Arts & Humanities

Bachelor of Arts in Intercultural Studies

The Bachelor of Arts in Intercultural Studies is a four-year degree programme that equips students with the knowledge and skills to serve effectively across cultures in missions, community engagement, and global ministry contexts.

The curriculum covers biblical theology, cultural anthropology, intercultural communication, mission history, global Christianity, community development, religious studies, contextualisation, research methods, and intercultural practicum.

Students develop competencies in cross-cultural communication, cultural analysis, community mobilisation, theological reflection, research, intercultural engagement, and contextual ministry. The programme combines classroom learning with field exposure, intercultural practicum, research projects, and community engagement experiences.

Graduates pursue careers as missionaries, cross-cultural ministry leaders, NGO workers, community mobilisers, global ministry coordinators, cultural engagement specialists, and development field officers. They find employment in churches, mission agencies, NGOs, community-based organisations, and development agencies.

The programme is offered at KAG East University (KUCCPS code 1555254) at KSH 42,000 per year. KAG East University is a private university located in Nairobi, with campuses in Buru Buru, Kisumu, Malindi, Mombasa, and Kitale.

Accreditation is provided by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Admission requires a KCSE mean grade of C+ or equivalent, following university minimum entry requirements. The programme is ideal for individuals called to cross-cultural ministry, students interested in global development, and church leaders serving multicultural congregations.

Duration: 4 Years
Public, up to: Ksh 189,004
Private, up to: Ksh 150,000
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: 25 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Biblical Theology
Cultural Anthropology
Intercultural Communication
Mission History
Global Christianity
Community Development
Religious Studies
Contextualisation
Research Methods
Intercultural Practicum

Modules

12 in the programme

Introduction to Intercultural Studies
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Foundational concepts of intercultural studies, including culture, worldview, and cross-cultural engagement.
Biblical Theology of Mission
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Biblical foundations for mission, examining scriptural mandates for cross-cultural engagement.
Cultural Anthropology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Study of cultural systems, beliefs, practices, and methods for cultural analysis.
History of Christian Missions
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Historical survey of Christian missions from the early church to modern global missions.
Intercultural Communication
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Principles and practices of communication across cultural boundaries, including verbal and non-verbal communication.
Global Christianity
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Study of Christianity as a global phenomenon, examining its growth and expression in different cultural contexts.
Contextualisation and Culture
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Principles of contextualising Christian message and practice in diverse cultural settings.
Community Development Principles
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Principles and practices of community development in cross-cultural contexts, including needs assessment and programme design.
Research Methods in Intercultural Studies
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Research methodologies for studying cultures, communities, and cross-cultural phenomena.
Intercultural Practicum
Year 3Semester 26 creditsCore
Field-based practicum providing hands-on experience in cross-cultural ministry or community engagement.
Global Mission Strategy
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Strategic planning and implementation of mission programmes in global and local contexts.
Research Project
Year 4Semester 26 creditsCore
Final-year research project involving original research on an intercultural studies topic and a written dissertation.

Specialisations

Cross-Cultural Ministry
Preparation for missionary work and cross-cultural ministry leadership in diverse cultural contexts.
Cultural Anthropology
Study of cultural systems, beliefs, and practices to understand and engage with diverse communities.
Global Mission Strategy
Strategic planning and implementation of mission programmes in global and local contexts. 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.
Community Development
Application of intercultural skills to community development initiatives in NGOs and faith-based organisations.
Intercultural Communication
Communication across cultural boundaries, including language, media, and interpersonal communication strategies.

A day as a student

A typical day combines theological study with cultural analysis. Morning sessions cover biblical theology, mission history, or cultural anthropology, while afternoons focus on intercultural communication, community engagement strategies, and research methods. Students participate in field exposure visits, community engagement activities, and intercultural practicum. Group discussions and case studies help students apply theoretical concepts to real-world cross-cultural scenarios. Blended learning options allow flexibility for working professionals.

