Ranking
Top 100
QS World Rankings 2025
Talk to our students
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly students to get their thoughts on our courses, state-of-the-art campus, and life in Dubai.
Course overview
Delve into data science as new technologies reshape our world. On our MSc you'll learn about contemporary challenges and become an in-demand expert in data science algorithms, programming, data management, and visualisation.
If you come from a non-computing background, this course is for you. We’ll prepare you in state-of-the-art data science techniques. Global industries need data scientists to help with important decision-making, study with us and you’ll have a world of exciting opportunities waiting for you.
This programme is accredited by the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Education.
Course Structure
Our MSc is a 12-month full-time advanced course comprising of lectures, tutorials, labs, presentations and project work. The course can also be taken on a part-time basis over two years.
The first semester will equip you with essential data science skills, including predictive modelling, optimisation, and clustering. The curriculum covers data management, SQL, and Python programming, focusing on machine learning techniques for effective data analysis and predictions.
Course highlights
Discover how to use algorithms to analyse, visualise and extract insights from large data sets. You'll learn essential programming and data management skills.
We’ll help you master advanced techniques and you’ll learn how to solve problems with collaborative projects. Based at our new, technology enhanced 'smart' campus, you'll also have a global experience learning from academics in Birmingham as well as on the Dubai campus.
- Graduate with the same University of Birmingham degree as our UK-based students
- Benefit from research-led teaching in data science, AI and computer science
- Join our global community of data scientists
A leading UK university in Dubai for postgraduate studies in computer science
We are ranked in the top 100 (QS World University Rankings 2025)
Study a course accredited by the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Education
Course delivery
The MSc is delivered through research-focused teaching, combining specialist knowledge in data science, artificial intelligence, and computer science. The programme includes lectures, labs, and a 60-credit research project.
- Learn through of a series of engaging lectures which demonstrate how experts will approach problems in your field, helping you think critically and apply concepts
- Develop critical and analytical thinking as well as your communication skills as you articulate ideas, defend viewpoints, and collaborate within a supportive tutorial setting
- Enhance your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities through practical assignments that will challenge you to tackle real-life issues independently
- Participate in practical assignments that provide hands-on, real-world experience, allowing you to put theory into practice
- Engage in laboratory work that offers practical, hands-on experience, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings
We offer a combination of evening and weekend classes which are designed to accommodate working professionals and those who choose to study full-time.
Our draft timetable for full-time students is designed to deliver teaching on one or two evenings from 18:00-21:00 and on Saturday from 09:00-17:00 (day varies per module). Each module is block taught over 11 weeks in Semester 1 and 12 weeks in Semester 2. Part-time students will study during these hours as per the number of modules they choose to study.
Lecture
Tutorial
Projects
Practical assignments
Laboratory
Module information
This programme is a 1 year full time (2 years part time) taught master's degree (180 credits) consisting of 120 credits of taught modules and a 60 credit project.
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
2025/26
Core modules:
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Algorithms for Data Science | 20 |
| Current Topics in Data Science | 20 |
| Data Science Group Project | 20 |
| Data Science Project | 60 |
| Programming for Data Science | 20 |
| Storing and Managing Data | 20 |
| Visualisation | 20 |
Teaching staff
Dr Muhammad Usman Ilyas
Assistant Professor
Profile for Dr Muhammad Usman Ilyas, Computer Science, University of Birmingham Dubai
Entry requirements
To secure your place at the University of Birmingham Dubai, you must meet both our general entry requirements and the specific criteria for your chosen course. Your application will be carefully reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will determine if you will receive an offer.
- 2:1 Honours degree
in any subject plus Grade A (or above) in A Level Mathematics or equivalent (if your first degree is not Mathematics)
English language requirements
In order to undertake a programme of study here at the University, you will need to demonstrate that you have a good level of written and spoken English. You can demonstrate your level of English with IELTS/TOEFL/PTE or alternative qualifications.
Fees and scholarships
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, examination and graduation.
- AED 168,608
Full-time (September 2025)
- AED 84,304
Part-time (September 2025)
Paying your tuition fees
We charge an annual tuition fee. The fees quoted are by full time or part time per year of study. For those studying courses over two or more years, the tuition fee will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Tuition fees can be paid in full or in three instalments per year of study.
Scholarships
Birmingham attracts the best and brightest students from across the globe. For students with the potential to thrive here, we have a number of scholarships available at our Dubai campus.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Choosing to study with the University of Birmingham Dubai is an exciting decision and you may have many questions on what to do next. Follow the steps below to help guide you through the process.
Career opportunities
Unlock a wide range of exciting careers by completing our MSc course. You'll achieve essential technical and transferable skills, allowing you to pursue a career in academia, industry, research or commercial organisations. You'll become highly demanded by employers worldwide.
Your Birmingham degree is evidence of your ability to succeed in a demanding academic environment. Employers target Birmingham students for their drive, diversity, communication and problem-solving skills, their team-working abilities and cultural awareness, and our graduate employment statistics have continued to climb at a rate well above national trends.
Benefit from the prestige of a degree from a leading World Class University, making you attractive to companies in the engineering, finance, consultancy and commerce sectors worldwide.
You can go on to work for global companies such as Google, Apple, IBM, Goldman Sachs, MicrosoftHSBC, Sony or Samsung.
Dubai is an exciting global city with a rapidly developing economy, actively embracing digitisation and artificial intelligence for various sectors.
Careers Network
In a competitive global market, you need to be ready for work before you graduate. At the University of Birmingham Dubai, our careers services will help you plan and achieve your ambitions. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network Dubai information, advice, and guidance service offers support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.
Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life at our Dubai campus.
Our state-of-the-art Dubai campus, with its iconic buildings overlooking stunning parkland and friendly community, will quickly make you feel at home in the UAE's second city. Expect plenty of exciting activities to get involved in outside of your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to the University of Birmingham Dubai to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation partners allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming, and sociable surroundings.
Living in Dubai
Enrich your life with endless attractions, entertainment and lifestyle opportunities. In just over 50 years, Dubai has transformed itself from a tiny settlement to a glistening city and world-class destination. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Campus life
Our state-of-the-art Dubai campus is where our diverse community comes together, providing a home for up to 3,000 students to learn, relax, and socialise.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus, so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our Dubai campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.