BSc Computer Science Foundation Course

Program Overview

This four-year Computer Science BSc program with Integrated Foundation Year equips students with a solid foundation in computer science fundamentals and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and cyber security. Graduates are highly employable in various sectors, including software engineering, AI development, and financial computing.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This program is a four-year Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Computer Science with an Integrated Foundation Year. It is fully accredited by the British Computer Society and the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Education. The program aims to equip students with a strong foundation in computer science fundamentals, including programming languages, software engineering, artificial intelligence, operating systems, cyber security, statistical and mathematical models of computation, machine learning, and the theories of computation. The program also offers a range of optional modules to allow students to specialize in areas that interest them.

Outline:

The program is structured over four years, with a foundation year followed by three years of undergraduate study.

Foundation Year:

• Designed for international students who require a preparatory year prior to undergraduate study.
• Equivalent in learning to year 13 of the UK education system.
• Successful completion guarantees progression onto the Computer Science BSc program.
• Modules:
• Mathematics 1 (10 credits)
• Mathematics 2 (10 credits)
• Calculus (10 credits)
• Statistics and Data analysis (10 credits)
• Mechanics (10 credits)
• Foundation Electronic and Electrical Engineering (10 credits)
• Introductory Computer Science (10 credits)
• Academic English or Advanced Academic English or Advanced Academic Skills (30 credits)

Year One:

• Provides a strong foundation in the fundamentals of computer science.
• Covers algorithms, artificial intelligence, relevant mathematics, and computer programming in Java.
• Encourages group work to prepare students for the world of employment.
• Modules:
• Artificial Intelligence 1 (20 credits)
• Computer Systems and Professional Practice (20 credits)
• Data Structures and Algorithms (20 credits)
• Mathematical and Logical Foundations of Computer Science (20 credits)
• Object Oriented Programming (20 credits)
• Theories of Computation (20 credits)
• Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Sustainability (EIS) (Compulsory)
• Arabic Language 1 (Compulsory)

Year Two:

• Focuses on enabling technologies and their application.
• Covers subjects like mathematics for modeling and decision making, systems-level programming, networks, and cyber security.
• Introduces the C programming language and functional programming.
• Includes a large team project in Java, such as a multiplayer networked game.
• Modules:
• Artificial Intelligence 2 (20 credits)
• Databases and Web Programming (20 credits)
• Functional Programming (20 credits)
• Operating Systems and Systems Programming (20 credits)
• Security and Networks (20 credits)
• Software Engineering and Professional Practice (20 credits)
• Students can apply to spend their second year at the University of Birmingham's campus in the UK.

Year Three:

• Provides extensive training and experience to maximize students' degree outcomes.
• Includes a significant project component, allowing students to develop software based on their own ideas or from a selection offered by staff.
• Introduces Machine Learning and Advanced Networking.
• Modules:
• Computer Science Project (40 credits)
• Optional modules (choose 80 credits):
• Advanced Networking
• Computer Vision and Imaging
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Machine Learning
• Mobile & Ubiquitous Computing
• Neural Computation
• Security of Real-World Systems

Assessment:

• All work is assessed via exams, coursework, presentations, and a dissertation.

Teaching:

• The program employs a mixture of lectures, tutorials, exercise classes, lab and study work, projects, online assignments, presentations, and independent study.
• Teaching is delivered jointly by staff from both the Dubai and UK campuses, utilizing modern digital technology.
• Each module typically has a teaching team consisting of colleagues across the campuses, with at least one member based in the Dubai campus.
• Students receive the same high-quality teaching materials and rigorous assessments as students on the UK campus.
• Students have opportunities to interact with staff and students across both campuses to support and enhance their learning experience.
• Students can conduct projects under the supervision of staff from either campus, expanding the pool of project topics available.

Careers:

• A degree in Computer Science from the University of Birmingham Dubai provides the skills required for a wide range of careers.
• Graduates are highly sought after by leading industry players, including Goldman Sachs, BAE Systems, PwC, IBM, Google, Expedia, Rolls-Royce, Morgan Stanley, and Vodafone.
• Potential career paths include:
• Software Engineer
• Artificial Intelligence Developer
• Robotics Engineer
• Financial Computing Analyst
• Applications Developer
• Academic roles
• Graduate salaries are highly competitive.

Other:

• The program emphasizes the importance of intensive programming to develop strong programming skills in students.
• The program highlights the growing demand for computer science professionals in Dubai and the wider region, driven by the rapid digitization of government services and the embrace of artificial intelligence-led automation.
• The program emphasizes the importance of developing transferable skills, such as communication and teamwork, to prepare students for the workplace.
• The program highlights the global reputation of the University of Birmingham and the benefits of a degree from a top 100 university.
• The program emphasizes the research-led nature of its teaching, ensuring that students are exposed to the latest developments in computer science.
• The program provides access to the University's expert careers support and a wide range of services to help students on their path towards employment.
• The program highlights the strong industrial links with corporations such as Goldman Sachs, BAE Systems, and PwC, which provide opportunities for students, such as careers fairs, industrial guest lectures, and potential placements or work experience options.

2024 entry: The foundation year fee of your programme is AED 114,602. Following successful completion of your foundation year the tuition fee is AED 132,778 per year of study and can be paid in instalments. Scholarships We have a number of scholarships available.