Student Spotlight: Meet Gbekeloluwa, a computing degree student at University Centre Rotherham
Faces of University Centre Rotherham:
Gbekeloluwa Allen, BSc(Hons) in Computing and Systems Development
In a world where digital infrastructure underpins almost every industry and cyber threats evolve daily, the demand for skilled computing professionals has never been greater.
For 21-year-old Gbekeloluwa Allen, studying for a degree in Computing and Systems Development at University Centre Rotherham is about positioning himself at the forefront of that digital landscape.
Now in his final year of the degree programme, he has spent the past few years building the technical expertise and professional skills needed to succeed in one of the UK’s most in-demand industries.
Gbekeloluwa’s journey into Higher Education
From a young age, Gbekeloluwa has had a keen interest in computers and gaming. Even as far back as primary school, he has always achieved good grades in computing subjects.
After leaving secondary school, Gbekeloluwa enrolled at a specialist technical sixth form in Sheffield to complete A-levels in maths and IT. This cemented his determination to pursue computing as a career.
He knew Higher Education would equip him with the industry-relevant technical knowledge to work at the forefront of innovation so decided to take his studies further by studying a degree.
Why Gbekeloluwa chose University Centre Rotherham
For Gbekeloluwa, choosing where to study his degree was a decision shaped by practicality as well as ambition. Location played a key role, as too did affordability and course content.
He looked at other universities in Birmingham, Buckinghamshire, Leeds, London and Sheffield that all offered good degree options in computer science. However, he found that University Centre Rotherham ticked all the boxes and was exactly what he was looking for.
“First and foremost, University Centre Rotherham was closer to home so that went in my favour. It also had the course I wanted to do, and the course fees were considerably cheaper which was a huge selling point,” he says.
As all of our courses are accredited by other larger universities, students still work towards a high quality recognised degree qualification but save money on course fees.
A full-time course at University Centre Rotherham costs around £7,000 a year compared to the national average of £9,250 – making Higher Education financially achievable for so many learners like Gbekeloluwa.
Academic journey
The structure of the computing degree course at University Centre Rotherham was equally as appealing to Gbekeloluwa.
The degree is split into different pathways so students can choose to specialise in areas like networking or software development. There are also general modules in areas such as website design and development, database development and e-commerce.
With an end goal of working in networking and cyber security, Gbekeloluwa is on the networking pathway. The growing importance of data protection, digital infrastructure and secure systems has inspired him to specialise in an area that is both challenging and essential.
Over the course of his degree he’s developed strong foundations in cyber security, systems architecture, network infrastructure and cloud-based software.
“The course has taught us how to set up and manage a network, which is one of the main skills I will need for my career. I find it interesting that I could start up a computer and assign it to specific people and privileges.
“I have also learned how to set up firewalls, manage restrictions and Active Directory, and assign IP addresses to computers. All of these are helpful for the career I want to go into.”
He particularly values the practical side of the degree which simulate real-world scenarios and encourage independent thinking using industry-standard computing facilities in the computing lab.
Rather than simply learning the theory behind practices, students like Gbekeloluwa explore how networks communicate, where vulnerabilities can emerge and the principles behind encryption. Hands-on tasks challenge them to troubleshoot technical faults, analyse system weaknesses and develop resilient solutions via ethical hacking.
“The practical element was what I was really looking for from my course. In cyber security, you need to understand the whole system. You can’t protect something if you don’t understand how it works.”
Facilities and personalised support
One of the aspects Gbekeloluwa has liked the most about studying at University Centre Rotherham is the small cohort size. With just six or seven students in his year group, learning feels personal and collaborative rather than overwhelming.
Some students have come straight from college, while others are older adults who have previous experience in IT and have returned to education to help climb the career ladder.
The diversity of experience within the group allows students to learn not only from tutors, but from each other. Those with industry backgrounds bring practical insight, while younger students contribute fresh perspectives and technical curiosity.
The teaching team have vast experience across areas like cyber security, software engineering and data analytics. The small class size also means tutors can provide more individual support.
“Being in a small group means you get more one-to-one support from lecturers which was a major advantage for me choosing University Centre Rotherham. If you don’t really understand what you’re suppose to do, all you need to do is ask for help and they will find the time to help you break it down so it’s easier to understand.
“Everyone goes through things and your tutors will check in on you and ask if you want to talk about it which is comforting. They are just lovely, lovely people.”
Developing transferable skills for a flexible future
Beyond technical knowledge, Gbekeloluwa describes university as a journey of personal growth, helping to strengthen key transferrable skills such as communication, teamwork, time management and leadership.
“It’s been a good academic journey for me and a journey I have loved. Learning is part of what you go to university for and I’ve learnt a lot.
“A module I’m studying at the moment, we’re reflecting on the HOT skills, soft skills and social skills we’ve developed. In general, when you have group projects you build communication skills and how to talk to people properly, and you also have to exercise a lot of patience. Then you have time management to submit assignments on time before the deadline.”
While cyber security and networking remain his primary ambitions, university has broadened his perspective, revealing alternative career pathways that remain within the digital and technology sector.
“The course has opened my eyes to other opportunities I could potentially move into such as project management if my first path doesn’t go exactly as planned. In a group project we did, I was the one leading the group and it made me realise I could do that and what soft skills I’d need to exercise to do so.”
Looking ahead to after graduation
As he approaches graduation later this year, Gbekeloluwa is focused on building a career in cyber security and networking.
He hopes to secure a paid role that allows him to continue developing his expertise, but also realises that building up work experience through internships or volunteering will aid his career prospects.
In an ever-changing industry, Gbekeloluwa says he’s also considering furthering his knowledge by completing a master’s degree.
Gbekeloluwa’s advice to others
For college students thinking about progressing to Higher Education, Gbekeloluwa says: “University is going to be a journey. But remember that people will always be there to help you. Even the librarian is there to help with referencing. When you need help, ask for it and you will receive it.”
He also advises prospective students to figure out what job it is they want to do in IT – and how best they can get there.
There are so many pathways, including degree apprenticeships, that his best advice is to research the different options and consider which will suit your learning style and interests.
Find out more about the Computing and Digital courses at University Centre Rotherham.