Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Computer Science with Integrated Foundation Year BSc
About This Programme
The BSc Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science with Integrated Foundation Year is a four-year programme at the University of Birmingham Dubai that starts with a foundation year and then follows the three-year AI and Computer Science degree, combining computer science fundamentals with specialist AI expertise. It opens routes into roles from app development to robotics engineering, in sectors such as technology, finance and healthcare, and offers the same curriculum and teaching as the University's computer science programmes in the UK. The foundation year is preparation for the degree, equivalent to Year 13 in the UK system. Students then learn computing fundamentals before moving into specialist AI topics, taught on a technology-enhanced campus jointly by Dubai-based and UK academics, with the chance to work alongside students at the Birmingham campus.
Course Highlights
- The University of Birmingham is ranked 68th in the QS World University Rankings 2027, in the global top 100 and the top 10 UK universities.
- Graduates receive the same University of Birmingham degree as students in the UK.
- Accredited by the UAE Ministry and the British Computer Society.
- Research-led teaching in AI and machine learning.
- The first year prepares students for the degree and is equivalent to Year 13 in the UK system; there is also the option to spend a year at the UK campus.
What You'll Study
The course runs full-time over four years, including the integrated foundation year, and is taught through lectures, labs and tutorials with academic support throughout. Lectures cover current developments from leaders in their fields; tutorials give tailored guidance and feedback; project work builds independence for professional settings; and lab sessions develop collaboration, teamwork, critical thinking and independent problem-solving. Students can choose to spend the second year of the degree at the Birmingham campus in the UK, subject to academic attainment. Each module is assessed separately, some by continuous assessment and some entirely by coursework, using exams, written assignments, presentations, computer tests, exercises and project reports. Feedback comes through written comments, class feedback sessions and discussion with tutors. Teaching staff listed on the course page are Dr Ahmad Ibrahim, Programme Director; Dr Mian M. Hamayun, Head of Subject Group for Computer Science (Dubai); Professor Kashif Rajpoot, Professor of Medical AI; Dr Fawad Hussain, Associate Professor; Dr Akila Subasinghe, Assistant Professor; and Dr Abdul Wahid, Assistant Professor.
Foundation Year
2026/27. Essential knowledge in mathematics, calculus, statistics and data analysis, computer programming and academic English, with support in the transition to university life. Progression to the degree requires at least 100 credits, a minimum of 55% in Academic English and 60% in the Mathematics and Computer Science modules; the 20-credit Computer Science module must be completed to progress.
- Data handling and skills (Dubai)10 credits
- Mathematics I20 credits
- Mathematics II20 credits
- Computer Science20 credits
Select one of these English modules.
- Academic English and Study Skills (STEM Dubai)30 credits
- Advanced Academic English and Study Skills (STEM Dubai)30 credits
- Advanced Academic Skills (STEM Dubai)30 credits
Year 1
2027/28. Foundations in AI, including logic, game-playing techniques and AI algorithms, alongside core computer science principles and Java programming, taught through practical experiments and group work.
- Data Structure & Algorithms20 credits
- Object Oriented Programming20 credits
- Theories of Computation20 credits
- Artificial Intelligence 120 credits
- Computer Systems and Professional Practice20 credits
- Mathematical and Logical Foundations of Computer Science20 credits
Year 2
2028/29. Enabling technologies, systems-level programming, networks, cyber security, operating systems and the mathematics of machine learning. Programming extends to C and functional programming, and a large team project applies software engineering to a real problem.
- Artificial Intelligence 220 credits
- Databases and Web Programming20 credits
- Functional Programming20 credits
- Operating Systems and Systems Programming20 credits
- Security and Networks20 credits
- Software Engineering for Global Challenges20 credits
Year 3
2029/30. Advanced AI modules such as machine learning, computer vision and neural computation, with a third of the year spent on a final project that develops software or carries out major research, and options in areas such as advanced networking, human-computer interaction, mobile and ubiquitous computing and the security of real-world systems.
- Computer Science Project40 credits
Select 80 credits of options. Examples of options (indicative; availability can vary from year to year):
- Advanced Networking20 credits
- Computer Vision and Imaging20 credits
- Human-Computer Interaction20 credits
- Machine Learning20 credits
- Mobile & Ubiquitous Computing20 credits
- Natural Language Processing20 credits
- Neural Networks and Deep Learning20 credits
- Security of Real-World Systems20 credits
Entry Requirements
Applicants must meet both the University's general entry requirements and the course's own criteria. Each application is reviewed by the course's Admissions Tutor, who decides whether to make an offer.
Careers
Graduates have a versatile skill set for careers in artificial intelligence, computer science and beyond, across academia, industry, research and commercial organisations. University of Birmingham graduates work at companies including Microsoft, Google, Apple, Goldman Sachs, IBM, Siemens and JP Morgan, in engineering, finance, consultancy and commerce. Dubai is embracing digitisation and AI across sectors, and the University names local employers such as RTA, Deloitte, Dubai Airports, Noon and DEWA. The Careers Network Dubai offers information, advice and guidance to identify options, build skills and reach opportunities.
Accreditation & Professional Recognition
Accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and listed as Active on the Commission for Academic Accreditation register as the Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science. The programme is also accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS) for 5 years, valid until August 2028.
Programme Details
Award
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
Start Date
January and September (September 2026 applications closed)
Typical Offer
BBB-BCC, including Mathematics
Duration
4 years (including the foundation year)
Qualification
Bachelors
Subject Area
Computer Science
Campus
Dubai
Course Type
Integrated foundation year, Single honours
Study Pattern
Full time
Delivery Format
In person
Tuition Fee
AED 134,922/yr
AED 134,922 for the foundation year, full-time, as published for September 2026 and January 2027 entry; each later year costs AED 156,718. The fee covers tuition, examinations and graduation, is charged for each year of study, and can be paid in full or in three instalments a year. Applications for September 2026 entry to this programme are closed, and details for September 2027 entry will be published later. Applications are made directly through the University of Birmingham Dubai Admissions portal (not UCAS), with no application fee, and are usually decided within 10 working days of all documents arriving. A non-returnable AED 5,000 deposit, deducted from tuition, is paid on accepting an offer. Scholarships of up to 30% are assessed from the application itself, with no separate form.