A STUDENT from Melksham has been awarded a £3,500 bursary for her work in helping keep businesses safe from cyber attacks, and is now hoping to land a top job with the global cyber security firm who have given her the cash.

Llamara Swann, 20, whose family live in Bowerhill, was given the bursary in a joint venture between the University of Gloucestershire and the security company Raytheon UK. She was chosen because her dissertation for her computing degree focuses on ransomware and cyber-attacks on businesses.

Miss Swann, a former Melksham Oak pupil and the youngest of a family of seven, said: “They were looking for a female as computing students are predominantly male. I applied and was then shortlisted which meant I had to give a presentation. Two or three days later I received an email to say I would be one of the three students receiving the bursary.”

Miss Swann’s family were quick to congratulate her. “My mum sent me flowers and a balloon, you know how mums can be. I am the youngest of seven and the first to go to university so everyone is really proud and happy for me,” she said.

The extra cash injection will mean that Miss Swann will be receiving extra support when writing her dissertation as well as having help from someone in the industry.

“I’m delighted to receive this opportunity from Raytheon - I didn’t think for one minute I would get it, but it goes to show if you work hard, you can achieve anything,” Miss Swann added.

“I will be working with a mentor from Raytheon that will help me develop my project, which is helping a variety of organisations prevent cyber-attacks, specifically ransomware. Now the hard work begins as I also have a conditional job offer if I get at least a 2:1 - I'm very excited for what the future holds.”

The computing student at Gloucestershire Uni was presented with her bursary on November 22 at her university.

Earlier this month the University of Gloucestershire was awarded £240,000 by Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) to expand its portfolio of apprenticeships including three new degree apprenticeships in the Science and Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) sector.

Stephen Marston, vice-chancellor at the University of Gloucestershire said: “Many congratulations to Llamara. One of our key priorities is to give our students access to leading companies in the field in which they would like to pursue a career on graduation.

“Our partnership with Raytheon not only gives our students the opportunity to gain first hand, real world experience, but also helps equip them with the skills and opportunities to secure a prestigious graduate job.”