Computer Science and Software Engineering MEng (Dubai)

Start date
September
Duration
4 years (1-3 in Dubai, 4th year in Birmingham)
Campus
Dubai
Course Type
Undergraduate, Single Honours
Fees

Tuition fee for 2024 entry is AED 132,778 per year of study and can be paid in instalments.
Scholarships are available.

Software engineering has a huge impact on human activity. From air traffic control, to medicine and telecommunications, software systems are essential. Our Computer Science and Software Engineering MEng programme, will develop your technical and industry skills crucial for building software systems.

Accredited degree

British Computer Society logo

This programme is fully accredited by the:

On our comprehensive MEng Computer Science and Software Engineering programme, you will use advanced computer science software in state-of-the-art facilities, on our brand new technology enhanced ‘smart campus’. Our curriculum has been designed to give you a thorough education in the  fundamentals of computer science, with an emphasis on the skills required in industry for the first two years, whilst allowing you to go deeper into subjects of your choice in the latter years. 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.

Software Engineering is concerned with how to build the very large software systems that are used throughout commerce and industry. For example, the increasing use of robots in surgery relies on the use of computer vision techniques to understand images of internal organs as well as to control the surgeons’ tools. Other areas include air traffic control systems, cryptographic systems for banking, satellite control for telecommunications, and of course, the internet.

Software engineers, the professionals behind this industry, will lead the development of these extremely large systems so that they are delivered on time, within budget, and are both reliable and maintainable. Software engineering covers not only the technical aspects of building these systems, but also the development of personal qualities needed to build them, such as leadership, management and team-working skills.

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.

Why study Computer Science and Software Engineering 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 third 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

Year one

We want to give you a really strong education in the fundamentals of computer science, so in first year you'll be given an overview of the subject and gain a firm foundation in the principles of algorithms, artificial intelligence and relevant maths. You will also learn computer programming in Java - an invaluable language widely used in business and industry.

We want you to have a chance to follow your own passions whilst studying, so in your first year you are also given a chance to pursue your own interests, via work within robot programming in the Artificial Intelligence module. We encourage group work as part of our commitment to preparing you for the world of employment and you will learn valuable skills.

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 programme language plus further functional programming. You will also be taught professional software engineering techniques and apply them to develop a large team project in Java such as a multiplayer networked game.

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

Year three

In the third year of the MEng you have the freedom of choice to specialise in a particular area of computer science from a range of modules.

Students should Select 120 credits of optional modules from the following, all modules 20 credits:

Year Four

In the final year you will complete your studies in the UK at our Edgbaston campus and undertake a much more in-depth project which involves a major software or research element, and brings together all of the computer science and software engineering skills you have acquired. In this final year modules from our range of Masters programmes will be open to you. Your choice of modules alongside your choice of project will allow you to specialise in a field such as computer security, human-computer interaction, theoretical computer science, robotics or natural computation.

Compulsory module

Optional modules

Choose 60 credits of optional modules, examples listed below, each module is 20 credits:

Note that when choosing options that some topics may be studied either in the third year or in the fourth year but not both.

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

We charge an annual tuition fee which is set at AED 132,778 per year of study for 2024 and can be paid in instalments.

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.


UK

3 A Levels. Typical offer A*AA. A Level Mathematics grade A. 
If you are taking any reformed A levels, which include Biology, Chemistry and Physics taught from 2015, you must pass the practical element. General Studies or Critical Thinking not accepted.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

7,6,6 – 6,6,5 at Higher Level to include 6 in Mathematics with a minimum of 32 points overall.

GULF

Please view the Middle East section on the international country page for further information on entry requirements. 

India

A*AA – AAB =

  • A*AA - 90% ISC, CBSE, Maharashtra or 85% West Bengal or 95% Other State boards
  • AAB - 80% ISC, CBSE, Maharashtra or 75% West Bengal or 85% Other State boards

Please view our international country page for further information on entry requirements.

Pakistan

  • The University will consider students who have taken A Level examinations and/or the International Baccalaureate (IB). Requirements for each of these qualifications is listed above.

Please view our international country page for further information on entry requirements.

American System

Either a total of 3 distinct subject tests from APs and/or SAT subject tests or one year at a Community College or USA University.

English Language Requirements 

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

Other entry requirements can be found on our international country page.

Overall, the teaching in the Computer Science department is fantastic. All of the lecturers are very helpful and will go out of their way to support you. The course content is very well structured and contains very applicable knowledge and skills for industry.

Aaquib Naved, Computer Science student

Our highly regarded teaching on the MEng Computer Science and Software Engineering course employs a mixture 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 software engineering 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 assessed by coursework, 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 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 MEng Computer Science and Software Engineering 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
  • Siemans
  • Honda
  • JP Morgan
  • Morgan Stanley
  • The Bank of England

With the fast changing connected world, software engineering 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

Accredited degree

British Computer Society logo

This programme is fully accredited by the: