Facilities within the School of Computer Science and Mathematics

The School of Computer Science and Mathematics has first-class facilities.

Our school provides access to nine specialist teaching laboratories. They are equipped with over 400 Windows PCs to support learning across various departments. This includes computing, cybersecurity, games development, software engineering, digital forensics, and data science.

Linux environments are available through virtual machines. This enables students to work across multiple operating systems and technologies.

Our facilities are designed to provide hands-on experience with the tools and technologies used in industry. Specialist resources include PlayStation development platforms, XRY mobile forensics technology, and embedded systems development kits.

Students also have access to local and cloud-based computing infrastructure. These resources support teaching, project work, and research activities. 

Visual Paradigm provides LJMU with tools and templates under the Academic Partner Program:

James Parsons Building

Within this building, our School has nine teaching labs. They contain 400 PCs, three research labs, one postgraduate room, a console lab and a software development lab containing iMacs.

Social areas

The City Campus, which houses the School, has a variety of social areas. All provide excellent spaces for students and staff to debate, discuss and socialise. From our own Core Cafe to an inhouse Starbucks and a computing area with plenty of booths for collaboration.

  • James Parsons Building at Byrom Street

  • LJMU's Core Cafe on campus

Games lab

Our dedicated Games Development Laboratory provides students with access to specialist hardware. This hardware is industry-standard software used throughout the games industry. The facility supports practical learning in game programming, graphics and user experience design. It also incorporates artificial intelligence, virtual and mixed reality with interactive media.

Technology and equipment

Students have access to a range of professional development technologies, including:

  • Sony PlayStation Development Kits through LJMU's participation in Sony's PlayStation academic programme.
  • Console game development facilities, supporting development and testing across games platforms.
  • Virtual Reality (VR) and Mixed Reality (MR) technologies. This enables students to create immersive interactive experiences. Explore emerging applications in games, simulation, and digital entertainment.
  • Unreal Engine development environments are used extensively across modules in advanced games programming.  It supports graphics, artificial intelligence, game physics, user-interface design, and mixed reality development.
  • Collaborative software engineering infrastructure. This includes professional source control and development tools that mirror modern studio workflows.
  • High-performance computing facilities. This supports graphics rendering, games programming, simulation, and content development activities. The School houses more than 150 high-spec computers across its specialist teaching laboratories.

LJMU is a member of the PlayStation First international academic programme and an Academic Partner of Epic Games. They provide students with access to industry-relevant technologies and opportunities to develop. All technologies available are  aligned with current professional practice.

  • Students working in the Games lab

  • Games controller

  • Students working in the Games lab

  • Xbox games controller

  • Students working in the Games lab

  • GTForce gaming chairs

Cyber Security lab

Our Cyber Security Laboratory gives students access to specialist technologies. These technologies explore digital security, cyber defence, network protection, and cyber investigation.

The lab supports practical, hands-on learning. Students can develop skills in secure system design. They can practise penetration testing, network security, and digital forensics.

Students can also use dedicated cyber security tools such as virtualised environments and specialist forensic technologies. These resources help students understand modern cyber threats.

Students learn how organisations identify and prevent cyber threats. They also explore how organisations respond to security incidents.

The lab uses industry-focused activities and practical exercises. Students can work through real-world scenarios in a controlled environment. This gives them the opportunity to apply their knowledge and build professional skills.

Key features:

  • Dedicated cyber security teaching environment
  • Digital forensics technologies
  • Virtualised cyber ranges and testing environments
  • Network monitoring and security tools
  • Secure software development facilities
  • Practical penetration testing and cyber defence activities 

Forensics lab

Our forensics lab contains specialist software and hardware used within many police forces. This includes the Forensic Tool Kit (FTK) Autopsy, Wireshark XRY and Encase software. Students gain hands-on experience using industry-relevant cyber security. They can use digital forensics technologies within dedicated laboratory environments.

Our lab also includes mobile device forensic platforms such as Cellebrite and MSAB XRY. This is alongside leading ethical hacking and penetration testing tools. From Kali Linux, to Nmap and Metasploit, to Aircrack-ng and Empire.

Our virtualised cyber range environments provide a safe setting for forensic investigations. That includes vulnerability assessments, network security analysis, ethical hacking and incident response activities. This gives students practical experience aligned with the professional cyber security and digital forensics industry.

  • Computer Science lab

  • Bipedal humanoid from Unitree Robotics

  • Computer Science lab

  • Wiring up a server rack

  • Computer Science lab

  • Wiring an Arduino

  • Student demonstrating a circuit design

  • Soldering components to a circuit board

  • Student demonstrating a circuit design

  • Wiring up a server rack

  • Computer Science lab

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