Arts & Humanities

Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies

The Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies is a four-year degree programme that examines religious traditions, beliefs, and practices from academic and phenomenological perspectives. Students study Christianity, Islam, African traditional religion, and other world religions, developing critical understanding of religion's role in society.

The curriculum covers religious studies, philosophy, theology, comparative religion, ethics, biblical studies, sociology of religion, and research methods. Students explore both Christian and Islamic traditions alongside 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 topics relevant to Kenyan society and national cohesion.

Graduates pursue careers as religious educators, chaplains, counsellors, NGO programme officers, and community development workers. They find employment in schools, faith-based organisations, civil society organisations, government departments, and international development agencies across Kenya.

The programme is offered at Chuka University (KSH 122,400 per year, public) and the University of Nairobi (KSH 189,004 per year, public). Both institutions are accredited by the Commission for University Education. No private university currently offers this exact programme name through KUCCPS.

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: 35 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

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

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.
Sociology of Religion
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Sociology of Religion: Sociological perspectives on religious beliefs, practices, and institutions. Covers social structures, institutions, and contemporary social issues.
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.
Religion and Human Development
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Religion and Human Development: Examines the role of religion in socio-economic development and social change. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Research Methods in Religious Studies
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.
Research Project
Year 4Semester 16 creditsCore
Final-year research project on a religious studies topic, including dissertation.
Islam and Socio-Economic Development
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Islam and Socio-Economic Development: Examines Islamic perspectives on social and economic development. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Industrial Attachment
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Supervised attachment with a religious institution, NGO, or educational organisation.

Specialisations

Christian Religious Studies
Focus on Christian theology, biblical studies, and church history. 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.
Islamic Studies
Focus on Islamic theology, Quranic studies, and Islamic history. 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.
Comparative Religion
Focus on comparative study of major world religions. 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.
African Traditional Religion
Focus on African religious beliefs, practices, and contemporary relevance. 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.
Religion and Development
Focus on religion's role in social and economic development. 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.
Religion and Ethics
Focus on ethical reasoning and moral philosophy 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.
Graduates can pursue diverse careers in NGOs, education, counselling, and ministry.
Programme provides deep understanding of religion's role in society and national cohesion.
Available at both Chuka University and University of Nairobi, offering institutional choice.

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 religious studies 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

Private130k to 162k

130k at Catholic University of Eastern Africa162k 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; CUEA 130K, UEAB 161.6K (educationnewshub). Strathmore unverified.

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

5 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.
Church and Denominational Scholarships
ScholarshipKenyan
Students pursuing theology and religious studies affiliated with partner churches
St. Paul's University Scholarships
ScholarshipKenyan
Students admitted to theology and related programmes at St. Paul's University

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/IRE/HRE and C in English/Kiswahili; OR KACE with principal passes in Religious Studies and/or History; OR Diploma in Religious Studies, Theology, Philosophy or Ethics 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

Religious Education Teacher
Moderate demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 120,000
Teaches religious education in secondary schools and educational institutions.
Chaplain
Low demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 100,000
Provides spiritual care and counselling in hospitals, schools, or military 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 religious educators, chaplains, and NGO officers. Demand is low but stable in faith-based organisations and schools.

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 religious studies degree only leads to becoming a pastor or priest.
Graduates work in NGOs, counselling, education, community development, and research.
Religious studies 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 religion, and world religions.
There are no career opportunities for religious studies graduates.
Faith-based organisations, NGOs, schools, and civil society employ religious studies graduates in various roles.