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Environmental Science

Bachelor of Arts in Geography and Environmental Studies

The Bachelor of Arts in Geography and Environmental Studies is a four-year degree programme that examines the Earth's landscapes, environments, and human-environment interactions.

Duration
4 Years
Next intake January 2027
Public tuition
Ksh 189,004
Ksh 756,016 total
Job market
Moderate
Market demand for graduates

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) or above. 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 8 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

The curriculum covers physical geography, human geography, the East African environment, map and aerial photo interpretation, surveying and cartography, principles of environmental conservation and management, natural resources management, geomorphology, climatology and hydrology, remote sensing and GIS, biogeography, regional development and planning, global environmental issues, and.

Students develop competencies in spatial analysis, GIS and remote sensing, cartography, field research, environmental assessment, statistical techniques, and geographic communication. The programme combines theoretical study with practical fieldwork, laboratory sessions, and geospatial technology training.

Graduates pursue careers as GIS analysts, environmental officers, urban planners, researchers, teachers, conservation officers, and consultancy officers. They find employment in government ministries, NEMA, county governments, planning departments, research institutions, NGOs, and private consultancies.

The programme is offered at the University of Nairobi through the Department of Geography, Population and Environmental Studies. Students can study through full-time, part-time, or open, distance and electronic learning (ODeL) modes.

Accreditation is provided by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Admission requires a KCSE mean grade of C+ or equivalent, following the University of Nairobi's common entry requirements for the Faculty of Arts.

What you study

10 subjects
  • Physical Geography
  • Human Geography
  • The East African Environment
  • Map and Aerial Photo Interpretation
  • Surveying and Cartography
  • Environmental Conservation and Management
  • Geomorphology
  • Climatology and Hydrology
  • Remote Sensing and GIS
  • Biogeography

Modules

12 in the programme

  • Physical Geography I

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Foundational study of Earth's physical systems including lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere.

  • Human Geography I

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Study of human activities and their spatial distribution, including population, settlement, and cultural patterns.

  • The East African Environment

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Study of the environmental characteristics, challenges, and opportunities in the East African region.

  • Map and Aerial Photo Interpretation

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Principles and techniques of map reading and aerial photograph interpretation for geographical analysis.

  • Surveying and Cartography

    Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore

    Principles of land surveying and map production, including field survey techniques and cartographic design.

  • Principles of Environmental Conservation and Management

    Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore

    Fundamental principles of environmental conservation, including biodiversity, ecosystem management, and sustainability.

  • Remote Sensing and GIS

    Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore

    Principles and applications of remote sensing and geographic information systems for spatial data analysis.

  • Research Methods and Field Work

    Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore

    Research methods for geographical studies, including field techniques, data collection, and analysis.

  • Environment and Development in Africa

    Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore

    Examination of environmental issues and development challenges in Africa, including policy responses.

  • Global Environmental Issues

    Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore

    Study of global environmental challenges including climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.

  • Applied Remote Sensing and GIS

    Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore

    Advanced applications of remote sensing and GIS for environmental monitoring and resource management.

  • Research Project

    Year 4Semester 26 creditsCore

    Final-year research project on a geography and environmental studies topic, involving field research and dissertation.

Specialisations

  • Physical Geography

    Study of natural Earth systems including geomorphology, climatology, hydrology, and biogeography. 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.

  • Human Geography

    Study of human activities and their spatial distribution, including population, settlement, and economic patterns.

  • Environmental Studies

    Examination of environmental issues, conservation, and sustainable management of natural resources. 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.

  • GIS and Remote Sensing

    Application of geospatial technologies for spatial data analysis, environmental monitoring, and mapping.

  • Regional Development and Planning

    Application of geographical principles to regional development, planning, and resource management. 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

A typical day combines classroom lectures with practical geospatial work. Morning sessions cover physical geography, human geography, or environmental studies, while afternoons focus on GIS labs, cartography practicals, or fieldwork. Students use GIS software, analyse aerial photographs, conduct field surveys, and study environmental processes. Field trips to study landforms, urban patterns, and environmental issues are integral to the programme.

The trade-offs

In its favourAgainst it
Programme is aligned with UNESCO ISCED-F 2013 international standards, ensuring global recognition.Large class sizes at UoN may limit individual attention from lecturers.
University of Nairobi is Kenya's premier university with strong academic reputation and extensive resources.Self-sponsored fees are higher compared to some smaller public universities.
Multiple study modes available including full-time, part-time, and distance learning (ODeL).Programme is offered at only one university, limiting institutional choice.
Programme combines geography with environmental studies, providing versatile career skills.Nairobi-based programme may require relocation for students from other regions.

