Computer Engineering with Integrated Foundation Year BEng
About This Programme
The BEng Computer Engineering with Integrated Foundation Year is a four-year programme at the University of Birmingham Dubai: a foundation year followed by the three-year Computer Engineering degree, which teaches the hardware and software skills needed to design and manage the computer systems of a digital future. The foundation year prepares students for the first year of the degree and is equivalent to Year 13 in the UK system. The degree then runs from mathematical foundations to programming, AI and control engineering before specialist areas, with lectures, case studies, online assignments and project work supervised jointly by research-led academics and industry engineers.
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.
- Purpose-built engineering labs and research-led teaching on the latest developments.
- An integrated foundation year, equivalent to Year 13 in the UK system, prepares students for the first year of the degree.
- Support in developing decision-making and interview skills for graduate job interviews.
What You'll Study
The course runs full-time over four years, including the foundation year. Teaching is delivered jointly by academic staff in Dubai and the UK, with interdisciplinary and industry-supervised projects: lectures cover current developments from leaders in their fields; tutorials give tailored guidance and feedback; project work and labs develop critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, time management and communication. Students complete 120 credits a year. Assessment is through projects, coursework, assignments and exams. Students can choose to spend a year at the Birmingham campus in the UK, subject to academic attainment. Teaching staff listed on the course page are Dr Seyed Ghaffar, Head of Engineering (Dubai); Dr Muhammad Naeem Shehzad, Assistant Professor; Dr Imran Qureshi, Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering; Dr Archibong Eso Archibong, Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering; and Dr Ahmad Ibrahim, Associate Professor.
Foundation Year
2026/27. Preparation for undergraduate study in calculus, electronics, mathematics, mechanics, statistics and academic English, giving a grounding in engineering principles. Successful completion guarantees progression to the degree; the 20-credit Physical Sciences module must be completed to progress to Engineering.
- Data handling and skills (Dubai)10 credits
- Mathematics I20 credits
- Mathematics II20 credits
- Physical Sciences20 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. Core modules in artificial intelligence, data structures and algorithms and electrical engineering, with integrated design projects.
- Data Structure & Algorithms20 credits
- Object Oriented Programming20 credits
- Artificial Intelligence 120 credits
- Electronic and Electrical Engineering20 credits
- Integrated Design Project 1A10 credits
- Introduction to Computing for Engineers10 credits
- Mathematics for Applied Computing20 credits
Year 2
2028/29. Advanced topics including AI, functional programming, mechatronics and control engineering, operating systems and systems programming, with multidisciplinary systems engineering and integrated design projects.
- Artificial Intelligence 220 credits
- Functional Programming20 credits
- Integrated Design Project 220 credits
- Intermediate Mathematics for Applied Computing10 credits
- Mechatronics and Control Engineering20 credits
- Multidisciplinary Systems and Software Engineering10 credits
- Operating Systems and Systems Programming20 credits
Year 3
2029/30. Core and optional modules on computer hardware and digital design, the Internet of Things and an individual engineering project, with options for interdisciplinary or industry-based work.
- Computer Hardware and Digital Design10 credits
- Individual Engineering Project (BEng)30 credits
- Integrated Design Project 3 (BEng)20 credits
- The Internet of Things20 credits
Select 40 credits of options. Examples of options (indicative; availability can vary from year to year):
- Advanced Networking20 credits
- Computer Vision and Imaging20 credits
- Machine Learning20 credits
- Neural Networks and Deep Learning20 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
The programme develops analytical, numerical, problem-solving and professional skills alongside technical expertise, preparing graduates for companies in engineering, finance, consultancy and commerce. Graduates have gone on to work at Aston Martin, Atkins, BP, Rolls-Royce, Jaguar Land Rover, Exxon Mobil, Mercedes High Performance Engines and Laing O'Rourke. 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 Engineering in Computer Engineering.
Programme Details
Award
Bachelor of Engineering (BEng)
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
Engineering
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 149,106. 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.