Computer Science and Software Engineering with Integrated Foundation Year MEng

About This Programme

The MEng Computer Science and Software Engineering with Integrated Foundation Year is a five-year programme at the University of Birmingham Dubai: a foundation year followed by the four-year integrated master's degree, for students aiming to lead in the global IT industry. It teaches the technical skills for building large software systems, alongside management and teamwork, opening up a wide range of software roles. Students spend the first four years in Dubai and the final year at the University's Edgbaston campus in Birmingham, UK. The foundation year prepares students for the degree and is equivalent to Year 13 in the UK system; the degree then runs from programming and AI to security and machine learning before specialisation, a research project and industry links that prepare graduates to work as software 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.
• The final year is spent at the Birmingham campus in the UK.

What You'll Study

The five-year course is taught full-time through lectures, labs and tutorials, led by industry experts, with academic support throughout. Lectures cover current developments from leaders in their fields; tutorials give tailored guidance and feedback; one-to-one supervision and project work develop critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, time management and communication; and labs build teamwork and independent problem-solving. Students complete 120 credits a year. 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, Programme Director; Dr Anis Zarrad, Associate Professor in Computer Science; Dr Sauleh Eetemadi, Assistant Professor; Dr Safdar Abbas Khan, Assistant Professor; and Dr Ahmad Kamel, Assistant Professor.

Entry Requirements

Careers

The degree develops a disciplined approach to problem-solving, creative solution design and critical evaluation, and graduates are sought after in academia, industry, research and commercial organisations, including engineering, finance, consultancy and commerce. Graduates have gone on to work at Microsoft, Google, Apple, Goldman Sachs, Sony, IBM, Siemens, Honda, JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley and the Bank of England. In Dubai, rapid digitisation and AI-driven automation are creating many openings. 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 Engineering in Computer Science and Software Engineering. The programme is also accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS) for 5 years, valid until August 2028.

Programme Details