MSc in Computer Science
About This Programme
A two-year research MSc in Computer Science covering algorithms, AI systems and computational intelligence.
Course Highlights
- Not automatically funded: MBZUAI classes M.Sc. students as fee-paying by default, with merit-based funding considered at admission and otherwise secured through a faculty-sponsored assistantship or a government scholarship.
- Covers algorithms, systems and AI-driven computer science.
- Access to computing labs with nearly 1,000 Nvidia DGZ-1/2 GPU servers.
- One-year Master's research thesis.
What You'll Study
A full-time, English-language MSc on the Masdar City campus with core computer-science and AI courses, electives, research methods, an internship and a one-year thesis. MBZUAI classes M.Sc. students as fee-paying by default; merit-based funding is considered at admission, and is otherwise secured through a faculty-sponsored assistantship or an approved government scholarship.
Core courses
Core: 6 courses, 16 credit hours, taken by every student.
- Machine Learning with Python (AI7101)2 credits
- Introduction to Deep Learning (AI7102)2 credits
- Algorithms and Data Structures (CS7101)4 credits
- Foundations of AI System Design (CS7201)4 credits
- Probabilistic and Statistical Inference (ML7101)2 credits
- Mathematical Foundations of AI (MTH7101)2 credits
Research methods, internship and thesis
- Introduction to Research Methods (RES799)2 credits
- Master of Science Internship (up to six weeks) (INT799)2 credits
- Computer Science Master's Research Thesis (CS799)8 credits
Elective courses
Students select a minimum of two elective courses totalling 8 credit hours.
Published elective list
- Introduction to Single Cell Biology and Bioinformatics (CBIO7101)4 credits
- Theory of Computation (CS7501)4 credits
- Operating Systems (CS7601)4 credits
- Computer and Network Security (CS7602)4 credits
- Programming Languages and Implementation (CS7603)4 credits
- Distributed and Parallel Computing (CS7604)4 credits
- Data Mining (DS701)4 credits
- Big Data Processing (DS702)4 credits
- Entrepreneurship in Action (ENT799)2 credits
- Parallel and Distributed Machine Learning Systems (ML710)4 credits
- Applied Machine Learning (ML7501)4 credits
- Natural Language Processing (NLP701)4 credits
- Advanced Natural Language Processing (NLP702)4 credits
- Speech Processing (NLP703)4 credits
- Introduction to Robotics (ROB701)4 credits
Entry Requirements
Screening exam and technical interview; two references; GRE optional.
Careers
Graduates take up software, systems and AI engineering or research roles, or continue to a PhD.
Accreditation & Professional Recognition
Accredited by the UAE Commission for Academic Accreditation (status Active on the CAA register).
Programme Details
Award
Master of Science (MSc) in Computer Science
Start Date
Annual Fall intake (August)
Typical Offer
STEM bachelor's, CGPA 3.0/4.0; IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 90
Duration
2 years
Qualification
Masters
Subject Area
Computer Science
Study Pattern
Full time
Delivery Format
In person