergy 2025‘ event hosted at Swansea Arena.

A dynamic day of learning, and competition for students and networking for Teachers. The student events are designed to inspire, challenge, and showcase skills in Web Technologies, Cybersecurity, and Network Systems Administration, tailored for Year 12, Year 13, and Further Education students.

Student Team Competitions:

A taster competition event to give an experience to the participants about the competitions and competition environment.

Students who are interested in one or more than one of the below domains are welcome to register. Students will get a taste of the competition with a briefing about competitions followed by a small competitive activity.

Schools/FE’s can register their students who are interested to get a taste on competitions like Web Technologies, Cybersecurity, and Network Systems Administration.

Limited Registrations. First come First Serve. Register immediately.

Taster Sessions for School Students:

Explore Computing (Cybersecurity, Digital Forensics, Software, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science), Electronics, and Games Design, Development, Animation, VFX in engaging hands-on sessions.

Cisco Instructors Conference:

A parallel session for Head Teachers, Teachers, Lecturers and Cisco Networking Academy Instructors to share best practices, network, and collaborate.

Event Details:
Date: 26th March 2025
Time: 09:30 AM – 02.00 PM.
Venue: Swansea Arena

For further information and inquiries, please contact Nitheesh Kaliyamurthy via email: n.kaliyamurthy@uwtsd.ac.uk

For further information about Computing & Computer Science courses at UWTSD Swansea, please click here.

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Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year 🎄

We would like to wish all our staff, students, alumni and friends a Very Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year. Hoffem ddymuno Nadolig Llawen Iawn a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda i’n holl staff, myfyrwyr, cyn-fyfyrwyr a ffrindiau. 🎄🎁🎅☃️🌟

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Guest Lecture: Network Automation and CI/CD

Guest Lecturer:
Nagaraj Ravinuthala

This week, Nagaraj Ravinuthala, a DevOps trainer at HCL Technologies Limited and a specialised trainer for WorldSkills UK Squad on Infrastructure Automation, delivered a Guest Lecture on Network Automation and CI/CD to our students.

The lecture began with basic yet powerful concepts of deployment and CI/CD, connecting the dots between writing code, integrating APIs, and automating the process of pushing updates live. The session emphasized simplicity and clarity, presenting CI/CD as a pipeline that automates code testing, integration, and deployment to production environments.

“Think of CI/CD as a conveyor belt for your code,” explained Nagaraj. “You write it, test it, and deploy it—all in a streamlined process that ensures faster delivery and better reliability, which are essential in modern network automation workflows.”

Students were introduced to tools and techniques aligned with Cisco’s CCNA DevNet, providing a glimpse into industry-standard practices. To make deployment relatable, the lecturer drew parallels with the earlier lectures on Python and API during their Network Programmability Module where the students integrated the OpenWeather API creating and running a Python script, and explaining that deployment involves taking code that works locally and making it accessible to users.

The session concluded with an interactive Q&A, where students enthusiastically asked about real-world applications of network automation and the career paths that mastery in CI/CD can unlock.

This guest lecture was an eye-opening experience for students, sparking curiosity and laying the foundation for further exploration in network automation. It was a step toward preparing them for the evolving demands of the industry.

We would like to thank Nagaraj Ravinuthala for taking time to speak and share valuable industry knowledge with our students.

For further information about our courses, please click-here.

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University Guide: UWTSD Computing #1 in Wales

Guardian University Guide: #1 in Wales and #20 in UK

We’re thrilled to announce that in the Guardian University Guide 2025, our Computing courses have ranked #1 in Wales 🏆 and #20 in the UK for Computer Science and Information Systems subject area.

This achievement reflects the dedication we bring to delivering hands-on, real-world learning experiences, alongside exceptional support that guides our students every step of the way. Our highly qualified, industry-experienced staff work tirelessly to ensure students are prepared for a future in tech with the practical skills and knowledge they need to excel.

A huge thank you to our outstanding students, dedicated staff, and supportive community for making this recognition possible.

Together, we’re shaping the future of tech in Wales and beyond! 🌍💻

For further information about Computing courses at UWTSD, please click-here.