What it costs

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

What it costs, and where

Against 181 environmental science courses
Public153k to 189k
153k at Kenyatta University189k at University of Nairobi

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

UoN BA Geo&Env Studies 189,004/yr; KU 153,000/yr. Private unverified. Src: uonbi.ac.ke, KUCCPS

Government-sponsored students receive significant fee subsidies through KUCCPS. HELB loans are available for eligible students. UoN offers internal bursaries for needy students.

Funding options

  • Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)

  • KUCCPS Government Sponsorship

  • University Internal Bursaries

Scholarships

5 recorded

  • County Government Bursaries

    BursaryKenyan

    Residents of respective counties pursuing undergraduate studies

  • Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD) Training Scholarship

    ScholarshipKenyan

    Students in geospatial sciences, GIS and remote sensing

  • Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan

    Government loanKsh 60,000Kenyan

    Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities. Must demonstrate financial need.

  • Higher Education Fund (HEF)

    Government subsidyKenyan

    Kenyan students who meet KUCCPS cluster cut-off points.

  • University of Nairobi Internal Bursaries

    University bursaryKenyan

    Registered students demonstrating financial need.

Scholarships you could apply for

12 usable where it is taught
Save one and be reminded before it closes

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade
C+ (Plus)minimum entry
Alternative entry

KCSE mean grade C plain with a Diploma from a recognised institution; OR KCE/EACE Division III with a Diploma; OR KACE/EAACE with at least two principal passes; OR International Baccalaureate Diploma; OR equivalent qualifications recognised by the University of Nairobi Senate.

When it next starts

Taught at 8 institutions
January 20278 institutions

Including Multimedia University of Kenya, Laikipia University, University of Nairobi.

May 20278 institutions

Including Multimedia University of Kenya, Laikipia University, University of Nairobi.

September 20278 institutions

Including Multimedia University of Kenya, Laikipia University, University of Nairobi.

How you are assessed

4 components

  • Continuous Assessment Tests

    Coursework30% of the mark

    Regular written tests, practical assignments, GIS lab exercises, and field reports during the semester.

  • End of Semester Examinations

    Examination70% of the mark

    Comprehensive written examinations covering geographical theory, environmental studies, and applications.

  • Field Course Assessment

    Practical100% of the mark

    Assessment of fieldwork performance, including field reports, data collection, and site analysis.

  • Research Project

    Project100% of the mark

    Final-year research project involving field research, spatial analysis, and a written dissertation.

Accreditation

  • Commission for University Education (CUE)

    Academic accreditationRequired

    CUE is the statutory body responsible for the accreditation and quality assurance of university programmes in Kenya.

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE), the statutory body responsible for quality assurance and regulation of university education in Kenya.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

  • GIS Analyst

    High demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 120,000

    Creates and analyses spatial data using GIS software for organisations in government, NGOs, or private sector.

  • Environmental Officer

    Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 100,000

    Monitors and manages environmental issues, conducts assessments, and ensures regulatory compliance.

  • Research Assistant

    Moderate demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 80,000

    Conducts geographical and environmental research for academic institutions, NGOs, or research organisations.

  • Teacher

    Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 80,000

    Teaches geography and environmental studies at secondary schools, requiring additional teaching qualification.

  • Urban Planning Assistant

    Moderate demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 90,000

    Assists in urban and regional planning activities in county governments or consultancies.

  • Conservation Officer

    Moderate demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 85,000

    Works on conservation projects, managing protected areas and biodiversity for government or NGOs.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as GIS analysts, environmental officers, researchers, teachers, and urban planners. Demand is moderate with growing opportunities in environmental management and spatial planning.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

  • ArcGIS

    Gis softwarePrimary

    Industry-standard GIS software for spatial analysis, mapping, and environmental data management.

  • QGIS

    Gis softwarePrimary

    Open-source GIS software for spatial analysis and mapping.

  • Google Earth Engine

    Remote sensing

    Cloud-based platform for satellite imagery analysis and environmental monitoring.

  • SPSS

    Statistical analysis

    Statistical analysis software for geographical and environmental research data.

  • Microsoft Excel

    Data analysis

    Spreadsheet software for data management and statistical analysis.

Certifications

Common misconceptions

  • Geography and Environmental Studies is just about memorising maps.

    The programme involves advanced geospatial technologies, environmental analysis, statistical techniques, and spatial problem-solving.

  • The programme only leads to teaching careers.

    Graduates pursue diverse careers in GIS analysis, environmental management, urban planning, research, and consultancy.

  • Environmental studies is a soft subject.

    The programme includes rigorous scientific study of environmental systems, statistical analysis, and geospatial technology.

  • The programme is the same as plain BA Geography.

    This programme specifically integrates environmental studies with geography, providing additional focus on environmental conservation and management.

Further reading

Read next