Computer Science and Software Engineering MEng

MEngIntegrated MastersComputer Science
UK Campus Option

About This Programme

The MEng Computer Science and Software Engineering at the University of Birmingham Dubai is a 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 study the first three years in Dubai and the final year at the University's Edgbaston campus in Birmingham, UK. The degree runs from programming and AI to security and machine learning, then allows specialisation in advanced areas, with a research project and industry links that prepare graduates to work as software engineers on systems used in fields such as satellite communications, healthcare and the internet.

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.
  • The fourth year is spent at the University's campus in the UK.
  • 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 covering the latest developments, in a supportive learning environment.

What You'll Study

Teaching is led by industry experts and combines lectures, practical labs and group projects, with modules chosen to match career goals. Lectures cover current developments from leaders in their fields; tutorials give tailored guidance and feedback; project work develops critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, time management and communication; and labs build teamwork and independent problem-solving. 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. The final year is spent at the Birmingham campus in the UK. 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); 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.

Year 1

2026/27, Dubai. The fundamentals of computer science, with Java programming, a key language in business and industry. The degree totals 480 credits: 420 credits of taught modules and a 60-credit project.

  • 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

2027/28, Dubai. 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

2028/29, Dubai. Advanced topics in networking, computer vision, human-computer interaction, machine learning, mobile computing, neural computation and system security.

Select 120 credits from the following.

  • 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

Year 4

2029/30, Edgbaston campus, Birmingham. An in-depth project bringing together computer science and software engineering skills, with modules and a project chosen to specialise in fields such as computer security, human-computer interaction, theoretical computer science, robotics or natural computation.

  • Project - Masters 6060 credits

Select 60 credits of options. Examples of options (indicative; availability can vary from year to year):

  • Advanced Functional Programming (Extended)20 credits
  • Advanced Networking (Extended)20 credits
  • Algorithms and Complexity (Extended)20 credits
  • Computer Vision and Imaging (Extended)20 credits
  • Computer-Aided Verification (Extended)20 credits
  • Dependable and Distributed Systems (Extended)20 credits
  • Evolutionary Computation (Extended)20 credits
  • Game Theory (Extended)20 credits
  • High Performance Computing (Extended)20 credits
  • Human-Computer Interaction (Extended)20 credits
  • Intelligent Data Analysis20 credits
  • Intelligent Interactive Systems (Extended)20 credits
  • Intelligent Robotics (Extended)20 credits
  • Intelligent Software Engineering (Extended)20 credits
  • Machine Learning20 credits
  • Mobile & Ubiquitous Computing (Extended)20 credits
  • Natural Language Processing (Extended)20 credits
  • Neural Networks and Deep Learning (Extended)20 credits
  • Programming Language Principles, Design, and Implementation (Extended)20 credits
  • Secure Software and Hardware Systems20 credits
  • Security of Real-World Systems (Extended)20 credits
  • Teaching Computer Science in Schools (Extended)20 credits

Entry Requirements

A Level: 3 A Levels, A*AA - AAB, including A level Mathematics at grade A. Students taking reformed A levels in Biology, Chemistry or Physics (taught from 2015) must pass the practical element. General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted.
IB Diploma: 7,6,6 - 6,6,5 at Higher Level, including 6 in Mathematics, with a minimum of 32 points overall.
English: Applicants must show a good level of written and spoken English, usually with a recent IELTS, TOEFL or PTE result or by completing a Presessional English course. The level required depends on the level and subject of study; accepted tests and scores are listed on the University of Birmingham Dubai entry requirements page.

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 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

Award

Master of Engineering (MEng)

Start Date

September (September 2026 applications closed; September 2027 details to follow)

Typical Offer

A*AA-AAB, with A level Mathematics at grade A

Duration

4 years (Years 1-3 in Dubai, Year 4 in Birmingham)

Qualification

Masters

Subject Area

Computer Science

Campus

Dubai, Birmingham (Edgbaston)

Course Type

Integrated Masters, Single honours

Study Pattern

Full time

Delivery Format

In person

Tuition Fee

AED 156,718/yr

AED 156,718 per year, full-time, for September 2026 entry. The fee covers tuition, examinations and graduation, is charged for each year of study and stays the same for the whole degree; it 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.

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Next intakes
Sep