Computer Science
Computer Science is reshaping the entire world. As a dynamic, fast-moving sector, it offers exciting careers and rewards. We provide specialist teaching and conduct advanced research into intelligent systems such as machine learning. We also teach cyber-security, theoretical computer science and human-centred computing.
Why choose our programmes?
- We’re one of the leading universities globally for computer science, with programmes that create exciting career paths for students around the world.
- You’ll learn the technical and transferable skills in high-demand by employers, giving you the edge in the workplace.
- Our research feeds directly into our teaching,so you’ll study the latest developments in computer science.
- With the highest possible rating from the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, our teaching is consistently ranked highly in all reputable league tables and guides.
How will you be taught?
- Broadening your knowledge through taught modules and group projects, you’ll carry out individual project and research work, developing your analytical skills, the ability to design creative solutions and critically evaluate the results.
- Assessment methods include exercises, class tests, online quizzes, marked assignments, final exams, oral presentations, poster presentations and project reports.
Graduate career destinations have included:
- Microsoft
- Apple
- BUPA
- Expedia.com
- Cisco
- Goldman Sachs
- European Space Agency
- HP
- IBM
- PwC
- BAE Systems
What is Computer Science?
Computers are at the heart of our lives. Social networking, media streaming, security, computer games, office applications and online shopping. They were all brought to the world by computer science.
At its most basic level, computer science is about information. How to represent, store, communicate, manipulate, understand and make use of it. This makes information hugely valuable, with a vast industry dedicated to making sense of it. From personalised social media adverts, to mapping trends in financial markets, there’s almost nothing in life you can’t invent as a computer scientist.
Yet it’s not just about writing code to perform a task. It’s about developing new ways of thinking about information, to revolutionise science, engineering, humanities, social sciences, business and more.
Thinking about problems from a computational perspective leads to endless new insights, letting us:
- Extract vital features from huge datasets such as those generated in the search for gravitational waves.
- Develop new drugs for cancer.
- Understand how the brain works by analysing artificial neural networks and using information processing to form computational theories of the mind.
- Analyse data from social networks and mobile systems to understand people’s movements and motivations.
- Model and analyse business processes to improve the efficiency of a company’s operations.
- Identify and fix security flaws in computational systems, from travel cards to voting systems.
Put simply, computer science is about understanding, analysing and designing information processing systems. It’s a complex process that can involve mathematical analysis, engineering, human factors and ethical concerns and many more besides. Meaning there’s no area of study with more power or potential.
In fact, there’s never been a better time to study computer science. In the modern digital world, it’s the foundation for businesses large and small as they build their strategies and grow.
It’s also at the heart of making daily life fun and convenient. From online shopping, to mobile phones and social media, computer science underpins it all.
'The University of Birmingham has an outstanding reputation for producing dynamic and innovative computer scientists which gives our graduates a strong edge in a fast-moving world. It is important that you choose a degree programme that suits your future career aspirations and that you choose a university where you will be actively supported to fulfil your potential.'
Dr Ahmad Ibrahim Programme Director, Computer Science
Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science BSc (Hons) – 3 years
What will you study?
Join us and study the nature of intelligence, creating machines and software that solve problems in the real world. Engineering in artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping our way of life. Performing tasks that only humans could previously do, it’s a multidisciplinary field that connects computing, psychology, neuroscience, philosophy, mathematics and linguistics.
This degree will give you the computing skills you need to enter countless areas of industry. All while giving you the scientific skills to pursue research. In your first and second years, you’ll study a range of modules and build a solid understanding of computer science.
In your final year, you’ll study cutting-edge modules in key areas of AI, including neural computation and machine learning, plus computer vision and imaging. You’ll also spend a third of your time working on a final degree project. This will involve writing a large piece of software or completing a major piece of research, bringing together all your AI and computer science knowledge.
Computer Science BSc (Hons) – 3 years
What will you study?
This programme pairs general computer science and practical software engineering with more specialised areas such as artificial intelligence and cyber-security. Combining analytical and technical skills, the course blends subject knowledge with research and software development that solves real problems.
You’ll learn all the aspects of computational systems, including theory, design, development and application. The degree also involves strong practical elements, including an individual project in Year 3, where you’ll develop a large software system.
Module themes include Database & Web programming, Computer Systems & Professional Practice, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Functional & System Programming, Advanced Networking, Computer Vision & Imaging, and Security of Real-World Systems.
Computer Science and Software Engineering MEng – 4 years
What will you study?
Our MEng in Computer Science and Software Engineering is a four-year honours degree programme.
It will give you a complete knowledge of computer science and software engineering, along with a systematic understanding of the theory. You’ll then go deeper into specialist areas of the field.
In the first two years, you’ll study set modules. Then in your third year, you’ll have a range of optional modules to choose from. In your final year, you’ll study at our home campus in Birmingham, UK. Here, you’ll choose modules from our range of Masters programmes. You’ll also take on a major project involving software or research.
All this will see you specialise in a field such as computer security, human-computer interaction, theoretical computer science, robotics or natural computation or artificial intelligence. The choice, and future, is yours.
Integrated Foundation Year courses
- Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science BSc (Hons) - 4 years
- Computer Science BSc (Hons) - 4 years
- Computer Science and Software Engineering MEng (Hons) - 5 years
What will you study?
Our undergraduate programmes include an Integrated Foundation Year, which you may need to take depending on your previous studies.
As part of your Foundation Year, you’ll study Mathematics, Calculus, Statistics and Data Analysis, Mechanics, Electronic and Electrical Engineering and Computer Programming, along with Academic English and Study Skills. This will give you a solid foundation in the subject, while preparing you for undergraduate life and immersing you in our University community.
On top of this, you’ll study History, Culture, Society and Economy of the UAE, plus Arabic Language, all helping our regional graduates find success in the UAE job market.As well as your programme modules you will also study History, Culture, Society and Economy of the UAE, and Arabic Language to support talented graduates in the region with the skills to aid and further employability.
"Studying this programme has helped me grow personally and professionally. Under the guidance of exceptional professors, I’ve honed my critical thinking skills and mastered programming, all while being encouraged to tackle real-world challenges head-on. I truly enjoyed my time here"
Clyde Fernandes Computer Science and Software Engineering MEng
1I chose to study Computer Science at the University of Birmingham Dubai because of the interesting topics covered in the modules, the ranking of the University, the environment of the University and how great the communication is between the staff and students.
Avinisha Tiwari BSc Computer Science