Bachelor of Arts in History
The Bachelor of Arts in History is a four-year degree programme that exposes students to a wide variety of historical knowledge, enabling them to understand the nature and importance of history.
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 202,800 a year at a private one.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 19 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 surveys of world history, general histories of Africa, Kenya, Europe, Latin America, Asia, the United States of America, and developing nations.
Students develop competencies in historical research, critical analysis, source evaluation, academic writing, comparative analysis, and historiography. The programme combines lectures, seminars, tutorials, and independent research.
Graduates pursue careers as history teachers, researchers, museum curators, archivists, journalists, civil servants, diplomatic officers, and cultural heritage officers. They find employment in schools, museums, archives, government ministries, NGOs, media organisations, and cultural institutions.
The programme is offered at multiple universities including Moi University, University of Nairobi, Kisii University, Maasai Mara University, Pwani University, and the Catholic University of Eastern Africa. Public university fees range from KSH 122,400 at Maasai Mara to KSH 153,000 at Moi University per year.
Accreditation is provided by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Admission requires a KCSE mean grade of C+ with C+ in History and Government, following KUCCPS cluster 14 requirements for History, Archaeology and Related programmes.
What you study
10 subjects- African History to 1884
- African History since 1884
- History of Kenya
- European History since 1789
- Historical Methods and Research
- History of the Middle East
- International Organisations since 1919
- Economic History
- Political History
- Historiography
Modules
12 in the programmeIntroduction to African History to 1884
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Survey of African history from pre-colonial societies to the eve of European colonisation, covering political, economic, and social developments.
Introduction to Historical Studies
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduction to the nature of history, historical methods, source criticism, and historiographical traditions.
African History since 1884
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Study of African history from the Berlin Conference through colonialism to independence and post-independence developments.
History of Kenya to 1895
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Detailed study of Kenyan history from pre-colonial societies to the establishment of British colonial administration.
Historical Transformation of Europe since 1789
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Study of European political, economic, and social transformations from the French Revolution to the present.
History of Kenya since 1895
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Study of Kenyan history from colonial establishment through independence to contemporary developments.
International Organisations since 1919
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Study of international organisations from the League of Nations to the United Nations and contemporary bodies.
Research Methods in History
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Quantitative and qualitative research methods for historical research, including source evaluation and data analysis.
Economic History of Africa
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Study of economic processes, trade systems, and economic transformations in African history.
Historiography
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Study of historical writing, philosophical approaches to history, and major historiographical debates.
Gender in African History
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Examination of gender roles, relations, and perspectives in African history from pre-colonial to contemporary periods.
Research Project
Year 4Semester 26 creditsCore
Final-year research project involving original historical research, source analysis, and a written dissertation.
Specialisations
African History
Study of African history from pre-colonial to post-independence periods, including regional histories of East, West, Southern, and North Africa.
Kenyan History
Detailed study of Kenya's history from pre-colonial societies through colonialism to independence and post-independence developments.
European and World History
Study of European history since 1789, including political, economic, and social transformations, and their global impact.
Economic History
Examination of economic processes, trade systems, and economic transformations in historical perspective.
Political History
Study of political systems, governance, nationalism, and political movements in historical context. 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 lectures with independent research and discussion. Morning sessions cover African history, European history, or historiography, while afternoons focus on seminars, source analysis, and research methods. Students analyse primary and secondary sources, participate in historical debates, and develop research papers. Library research is central to the programme, with students accessing archives and digital historical databases. Field visits to historical sites and museums complement classroom learning.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Programme is offered at six universities, providing wide institutional choice. | Some career paths require additional qualifications such as a Postgraduate Diploma in Education. |
| Develops transferable skills in critical analysis, research, and communication valued across sectors. | Direct employment opportunities in history-specific roles can be limited. |
| Diverse career paths in education, heritage, research, journalism, and public service. | Perceived as less marketable compared to business or STEM degrees. |
| Affordable fees at public universities compared to many other degree programmes. | Research-intensive programme requires significant reading and writing commitment. |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 188 arts & humanities 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
UoN BA 189,004/yr, KU 153,000/yr (KUCCPS). MKU 105,000/yr, CUEA 202,800/yr (official).
