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Cyber students secure work placements with regional policing unit

22/06/2020

Two University of Wolverhampton students have secured internships with the West Midlands Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU) to help protect the region against cybercrime.

Megan is studying for a Master’s degree in Cyberpsychology in the Institute of Human Sciences and Philip is studying for an Undergraduate degree in Cybersecurity in the School of Mathematics and Computer Science.

The Cyber Crime 12 month Internships will support the development and delivery of key strategies to help protect the region and UK against cybercrime, and to prevent and deter individuals from becoming involved, or continuing their involvement, in cybercrime.

Megan, who secured the non-technical Internship, was one of 50 candidates to apply for the role and was successful in securing the position. She said: “To learn that I had been successful after there had been so many applicants was super overwhelming in the best possible way. It was so fulfilling to know that all of my hard work and preparation was paying off.

“I chose to study Cyberpsychology because I’m interested in understanding the relationship between technology and people and how it impacts our behaviour and attitudes. This internship will offer me the perfect opportunity to apply the skills and theory I’ve learned on my course.

“The support I’ve had from the University over the past year has been immeasurable. The Cyberpsychology team has provided constant guidance throughout the course, given thought provoking feedback on assignments, and encouraged me to be confident in my own abilities. That reassurance is the reason why I applied for the internship, and I will always be grateful. I look forward to working with them all again in the future when I return to complete my PhD.”

Philip said: “I am so excited about securing this placement. This was only possible with the large support and advice I received from tutors, staff, and the Workplace at the University.

“Without studying at the University of Wolverhampton I would not have the confidence or conviction to be prepared for this amazing opportunity. I am really interested in moving into research after my degree possibly working with police forces and government regarding cyber security.”

Detective Inspector Hinesh Mehta, Intern Program Lead for the West Midlands Regional Cyber Crime Unit, said: “We have developed a really good working relationship with the University of Wolverhampton and see the Cyber Intern Program as an excellent opportunity to both support and harness future cyber talent.  We believe that by working closer with academia that we will be able to reduce the threat of cybercrime in the region.”

Dr Consolee Mbarushimana, Lecturer in the University of Wolverhampton’s Cyber Research Institute (WCRI), said: “The School forged a relationship with the Cyber Crime Unit after inviting them in to give talks to our students. They were looking to recruit students on placement opportunities and sent us adverts for the posts and we’re delighted that two of our students were successful in securing positions.

“This will give them an amazing insight into the world of cybercrime whilst at the same time offering them invaluable work experience in their field of study.”

Anyone interested in studying for a Cybersecurity or Cyberpsychology degree or Master’s course at the University of Wolverhampton can still apply for courses starting this September or October.

For more information about the work of the Regional Cyber Crime Unit, follow the WM ROCU on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

ENDS

For more information please contact the Corporate Communications Team.

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