Welcome 2026 Students

Start Date

Teaching on your course begins from Monday 26 January 2026. Please check your timetable for details.

You will be able to see your timetable on iCity using your BCU login details as soon as they are released. You should have received your BCU login details when you were invited to enrol.

International Students

We expect all international students to engage with their studies in person from w/c 26 January 2026.

The final deadline to arrive in the UK to complete enrolment will be week 4 (w/c 20 February 2026).

Please check the guidelines on entering the UK from your country or territory before planning your journey. 

Timetables

Course Leader

Syed Attique Shah

Welcome Message

Hello and a warm welcome to the MRes Computing at Birmingham City University (BCU). I’m delighted you have joined us, and I look forward to supporting you as you begin an exciting, research-led journey within the Department of Computer Science.

The MRes Computing is a research-intensive postgraduate programme designed to develop your ability to conduct independent, methodologically rigorous research in modern and emerging areas of computing. You will build strong capabilities in research design, ethics, data handling, critical evaluation, and academic writing, while gaining hands-on experience through an extended research project (your thesis).

This programme blends advanced research training with industry-relevant applications, enabling you to investigate real-world challenges and contribute to current computing knowledge. You will tailor your learning around your research interests, with opportunities to specialise in one of the rapidly evolving tracks/areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity and Human Computer Interaction. You will build your research capability through a core module in Research Methods and Project Management, complete two specialist taught modules aligned to your chosen track, and undertake a major MRes Thesis, where you will deliver a substantial independent research study with expert supervision.

Throughout the programme, you will engage in research-led learning through seminars, workshops, practical labs, and regular supervision meetings. You will also benefit from the wider BCU research culture, such as peer discussions, research forums, and opportunities to connect your work with industry and societal needs.

What I need you to do in the first few weeks

To start strongly, please follow these steps:

1. Engage with induction and programme communications

Check your university email daily and review all induction information and announcements.

2. Read the programme handbook and module information carefully

Pay close attention to assessment requirements, submission procedures, academic integrity expectations, and key deadlines.

3. Confirm your research direction early

Begin refining your research interests (AI / Big Data / Cybersecurity / HCI) into a clear topic area with an initial problem statement and research aim.

4. Meet the course lead (me) and agree a working plan

Come prepared with early ideas, key papers you have read, and questions about methods, scope, and feasibility.

5. Plan your time and work consistently

An MRes requires steady independent work, literature review, experimentation, analysis, and writing. Avoid leaving tasks to the last minute and maintain a weekly routine.

6. Take research ethics seriously

If your work involves human participants, sensitive datasets, or security-related activities, you must follow ethical and governance processes before data collection or testing.

Once again, welcome to the MRes Computing. I wish you every success and I look forward to seeing your ideas develop into high-quality research.

Warm regards,

Dr Syed Attique Shah

Course Leader (MRes Computing)

Birmingham City University

Course Location

Your course will mainly be taught in:

STEAMhouse, City Centre Campus (Room numbers start with CST)

Student Support Centre

Visit us at The Research Hub

Located on our City Centre Campus, The Research Hub is your dedicated space as a Postgraduate Research student.

Whether you’re looking for a place to focus, connect with fellow researchers, hot desk, or share your work, the Hub is here to support you throughout your research journey.

Research Hub opening hours:

• Monday to Friday – 7am to 7pm

For more information about the Research Hub and other dedicated PGR spaces at BCU, visit our dedicated Research Hub page.

First day on Campus

We look forward to welcoming you to Birmingham City University!

You must have your ID card visible at all times when on campus, so if you have received yours before your first day, ensure you bring this with you. If you enrolled late you will need to collect one on campus during your first few days. Please remember that your ID card is for your use only. You must never let anyone else use it.

To complete your enrolment, you will need the following:

• Passport (or other form of photo ID if you are a UK/EU student)
• Original qualification documents if applicable (you will be emailed a list of the documents we need to see once you have completed your online enrolment)
• Visa (international students only)

What else? The rest is up to you! You will find a shop, café, pub, computer access and water fountains on campus, but we do recommend you bring the following on the first day:

• Laptop, if you have one
• Notepad and pen
• Reusable water bottle
• Snack
• Money

And remember, the weather in Birmingham can be changeable!