Bachelor of Arts
The Bachelor of Arts is a broad humanities and social sciences degree offered at numerous Kenyan public universities. Students choose subject combinations from disciplines including history, geography, literature, sociology, psychology, political science, economics, Kiswahili, English, religious studies, and philosophy.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 189,004 a year at a public institution, Ksh 756,016 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 242,800 a year at a private one.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C+ or above. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 4 years, full-time, with 0 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 15 institutions.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Early Childhood Strategist, at 10 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
Students select two or three teaching subjects from a range of humanities and social science disciplines. Core areas include English literature, Kiswahili, history, geography, sociology, psychology, political science, economics, religious studies, and philosophy.
The Bachelor of Arts opens pathways into teaching, civil service, NGO work, media, communications, research, and corporate roles. Many graduates pursue postgraduate teaching qualifications to become secondary school teachers.
The programme is delivered over eight semesters at universities including the University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, Moi University, Egerton University, Maseno University, Kisii University, Chuka University, Machakos University, Rongo University, South Eastern Kenya University, Multimedia University of Kenya,.
Graduates work as teachers, research assistants, programme officers, community development officers, communications officers, customer service representatives, human resources assistants, and administrative officers.
This programme suits students with strong reading, writing, and analytical abilities who prefer a flexible, broad-based education. The ability to combine subjects across disciplines allows students to tailor their degree to career interests. Self-directed learning and intellectual curiosity are essential for success.
What you study
10 subjects- English Literature
- Kiswahili
- History
- Geography
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Political Science
- Economics
- Religious Studies
- Philosophy
Modules
12 in the programmeIntroduction to Literary Studies
Year 1Semester 13 creditsElective
Introduction to literary analysis, critical approaches, and the study of prose, poetry, and drama from African and world literary traditions.
Introduction to Sociology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsElective
Foundational concepts in sociology including social structures, institutions, culture, socialisation, and sociological research methods.
History of East Africa
Year 1Semester 13 creditsElective
Survey of East African history from pre-colonial societies through colonialism to independence, covering political, economic, and social developments.
Human Geography
Year 1Semester 23 creditsElective
Study of human populations, settlements, economic activities, and the relationship between human societies and their physical environments.
Introduction to Psychology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsElective
Fundamental concepts in psychology including cognition, perception, learning, motivation, personality, and social psychology.
Research Methods in Social Sciences
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Quantitative and qualitative research methods, research design, data collection, sampling, and academic writing for social science research.
Political Science Fundamentals
Year 2Semester 13 creditsElective
Introduction to political theory, governance systems, public policy, state institutions, and political processes in Kenya and Africa.
Kiswahili Language and Linguistics
Year 2Semester 23 creditsElective
Study of Kiswahili grammar, phonology, morphology, syntax, and the role of Kiswahili as a national and regional language in East Africa.
Economics for Social Sciences
Year 2Semester 23 creditsElective
Introduction to microeconomics and macroeconomics, economic systems, market structures, and the Kenyan economy in a global context.
Philosophy and Ethics
Year 3Semester 13 creditsElective
Introduction to philosophical inquiry, ethical theories, logic, and the application of philosophical reasoning to contemporary social and moral issues.
Religious Studies and Society
Year 3Semester 23 creditsElective
Study of major world religions, their beliefs, practices, and influence on social, political, and cultural life in Africa and globally.
Research Project
Year 4Semester 16 creditsCore
Independent research project on a chosen topic in the humanities or social sciences, culminating in a written dissertation and oral defence.
Specialisations
Literature and English
Focus on English and African literature, literary criticism, creative writing, and the study of literary traditions across genres and periods.
History and Archaeology
Focus on African and world history, historical methods, archaeology, and the study of pre-colonial, colonial, and post-independence African societies.
Sociology and Psychology
Focus on social structures, human behaviour, research methods, and the application of sociological and psychological theories to contemporary social issues.
Geography and Economics
Focus on human and physical geography, economic theory, spatial analysis, and the interaction between economic systems and geographic factors.
Political Science and Religious Studies
Focus on governance, political systems, public policy, religious traditions, and the role of religion in society and politics.
Kiswahili and Communication
Focus on Kiswahili language, linguistics, literature, and communication skills for media, education, and cultural preservation.
A day as a student
A typical day combines morning lectures in chosen subject areas with afternoon tutorials and seminars. Students attend classes in two or three subjects, participate in group discussions, and work on research papers and essays. Independent reading in the library forms a significant part of the daily routine. Evenings are often spent writing assignments and preparing for class presentations.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Broad, flexible curriculum allows students to combine subjects across disciplines and tailor their degree to career interests. | Generalist nature means graduates may lack specialised technical skills, requiring postgraduate study for competitive roles. |
| Offered at many universities across Kenya, making it widely accessible with relatively low cluster point requirements. | Entry-level salaries are modest (KES 30,000–50,000/month) compared to specialised professional degrees. |
| Develops transferable skills in critical thinking, research, writing, and communication valued across multiple sectors. | Some subject combinations have limited direct career applications, requiring creativity and additional skills to secure employment. |
| Provides a pathway to teaching through a PGDE, opening access to TSC employment as a secondary school teacher. | — |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 241 social sciences coursesAnnual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.
The fine print
KU 153K, UoN 189K/yr (KUCCPS). Daystar 243K, CUEA 160K/yr (KUCCPS).