The trade offs

In its favour

Programme combines theological depth with practical cross-cultural skills for diverse career paths.
Affordable fees at KSH 42,000 per year compared to other private university programmes.
Flexible delivery options including full-time, part-time, and blended learning modes.
Practicum and field exposure provide real-world cross-cultural experience.

Against it

Programme is offered at only one university, limiting institutional choice.
Career paths in missions and cross-cultural ministry may have limited financial compensation.
Programme has a strong Christian focus, which may not suit students seeking secular intercultural studies.
Limited awareness of the programme may affect employer recognition outside faith-based organisations.

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 courses

Public153k to 189k

153k at Kenyatta University189k at University of Nairobi

Private105k to 150k

105k at Mount Kenya University150k at KAG East 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

UoN BA 189,004/yr, KU 153,000/yr (KUCCPS). MKU 105,000/yr, KAG East 150,000/yr (edurank).

KAG East University offers grants, bursaries, and flexible payment plans through its Financial Aid Office. HELB loans are available for eligible students. Government sponsorship is available through KUCCPS.

Funding options

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
KUCCPS Government Sponsorship
KAG East University Financial Aid

Scholarships

4 recorded

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
Government loanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities. Must demonstrate financial need.
KAG East University Bursaries
University bursaryKenyan
Registered students demonstrating financial need at KAG East University.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
Government subsidyKenyan
Kenyan students who meet KUCCPS cluster cut-off points.
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKenyan
Residents of respective counties pursuing undergraduate studies

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+ (Plus)
Alternative entry: KCSE certificate or equivalent qualification meeting university minimum entry requirements; OR relevant Diploma from a recognised institution; OR equivalent qualifications recognised by the university.

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment Tests
Coursework30% of the mark
Regular written tests, essays, presentations, and class participation during the semester.
End of Semester Examinations
Examination50% of the mark
Comprehensive written examinations covering theological, cultural, and intercultural studies content.
Practicum Assessment
Practical100% of the mark
Assessment of intercultural practicum performance, including field supervisor evaluation and reflective report.
Research Project
Project100% of the mark
Final-year research project involving original research on an intercultural studies topic 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

Missionary
Moderate demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 80,000
Serves in cross-cultural mission contexts, engaging in evangelism, discipleship, and community development.
NGO Community Worker
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 90,000
Works in NGOs implementing community development programmes in multicultural contexts.
Community Mobiliser
Moderate demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 70,000
Mobilises communities for development initiatives, applying intercultural communication skills.
Church Ministry Coordinator
Moderate demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 75,000
Coordinates church ministries, particularly those serving multicultural congregations.
Development Field Officer
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 85,000
Implements and monitors development projects in field locations, working across cultural contexts.
Cultural Engagement Specialist
Low demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 90,000
Provides cultural analysis and engagement strategies for organisations working in multicultural environments.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as missionaries, NGO workers, community mobilisers, and cross-cultural ministry leaders. Demand is moderate with opportunities in churches, mission agencies, and development organisations.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Logos Bible Software
Biblical studiesPrimary
Biblical study software for theological research, exegesis, and sermon preparation.
Atlas.ti
Qualitative researchPrimary
Qualitative data analysis software for cultural research and ethnographic studies.
Microsoft Office
Productivity
Productivity suite for research papers, project reports, and presentations.
Google Scholar
Research database
Academic search engine for finding scholarly literature on intercultural and theological topics.
SurveyMonkey
Survey tool
Online survey platform for conducting community research and needs assessments.

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Intercultural studies is only for those going into full-time missions.
Graduates work in diverse fields including NGOs, community development, education, and cultural consultancy.
The programme is purely theoretical with no practical application.
The programme includes field exposure, intercultural practicum, and community engagement experiences.
Intercultural studies is only for Christians.
While offered at a Christian university, the intercultural skills gained are applicable in secular NGOs, development agencies, and multicultural workplaces.
Cross-cultural ministry has no career prospects in Kenya.
Kenya's multicultural context and active NGO sector create demand for professionals with intercultural competencies.