Technology

Bachelor of Arts in Technology, Communication and Computer Networks

The Bachelor of Arts in Technology, Communication and Computer Networks is a multidisciplinary programme that combines technology, communication and computer networking. The programme prepares graduates for careers in network administration, technology communication and IT support.

The curriculum covers computer networks, network administration, network security, data communication, computer hardware, software engineering, communication theory, technical communication, digital media, information systems, database management, web technologies, network design, system administration, IT support, research methods, and a research project. Students develop both technology and communication skills.

The programme is designed to produce graduates who understand computer networks and can communicate technical information effectively. The programme combines technical networking skills with communication competence.

Graduates are prepared for careers as network administrators, IT support officers, system administrators, technical communicators, network engineers, IT officers, help desk coordinators, technology trainers, documentation specialists and IT consultants. They work in IT companies, corporate IT departments, government, NGOs, telecommunications companies and educational institutions.

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Admission requires a KCSE mean grade of C+ with C+ in Mathematics or Physics.

Prospective students should have strong analytical skills, a commitment to continuous learning, and an interest in contributing to Kenya's socio-economic development. The programme provides a solid foundation for further postgraduate study and professional advancement in related fields.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 204,000
Private, up to: Ksh 242,800
Job market: High

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 25 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Computer Networks
Network Administration
Network Security
Data Communication
Communication Theory
Technical Communication
Information Systems
Database Management
Web Technologies
Research Methods

Modules

10 in the programme

Computer Networks
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Network fundamentals. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester ex...
Network Administration
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Administering networks. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester ...
Network Security
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Securing networks. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester exami...
Data Communication
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Data transmission. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester exami...
Communication Theory
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Theories of communication. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semest...
Technical Communication
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Technical writing and communication. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end...
Information Systems
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Information systems. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester exa...
Database Management
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Managing databases. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester exam...
Web Technologies
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Web development. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester examina...
Research Methods
Year 4Semester 16 creditsCore
Research methodology. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester ex...

Specialisations

Network Administration
Focus on network management. 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.
Technical Communication
Focus on technical documentation. 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.
Network Security
Focus on security. 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.
System Administration
Focus on system management. 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 involves attending lectures on networking and communication, configuring networks, studying data communication, working with network tools, researching network security, studying communication theory, analysing information systems, participating in lab sessions, studying web technologies, and engaging with current technology trends. Students undertake industrial attachment.

The trade offs

In its favour

High demand for networking and IT skills
Combines technical skills with communication competence
Diverse career options in IT sector

Against it

Requires keeping up with rapidly changing technology
May require professional certifications
Work may involve irregular hours for system maintenance
Requires competence in both technology and communication

What it costs

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

What it costs, and where

Against 191 technology courses

Public189k to 204k

189k at University of Nairobi204k at Kenyatta University

Private243k to 243k

243k at Daystar University243k at Daystar University

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 204K, UoN 189K/yr (KUCCPS). Daystar 242.8K/yr. Kabarak unverified.

Government scholarships under the new funding model cover 53-82% of tuition for needy students in public universities. HELB provides loans up to KSh 60,000 per year.

Funding options

HELB Undergraduate Loan
Government Scholarship (New Funding Model)

Scholarships

5 recorded

Higher Education Fund (HEF)
ScholarshipKenyan
Needy students placed by KUCCPS in public universities, assessed through Means Testing Instrument
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKenyan
Residents of respective counties pursuing undergraduate studies
Nation Media Group Journalism Graduate Trainee Programme
ScholarshipKenyan
Recent journalism, media and communication graduates with strong digital skills
Huawei Seeds for the Future Kenya
Scholarship
Talented ICT/STEM university students with a GPA of 3.0+
Generation Google Scholarship
Scholarship
Women in computer science and related technical fields

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+
Alternative entry: KCSE mean grade C+ with C+ in Mathematics or Physics. KACE with two principal passes. Diploma in IT, networking or related field from a recognised institution.

How you are assessed

3 components

End of Semester Examinations
Examination40% of the mark
Final written and practical examinations
Industrial Attachment and Research Project
Practical30% of the mark
Industrial attachment and technology research project
Continuous Assessment
Coursework30% of the mark
Regular lab assignments, tests, projects, presentations and class participation

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Admission requires KCSE C+ with C+ in Mathematics or Physics.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Statutory body responsible for accreditation of university programmes in Kenya

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

Technical Communicator
Moderate demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 280,000
Creates technical documentation
Network Administrator
High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 350,000
Administers computer networks
IT Support Officer
High demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 250,000
Provides IT support
Network Engineer
High demandKsh 65,000 to Ksh 400,000
Designs and implements networks
System Administrator
High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 350,000
Administers systems

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as network administrators, IT support officers, system administrators and technical communicators in IT companies, corporate IT and government.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Docker
Engineering
Postman
Code
Python
CodePrimary
PostgreSQL
Database
AWS
Cloud

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

This is just a computer science degree.
The programme combines networking, communication and technology, with emphasis on both technical and communication skills.
Communication is not relevant to IT.
IT professionals need communication skills for documentation, training and user support.
There are no jobs in networking.
Every organisation with IT infrastructure needs network professionals.
This is only for tech-savvy people.
The programme builds skills from foundations, requiring dedication rather than prior expertise.