School of Computing and Communications Technology
This School combines two of the fastest developing aspects of modern life, computing and communications, and ensures that its graduates are prepared for the technological challenges of the 21st century. These are driven by the constant and rapid pace of change, where very cheap computing elements have invaded all types of technology, which are themselves constantly changing: this is reflected in the famous "Moores Law" which predicts that the power of computing elements doubles every 18 months or so.
In a parallel development, the power of communication systems is doubling at an even faster rate. This easy availability of massive and cheap computing and communication power means that applications in the daily life of ordinary people are becoming more important than industrial applications and the school has actively responded to this by developing its Communications Technology unit, which is entirely oriented towards entertainment applications, one of the fastest-growing business sectors of our time.
The Computing unit, while retaining its strong and very productive industrial relationships focused on networking systems, has also developed themes relevant to ordinary people, in particular computer games (which have broader implications as a rich mode of human-computer interaction) and aids for the handicapped. A recent development in the exciting new area of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags has won a national prize and development of a specialist theme in this area is in progress.
All the School’s programmes provide a secure grounding in the subject before encouraging students to specialise, the range constantly being updated to reflect the changing face of the industry. The latest additions to programmes include the degree in Computer Game Development which is a collaborative effort with Glyndŵr University’s North Wales School of Art and Design.
Communications Technology at Glyndŵr University focuses on Radio Broadcasting, a unique specialism here, and Sound Studio Recording, although the recent appointment of a Professor specialising in Mobile Communications means that there will be future growth in that area. This has proved a major growth area in recent years, supported by a number of exciting developments. The sound recording studio, used by professionals from across the UK, and the opening of a radio studio has now led to the establishment of a community radio station based in the heart of the Glyndŵr University campus, the only community radio station based at a University in Wales. The station, “Calon FM”, broadcasts up to 5 miles, and students on the sound and media technology programmes play an important role in its life. Staff maintain links with important industrial and professional partners, including the BBC, and the School’s graduates are highly sought after.
The development of new programmes is supported by the wide range of research activities undertaken within the School, and in particular its research centre, the Centre for Applied Internet Research (CAIR), which is investigating a number of different areas, including networks, communications, imaging and human-computer interaction. It hosts a biennial Internet research conference which attracts delegates from across the world. The School also works closely with the British Computer Society and is a CISCO Networking Academy centre.
