Bachelor of Arts in Arts - Fine Art
This Bachelor's programme prepares students for professional careers in fine art. It develops expertise in drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, and art history while building creative skills for artistic expression and visual communication.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 189,004 a year at a public institution, Ksh 756,016 for the whole course.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C+ (plus) mean grade at KCSE or above, plus 4 subject grades. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 4 years, full-time, with 6 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 3 institutions.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Ceramics Designer, at 18 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
Students analyse artistic concepts, design visual compositions, implement artistic techniques, evaluate artistic work, conduct art research, apply creative principles, manage art projects, and develop sustainable artistic practices. They also strengthen analytical thinking, creative skills, communication, teamwork, and artistic abilities.
Kenya requires fine art to support cultural development, promote artistic expression, and enhance visual communication, creating demand for professionals who can create art, teach art, manage artistic projects, and support the creative industry.
The programme combines coursework, studio work, fieldwork, art projects, and research. Students gain hands-on experience through artistic creation, exhibitions, and studio practice.
Graduates pursue careers as fine artists, art teachers, gallery curators, art consultants, and graphic designers across art studios, galleries, educational institutions, and creative organizations.
The programme is ideal for students interested in fine art, drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, and artistic expression. The programme emphasises practical skills through studio work, industrial attachments, and creative projects that prepare graduates for real-world design and artistic challenges across the creative economy.
What you study
6 subjects- Fine Art
- Drawing
- Painting
- Sculpture
- Printmaking
- Art History
Modules
12 in the programmeIntroduction to Fine Art
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduction to Fine Art: Overview of fine art, artistic principles, and creative expression. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Drawing
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Drawing techniques, sketching, and visual representation. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment test...
Painting
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Painting: Painting techniques, color theory, and painting composition. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Sculpture
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Sculpture: Sculptural techniques, three-dimensional design, and sculptural materials. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Printmaking
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Printmaking techniques, print processes, and print design. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tes...
Art History
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Art movements, art appreciation, and historical context. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests...
Digital Art
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Digital Art: Digital techniques, digital media, and digital art creation. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Art Criticism
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Art analysis, art criticism, and art evaluation. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, course...
Exhibition Design
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Exhibition Design: Exhibition planning, gallery design, and exhibition management. Covers design principles, creative processes, and practical project development.
Professional Practice
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Professional Practice: Art business, portfolio development, and professional skills. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Fine Art Studio
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Fine Art Studio: Artistic creation, studio projects, and practical applications. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Fine Art Project
Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore
Independent project on fine art topic. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and e...
Specialisations
Painting
Focus on painting techniques, color theory, and painting composition. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Printmaking
Focus on printmaking techniques, print processes, and print design. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Sculpture
Specialization in sculptural techniques, three-dimensional design, and sculptural materials. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
General Practice
Broad foundational knowledge covering core principles and practices in the field. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
A day as a student
Students attend lectures, conduct studio work, participate in gallery visits, and engage in art projects.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Creative career with opportunities for artistic expression and innovation. | Art career can be competitive with variable income. |
| Studio work provides hands-on experience in artistic creation. | Artistic work requires continuous practice and portfolio development. |
| Growing demand for creative professionals in the digital age. | — |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 73 art and design 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 183,600/yr (joweri); UoN BA 189,004/yr (KUCCPS). Private null—Daystar/KCA lack Fine Art programme.
HELB loans available for eligible students. Some universities offer scholarships based on artistic talent and academic performance.
Funding options
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
Scholarships
3 recordedHigher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities demonstrating financial need.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
Government fundingKenyan
Kenyan students in public universities under the new funding model based on financial need assessment.
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKenyan
Residents of respective counties pursuing undergraduate studies
Scholarships you could apply for
11 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
- 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
- County Government Scholarships
Varies by countyPartialCounty Governments
KES 50,000 to 200,000 per year
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
Diploma holders in Fine Art, Design, or related fields with Credit pass from recognized institutions may also apply.
When it next starts
Taught at 3 institutionsIncluding University of Nairobi, Maseno University, Kenyatta University.
Including University of Nairobi, Maseno University, Kenyatta University.
Including University of Nairobi, Maseno University, Kenyatta University.
How you are assessed
4 componentsContinuous Assessment Tests
Cat30% of the mark
Regular tests, assignments, and studio projects throughout the semester.
End of Semester Examinations
Exam70% of the mark
Comprehensive written examinations at the end of each semester.
Research Project
Project100% of the mark
Independent research project on fine art topic.
Studio Practice Assessments
Practicum100% of the mark
Evaluation of studio skills, artistic creation, and practical applications.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education
NationalRequired
Mandatory accreditation for all university programmes in Kenya.
Accredited by Commission for University Education (CUE).
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
5 rolesGraphic Designer
Medium demandKsh 42,000 to Ksh 95,000
Design graphics, create visual content, and support design projects.
Art Teacher
Medium demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 90,000
Teach art, inspire students, and develop artistic skills.
Gallery Curator
Low demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 110,000
Curate exhibitions, manage galleries, and promote artists.
Fine Artist
Medium demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 100,000
Create art, develop artistic practice, and produce visual artwork.
Art Consultant
Low demandKsh 48,000 to Ksh 105,000
Provide art advice, consult on art projects, and support art initiatives.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work in fine art, art education, and creative industries across Kenya's art sector.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Ceramics DesignerArt and Design18Low exposure
- Theatrical ScenographerArt and Design18Low exposure
- Ceramic Product DesignerArt and Design19Low exposure
- Circular Fashion DesignerArt and Design19Low exposure
- Architectural Model MakerArt and Design20Low exposure
- Exhibition Experience DesignerArt and Design20Low exposure
- Wardrobe Design SpecialistArt and Design20Low exposure
- Furniture Product DesignerArt and Design21Low exposure
Tools you will learn
Adobe Illustrator
SoftwarePrimary
Industry-standard vector graphics software for logo design, illustration, typography, and brand identity development used by professional graphic designers.
Adobe Photoshop
SoftwarePrimary
Image editing and manipulation software for photo retouching, digital art, graphic design, and visual content creation for print and digital media.
AutoCAD
SoftwarePrimary
Computer-aided design software for 2D and 3D drafting, essential for interior design, architectural drawing, and technical design documentation.
Figma
Software
Collaborative interface design tool for UI/UX design, prototyping, and digital product design used by digital design professionals and teams.
Blender
Software
Open-source 3D modelling, animation, and rendering software for product visualisation, 3D design, and digital prototyping.
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Fine art is just a hobby, not a real career
Fine art is a viable career with opportunities in galleries, education, illustration, design, advertising, and digital media. Many artists earn sustainable incomes through their artistic practice.
Artists are born with talent, it can't be learned
While some have natural aptitude, artistic skills are developed through education, practice, and dedication. Fine art programs teach techniques, theory, and professional practice.
Digital art is replacing traditional fine art
Digital art complements traditional techniques. Both traditional and digital media have unique strengths and are used together in contemporary artistic practice.
Artists only work alone in studios
Artists work in diverse environments including studios, galleries, educational institutions, design firms, advertising agencies, and collaborative spaces.
Fine art has no practical application
Fine art skills apply to illustration, graphic design, advertising, film, animation, architecture, product design, and many other fields requiring visual creativity.
Art education is easy and requires little effort
Fine art education requires rigorous practice, technical skill development, art history knowledge, critical thinking, and continuous portfolio development.