Students can access HELB loans, county government bursaries, and university-specific scholarships and bursaries.
Funding options
HELB Undergraduate Loan
County Government Bursaries
University Scholarships and Bursaries
Scholarships
4 recordedHigher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Needy Kenyan students placed through KUCCPS in public universities.
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKsh 30,000Kenyan
Students from the respective county, applied through county education offices.
University Internal Bursaries
BursaryKsh 20,000Kenyan
Needy students enrolled at the respective university, applied through the financial aid office.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
BursaryKenyan
Kenyan undergraduate students placed by KUCCPS in public universities
Scholarships you could apply for
13 usable where it is taught- Equity Group Foundation Wings to Fly
Closes 28 February 2027FullEquity Bank
Full secondary + university
- Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship
Closes 31 March 2027FullAga Khan Foundation
Full university study
- KCB Foundation Scholarship
Closes 31 March 2027FullKCB Bank
Full tuition + stipend
- Egerton University TAGDev 2.0 Scholarship
Closes 1 May 2027FullEgerton University / Mastercard Foundation
Full tuition + living expenses
- Mombasa Cement Scholarship
Closes 31 May 2027PartialMombasa Cement Ltd
KES 100,000 per year
- Safaricom Foundation ICT Scholarship
Closes 30 June 2027FullSafaricom Foundation
Full tuition + internship
- Family Bank Foundation Education Support
Closes 30 June 2027PartialFamily Bank
KES 80,000 per year
- HELB Undergraduate Scholarship
Closes 31 July 2027PartialHigher Education Loans Board
KES 40,000 to 60,000 per year
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
KCSE mean grade C plain plus a Diploma from a recognised institution. KACE with one principal pass plus a Diploma. KACE with two principal passes. A degree from a recognised university. Relevant certificate and diploma qualifications from KNEC-accredited institutions.
When it next starts
Taught at 15 institutionsIncluding Pwani University, Moi University, Makueni University College.
Including Pwani University, Moi University, Makueni University College.
Including Pwani University, Moi University, Makueni University College.
How you are assessed
4 componentsContinuous Assessment Tests
Coursework30% of the mark
Mid-semester and end-of-semester written tests covering course content in each subject area.
Essays and Assignments
Coursework30% of the mark
Academic essays, research papers, literature reviews, and tutorial assignments assessed throughout each semester.
Oral Presentations and Seminars
Coursework10% of the mark
Class presentations, seminar participation, and group discussions assessing communication and analytical skills.
Final Examinations and Research Project
Examination30% of the mark
End-of-semester written examinations and a final-year research project dissertation assessed by academic supervisors.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Statutory accreditation for all Kenyan universities offering degree programmes.
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at multiple CUE-accredited public universities across Kenya.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
5 rolesResearch Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 55,000
Supports research projects at universities, think tanks, and NGOs by collecting data, conducting literature reviews, and preparing research reports.
Programme Officer
Moderate demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 80,000
Coordinates and implements development programmes at NGOs, community organisations, and government agencies.
Communications Officer
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 70,000
Manages internal and external communications, writes content, and handles public relations for organisations and companies.
Administrative Officer
Moderate demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 60,000
Provides administrative support in government departments, corporate offices, and educational institutions.
Secondary School Teacher
High demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 55,000
Teaches humanities subjects at secondary schools after completing a PGDE and registering with the Teachers Service Commission.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work in teaching, civil service, NGOs, media, communications, research, and corporate administration, with many pursuing postgraduate qualifications to enhance employability.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Early Childhood StrategistEducation10Low exposure
- Special Needs EducatorEducation10Low exposure
- Career Guidance CounselorEducation11Low exposure
- Adolescent Mentorship OfficerSocial Sciences14Low exposure
- Early Literacy SpecialistEducation14Low exposure
- STEM Laboratory EducatorEducation14Low exposure
- TVET Competency AssessorEducation14Low exposure
- Vocational Workshop InstructorEducation14Low exposure
Tools you will learn
Microsoft Office Suite
SoftwarePrimary
Word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software used extensively for academic writing, data management, and presentations.
Google Workspace
Software
Cloud-based productivity tools including Docs, Sheets, and Slides for collaborative academic work and research.
SPSS
Software
Statistical analysis software used for quantitative research in sociology, psychology, and other social science disciplines.
Mendeley
Software
Reference management software for organising research sources, generating citations, and managing bibliographies.
Grammarly
Software
Writing assistance tool for grammar checking, plagiarism detection, and improving academic writing quality.
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
A Bachelor of Arts degree is not marketable in Kenya.
Marketability depends on subject combination. BA graduates in education, psychology, economics, and communication find good opportunities. Graduates in less applied fields may need postgraduate study or additional skills.
BA graduates can only become teachers.
While teaching is a common path, BA graduates work in civil service, NGOs, media, communications, research, human resources, sales, and corporate administration across multiple sectors.
Arts degrees are easier than science degrees.
Arts degrees require extensive reading, critical analysis, essay writing, and independent research. The assessment methods differ but the intellectual rigour is comparable.
You cannot earn a good salary with a BA degree.
BA graduates in fields like economics, psychology, and communication can earn competitive salaries. Career progression and postgraduate qualifications significantly increase earning potential.
All BA programmes are the same across universities.
Subject combinations, curriculum structure, and specialisations vary significantly between universities. Students should research each university's offerings before applying.