Arts & Humanities

Bachelor of Arts in Religion

The Bachelor of Arts in Religion is a four-year degree programme that examines religious traditions, beliefs, and practices from academic perspectives. Students study philosophy, theology, and religious studies, developing critical understanding of religion's role in society and culture.

The curriculum covers religious studies, philosophy, theology, comparative religion, ethics, biblical studies, and research methods. Students explore both Christian and Islamic traditions alongside other world religions, including African traditional religion and contemporary religious movements.

Students develop competencies in critical thinking, textual analysis, research, ethical reasoning, and intercultural understanding. The programme combines lectures, seminars, research projects, and fieldwork. Students analyse religious texts, examine religious phenomena, and conduct independent research on religious topics relevant to Kenyan society.

Graduates pursue careers as chaplains, religious educators, counsellors, NGO programme officers, and community development workers. They find employment in churches, mosques, faith-based organisations, schools, and community organisations across Kenya and the wider East African region.

The programme is offered at Moi University (KSH 122,400 per year, public), Maasai Mara University (KSH 122,400 per year, public), and University of Eastern Africa, Baraton (KSH 161,600 per year, private). All three institutions are accredited by the Commission for University Education.

Accreditation is provided by the Commission for University Education (CUE), the statutory body responsible for quality assurance and regulation of university education in Kenya. Admission requires a KCSE mean grade of C+ with a minimum grade of C+ in Christian Religious Education or Islamic Religious Education.

Duration: 4 Years
Public, up to: Ksh 189,004
Private, up to: Ksh 161,600
Job market: Low

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 30 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Religious Studies
Philosophy
Theology
Comparative Religion
Ethics
Biblical Studies
Research Methods
History of Religion
Islamic Studies
African Traditional Religion

Modules

12 in the programme

Introduction to Religious Studies
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduction to Religious Studies: Foundational concepts and methods in the academic study of religion. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Introduction to Philosophy
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduction to Philosophy: Basic philosophical concepts and their relationship to religious thought. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Old Testament Studies
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Old Testament Studies: Study of the Old Testament texts, themes, and historical context. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
New Testament Studies
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
New Testament Studies: Study of the New Testament texts, themes, and historical context. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Comparative Religion
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Comparative study of major world religions including Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism.
African Traditional Religion
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Study of African traditional religious beliefs, practices, and their contemporary relevance.
Islamic Studies
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Study of Islamic beliefs, practices, history, and theology. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment te...
Research Methods
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Research methodology for religious studies, including qualitative and quantitative methods.
Ethics and Moral Philosophy
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Ethics and Moral Philosophy: Ethical theories and moral reasoning in religious and secular contexts. Encourages critical thinking about moral dilemmas and professional responsibility.
History of Christianity in Africa
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
History of Christianity in Africa: Historical development of Christianity in Africa with focus on Kenya. Covers historical analysis, source evaluation, and interpretation of past events.
Research Project
Year 4Semester 16 creditsCore
Final-year research project on a religious studies topic, including dissertation.
Industrial Attachment
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Supervised attachment with a religious institution, NGO, or educational organisation.

Specialisations

Philosophy
Focus on philosophical traditions and their relationship to religious thought. 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.
Theology
Focus on systematic study of religious doctrines and theological frameworks. 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.
Religious Studies
Focus on comparative and scientific study of religious phenomena. 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.
Biblical Studies
Focus on biblical texts, interpretation, and 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.
Ethics and Moral Philosophy
Focus on ethical reasoning and moral decision-making in religious 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.

A day as a student

A typical day combines lectures, seminars, and textual analysis. Morning sessions cover religious studies, philosophy, or theology, while afternoons focus on biblical studies, ethics, and group discussions. Students analyse religious texts, debate ethical issues, and conduct research on religious phenomena. Group projects involve comparative religion studies and community engagement.

The trade offs

In its favour

Programme develops critical thinking and analytical skills applicable across fields.
Offered at both public and private universities, providing institutional choice.
Graduates can pursue diverse careers in NGOs, education, counselling, and ministry.
Programme provides deep understanding of religion's role in society and culture.

Against it

Job market demand is relatively low compared to business or technology degrees.
Career advancement may require postgraduate qualifications or additional certifications.
Some employers may not recognise religion as a professional qualification.
Salaries in religious and NGO sectors tend to be lower than in corporate sectors.

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 162k

105k at Mount Kenya University162k at University of Eastern Africa, Baraton

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

KU 153K, UoN 189K/yr; UEAB 161.6K, MKU 105K (educationnewshub/UEAB)

Government-sponsored students receive fee subsidies through KUCCPS. HELB loans are available. Universities offer internal bursaries for needy students.

Funding options

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
KUCCPS Government Sponsorship
University Bursaries

Scholarships

4 recorded

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 Internal Bursaries
University bursaryKenyan
Registered students demonstrating financial need.
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 mean grade C+ with C+ in CRE or IRE; OR two principal passes at A-Level; OR a relevant diploma in religious studies or theology from a recognised institution; OR equivalent qualifications recognised by the university senate.

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment Tests
Coursework30% of the mark
Regular written tests, essays, textual analyses, and seminar presentations.
End of Semester Examinations
Examination70% of the mark
Comprehensive written examinations covering religious studies, philosophy, and theology.
Research Project
Project100% of the mark
Final-year research project on a religious studies topic, including dissertation.
Industrial Attachment Assessment
Practical100% of the mark
Assessment of supervised attachment performance and report.

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

Chaplain
Low demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 100,000
Provides spiritual care and counselling in hospitals, schools, or military institutions.
Religious Education Teacher
Moderate demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 120,000
Teaches religious education in schools and educational institutions.
NGO Programme Officer
Moderate demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 130,000
Manages development programmes in faith-based NGOs and community organisations.
Counsellor
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 110,000
Provides pastoral and psychological counselling in religious and community settings.
Community Development Officer
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 100,000
Manages community development projects in faith-based organisations.
Research Assistant
Low demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 80,000
Supports research on religion, culture, and society at academic institutions.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as chaplains, religious educators, and NGO officers. Demand is low but stable in faith-based organisations.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Microsoft Office
ProductivityPrimary
Productivity suite for essays, research papers, and presentations.
Bible Software (Logos)
ResearchPrimary
Bible study software for textual analysis and biblical research.
SPSS
Data analysis
Statistical analysis software for religious studies research.
Google Workspace
Collaboration
Collaboration tools for document sharing and group work.
Zotero
Reference management
Reference management tool for academic research and citations.

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

A religion degree only leads to becoming a pastor or priest.
Graduates work in NGOs, counselling, education, community development, and research.
Religion is not an academic subject.
Religious studies involves rigorous textual analysis, historical research, and philosophical inquiry.
The programme is only for Christians.
The programme covers multiple religious traditions including Islam, African traditional religions, and world religions.
There are no career opportunities for religion graduates.
Faith-based organisations, NGOs, and schools employ religion graduates in various roles.