Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science BSc with Integrated Foundation Year (Dubai)

Start date
January and September
Duration
4 years
Campus
Dubai
Course Type
Undergraduate, Foundation, Single Honours
Fees

2024 Entry: The foundation year fee of your programme is AED 114,602. Following successful Foundation Year completion the annual tuition fee is AED 132,778
Fees can be paid by installments. Scholarships are available.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is at the heart of everyday technology; things like navigation and photo apps, internet-scale algorithms for recommending purchases and content to view. AI is also going to change the world with autonomous cars and robots.

Our curriculum has been designed to give you a thorough education in the fundamentals of computer science, with the final year allowing you to go deeper into specialist artificial intelligence related subjects.  Teaching is joint between academics on our Dubai campus, and our Edgbaston Campus. You will also have the opportunity to interact and work alongside students in our Edgbaston campus in the UK whilst you study at our Dubai campus.

To enrich your learning experience on our programmes, our teaching is delivered jointly by staff from both our campuses (Dubai and the UK), by utilising modern digital technology. Typically, for each module, the teaching team consists of colleagues across the campuses with at least one member based in the Dubai campus. You will receive the same high-quality teaching materials (lecture slides and notes, for example) and rigorous assessments (assignments and exams, for example) as our UK campus. You will also have the opportunity to interact with staff & students across both campuses to support and enhance your learning experience. Furthermore, there is also the opportunity to conduct projects under the supervision of staff from either of our campuses which significantly boosts the pool of project topics accessible to our students.

From a scientific viewpoint, artificial intelligence is a multidisciplinary field that connects computing, psychology, neuroscience, philosophy, mathematics and linguistics. Using state-of-the-art facilities on our new, technology enhanced 'smart' campus, this degree programme will give you the computing skills to enter industry, while also allowing you to acquire scientific skills in order to pursue research. Our wide range of modules mean you can focus on areas of AI that interest you most and that will set you up for your future career.

We know how competitive the graduate job market can be, that’s why you also learn computer programming in Java – a language widely used in business and industry that will ensure you stand out in future applications. Our graduates are highly sought after by leading industry players, and the range of job opportunities available to you are infinite. You could become anything from a Software Engineer, Artificial Intelligence Developer, Robotics Engineer, Financial Computing Analyst, Applications Developer, or inspire the next generation of computer scientists academically. Graduate salaries are highly competitive.

Industry representatives come to us to actively seek out and recruit the best graduates for their roles and we have strong links with global companies such as Goldman Sachs, BAE Systems, PwC, IMB, Google, Expedia, Rolls-Royce, Morgan Stanley and Vodafone.

Computer scientists work over a wide range of disciplines - they design and create search engines, social networking applications, software applications used in the financial world to map customer profiles and expose credit card fraud, and applications used in the medical sector to identify cancers through the analysis of medical images.

Why study Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science at Birmingham Dubai?

  • Global reputation for educational excellence – The School of Computer Science is a truly international place, and our world-leading academics specialise in areas relevant to modern-day issues. We offer the same first-class education as in our UK campus, by delivering the same high-quality curriculum and you will graduate with a degree from a global top 100 university. 
  • Research-led teaching - Our research feeds directly into your teaching ensuring your programme includes the latest developments in Computer Science, such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science and Cyber Security.
  • Flexibility - In your final year, you will be able to tailor your studies to the topics that you are most interested in, by choosing from a range of optional modules.
  • State-of-the-art facilities - You will study in purpose-built facilities in our modern campus, fitted out with a range of advanced equipment and computer science software on our brand new, technology enhanced 'smart campus'.
  • Exceptional learning environment - We have a real sense of community, with staff that are approachable and nurturing, which provides a collaborative and supportive learning environment for students. There is an excellent student to teacher ratio and multiple channels of support are available to students, via both physical and digital means.
  • Careers service and industry connections -   You will have access to our expert careers support and a wide range of services to help you on your path towards employment. We also have strong industrial links with corporations such as Goldman Sachs, BAE Systems and PwC, which provide beneficial opportunities for our students, such as careers fairs, industrial guest lectures and potential placements or work experience options.
  • Exchange opportunities - You can choose to spend your second year studying at our picturesque campus in Birmingham, UK (subject to academic attainment).
  • Scholarship opportunities - As a University of Birmingham student, a range of scholarship awards will be open to you.

Meet our academics

Our Computer Science academics are highly qualified and based in Dubai.

See their profiles

We are proud to offer the same high-quality curriculum and teaching of our Computer Science programmes on our Dubai campus. We will equip you with the fundamentals of computer science, whilst also providing plenty of optional modules to allow you to specialise in the area that interests you.

Dr Ahmad Ibrahim, Undergraduate Programme Director, Computer Science

Modules

Foundation year

Designed for international students who require a preparatory year prior to undergraduate study, our integrated foundation course is equivalent in learning to year 13 of the UK education system.

Successful completion of the foundation year will also guarantee you progression onto the Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science BSc (Hons) programme.  *You will need at least 100 credits, at least 55% in Academic English and Study Skills, at least 60% in Mathematics modules and at least 60% in Elementary Computer Programming.

We will ensure you're fully prepared for your undergraduate programme, immersing you in the university environment and giving you dedicated support in your first year in Dubai.

Year one

In this year, you will learn about the AI fundamentals and techniques for generating intelligent behaviour. These include understanding logic, techniques for game playing, artificial intelligence algorithms, and many others. You will experiment with the techniques by implementing them as computer programs. 

