Computer science facilities
Explore the facilities available to our computer science students
Computer science students at Plymouth benefit from a range of specialist facilities, spread across six dedicated labs and an open learning space. These environments provide diverse hardware and software setups, from high-performance Graphical Processing Units (GPUs) for AI development to flexible networking infrastructure for cyber security and penetration testing on our cyber range.
While students are encouraged to use the facilities in person for hands-on collaboration with peers and staff, remote access is also available — allowing 24/7 virtual access to our labs. Ongoing investment ensures our systems remain at the forefront of technological innovation.
Cyber security and digital forensics laboratory
Our dedicated cyber security and digital forensic laboratory provides the hardware, networking infrastructure and accompanying server capability to perform a whole host of cyber-security related capabilities. The physical servers provide a cyber range capability to simulate and model industry-based IT infrastructure which subsequently provides the platform upon which students can learn to perform red-teaming in a safe and supportive environment.
The laboratories also support the delivery of digital forensics, where students have the opportunity to learn how to use Exterro’s Forensic Toolkit – industry leading computer forensic software used globally by Computer Security Incident Response Teams (CSIRTs) and law enforcement.
Games development laboratory
The games development lab provides the hardware and software tools for students to design, develop and test real-world games.
Leveraging engines such as Unity and Unreal, students are able to practice their skills; developing and deploying highly creative, innovative and interactive games. The hardware systems in these labs provide the necessary computation and graphical processing for timely rendering and compiling.
Software engineering and project laboratory
This core computer science laboratory provides high-end hardware to enable students to undertake coursework assignments and project-related activities. From the first year to the final year project, students will be encouraged to put into practice knowledge and skills they are taught, to be innovative and creative in the solutions they develop and to work in a collaborative manner with fellow students and staff.
The pod-based design of this lab helps to facilitate collaborative and group working, whilst the systems themselves are fully loaded with the necessary hardware and software to support software engineering.
Web services laboratory
The laboratory provides the capability for students to develop end-to-end web applications and services – providing industry-based software and server infrastructure for students to use.
The lab also has a built-in Internet-of-Things (IoT) infrastructure to allow students to develop software and functionality to develop smart applications and understand how to develop Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to enable interoperability between systems.
Artificial Intelligence laboratory
Our AI lab supports all of our computer science programmes. The lab provides the necessary hardware and GPU capability to meet the computational requirements of a wide variety of artificial intelligence and machine learning tasks. Utilising the accompanying software tools such as python, MATLAB, CUDA, students are able to rapidly develop, prototype and evaluate models.
Should the computational needs of the project exceed the lab, students also have access to
the Lovelace System
high performance computing facility, located in the Portland Square Building.
Open learning space
This open-plan communal space sits at the heart of our computer science facilities. While it doesn’t house traditional lab hardware, it offers an ideal environment for collaboration between students and staff. With modern workstations featuring shared screens, students can meet outside of timetabled sessions to exchange ideas. The space also includes relaxed soft seating and is available for student-led events, bringing together people from across the school.
State-of-the-art server infrastructure
Our computer science undergraduate programmes are powered by two state-of-the-art servers boasting a combined 2.5TB of RAM, 94TB of high-capacity storage, and 192GB of GPU power delivered by four NVIDIA L40s. This infrastructure provides the backbone for advanced, hands-on teaching and learning — from running hundreds of simultaneous virtual machines for networking and operating systems labs, to supporting GPU-accelerated projects in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computer vision. The combination of vast memory, high-performance graphics processing, and enterprise-scale storage ensures students can engage with real-world challenges in data science, cloud computing, digital forensics, and cybersecurity without compromise. By working on systems that mirror those used in industry, students gain the technical fluency and practical skills that set them apart in the competitive technology sector.
Cyber Physical Systems laboratory
The cutting-edge Cyber-Physical Systems lab provides 38 dedicated seats, each designed to give students practical experience with smart systems, IoT devices, and secure networked infrastructures, ensuring they can explore the realities of today’s connected world. With enterprise-grade hardware and flexible environments, it creates a collaborative space where innovation and applied skills in smart and secure technologies can thrive.