Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) with Integrated Foundation Year BEng
About This Programme
The BEng Robotics and Artificial Intelligence with Integrated Foundation Year is a four-year programme at the University of Birmingham Dubai: a foundation year followed by the three-year Robotics and AI degree, which prepares students to design and build robotic systems integrated with AI and to solve complex engineering problems, for leadership roles in industry or academia. The foundation year is for students who need preparatory study to meet the degree's entry requirements. The degree then moves from fundamental engineering principles into robotics and AI, from machine learning to robotic control and autonomous technologies, taught on the technology-enhanced Dubai campus by staff from both the Dubai and UK campuses, with the option to study in Birmingham.
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.
- Teaching from staff on both the Dubai and UK campuses, with the option to study at the Birmingham campus.
- Research-led teaching and an industry-driven curriculum focused on robotics and AI.
What You'll Study
The course runs full-time over four years, including the foundation year, through lectures, tutorials, assignments, lab work, quizzes and project work supervised jointly by research-led academics and industry engineers. Teaching is shared between staff in Dubai and the UK, with interdisciplinary and industry-supervised projects: lectures cover current developments from leaders in their fields, tutorials promote independent and enquiry-based problem-solving, and project and lab work build collaboration, teamwork and critical thinking. Teaching staff listed on the course page include Dr Archibong Eso Archibong, Programme Director.
Foundation Year
2026/27. Preparatory study in essential subjects such as calculus and mechanics, with dedicated support. Successful completion, to the required academic standards, guarantees progression to the Robotics and Artificial Intelligence BEng; the 20-credit Physical Sciences module must be completed to progress to Engineering.
- Data handling and skills (Dubai)10 credits
- Mathematics I20 credits
- Mathematics II20 credits
- Physical Sciences20 credits
Select one of these English modules.
- Academic English and Study Skills (STEM Dubai)30 credits
- Advanced Academic English and Study Skills (STEM Dubai)30 credits
- Advanced Academic Skills (STEM Dubai)30 credits
Year 1
2027/28. Foundations in robotics, programming and engineering, including computing, mechanics, electrical engineering and mathematics. Integrated design projects apply theory to real problems, and Artificial Intelligence 1 introduces intelligent systems.
- Artificial Intelligence 120 credits
- Electrical Engineering 120 credits
- Engineering Materials10 credits
- Integrated Design Project 1A10 credits
- Integrated Design Project 1B10 credits
- Introduction to Computing for Engineers10 credits
- Mathematics for Applied Computing20 credits
- Mechanics 120 credits
Year 2
2028/29. Mechatronics and control engineering, AI and mechanical design for robotics, covering system integration, automation and intelligent systems through an integrated design project, with operating systems and systems programming for robotics software.
- Artificial Intelligence 220 credits
- Integrated Design Project 220 credits
- Intermediate Mathematics for Applied Computing10 credits
- Mechanical Design for Robotics 120 credits
- Mechatronics and Control Engineering20 credits
- Operating Systems and Systems Programming20 credits
- Statics, Kinematics and Kinetics10 credits
Year 3
2029/30. Specialist study in machine learning, computer vision and robotics and industrial automation, an individual engineering project in a chosen area, and further integrated design and mechanical design for robotics.
- Computer Vision and Imaging20 credits
- Individual Engineering Project (BEng)30 credits
- Integrated Design Project 3 (BEng)20 credits
- Machine Learning20 credits
- Mechanical Design for Robotics 210 credits
- Robotics and Industrial Automation20 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 degree gives specialised training for a wide range of careers in robotics and AI, with professional skills to complement technical ability. The University says graduates are sought after in engineering, finance, consultancy and commerce, including at companies such as Aston Martin, BP, Rolls-Royce, Jaguar Land Rover, Exxon Mobil and Mercedes High Performance Engines. 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 Engineering in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence.
Programme Details
Award
Bachelor of Engineering (BEng)
Start Date
January and September (September 2026 applications closed)
Typical Offer
BBB-BCC, including Mathematics
Duration
4 years (including the foundation year)
Qualification
Bachelors
Subject Area
Engineering
Campus
Dubai
Course Type
Single honours, Integrated foundation year
Study Pattern
Full time
Delivery Format
In person
Tuition Fee
AED 134,922/yr
AED 134,922 for the foundation year, full-time, as published for September 2026 and January 2027 entry; each later year costs AED 149,106. The fee covers tuition, examinations and graduation, is charged for each year of study, and 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.