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.

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.

Duration: 4 Years
Public, up to: Ksh 189,004
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: 45 students
Award: Bachelor

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 favour

Programme is aligned with UNESCO ISCED-F 2013 international standards, ensuring global recognition.
University of Nairobi is Kenya's premier university with strong academic reputation and extensive resources.
Multiple study modes available including full-time, part-time, and distance learning (ODeL).
Programme combines geography with environmental studies, providing versatile career skills.

Against it

Large class sizes at UoN may limit individual attention from lecturers.
Self-sponsored fees are higher compared to some smaller public universities.
Programme is offered at only one university, limiting institutional choice.
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.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+ (Plus)
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.

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

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.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
CUE is the statutory body responsible for the accreditation and quality assurance of university programmes 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

Industry links

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.