Computer Science MSc / PGDip
About This Programme
The MSc Computer Science at the University of Birmingham Dubai is a conversion master's that lets graduates from other fields become computer scientists in a year, or over two years part-time. It is a technical degree rather than an IT course, with significant time spent learning to program: students build practical software development skills and a grounding in the key principles of computing, using current technology, with a Postgraduate Diploma awarded after 120 credits. The first semester starts with core programming, including object-oriented programming, then moves to AI and machine learning (combinatorial optimisation and neural networks), computer systems, data representation and networking, and software development with techniques such as templates, Bootstrap and SQLAlchemy. The second semester covers data structures, algorithms and database design and software engineering, from the software life cycle to agile methods and project management, before the project. Students work alongside peers in the UK and learn from academics in Birmingham and Dubai.
Course Highlights
- A conversion course that takes non-computing graduates into computer science within a year.
- A technical degree with substantial programming, not an IT course.
- Graduates receive the same University of Birmingham degree as students in the UK.
- Research-led teaching on the latest developments, with academics from Birmingham and Dubai and a global community of computer science students.
- Birmingham is ranked 68th in the QS World University Rankings 2027 and in the top 10 UK universities, as stated on the course page.
What You'll Study
Teaching combines lectures, tutorials, labs and projects guided by research-focused academics. Lectures show how experts approach problems in the field; tutorials involve discussion, problem-solving and hands-on exercises; projects connect theory with practice; and lab work builds collaboration, teamwork, critical thinking and independent problem-solving. In the conversion MSc project, students demonstrate their competence as computing professionals. Work is assessed through exams, coursework, presentations and a dissertation.
Course modules
2026/27 session. 180 credits over 12 months full-time or two years part-time; the Postgraduate Diploma is awarded after 120 credits. Semester 1: core programming including object-oriented programming, AI and machine learning, computer systems, data representation and networking, and software development techniques. Semester 2: data structures, algorithms and database design, and software engineering (life cycle, agile methods and project management). The project follows.
- Software Workshop 120 credits
- Software Workshop 220 credits
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning20 credits
- Computer Systems20 credits
- Data Structures, Algorithms, and Databases20 credits
- Building Useable Software20 credits
- Project - Conversion MSc60 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 MSc gives technical and transferable skills for careers in academia, industry, research and commercial organisations. The University says employers target Birmingham students for their drive, diversity, communication, problem-solving, teamwork and cultural awareness, and that its graduate employment figures have risen well above national trends. Graduates are attractive to engineering, finance, consultancy and commerce employers worldwide, such as Google, Apple, Goldman Sachs, Microsoft, Sony and Honda, and Dubai's digitising economy and start-up scene, which produced companies such as Careem and Amazon.ae (formerly souq.com), is creating new computing jobs. 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 Master of Science in Computer Science; the register also lists a Postgraduate Diploma and a Postgraduate Certificate in Computer Science as Active.
Programme Details
Award
Master of Science (MSc) / Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip)
Start Date
January or September (September 2026 applications closed)
Typical Offer
2:2 Honours degree in any subject other than computing
Duration
1 year full-time; 2 years part-time
Qualification
Masters, Diploma
Subject Area
Computer Science
Campus
Dubai
Study Pattern
Full time, Part time
Delivery Format
In person
Tuition Fee
AED 174,509/yr
AED 174,509 a year full-time or AED 87,255 a year part-time, for September 2026 or January 2027 entry. The fee covers tuition, examinations and graduation and is charged for each year of study, so part-time students pay it in both years; it can be paid in full or in three instalments a year, and it does not include visa or living costs. Applications for September 2026 entry to this programme are closed, and details for September 2027 entry will be published later. Applications are made online through the University of Birmingham Dubai Admissions portal, with no application fee; postgraduate applicants upload transcripts for study completed so far, their degree certificate if available, and a CV. Decisions are usually made 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, and full-time students can apply for a student visa sponsored by the University.
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