Social Sciences

Bachelor of Arts in Sustainable Human Development

The Bachelor of Arts in Sustainable Human Development is a four-year degree programme that prepares students to become agents of social transformation. The programme focuses on empowering communities through sustainable development practices, promoting integrity, justice, transparency, and equity in development processes.

The curriculum covers human development theory, sustainable development, community empowerment, social entrepreneurship, project management, governance, research methods, and ethical leadership. Students explore both theoretical frameworks and practical applications in sustainable development.

Students develop competencies in business model innovation, community mobilisation, project management, social impact assessment, strategic planning, and ethical leadership. The programme combines e-learning with face-to-face instruction, enabling flexible study modes. Students engage with communities, design development interventions, and apply sustainable development principles.

Graduates pursue careers as development officers, social entrepreneurs, community development coordinators, project managers, and humanitarian workers. They find employment in NGOs, community-based organisations, faith-based organisations, government departments, and international development agencies across Kenya and the wider East African region.

The programme is offered at Tangaza University (private, KSH 200,350 per year, KUCCPS code 1475321) through the School of Arts and Social Sciences. The institution is accredited by the Commission for University Education and offers blended learning modes with intakes in January, May, and September.

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+ or equivalent, consistent with CUE and KNQA requirements.

Duration: 4 Years
Private, up to: Ksh 200,350
Job market: Moderate

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Blended, Online
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 30 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Human Development Theory
Sustainable Development
Community Empowerment
Social Entrepreneurship
Project Management
Governance
Research Methods
Ethical Leadership
Economic Development
Social Impact Assessment

Modules

12 in the programme

Introduction to Human Development
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduction to Human Development: Foundational concepts and theories of human development and well-being. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Sustainable Development Principles
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Sustainable Development Principles: Principles and frameworks of sustainable development, including SDGs. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Community Empowerment
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Community Empowerment: Strategies for community mobilisation, participation, and empowerment. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Governance and Justice
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Governance and Justice: Principles of good governance, integrity, justice, and equity in development. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Social Entrepreneurship
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Business model innovation for social impact and sustainable enterprise creation.
Project Management
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Project Management: Design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of development projects. Covers project lifecycle, resource allocation, risk management, and stakeholder engagement.
Economic Development and Well-being
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Economic Development and Well-being: Economic development theories and their application to community well-being. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Research Methods
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Research methodology for development studies, including qualitative and quantitative methods.
Social Impact Assessment
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Social Impact Assessment: Methods for assessing and measuring social impact of development interventions. Covers social structures, institutions, and contemporary social issues.
Ethical Leadership in Development
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Ethical Leadership in Development: Ethical principles and values-based leadership in development practice. Covers leadership theories, organisational behaviour, and strategic decision-making.
Research Project
Year 4Semester 16 creditsCore
Final-year research project on a sustainable human development topic, including dissertation.
Industrial Attachment
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Supervised attachment with a development organisation, applying theory to practice.

Specialisations

Social Entrepreneurship
Focus on developing business models with social impact and sustainable enterprise creation. 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
Focus on grassroots community empowerment and participatory development practices. 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.
Governance and Justice
Focus on promoting integrity, justice, transparency, and equity in 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.
Project Management
Focus on designing, implementing, and evaluating sustainable development projects. 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.
Economic Development
Focus on economic well-being and sustainable livelihoods in communities. 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.
Humanitarian Assistance
Focus on emergency response and humanitarian programme delivery in crisis 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 online learning, face-to-face lectures, and community engagement. Morning sessions cover sustainable development theory, governance, and social entrepreneurship, while afternoons focus on project planning, community mobilisation, and practical application. Students participate in group discussions, design development interventions, and engage with community projects. Blended learning enables flexible study alongside practical fieldwork.

The trade offs

In its favour

Programme combines sustainable development theory with social entrepreneurship skills.
Blended learning mode enables flexible study alongside other commitments.
Programme emphasises ethical development practice rooted in Catholic values.
Graduates can pursue diverse careers in development, social enterprise, and humanitarian work.

Against it

Only offered at one private university, limiting institutional choice.
Tuition fees are relatively high compared to public university development programmes.
Programme is relatively new and may not be widely recognised by employers.
Salaries in the development sector are generally moderate compared to corporate roles.

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

Private200k to 200k

200k at Tangaza University College200k at Tangaza University College

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

Tangaza BA Sustainable Human Dev 200,350/yr (educationnewshub KUCCPS). Not offered at public univs.

Government-sponsored students receive fee subsidies through KUCCPS. HELB loans are available. Tangaza University offers internal scholarships for needy students, consistent with its Catholic mission.

Funding options

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
KUCCPS Government Sponsorship
Tangaza University Scholarships

Scholarships

4 recorded

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
Government loanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities. Must demonstrate financial need.
Tangaza University Scholarships
University scholarshipKenyan
Registered students demonstrating academic excellence or financial need at Tangaza 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 mean grade C+ or equivalent; OR a recognised diploma or degree from an accredited institution; OR equivalent qualifications recognised by Tangaza University Senate and consistent with KNQA requirements.

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment Tests
Coursework30% of the mark
Regular written tests, essays, project proposals, and online participation.
End of Semester Examinations
Examination70% of the mark
Comprehensive written examinations covering development theory, sustainability, and practice.
Research Project
Project100% of the mark
Final-year research project on a sustainable human development 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

Development Officer
Moderate demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 120,000
Implements and manages sustainable development programmes in NGOs and government.
Social Entrepreneur
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 150,000
Creates and runs social enterprises addressing community development challenges.
Community Development Coordinator
High demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 110,000
Coordinates community development programmes at county or constituency level.
Project Manager
Moderate demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 160,000
Manages development projects in NGOs, overseeing planning and delivery.
Humanitarian Worker
Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 140,000
Delivers humanitarian and emergency response programmes in crisis-affected areas.
Programme Coordinator
Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 140,000
Coordinates sustainable development programmes in NGOs and international agencies.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as development officers, social entrepreneurs, and community development coordinators. Demand is moderate with growing opportunities in social enterprise and sustainable development.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Microsoft Office
ProductivityPrimary
Productivity suite for project proposals, reports, and presentations.
Logical Framework Approach
PlanningPrimary
Planning framework for designing and evaluating development projects.
Google Workspace
Collaboration
Collaboration tools for document sharing and team coordination.
Canva
Design
Design platform for creating presentations and project visuals.
Asana
Project management
Project management tool for tracking development project tasks and milestones.

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Sustainable human development is just about environmental conservation.
The programme covers social, economic, and governance dimensions of development alongside environmental sustainability.
The programme only leads to NGO work.
Graduates work in social enterprise, government, faith-based organisations, and international development agencies.
Sustainable development is a soft subject with no practical skills.
The programme develops skills in project management, business model innovation, and social impact assessment.
The programme is only for people interested in community work.
Graduates pursue diverse careers including social entrepreneurship, policy analysis, and humanitarian assistance.