Computer Science with Integrated Foundation Year BSc

About This Programme

The BSc 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 Computer Science degree, preparing students for a broad range of careers in a fast-changing digital world. Students build broad foundational knowledge and then specialise in their areas of interest, ready for global technology roles. The foundation year prepares students for the main degree and gives knowledge equivalent to a British A level. Topics then range from mathematics, AI and algorithms to full-stack app development, covering computational systems, programming languages, software engineering and cyber security, taught on a technology-enhanced campus jointly by Dubai-based and UK academics.

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 focused on the latest developments.
• A first year that prepares students for the main degree, with knowledge equivalent to a British A level; the option to spend a year at the UK campus; and the careers service and industry connections.

What You'll Study

The four-year course is taught full-time through lectures, labs and tutorials, with academic support throughout. Lectures cover current developments from leaders in their fields; tutorials involve discussion, problem-solving and hands-on exercises; one-to-one supervision, project work and labs develop critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, time management and communication. Work is assessed through exams, coursework, presentations and a dissertation. 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 Ahmad Ibrahim, Programme Director; Dr Mian M. Hamayun, Programme Director; Dr Hamid Mukhtar, Associate Professor; Dr Niloofer Shanavas, Assistant Professor; Dr Nabeel Khan, Associate Professor and Cyber Security Programme Director; and Dr Panagiotis Andriotis, Lecturer in Computer Science (Flying Faculty).

Entry Requirements

Careers

The degree builds technical and transferable skills for careers in academia, industry, research and commercial organisations. Employers target Birmingham students for their drive, diversity, communication, problem-solving, teamwork and cultural awareness, and the University reports graduate employment rising well above national trends. Graduates can go on to global companies such as Google, Apple, Goldman Sachs, Microsoft, Sony and Honda. Dubai is embracing digitisation and AI, and its start-up scene, shown by the success of Careem and Amazon.ae, is creating jobs for computer science professionals. 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 Computer Science. The programme is also accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS) for 5 years, valid until August 2028.

Programme Details