Month: February 2025

The University recently concluded its annual ‘HackCamp’ event, an intensive three-week software development project, which is a key part of the curriculum for second-year Computer Science, Software Engineering and Cyber Security students. This year’s HackCamp saw over 150 students work in small groups to tackle real-world challenges, including dynamic user experience, customer feedback aggregation, and placement search solutions. We rounded this programme off with a showcase event in January, where students presented their solutions to both the academics and their industry partners.

The HackCamp model is designed to simulate a professional project environment, with students employing agile software development methods. They engage in multiple development iterations, each ending with a demonstration of working software to their ‘’clients’ (industry partner). ‘Clients’ provide feedback at the end of each iteration to guide the students. This approach integrates skills and knowledge from across the computing syllabus, and also provides students with invaluable experience working with external companies.

This year several of the university’s scholarship donors engaged with this programme, including representatives from Morson Group and IRIS Software Group. The continued support from these industry partners plays a crucial role in the success of HackCamp, providing students with opportunities to work on live briefs and gain insights into current industry practices. In addition, the latest innovation is that MSc Software Engineering students who learn about Agile Coaching, get the unique opportunity to coach our undergraduate HackCamp teams. This is helping students deliver even better solutions to our industry partners.

Other industry partners involved in this project include; ABL, Bureauveritas, BCS, Chippy Digital, Competa, and Naimuri.

Julian Bass, Professor of Software Engineering, said “Our latest innovation is that MSc Software Engineering students, who learn about Agile Coaching, get the unique opportunity to coach our undergraduate HackCamp teams. This is helping students deliver even better solutions to our industry partners.”

Reflecting on the event, Gloria Iyawa, Senior Lecturer of Software Engineering at the University of Salford, stated, “We are proud of the reputation we have gained with industry in the area of Computer Science through HackCamp and our empirical software engineering research. Our industry partners play a vital role in helping us deliver high calibre programmes.” 

HackCamp continues to be a cornerstone of the University of Salford’s commitment to providing industry-relevant education, equipping students with the skills and experiences necessary to excel in their future careers.

At the School of Arts, Media and Creative Technologies (SAMCT), the legacy of a former colleague, Colin Lloyd, continues to inspire creativity. Colin was a beloved friend and colleague, who worked at the University on the BA (Hons) Visual Arts programme from 2008 to 2016. His passing in 2021 was a huge loss, but his impact remains.

The programme leader for Fine Art, Brendan Fletcher, has said: ‘We are thrilled that we’re able to remember and commemorate the contribution of Colin Lloyd to the development and the health of the Fine Art programme here at the SAMCT.  Veronica and Dave Russell’s generation donation has allowed us to create a lasting memory and testament to his work and his activism which directly supports and benefits our students’.

Their support has included not only financial assistance but also guest lectures, materials and workshops. Most recently, the school welcomed Marlene Smith, one of the founding members of the BLK Art Group, to deliver the Colin Lloyd Memorial Lecture. Funded by the Veronica & Dave bursary scheme, this special lecture brought nearly 100 staff and students together.

Veronica and Dave tell us that they are delighted by the impact of the first year of the bursary scheme. ‘The students receiving support are clearly making excellent use of it, especially in terms of buying materials and equipment which are allowing them to demonstrate their talents to the full: their commitment and enthusiasm is obvious. Marlene Smith’s lecture, which we enjoyed tremendously, clearly inspired the students present and elicited really interesting questions from them. We are already looking forward to the degree shows.’

Through their generosity, Veronica and Dave have not only honoured Colin’s memory but have also ensured that his passion for supporting young artists lives on. We are deeply grateful for their ongoing support and look forward to seeing the impact it will continue to create.

You can read more about Colin’s remarkable life and contributions in this touching Guardian obituary.