Greenhead Computer Science students go behind the scenes at Bradford University
06 January 2026Twenty-eight Computer Science students recently participated in an immersive educational visit to Bradford University, gaining valuable first-hand experience of higher education in the digital and games development sector.
The visit aimed to introduce students to the kinds of lectures, facilities, and specialist equipment available to those pursuing a Games Development or Computer Science pathway at university. It also gave students the chance to meet and engage with academic staff from a local higher education provider renowned for its strengths in the digital sector.
During the visit, students participated in two interactive workshops: Animation and Motion Capture, and Cybersecurity. In the animation session, students were introduced to industry-standard motion capture technology—an experience rarely available during standard Computer Science taster days. Two students volunteered to wear motion capture suits fitted with sensors, allowing their movements to be translated into on-screen avatars that walked, moved, and battled in real time within the animation studio.
One student reflected on the experience, saying, “I really enjoyed the opportunity to get hands on with the actual kit we would use in a uni setting, if we studied animation.”
The second workshop introduced cybersecurity, where students explored how vulnerabilities within digital systems can be identified. They investigated website metadata and weak points to understand how cyber-attacks can occur, developing problem-solving and analytical skills directly linked to their classroom learning.
A student commented, “I enjoyed the workshop to hack into a website in various ways, and I really liked the energy of the tutor in the Animation workshop – you could tell he loved what he does.”
Bradford University staff played a key role in bringing the experience to life. Their enthusiasm and industry knowledge helped students see how the skills taught at university translate into real-world applications. Animation lecturer Rob Redman received praise for his energy and passion when showcasing animation technologies, inspiring students and highlighting potential career pathways within the digital industries.
Another student added, “Overall, a great day out. We saw plenty of things on show – I had no idea the uni had that much going on for their Computer Science courses.”
Staff accompanying the students also highlighted the value of the visit, noting the unique opportunities it provided. One member of staff said, “The animation workshop in particular showcased a heap of tech and skills we haven’t experienced in a range of other taster days, so this was something brand new and exciting for students to get hands-on with.”
The visit aligns closely with Greenhead’s commitment to experiential learning, offering students meaningful insight into life at higher education and the opportunities available beyond the classroom. Bradford University’s strong focus on Engineering, Computer Science, and its extensive outreach and access programmes further demonstrated how local universities can support students as they progress to the next level of education.
Overall, the day provided students with new skills, fresh inspiration and a clearer understanding of future possibilities within Computer Science, reinforcing the value of learning beyond the classroom.
