Winter School 2026: Data-Driven Decision Making

Discover how statistics and data science can help solve real-world problems in engineering and business through our very first Winter School programme.

This one-week programme offers a practical introduction to data-driven decision-making, equipping students with foundational knowledge of statistical methods, data analysis and programming. Through interactive academic sessions, participants will explore how data can be collected, analysed and interpreted to support informed decisions across different disciplines.

The programme also offers opportunities to develop academic and professional communication skills, learn about the history and culture of the UAE, and explore Dubai’s cultural and historical landmarks.

What will you learn?

Over four taught days, you will explore the foundations of statistics and data science and their applications in engineering, business and finance.

Topics include:

• Data collection: Explore tools and methods for collecting data effectively.

• Programming fundamentals: Get introduced to R, RStudio and Python.

• Exploratory data analysis: Learn how to examine, interpret and understand data.

• Confirmatory data analysis: Discover statistical approaches to testing hypotheses and drawing conclusions.

• Statistics in business and finance: Explore how statistical methods inform business and financial decisions.

• Academic and professional communication: Develop your writing and communication skills.

Alongside the academic programme, you will have the opportunity to learn about local history and culture and take part in a guided tour of Dubai’s historical and cultural landmarks.

Programme highlights

• Opportunities to interact with University of Birmingham Dubai faculty and staff.

• A certificate of participation upon completion of the academic training.

• A half-day city tour exploring Dubai’s heritage and cultural attractions.

• Practical training in statistics and data science, including R, RStudio and Python, and their applications in data-driven decision-making across engineering, business and finance.

Who can apply?

The Winter School is open to students aged 18 and above who meet one of the following criteria:

• Undergraduate students: Students in STEM subjects, including Mathematics, Statistics and Engineering, from the second year of study onwards.

• Postgraduate students: Students studying Mathematics, Statistics, Engineering, Business or Economics, in any semester.

Applications must be submitted through the student's home institution. Individual student applications will not be accepted.

Programme schedule

Monday, 14 December – Welcome and introduction to data

• Welcome breakfast, campus visit and interaction with faculty and staff.

• Effective communication and academic and professional writing.

• An introduction to data.

Tuesday, 15 December – Data collection and programming

• Data collection tools and methods.

• Introduction to R and RStudio.

• Introduction to Python.

Wednesday, 16 December – Data analysis and applications

• Exploratory data analysis.

• Confirmatory data analysis.

• Statistical methods in business and finance.

Thursday, 17 December – UAE culture and city tour

• An introduction to the history and culture of the UAE.

• Valedictory session.

• Half-day tour of Dubai’s historical and cultural landmarks.

The proposed city tour includes Al Seef, the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, Dubai Frame, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Al Jadaf Culture Village and Jameel Arts Centre. The itinerary is tentative and subject to confirmation.

Friday, 18 December – Independent exploration

Enjoy a free day to explore Dubai independently.

Fees and inclusions

The programme fee is AED 1,000 per student.

The fee includes:

• Academic training and a certificate.

• Welcome breakfast on Monday 14 December.

• Lunch from Monday 14 to Thursday 17 December.

• A half-day city tour of Dubai’s historical places.

The fee does not include accommodation, visa costs, travel to and from Dubai, additional local excursions or meals not specifically listed above.

For information on visa requirements, please visit Visit Dubai's website. 

Important dates

• 19 October 2026: Applications open.

• 19 November 2026: Application deadline, including the required documentation.

• 21 November 2026: Selected applicants announced.

• 27 November 2026: Deadline for institutions to deposit programme fees.

• 14-20 December 2026: Winter School programme.

Information for participating institutions

All applications must be coordinated and submitted by the student's home institution. Applications from individual students will not be accepted.

Participating institutions must:

• Submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) and a parental undertaking for each student by the application deadline.

• Preferably arrange a faculty member to accompany their students.

• Deposit the combined fees for all selected students from their institution by 27 November 2026. Individual student payments will not be accepted.

Payment details will be shared directly with the participating institutions. The programme is planned for a minimum of 15 and a maximum of 40 participants.

Register your interest

Interested students should contact their home institution to enquire about participation and nomination.

To register your institution’s interest or request further information, please email Jyoti Thanvi at j.thanvi@bham.ac.uk.