Government-sponsored students receive fee subsidies through KUCCPS. HELB loans are available for eligible students. Universities offer internal bursaries for needy students.
Funding options
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
KUCCPS Government Sponsorship
University Internal Bursaries
Scholarships
4 recordedCounty Government Bursaries
BursaryKenyan
Residents of respective counties pursuing undergraduate studies
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
Government loanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities. Must demonstrate financial need.
University Internal Bursaries
University bursaryKenyan
Registered students demonstrating financial need at respective universities.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
Government subsidyKenyan
Kenyan students who meet KUCCPS cluster cut-off points.
Scholarships you could apply for
13 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
- Egerton University TAGDev 2.0 Scholarship
Closes 1 May 2027FullEgerton University / Mastercard Foundation
Full tuition + living expenses
- 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
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
KACE with two principal passes; OR Diploma in Education, History, or related field from a recognised institution; OR equivalent qualifications recognised by the university Senate.
When it next starts
Taught at 19 institutionsIncluding Karatina University, Pwani University, University of Nairobi.
Including Karatina University, Pwani University, University of Nairobi.
Including Karatina University, Pwani University, University of Nairobi.
How you are assessed
4 componentsContinuous Assessment Tests
Coursework30% of the mark
Regular written tests, essays, source analysis exercises, and seminar presentations during the semester.
End of Semester Examinations
Examination70% of the mark
Comprehensive written examinations covering historical content, analysis, and historiographical understanding.
Research Essays
Coursework100% of the mark
Extended research essays requiring independent research, source analysis, and academic writing.
Research Project
Project100% of the mark
Final-year research project involving original historical research, source 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 rolesHistory Teacher
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 80,000
Teaches history at secondary schools, requiring a Postgraduate Diploma in Education or BEd qualification.
Research Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 70,000
Conducts historical research for academic institutions, think tanks, or research organisations.
Museum Officer
Low demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 75,000
Works in museums managing collections, developing exhibitions, and providing educational programmes.
Archival Assistant
Low demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 65,000
Works at the Kenya National Archives or county archives managing historical documents and records.
Civil Servant
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 100,000
Works in government ministries applying analytical and research skills in administration and policy support.
Cultural Heritage Officer
Low demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 80,000
Manages cultural heritage programmes and sites for county governments or cultural organisations.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work as history teachers, researchers, museum curators, archivists, and journalists. Demand is moderate with opportunities in education, heritage, and public service.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Early Childhood StrategistEducation10Low exposure
- Special Needs EducatorEducation10Low exposure
- Career Guidance CounselorEducation11Low exposure
- Early Literacy SpecialistEducation14Low exposure
- STEM Laboratory EducatorEducation14Low exposure
- TVET Competency AssessorEducation14Low exposure
- Vocational Workshop InstructorEducation14Low exposure
- Montessori EducatorEducation15Low exposure
Tools you will learn
EndNote
Reference managementPrimary
Reference management software for organising sources, citations, and bibliographies in historical research.
Zotero
Reference managementPrimary
Open-source reference management tool for collecting, organising, and citing research sources.
Microsoft Office
Productivity
Productivity suite for research papers, presentations, and data management.
SPSS
Statistical analysis
Statistical analysis software for quantitative historical research and data analysis.
Google Scholar
Research database
Academic search engine for finding scholarly literature and historical sources.
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
History is just about memorising dates and events.
The programme develops critical analysis, research skills, and the ability to interpret complex historical processes and their relevance to contemporary issues.
A history degree only leads to teaching.
Graduates pursue diverse careers in research, archives, museums, journalism, diplomacy, civil service, and cultural heritage management.
History is not relevant in the digital age.
Historical analysis skills are increasingly valuable for understanding contemporary global issues, policy development, and digital archiving.
History graduates earn low salaries.
While entry-level salaries vary, history graduates in civil service, diplomacy, and heritage management can earn competitive salaries with career progression.