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Brain break: joke time

Written by jameswilliams

on 2024

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MSc Project: Cyber Security

Student name:
Sakthi Sangeetha Kandaswamy

MSc Project title: Analysing risk in Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing Methodology

Course: MSc Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics

Introduction/rationale:
The motivation behind choosing the project stemmed from the growing need for more structured and standardized approaches to penetration testing and vulnerability assessment. With cyberattacks becoming increasingly sophisticated, organizations struggle to identify and remediate vulnerabilities efficiently.

TECH TERM: Penetration testing, often referred to as ‘pen testing‘, is a cybersecurity practice where ethical hackers simulate cyberattacks on a computer system, network, or web application to identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious hackers. The main goals of penetration testing is to:
1. Identify security weaknesses
2. Assess the effectiveness of security measures
3. Improve overall security posture: By identifying and fixing vulnerabilities, organizations can strengthen their defenses against potential cyber threats.

The MITRE ATT&CK Framework provides a well-defined structure for understanding adversarial techniques and tactics, making it ideal for enhancing VAPT (Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing) methodologies. This project aimed to leverage MITRE’s capabilities to analyze risk, improve testing scope, and ensure that testing efforts are comprehensive and aligned with real-world threats.

Project overview:
In this project, we integrated the MITRE ATT&CK Framework into the traditional VAPT methodology to refine the testing scope and increase effectiveness in detecting vulnerabilities. The steps involved included:

  • Defining the Scope: The project began by clearly defining the boundaries and goals of the penetration test. Using the MITRE Framework, specific attack vectors and techniques relevant to the organization’s environment were identified.
  • Conducting Vulnerability Scanning: Automated tools were used to perform initial vulnerability scans, identifying weak points that attackers might exploit.
  • Simulating Attacks Using MITRE Tactics: We designed attack scenarios based on the tactics and techniques outlined in MITRE ATT&CK, simulating adversarial behavior. This allowed us to target the actual risks that real attackers would exploit, rather than theoretical vulnerabilities.
  • Analyzing Results and Refining Scope: Post-attack analysis identified network gaps and weaknesses in current defenses. The scope of the testing was iteratively refined based on these findings.
  • Reporting and Remediation: Finally, comprehensive reports were generated, providing actionable insights for the security team, along with specific recommendations for closing vulnerabilities.

Visual Representation: A flow diagram illustrating the process of integrating MITRE with VAPT in Penetration Testing Stages, is located below:

Project outcome & conclusion:
The integration of the MITRE ATT&CK Framework significantly enhanced the scope and depth of the VAPT process. By aligning testing activities with real-world adversarial tactics, the project was able to identify previously overlooked risks and vulnerabilities. The methodology provided a more focused, risk-based approach to penetration testing, ensuring that organizations could better prepare for and mitigate threats. The project demonstrated that using MITRE not only strengthens the identification of vulnerabilities but also offers a more comprehensive understanding of the adversarial techniques that could affect critical systems.

OpenVAS is a full-featured vulnerability scanning tool, that was used for this purposes of this project. An example output of vulnerability findings can be seen below:

Q. What Career and job role are you hoping to move into after graduation?
After graduation, I am hoping to pursue a career in cybersecurity, with a specific focus on roles like:

  • Penetration Tester: Using tools and methodologies (such as MITRE ATT&CK) to identify vulnerabilities in an organization’s IT infrastructure.
  • Cybersecurity Analyst: Monitoring, analyzing, and defending against cybersecurity threats.
  • Security Consultant: Advising organizations on how to improve their security posture by implementing effective VAPT practices.

These roles align with my passion for understanding and mitigating cyber risks, particularly in offensive security and ethical hacking.

Q. Please share a top tip/advice for students who are interested in completing a University Degree?
My top tip for students is to focus on practical applications of what you learn. Theoretical knowledge is important, but real growth happens when you apply it in real-world scenarios, whether through internships, projects, or labs. Hands-on experience not only solidifies your understanding but also makes you more marketable in the job market.

For further information about Computing courses at UWTSD, please click-here.

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