In the Computer Science part of your degree, you will gain a firm foundation in the principles of algorithms, concepts of computer science, artificial intelligence, and relevant mathematics. You will also learn computer programming in Java - a language widely used in business and industry. In the Artificial Intelligence module, the part on robot programming introduces you to some important ideas that underpin intelligent robotics and includes group work as part of our commitment to preparing you for the world of work.

Compulsory modules

Like all UAE Ministry of Education Higher Education Institutions we also run the below listed compulsory module. This module is designed to support talented graduates in the region, with the skills to aid and further employability. Please note this module must be completed and passed in addition to your core programme modules.

Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Sustainability (EIS)

Year two

In the second year you move on to study enabling technologies and their application. You will learn about a wide range of subjects from the mathematics for modelling and decision making which underpins much of modern machine learning, to systems-level programming, networks, and cyber security. Your programming repertoire will be broadened by exposure to the C programming language plus further functional programming. You will also work together with other AI students to develop a large team project using AI techniques such as machine learning or computer vision.

Compulsory modules

You can also apply to spend the second year of your BSc Computer Science course at our campus in the UK. Find our more.

Year three

In the final year you are able to take a range of modules on cutting-edge AI-specific topics including complex adaptive systems, machine learning and intelligent data analysis, and computer vision and imaging. You also spend one-third of your time on a final degree project. This includes writing a large piece of software or doing a major piece of research, and brings together all of the AI skills you have acquired.

Compulsory modules

Optional modules

Choose 80 credits, examples of optional modules listed below, each module is 20 credits:

Please note: The modules listed on the website for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. Unless indicated otherwise, the modules listed for this programme are for students starting in 2025. On rare occasions, we may need to make unexpected changes to core modules; in this event we will contact offer holders as soon as possible to inform or consult them as appropriate.

Fees

2024 entry

The foundation year fee of your programme is AED 114,602 for 2024 entry. 

Following successful completion of your Foundation Year the annual tuition fee for is AED 132,778.

Fees can be paid by installments.

Scholarships

We have a number of scholarships available.

How To Apply

To find out more information about our application process please visit our 'How to apply page' before starting your application.

International Requirements



Foundation Pathway entry requirements

Nigeria

Students studying the WAEC or NECO would be required to study a four year integrated foundation and degree programme.   

  • WAEC Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) with at least 5 subjects at grade B3, to include grade B3 in Mathematics for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway.
  • NECO Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) can also be accepted with at least 5 subjects at grade B3 or the joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) with 300+ points and at least 5 subjects at grade C4 to include grade B in Maths for our EPS pathway.

Middle East (Thaneweya)

Applicants to the Foundation pathway will require an average of 85% in the Thanawiyan (Secondary School Leaving Certificate), to include 85% in Mathematics for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway.

Pakistan

The University will consider students with a Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSC) (also called Intermediate Certificate), with at least grade B or 70%, to include grade B or 70% in Mathematics for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway.

American System

High School Graduation Diploma with 'good'/grade B/GPA 3.0 average, to include grade B in Mathematics for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway.

English Language Requirements 

Please refer to the Undergraduate English language requirements page for information on English proficiency. 

Our highly regarded teaching on the BSc Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science course uses a combination of lectures, labs and tutorials with lecturers available to provide additional help throughout your degree.

We want to prepare you for your graduate career by helping you gain skills and experience in many different ways, as roles in computer science often ask for individuals who have strong communication and team working skills. By keeping your learning varied, you will have the chance to learn and grow to allow you to communicate in different ways, and with different types of people.

Assessment

Each module is assessed independently with all containing some components of continuous assessment. Some modules are completely assessed by coursework. Assessment methods include end-of-year examinations, written assignments, oral and poster presentations, computer-based tests, marked exercises, and laboratory and project reports.

Feedback is an essential part of learning and the way we help to shape your success. We use a wide range of methods such as, written feedback on your assessments, class feedback sessions and discussions with your tutor.

A degree gained through completing our BSc Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science course provides the skills required for a wide range of careers.  It will give you a disciplined approach to analysing problems, with the ability to design creative solutions and critically evaluate the results. Employers are impressed by the combination of technical and transferable skills offered by computing graduates, and as such, you might find yourself in a variety of environments in academia, industry, research and commercial organisations.

These qualities, plus the prestige of a degree from a leading World Class University, make our graduates attractive  to companies in the engineering sector worldwide as well as those in finance, consultancy and commerce.

Examples of companies where our graduates have gone on to work include:

  • Microsoft
  • Google
  • Apple
  • Goldman Sachs
  • Sony
  • IBM
  • Siemens
  • Honda
  • JP Morgan
  • Morgan Stanley
  • The Bank of England

With the fast changing connected world, artificial intelligence and computer science is a key area for future careers across the world. Dubai, for example, is a truly exciting global city with a rapidly developing economy and extremely fast digitisation of Government services and actively embracing the artificial intelligence lead automation of various sectors. There is a vibrant start-up scene evident by the massive success of Careem and Amazon.ae formally souq.com. This is no doubt creating new jobs for computer science professionals.

The skills that I am gaining; the course does not just teach knowledge, it trains us in certain skills which can be applied outside of the course, for example many students develop software that has been published, gained them an internship or enhanced their CVs

Hung Hoang

Your Birmingham Degree

Your Birmingham degree is evidence of your ability to succeed in a demanding academic environment. Employers target Birmingham students for their drive, diversity, communication and problem-solving skills, their team-working abilities and cultural awareness, and our graduate employment statistics have continued to climb at a rate well above national trends. 

Professional Accreditation