Samuel Barker
Senior Lecturer - Course Leader for PG Computing
Worcester Business School
Department of Computing
email: s.barker@worc.ac.uk
Sam Barker is a Senior Lecturer in Computer Science and Programme Leader for MSc Artificial Intelligence, MSc Computer Science, and MSc Cyber Security at the University of Worcester.
With over a decade of experience spanning both academia and industry, Sam specialises in software engineering, applied computing, and emerging technologies. His teaching focuses on bridging the gap between theoretical concepts and real-world application, equipping students with the practical and technical skills required in modern computing roles.
Alongside his academic role, Sam is a Director of a software and hardware development company delivering bespoke solutions across web platforms, embedded systems, and experimental technologies. He also serves as Head of UK Technical at an online charity platform, where he leads the development of large-scale technical infrastructure and custom platforms for operational logistics and forecasting.
Prior to joining the University of Worcester, Sam spent nearly ten years at the University of Winchester, where he held several academic leadership roles, including Programme Leader for BSc Immersive Technologies. During this time, he contributed to curriculum development, academic strategy, and the delivery of innovative teaching in software development and immersive systems.
Qualifications
BSc Digital Media Development
PGCertHE
Teaching Interests
Sam’s teaching focuses on applied computing and the integration of industry practices into academic delivery. His areas of teaching include software engineering, full-stack web development, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and embedded systems.
He has extensive experience designing and delivering modules across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, with a particular emphasis on project-based learning, real-world problem solving, and preparing students for technical careers in industry. Sam is particularly interested in bridging the gap between theory and practice through hands-on development, live projects, and modern development frameworks and tools.
Research Interests
Sam’s research interests are centred around applied computing and emerging technologies, with a focus on practical and experimental systems.
His areas of interest include software development and architecture, embedded electronics, microprocessor-based systems, and ultrasonic levitation. He is particularly interested in the intersection of hardware and software, exploring how low-level systems and physical computing can be integrated with modern software platforms to create innovative technical solutions.