Social Sciences

Bachelor of Arts (Sociology and Technology; Psychology and Political Science & Techn)

The Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Technology, Psychology and Political Science is a four-year interdisciplinary programme that integrates four complementary social science disciplines with a technology component. Students study sociology, psychology, political science and technology applications, developing a broad understanding of human behaviour, social systems, governance and digital tools. This unique combination equips graduates with multifaceted analytical skills and technological literacy relevant to modern social science practice.

Students develop competencies in sociological analysis, psychological assessment, political inquiry, research methodology and technology applications. They learn to analyse social structures, understand individual and group behaviour, evaluate political processes and apply digital tools to social research and governance. The programme emphasises critical thinking, data analysis and the integration of technology with social science inquiry.

In Kenya, this interdisciplinary combination prepares graduates for diverse roles requiring both social science knowledge and digital skills. The technology component is particularly relevant as organisations increasingly need professionals who can apply digital tools to social research, data management, governance and community engagement. Graduates find opportunities in government, NGOs, research institutions, corporate organisations and technology companies.

Teaching is delivered through lectures, seminars, IT laboratory sessions, research projects and industrial attachment. Students engage with social science data sets, use statistical and GIS software, and undertake internships in diverse organisational settings. The programme includes a final-year research project that may integrate multiple disciplines.

Graduates pursue careers as social researchers, data analysts, governance officers, human resources officers and community development officers. Some work in government departments, political parties or NGOs. Others join technology companies or corporate organisations in roles requiring social science and digital skills.

This programme is ideal for individuals with broad intellectual interests, analytical minds and aptitude for technology. Students who enjoy interdisciplinary study and want to combine social science with digital skills will find this programme particularly relevant.

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: 35 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Introduction to Sociology
Introduction to Psychology
Introduction to Political Science
Computer Applications and Technology
Social Research Methods
Social Statistics and Data Analysis
Sociological Theory
Political Theory and Governance
Digital Tools for Social Science
Community Development and Social Change

Modules

12 in the programme

Introduction to Sociology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Foundational concepts and theories of sociology, including social structure, institutions and social change
Introduction to Psychology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Foundational concepts and perspectives in psychology, including biological, cognitive and social bases of behaviour
Computer Applications and Technology
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Fundamental IT skills including word processing, spreadsheets, databases and internet research for social science
Introduction to Political Science
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Core concepts of political science, including state, power, authority and political systems
Social Statistics and Data Analysis
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Statistical methods and software for analysing social science data, including survey research
Sociological Theory
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Classical and contemporary sociological theories from Marx, Weber and Durkheim to modern theorists
Social Research Methods
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Social Research Methods: Quantitative and qualitative research methods for social science inquiry Covers quantitative and qualitative approaches, data collection, analysis, and reporting.
Political Theory and Governance
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Theories of governance, democracy and public administration with application to Kenya
Digital Tools for Social Science
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Application of digital technologies including GIS, data visualisation and online research tools to social science
Community Development and Social Change
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Community Development and Social Change: Theories and practices of community development and social change processes Covers social structures, institutions, and contemporary social issues.
Research Project
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Independent interdisciplinary research on a selected social science topic producing a scholarly dissertation
Industrial Attachment
Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore
Supervised placement at a government office, NGO, research institution or technology company

Specialisations

Sociology and Technology
Specialization in Sociology and Technology, preparing graduates for careers such as sociologist. 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.
Digital Governance
Specialization in Digital Governance, preparing graduates for careers such as public-administration-officer-junior.
Political Science
Specialization in Political Science, preparing graduates for careers such as political-science. 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.
Psychology
Specialization in Psychology, preparing graduates for careers such as counselor. 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.
Social Data Analysis
Specialization in Social Data Analysis, preparing graduates for careers such as sociologist. 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
Specialization in Community Development, preparing graduates for careers such as community-development-officer.

A day as a student

A typical day combines morning lectures across sociology, psychology and political science with afternoon IT laboratory sessions using data analysis software. Students may conduct social surveys, analyse datasets or participate in interdisciplinary research seminars.

The trade offs

In its favour

Technology integration gives graduates a competitive edge in data-driven roles
Versatile qualification applicable to many sectors and roles
Develops both analytical and digital skills increasingly demanded by employers
Interdisciplinary training fosters adaptable and critical thinking

Against it

Covering four disciplines plus technology requires strong time management
May lack depth in any single discipline compared to specialised degrees
Some career paths may require postgraduate specialisation for advancement
Salary levels vary widely depending on sector and specialisation

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 241 social sciences courses

Public153k to 189k

153k at Kenyatta University189k at University of Nairobi

Private105k to 150k

105k at Mount Kenya University150k at Catholic University of Eastern Africa

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 189,004/yr. MKU 105K; CUEA 150,000/yr. Src: educationnewshub KUCCPS

Students may access HELB loans and county bursaries. Some research institutions offer internship stipends during attachment periods.

Funding options

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
LoanKsh 60,000
National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF)
Bursary
County Government Bursaries
Bursary

Scholarships

5 recorded

County Government Bursaries
BursaryKenyan
Residents of respective counties
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
BursaryKenyan
Kenyan undergraduate students placed by KUCCPS in public universities
Kenya Counselling and Psychological Association (KCPA) Student Support
BursaryKenyan
Students pursuing counselling and psychology programmes
NGAAF Bursary
BursaryKenyan
Women, youth and persons with disabilities from vulnerable backgrounds
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+
Alternative entry: Relevant diploma or equivalent qualification

English/Kiswahili
C+
Mathematics A/B
C+
History/Government/Geography
C+
Any Group III or IV subject
C+

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment Tests (CATs)
Coursework30% of the mark
Research Project
Coursework100% of the mark
Final Examination
Coursework40% of the mark
Research and Data Analysis Projects
Coursework30% of the mark

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE).

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
InstitutionalRequired

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

Governance Officer
Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 110,000
Supports governance and public administration functions in county governments and civil society
Community Development Officer
High demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 95,000
Coordinates community development programmes using technology for data collection and monitoring
Data Analyst
High demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 130,000
Analyses social and governance data using statistical software for government and private sector organisations
Human Resources Officer
High demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 120,000
Applies psychology and sociology knowledge to recruitment, training and organisational development
Social Researcher
Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 100,000
Conducts social research using digital tools and statistical methods for research institutions and NGOs

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as social researchers, data analysts, governance officers and human resources officers in government, NGOs, research institutions and corporate organisations.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Microsoft Excel
SpreadsheetPrimary
SPSS
Data analysis
Google Workspace
Collaboration
KOBO Toolbox
Data collection
SPSS/Stata
Statistical software
Gender research data analysis.

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Studying four subjects means you learn nothing in depth
The interdisciplinary approach develops complementary analytical skills highly valued by employers seeking versatile graduates.
This degree has no clear career path
Graduates pursue diverse careers in research, governance, data analysis, community development and human resources.
Adding technology to social science is unnecessary
Digital skills are increasingly essential for social research, data-driven governance and modern community engagement.
Social science is not rigorous
The programme involves statistical analysis, research methodology and critical theory across multiple disciplines.