Data Science MSc
About This Programme
The MSc Data Science at the University of Birmingham Dubai is a master's for graduates from non-computing backgrounds who want to become data scientists, lasting 12 months full-time or two years part-time. It teaches state-of-the-art techniques for analysing, visualising and extracting insight from large data sets, with essential programming and data management skills, so that graduates can support important decisions in industries around the world. The first semester covers predictive modelling, optimisation and clustering, data management with SQL, Python programming and machine learning for analysis and prediction. The second semester focuses on data visualisation, including time series analysis and dimensionality reduction, with a hands-on group data science project and current trends in the field. In the third semester students complete a supervised data science project on a complex real-world problem, ending with a report and presentation.
Course Highlights
- Designed for graduates from non-computing backgrounds.
- Graduates receive the same University of Birmingham degree as students in the UK.
- Research-led teaching in data science, AI and computer science from academics in Birmingham and Dubai, with collaborative projects.
- Evening and Saturday classes designed for working professionals as well as full-time 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 is research-focused and combines specialist knowledge in data science, artificial intelligence and computer science through lectures that show how experts approach problems, tutorials where students articulate and defend ideas and collaborate, practical assignments on real-life problems, lab work and a 60-credit research project with a final report and presentation. Classes combine evenings and weekends to suit working professionals as well as full-time students. The draft full-time timetable has teaching on one or two evenings a week from 18:00 to 21:00 and on Saturdays from 09:00 to 17:00 (the day varies by module), with each module taught over 11 weeks in Semester 1 and 12 weeks in Semester 2; part-time students attend the same sessions for the modules they take. Teaching staff listed on the course page include Dr Muhammad Usman Ilyas, Assistant Professor.
Course modules
2026/27 session. 180 credits, all core: 120 credits of taught modules and a 60-credit project. Semester 1 covers predictive modelling, optimisation and clustering, data management and SQL, Python programming and machine learning; Semester 2 covers visualisation, time series analysis and dimensionality reduction, a group data science project and current trends; the individual project follows in the third semester.
- Programming for Data Science20 credits
- Algorithms for Data Science20 credits
- Storing and Managing Data20 credits
- Data Analytics (Dubai)20 credits
- Visualisation20 credits
- Current Topics in Artificial Intelligence & Data Science20 credits
- Data Science Project60 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, IBM, Goldman Sachs, Microsoft, HSBC, Sony and Samsung, and Dubai's economy is embracing digitisation and AI across many sectors. 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 Data Science.
Programme Details
Award
Master of Science (MSc)
Start Date
September 2026 (applications closed; September 2027 details to follow)
Typical Offer
2:1 Honours degree in any subject other than computing
Duration
1 year full-time; 2 years part-time
Qualification
Masters
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 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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