Bachelor of Arts in Counselling
The Bachelor of Arts in Counselling is a four-year programme offered at Kenyatta University, Moi University, KCA University, and Africa Nazarene University. It trains professional counsellors to address growing psychosocial needs in Kenya, including mental health, family relationships, substance abuse, and trauma.
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 158,100 a year at a private one.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C+ or above, plus 2 subject grades. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 4 years, full-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 10 institutions.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Adolescent Mentorship Officer, at 14 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
Students study counselling theories, developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, group therapy, family counselling, crisis intervention, research methods, and ethics. The curriculum combines theoretical instruction with counselling practicum, personal therapy, and supervised field placement, ensuring graduates can provide professional counselling services.
Entry requires a KCSE mean grade of C+ with at least C in English and Mathematics. Diploma holders with relevant experience may receive credit transfers. The programme includes a three-month counselling practicum and 15 hours of personal therapy before field placement.
Graduates work as counsellors in schools, hospitals, NGOs, rehabilitation centres, private practice, and corporate employee assistance programmes. They provide critical psychosocial support across diverse settings, addressing mental health challenges and promoting wellbeing.
The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and aligns with growing recognition of mental health as a public health priority in Kenya. Students develop strong interpersonal, communication, and therapeutic skills.
Career opportunities include roles in grief and bereavement counselling, marriage and family therapy, substance abuse rehabilitation, career guidance, and trauma counselling. The demand for qualified counselling professionals continues to grow with increasing awareness of mental health needs.
What you study
6 subjects- Counselling
- Research Methods
- Statistics
- Laboratory Techniques
- Scientific Communication
- Research Methods
Modules
8 in the programmeSocial Theory
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Classical and contemporary social theory. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework an...
Foundations of the Discipline
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Foundations of the Discipline: Introduction to core concepts, theories, and principles of the field. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Research Methods
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Research Methods: Quantitative and qualitative research methods for social science. Covers quantitative and qualitative approaches, data collection, analysis, and reporting.
Statistics for Social Sciences
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Statistical analysis for social data using SPSS/Stata. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, ...
Advanced Topics I
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Advanced theoretical and applied topics in the discipline. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tes...
Advanced Topics II
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Contemporary issues and debates in the field. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursewor...
Field Research
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Supervised field research in communities or organisations. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tes...
Research Project
Year 3Semester 16 creditsCore
Research Project: Independent research project culminating in a defended thesis. Involves independent research, data analysis, and scholarly writing under supervision.
Specialisations
Counselling
Specialisation pathway within Bachelor of Counselling. 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.
Research Methods
Specialisation pathway within Bachelor of Counselling. 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.
Laboratory Analysis
Specialisation pathway within Bachelor of Counselling. 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.
Data Analysis
Specialisation pathway within Bachelor of Counselling. 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.
Field Studies
Specialisation pathway within Bachelor of Counselling. 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
Lectures, practicals, group discussions, and independent study form the core of the student experience. Industrial attachment and research projects provide real-world exposure.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Solid foundation for diverse career paths across multiple sectors | Competitive job market requiring additional skills or experience |
| Recognised qualification accredited by CUE | May require further specialisation for advanced roles |
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
Verified educationnewshub+Kabarak fee schedule: KU 153K, KeMU 152K, Kabarak 158K/yr
HELB loans available for eligible students. University and external scholarships may be available.
Funding options
HELB Loan
KUCCPS Placement
Scholarships
4 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
Kenya Counselling and Psychological Association (KCPA) Student Support
BursaryKenyan
Students pursuing counselling and psychology programmes
Scholarships you could apply for
8 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
- 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
- Komaza Scholarship Program
RollingPartialKomaza
KES 50,000 to 150,000 per year
- Moi University Merit Scholarship
Before semester startsPartialMoi University
50% tuition waiver
- Moringa School Craftbyte Scholarship
QuarterlyFullMoringa School
Full software development course
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
Diploma holders may upgrade through bridging programmes.
When it next starts
Taught at 10 institutionsIncluding Amref International University, Laikipia University, Kisii University.
Including Amref International University, Laikipia University, Kisii University.
Including Amref International University, Laikipia University, Kisii University.
How you are assessed
4 componentsIndustrial Attachment
Clinical10% of the mark
Supervised attachment report.
Continuous Assessment
Cat25% of the mark
Assignments, tests, and presentations.
Research Project
Research15% of the mark
Final-year research project.
Written Examinations
Exam50% of the mark
End-of-semester examinations.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education
Academic accreditationRequired
Mandatory accreditation for university programmes in Kenya.
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE).
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
5 rolesFull Stack Developer
Low demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 70,000
Entry-level role for Bachelor graduates in Social Sciences. Full Stack Developers work across various organizations in Kenya. Hiring trend: Growing.
Mobile App Developer
Low demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 100,000
Entry-level role for Bachelor graduates in Social Sciences. Mobile App Developers work across various organizations in Kenya. Hiring trend: Growing.
Policy Analyst (Social Policy)
Low demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 90,000
Entry-level role for Bachelor graduates in Social Sciences. Policy Analyst (Social Policy)s work across various organizations in Kenya. Hiring trend: Growing.
Clinical Psychologist
Low demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 80,000
Entry-level role for Bachelor graduates in Social Sciences. Clinical Psychologists work across various organizations in Kenya. Hiring trend: Growing.
Social Work
Low demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 60,000
Entry-level role for Bachelor graduates in Social Sciences. Social Works work across various organizations in Kenya. Hiring trend: Growing.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates pursue careers in social sciences or proceed to further studies.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Adolescent Mentorship OfficerSocial Sciences14Low exposure
- Correctional CounselorSocial Sciences15Low exposure
- Child Protection OfficerSocial Sciences16Low exposure
- CriminologistSocial Sciences16Low exposure
- Human Rights InvestigatorSocial Sciences16Low exposure
- Social GerontologistSocial Sciences16Low exposure
- Community Resilience SpecialistSocial Sciences17Low exposure
- Gender Integration SpecialistSocial Sciences17Low exposure
Tools you will learn
Microsoft Excel
SpreadsheetPrimary
SPSS
Data analysis
Google Workspace
Collaboration
KOBO Toolbox
Data collection
SPSS/Stata
Statistical software
Gender research data analysis.
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
This programme has limited career options.
Graduates pursue diverse career paths across multiple sectors including government, private sector, NGOs, and entrepreneurship.
This programme has limited career opportunities.
Graduates pursue diverse career paths across multiple sectors in Kenya and internationally.
The programme is only for top-performing students.
While academic excellence is valued, the programme accepts students meeting the minimum KCSE requirements and supports diverse learners.
Graduates cannot find employment in Kenya.
Kenya's growing economy creates demand for qualified graduates across public, private, and NGO sectors.