Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Leadership Studies
The Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Leadership Studies is a four-year degree programme that combines philosophical inquiry with leadership theory and practice. The programme develops critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and leadership competencies, preparing graduates for leadership roles in public service, civil society, religious institutions, and private sector organisations.
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 242,800 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 5 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
The curriculum covers logic, ethics, history of philosophy, African philosophy, political philosophy, leadership theory, organisational behaviour, governance, public administration, conflict management, strategic planning, and research methods. Students study both philosophical foundations and practical leadership approaches.
Students develop competencies in critical thinking, ethical decision-making, leadership, organisational management, conflict resolution, research, and strategic planning. The programme combines lectures, seminars, case studies, leadership simulations, and community engagement. Students participate in group projects, leadership exercises, and field placements.
Graduates pursue careers as public administrators, NGO leaders, religious leaders, corporate managers, policy analysts, and community leaders. They find employment in government, NGOs, religious institutions, private sector organisations, and community-based organisations. Kenya's devolved governance system creates demand for trained philosophical and ethical leaders.
The programme is offered at Pwani University, a public university, with annual tuition fees of KSH 138,720. The programme is delivered over eight semesters on a full-time and part-time basis at the Main Campus in Kilifi.
Accreditation is provided by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Admission requires a KCSE mean grade of C+ with C+ in cluster subjects, following KUCCPS cluster 20 subject requirements. The programme also accepts diploma holders and A-level holders with appropriate qualifications.
What you study
10 subjects- Logic
- Ethics
- History of Philosophy
- African Philosophy
- Leadership Theory
- Organisational Behaviour
- Governance
- Public Administration
- Conflict Management
- Research Methods
Modules
12 in the programmeIntroduction to Philosophy
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Foundational concepts and branches of philosophy, including metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, and logic.
Introduction to Leadership Studies
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Foundational concepts of leadership, including leadership theories, styles, and their application in organisations.
Logic and Critical Thinking
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Principles of logic and critical thinking, including argumentation, logical fallacies, and analytical reasoning.
Ethics and Moral Philosophy
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Ethical theories and their application to leadership, including virtue ethics, deontology, and utilitarianism.
History of Philosophy
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Survey of Western philosophy from ancient to contemporary, including key thinkers and movements.
Organisational Behaviour and Leadership
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Behavioural dynamics in organisations, including motivation, team dynamics, and leadership in practice.
African Philosophy and Leadership
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
African philosophical traditions and their relevance to leadership, governance, and community development.
Governance and Public Administration
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Principles of governance and public administration, including devolution, public policy, and service delivery.
Political Philosophy
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Theories of justice, political authority, rights, and the relationship between individuals and the state.
Conflict Management and Resolution
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Approaches to managing and resolving conflicts in organisational and community settings.
Strategic Leadership and Planning
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Strategic planning and leadership in organisations, including vision development, goal setting, and implementation.
Research Project in Philosophy and Leadership
Year 4Semester 26 creditsCore
Final-year research project on a philosophy and leadership topic, including field research, data analysis, and written dissertation.
Specialisations
Ethical Leadership
Focus on ethical decision-making in leadership roles, including corporate ethics, public sector ethics, and moral leadership.
Public Sector Leadership
Focus on leadership in government and public administration, including governance, policy implementation, and public management.
Political Philosophy and Governance
Focus on philosophical foundations of governance, justice, and political authority. 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.
Organisational Leadership
Focus on leading and managing organisations, including change management, team leadership, and organisational development.
