COMPUTER SCIENCE
Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science BSc (Hons)
Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science BSc (Hons) with Integrated Foundation Year
Computer Science BSc (Hons)
Computer Science BSc (Hons) with Integrated Foundation Year
Computer Science and Software Engineering MEng
Computer Science and Software Engineering MEng (Hons) with Integrated Foundation Year
Computer Science is an integral discipline for the 21st century and is a dynamic, fast-moving sector that offers exciting careers and excellent rewards. We provide specialist teaching and conduct cutting-edge research in intelligent systems (including machine learning and robotics), cyber-security, theoretical computer science and human-centred computing.
WHY CHOOSE OUR PROGRAMMES?
- The University of Birmingham is one of the leading universities globally for computer science, and our outstanding programmes offer a range of exciting career opportunities for students from around the world
- The combination of technical and transferable skills offered by our computing graduates are highly sought after by employers and gives Birmingham graduates the edge in a competitive job market
- Our research feeds directly into your teaching, ensuring your programme includes the latest developments in computer science
- Our teaching is consistently ranked highly in all reputable league tables and guides and we have the highest possible rating from the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education
HOW WILL YOU BE TAUGHT?
- We will broaden your knowledge in the selected areas of computing by a combination of taught modules, group projects and individual project/research work, which will help you to develop a disciplined approach to analysing problems and inculcate the ability to design creative solutions and critically evaluate the obtained results
- Assessment methods include formative exercises, class tests/online quizzes, marked assignments, final examinations, oral and 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 a core part of our lives: social networking, media streaming, security, computer games, office applications and online shopping are all obvious examples of things that computer science has brought us that many people are very familiar with.
At its most fundamental level, computer science is about information: how to represent, store, communicate, manipulate, understand and make use of it.
Information is a tremendously valuable commodity and there is a vast industry dedicated to making sense of it: from generating adverts specific to your interests on social networking sites to identifying trends in financial markets. The role of the computer scientist in this process is not just about writing computer programs to perform a particular task (although this can be a significant part of what computer scientists do), it is about developing new ways of thinking about information and what you can do with it. This can have a profound impact on other areas of science and engineering and also humanities, social sciences, and business.
Thinking about problems from a computational perspective is leading to fundamental new insights in other areas and allows us to:
- Extract the crucial features from very large datasets such as those generated in the search for gravitational waves
- Develop new drugs for cancer
- Understand how the brain works through the analysis of artificial neural networks and by drawing on our knowledge of information processing to formulate computational theories of the mind
- Analyse data from social networks and mobile systems to understand the movements and motivations of people
- Model and analyse business processes to understand how to improve the efficiency of a company's operations
- Identify and fix security flaws in computational systems from travel cards to voting systems
So, at its most fundamental level, computer science is about understanding, analysing and designing information processing systems. This is a complex multi-faceted process that can involve mathematical analysis, engineering, human factors and ethical considerations.
‘There’s never been a better time to study computer science! In the modern digital world, computer science is the foundation for small and large businesses to build their strategies and grow. It is also the key to making our personal lives easier and more fun: mobile phones, online shopping and social media – we owe them all and a lot more to computer science.
‘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 Kashif Rajpoot, Programme Director, Computer Science
Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science BSc (Hons) – 3 years
What will you study?
In the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI), you create machines and software that solve problems and study the nature of intelligence. The engineering side of this field is especially relevant in today’s world because of the benefits of making computers perform tasks that normally require human intelligence. From a scientific viewpoint, artificial intelligence is a multidisciplinary field that connects with computing, psychology, neuroscience, philosophy, mathematics and linguistics.
This degree programme will give you the computing skills you need to enter industry, while also allowing you to acquire scientific skills to pursue research. In your first and second years, you will study a range of compulsory modules to give you a solid grounding in computer science.
In your final year, you will study cutting-edge modules in specific areas of AI, including neural computation, machine learning and intelligent data analysis, and computer vision and imaging. You also spend one-third of your time on a final degree project. This includes writing a large piece of software or doing a major piece of research, bringing together all the AI skills you have acquired.
Computer Science BSc (Hons) – 3 years
What will you study?
Our Computer Science programme will provide you with a balance of general computer science, practical software engineering and more specialised areas such as artificial intelligence and cyber-security.
It will focus on analytical methods and technical skills and offer you the opportunity to combine knowledge and personal skills to undertake the research and development of software solutions to problems. You will learn about different comprehensive aspects of computational systems, their theory, design, development and application. The degree incorporates strong practical elements exemplified by the team project in Year 2 and the independent project in Year 3, where you develop a large software system.
Module themes covered will include: Full Stack Application Development, 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. You will be provided with a thorough coverage of core areas in computer science and software engineering, giving you a systematic grounding in the theoretical underpinnings of the discipline. You will have the ability to go deeper into specialist areas in appropriate modules than is possible in the BSc degree.
The first two years of course content for these degrees are compulsory fundamental modules, whilst in the third year, you have a wide variety of optional modules to choose from. In the fourth and final year, you have the unique opportunity to select extended modules from the School’s portfolio of specialist Masters subjects, in addition to tackling a large project.
In the final year, you will study at our Edgbaston campus where modules from our range of Masters programmes will be open to you. You will also undertake a much more in-depth project which involves a major software or research element, and brings together all of the computer science skills you have acquired.
Your choice of modules alongside your choice of project will allow you to specialise in a field such as computer security, human-computer interaction, theoretical computer science, robotics or natural computation.
Courses with a Integrated Foundation Year
- 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 will study Properties of Matter, Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Introductory Computer Science, Mathematics, and Academic English and Study Skills. These modules have been designed to provide you with a solid foundation in relevant subjects whilst supporting your English language and study skills, preparing you to move on to the next stage of your chosen degree programme. We will ensure you are fully prepared for your undergraduate programme, immersing you in the University environment.
‘I 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, University of Birmingham Dubai