Media & Communication

Bachelor of Arts (Theatre Arts and Film Technology)

The Bachelor of Arts (Theatre Arts and Film Technology) is a four-year degree that combines theatrical performance with film production technology, preparing graduates for careers in Kenya's growing film, television, and theatre industries. Students study acting, directing, stagecraft, screenplay writing, cinematography, film editing, sound design, lighting design, theatre history, film theory, digital media production, and production management.

Graduates find opportunities in film production companies, television stations, theatre companies, advertising agencies, digital content creation, event management, and educational institutions. The programme is delivered over eight semesters at Kenyatta University (public) and KCA University (private), both CUE-accredited institutions.

Teaching methods include studio sessions, practical workshops, film sets, stage productions, lectures, and industry attachments. Graduates work as actors, film directors, theatre directors, cinematographers, film editors, screenwriters, production designers, casting directors, and media content producers.

This programme suits students with creative talent, passion for performance and storytelling, and interest in both stage and screen production. The combination of theatre arts and film technology provides versatile skills for Kenya's growing entertainment and media industry.

Skills RequiredActing and PerformanceFilm Direction and ProductionScreenplay Writing and StorytellingCinematography and Camera OperationFilm Editing and Post-ProductionTheatre Direction and StagecraftSound Design and Audio ProductionLighting Design for Stage and ScreenDigital Media ProductionProduction Management and CoordinationKey SubjectsActing and Performance StudiesFilm Theory and HistoryTheatre History and Dramatic LiteratureCinematography and Camera TechniquesFilm Editing and Post-ProductionScreenplay Writing and Script DevelopmentStagecraft and Set DesignSound Design and Audio ProductionLighting Design for Theatre and FilmDigital Media Production and TechnologyCertificationsKenya Actors Guild MembershipKenya Film Commission Professional RegistrationInternational Association of Film and Television Schools (CILECT)SpecializationsFilm Production and DirectionFocus on film directing, producing, screenplay development, and production management — for careers as film directors, producers, and production managers. Cinematography and Camera OperationsFocus on camera techniques, lighting, visual storytelling, and digital cinematography — for careers as cinematographers and camera operators.

Film Editing and Post-ProductionFocus on film editing, colour grading, visual effects, and post-production workflows — for careers as film editors and post-production specialists.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 204,400
Private, up to: Ksh 267,795
Job market: Moderate

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 30 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Acting and Performance Studies
Film Theory and History
Theatre History and Dramatic Literature
Cinematography and Camera Techniques
Film Editing and Post-Production
Screenplay Writing and Script Development
Stagecraft and Set Design
Sound Design and Audio Production
Lighting Design for Theatre and Film
Digital Media Production and Technology

Modules

12 in the programme

Introduction to Theatre Arts
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Foundational concepts in theatre arts including acting basics, stage terminology, theatrical conventions, dramatic structure, and introduction to performance techniques.
Introduction to Film Studies
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduction to film as an art form including film language, narrative structure, genre, film history, and the basics of film analysis and criticism.
Acting and Performance Techniques
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Practical training in acting techniques including voice projection, movement, character development, improvisation, and performance for stage and screen.
Film Theory and History
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Survey of film history from early cinema to contemporary film movements, examining film theories, aesthetic traditions, and the evolution of cinematic language.
Cinematography and Camera Techniques
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Practical training in camera operation, shot composition, lighting techniques, lens selection, and visual storytelling for film and television production.
Screenplay Writing and Script Development
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Craft of screenplay writing including story structure, character development, dialogue writing, scene construction, and script formatting for film and television.
Film Editing and Post-Production
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Practical training in film editing including editing software, cutting techniques, pacing, continuity, colour grading, and post-production workflows.
Sound Design and Audio Production
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Sound recording, sound design, audio editing, mixing, and music for film and theatre — covering both technical and creative aspects of audio production.
Theatre Direction and Stagecraft
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Principles of theatre direction including blocking, working with actors, set design, stage management, and bringing a dramatic text to life on stage.
Digital Media Production
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Digital content production including web video, streaming media, social media content, and digital distribution platforms for film and theatre content.
Production Management and Industry Practice
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Production management including budgeting, scheduling, crew management, location management, permits, and the business aspects of film and theatre production in Kenya.
Final Year Creative Project
Year 4Semester 26 creditsCore
Final-year creative project producing a short film, stage production, or screenplay — demonstrating mastery of theatre arts and film technology through a complete creative work.

Specialisations

Film Production and Direction
Focus on film directing, producing, screenplay development, and production management — for careers as film directors, producers, and production managers.
Cinematography and Camera Operations
Focus on camera techniques, lighting, visual storytelling, and digital cinematography — for careers as cinematographers and camera operators.
Film Editing and Post-Production
Focus on film editing, colour grading, visual effects, and post-production workflows — for careers as film editors and post-production specialists.
Theatre Performance and Direction
Focus on acting, stage direction, dramatic performance, and theatrical production — for careers as actors, theatre directors, and stage performers.
Sound Design and Audio Production
Focus on sound recording, sound design, audio post-production, and music for film — for careers as sound designers and audio engineers.
Screenwriting and Creative Writing
Focus on screenplay writing, story development, dramatic writing, and narrative structure — for careers as screenwriters and story developers.

A day as a student

A typical day combines morning lectures on film theory, theatre history, or dramatic literature with afternoon studio sessions, acting workshops, camera practicals, and editing suite work. Students rehearse scenes, operate film equipment, edit footage, design lighting and sound, and develop screenplays. Evenings involve attending film screenings, rehearsing for stage productions, and working on creative projects.