Community Leadership
Focus on grassroots leadership, community mobilisation, and participatory governance. 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, seminars, and leadership exercises. Morning sessions cover philosophy, ethics, or leadership theory, while afternoons focus on case studies, group discussions, and leadership simulations. Students analyse philosophical texts, debate ethical dilemmas, and participate in leadership role-play exercises. Group projects involve designing community leadership programmes, conducting organisational assessments, and developing strategic plans. Field visits to government offices and NGOs provide practical exposure to leadership contexts.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Programme uniquely combines philosophical foundations with practical leadership skills. | Programme is offered at only one university, limiting institutional choice. |
| Graduates develop ethical reasoning and leadership competencies valued in public service and NGOs. | Direct career paths may require additional qualifications or experience for senior leadership roles. |
| Kenya's devolved governance system creates demand for trained ethical leaders. | Job market demand for philosophy-specific leadership roles is relatively low. |
| Programme includes practical leadership exercises and field placements for real-world experience. | Entry-level salaries in public service and NGOs may be modest. |
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
KU BA 153K, UoN BA 189K/yr. CUEA 130K, Daystar 242.8K/yr. KUCCPS+univ sites
Government-sponsored students receive fee subsidies through KUCCPS. HELB loans are available for eligible students. Pwani University offers internal bursaries for needy students.
Funding options
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
KUCCPS Government Sponsorship
University Bursaries
Scholarships
4 recordedHigher 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 for participating universities.
Pwani University Bursaries
University bursaryKenyan
Registered students demonstrating financial need at Pwani University.
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKenyan
Residents of respective counties pursuing undergraduate studies
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
- KCB Foundation Scholarship
Closes 31 March 2027FullKCB Bank
Full tuition + stipend
- 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
- Kenyatta University Scholarship
Before semesterPartialKenyatta University
30 to 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
KCSE mean grade C+ with C+ in cluster subjects; OR a relevant diploma from a recognised institution; OR KACE with two principal passes; OR equivalent qualifications recognised by the university senate.
When it next starts
Taught at 5 institutionsIncluding Chuka University, Tangaza University, Multimedia University of Kenya.
Including Chuka University, Multimedia University of Kenya, Kenyatta University.
Including Chuka University, Tangaza University, Multimedia University of Kenya.
How you are assessed
4 componentsContinuous Assessment Tests
Coursework30% of the mark
Regular written tests, essays, seminar presentations, and leadership exercise participation during the semester.
End of Semester Examinations
Examination70% of the mark
Comprehensive written examinations covering philosophy, leadership theory, governance, and ethics.
Leadership Practicum Assessment
Practical100% of the mark
Assessment of leadership skills through simulated exercises, community projects, and organisational case studies.
Research Project
Project100% of the mark
Final-year research project on a philosophy and leadership topic, including field research, data analysis, and 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 rolesPublic Administrator
Moderate demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 130,000
Manages public sector programmes and services in county and national government offices.
NGO Programme Coordinator
Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 140,000
Coordinates development and advocacy programmes in non-governmental organisations.
Corporate Manager
Moderate demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 180,000
Manages teams and operations in private sector organisations, applying ethical leadership principles.
Policy Analyst
Low demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 140,000
Analyses and develops public policies for government, NGOs, and research institutions.
Community Leader
High demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 90,000
Leads community development initiatives and represents community interests in local governance.
Ethics Officer
Low demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 150,000
Advises organisations on ethical standards, compliance, and corporate governance.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work in public administration, NGO leadership, and corporate management. Demand is low but leadership skills are valued across sectors.
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
JSTOR
Research databasePrimary
Digital library for academic journals, books, and primary sources in philosophy and leadership studies.
SPSS
Data analysisPrimary
Statistical analysis software for research projects and leadership survey data analysis.
Microsoft Office
Productivity
Productivity suite for research papers, strategic plans, and leadership presentations.
Google Workspace
Collaboration
Collaboration tools for team projects, programme coordination, and document sharing.
Zotero
Reference management
Reference management software for organising research sources and generating citations.
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Philosophy and Leadership Studies is not a practical degree.
The programme combines philosophical foundations with practical leadership skills valued in public service, NGOs, and corporate sectors.
Graduates can only work as teachers or religious leaders.
Graduates work in government, NGOs, corporate management, policy analysis, and community leadership roles.
Leadership cannot be taught in a university.
The programme teaches leadership theory, ethical decision-making, and organisational management alongside philosophical foundations.
The programme is only for those interested in politics.
Graduates pursue diverse careers in public administration, NGO leadership, corporate management, and community development.