To kick start the celebrations for this year’s summer shows, we have been speaking with students in their final year to hear more about the projects they are currently working on.
The computer degree show allows students from all computing courses to showcase their final poster presentations and skills to potential employers, industry professionals and the wider community.
In this blog post, Ali Trabelsi, who is studying Computer Science with Cyber Security BSc(Hons), tells us how he came up with the idea for his project and shares his favourite moments while studying at Brighton.
Project inspiration and influences
“For my final year project, I’m developing a social engineering tool that organizations can use to identify vulnerabilities within their own employees. The goal is to increase awareness of social engineering threats and promote the sharing of threat intelligence to help strengthen overall security. I’m really interested in threat intelligence and how we can use it to protect people and organizations from digital manipulation. My inspiration comes from real-world cases and industry experts who are working to make cybersecurity more proactive and accessible.”
University experience and development
“I chose to study Computer Science with Cyber Security because I wanted to keep a broad focus on computer science while also specialising in cybersecurity. The growing need for stronger security in the digital world made cybersecurity an exciting area to dive into. Brighton was the perfect place for this because of its innovative tech scene and the university’s strong reputation for hands-on learning, especially in areas like cybersecurity. It felt like the ideal place to develop both my technical and security skills.
“My favourite part of the course has been the balance between working individually and undertaking group projects. Working on my own has allowed me to focus deeply on my personal interests, like social engineering and threat intelligence, while group projects have taught me how to collaborate, share ideas, and problem-solve with others. Both experiences have helped me develop my technical skills and also become better at communicating and working as part of a team—both essential for my future career in cybersecurity.”
Motivating teaching
“Course leader, Michalis Pavlidis has been a huge inspiration to me throughout my time at university. Not only is he my cybersecurity lecturer, but also my personal tutor and final year project supervisor.
“His deep knowledge of the field, combined with his approachable and encouraging personality, has made a real impact. He fosters a collaborative and “can-do” learning environment that has helped me develop both technically and personally. His support and passion for cybersecurity have been instrumental in my academic growth.”
What Brighton means to me
“Brighton has become more than just a place to study—it’s a city that feels like home. The blend of creativity, innovation, and diversity here has really shaped my experience. It’s a place where I’ve grown both academically and personally, and the vibrant tech scene has kept me motivated and inspired throughout my studies.”
Looking ahead and career goals
“After graduation, I plan to secure a graduate position in a cybersecurity role where I can apply what I’ve learned and continue to develop my skills. I’m also eager to keep learning and expanding my knowledge, especially in areas like threat intelligence. I’m open to the possibility of moving to another country to pursue my cybersecurity career further and explore new opportunities in the global tech scene.”
Words of wisdom to my younger self
“If I could give 17-year-old me any university advice, I’d tell myself to embrace every opportunity and not to worry too much about having everything figured out right away. University is about learning and growing, both academically and personally. Take the time to explore new ideas, get involved in different activities, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes—they’re all part of the process. And most importantly, trust that everything will fall into place as you go along.”
Thinking of studying computing at the University of Brighton?
Our computing courses blend technical skills with creativity and problem-solving to prepare you for a career in the fast-moving tech industry. Whether you’re interested in software development, cybersecurity, AI, or UX design, you’ll gain hands-on experience through innovative projects and industry collaborations.
Discover more about our computing courses on the University of Brighton website.
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