The trade offs

In its favour

Kenya's creative economy is growing rapidly — Riverwood film industry, streaming platforms, TV production, and digital content creation provide increasing opportunities for skilled film and theatre graduates.
The programme combines artistic creativity with technical skills — graduates can work in multiple roles across film, television, theatre, advertising, and digital media.
Practical training in studios, editing suites, and on film sets provides hands-on experience that directly translates to industry employability.
Offered at both public and private universities, giving students options in terms of cost, location, and institutional focus.

Against it

The creative industry in Kenya is highly competitive and project-based — consistent employment is not guaranteed, and many graduates work as freelancers.
Entry-level salaries vary widely (KES 30,000–80,000/month) — many positions are project-based with irregular income, especially in theatre and independent film.
The programme requires significant investment in equipment and materials — students may need personal cameras, editing software, and production materials not covered by tuition.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 106 media & communication courses

Public189k to 204k

189k at University of Nairobi204k at Kenyatta University

Private120k to 268k

120k at Mount Kenya University268k at KCA University

Annual 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 204,400/yr; UoN 189,004/yr. KCA 267,795/yr; MKU 120K/yr (official fee schedules).

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

5 recorded

Higher Education Fund (HEF)
BursaryKenyan
Kenyan undergraduate students placed by KUCCPS in public universities
Kenya Film Commission Creative Grant
GrantKsh 500,000Kenyan
Kenyan filmmakers and creatives pursuing film, TV or animation projects
Netflix Creative Equity Scholarship Fund
Scholarship
East African students admitted to film and TV disciplines at partner Kenyan institutions
Goethe-Institut Scholarship Programmes
Scholarship
Students and artists in cultural and performing arts
University Internal Bursaries
BursaryKsh 20,000Kenyan
Needy students enrolled at the respective university, applied through the financial aid office.

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+
Alternative entry: KCSE mean grade C+ or a relevant Diploma in Film, Theatre, Journalism, or Performing Arts from a recognised institution. Some universities may require an audition or portfolio submission.

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment Tests
Coursework20% of the mark
Written tests covering film theory, theatre history, dramatic literature, and production concepts, assessed through mid-semester and end-of-semester examinations.
Practical Productions and Performances
Coursework35% of the mark
Practical assessments including acting performances, film shoots, editing projects, stage productions, and technical demonstrations assessed through creative submissions.
Creative Portfolios and Script Submissions
Coursework15% of the mark
Creative portfolios, screenplay drafts, production designs, storyboards, and reflective essays assessed throughout each semester.
Final Examinations and Creative Project
Examination30% of the mark
End-of-semester written examinations and a final-year creative project producing a short film, stage production, or screenplay with oral presentation and defence.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at Kenyatta University (public) and KCA University (private), both CUE-accredited institutions. Kenyatta University offers it through the Department of Theatre Arts and Film Technology, while KCA University offers it through the School of Education, Arts and Social Sciences.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Statutory accreditation for all Kenyan universities offering degree programmes.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

Film Production Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 60,000
Entry-level role supporting film and TV production teams — handling equipment setup, continuity, production coordination, and assisting directors and producers on set.
Video Editor
High demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 70,000
Edits video content for film, television, advertising, and digital media — using editing software to cut footage, add effects, colour grade, and produce finished content.
Actor or Performer
Moderate demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 80,000
Performs in films, television shows, theatre productions, and commercials — with income varying significantly based on role, production budget, and experience.
Cinematographer or Camera Operator
Moderate demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 80,000
Operates cameras and designs visual composition for film, TV, and digital content — working with directors to create the visual style of productions.
Digital Content Producer
High demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 70,000
Creates digital video content for YouTube, social media, streaming platforms, and corporate clients — handling production from concept to finished video.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as actors, film directors, theatre directors, cinematographers, film editors, screenwriters, production designers, and media content producers in film, television, theatre, advertising, and digital media.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Adobe Premiere Pro
SoftwarePrimary
Professional video editing software for film and television post-production — including cutting, transitions, colour correction, audio mixing, and multi-cam editing.
Adobe After Effects
SoftwarePrimary
Motion graphics and visual effects software for creating animations, compositing, title sequences, and special effects for film and video productions.
DaVinci Resolve
Software
Professional colour grading and video editing software — widely used in film post-production for colour correction, editing, and audio post-production.
Final Draft
Software
Industry-standard screenplay writing software for formatting scripts, developing characters, and structuring screenplays for film and television.
Adobe Audition
Software
Professional audio editing software for sound design, audio cleanup, mixing, and post-production — essential for film and theatre sound work.

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

A theatre and film degree is not a real qualification.
The programme is a CUE-accredited degree involving rigorous study of film theory, theatre history, production technology, and practical creative work — it is a recognised academic qualification.
Graduates can only become actors.
The programme covers all aspects of film and theatre production — graduates work as directors, editors, cinematographers, screenwriters, producers, sound designers, and production managers, not just performers.
There are no jobs in Kenya's film and theatre industry.
Kenya's creative economy is growing rapidly — Riverwood films, streaming platforms, TV stations, advertising agencies, and digital content creation all provide employment opportunities for skilled graduates.
You need natural talent, not a degree, to succeed in film and theatre.
While talent matters, the degree provides technical skills, theoretical knowledge, industry connections, and professional training that significantly enhance career prospects and earning potential.
Film technology is just about operating cameras.
Film technology encompasses cinematography, editing, sound design, visual effects, colour grading, post-production workflows, and digital distribution — it requires both technical expertise and artistic judgement.