Art and Design

Bachelor of Arts in Technology Design

The Bachelor of Arts in Technology Design is a programme that combines design principles with technology. The programme prepares graduates for careers in product design, digital design and design technology.

The curriculum covers design fundamentals, design thinking, product design, digital design, user experience design, graphic design, 3D modelling, computer-aided design, prototyping, manufacturing processes, materials science, design research, ergonomics, sustainability in design, web design, interaction design, research methods, and a research project. Students develop both design and technology skills.

The programme is designed to produce graduates who can create innovative designs using technology. The programme combines artistic creativity with technological competence, preparing graduates for the modern design industry.

Graduates are prepared for careers as product designers, UX designers, graphic designers, design technologists, CAD designers, industrial designers, web designers, interaction designers, design researchers, 3D modellers and design consultants. They work in design studios, manufacturing companies, technology companies, advertising agencies, consulting firms and as freelancers.

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

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: 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: 20 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Design Fundamentals
Design Thinking
Product Design
Digital Design
User Experience Design
Computer-Aided Design
3D Modelling
Prototyping
Interaction Design
Research Methods

Modules

10 in the programme

Design Fundamentals
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Principles of design. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester ex...
Design Thinking
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Design thinking process. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester...
Product Design
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Designing products. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester exam...
Digital Design
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Digital design tools. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester ex...
User Experience Design
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
UX design principles. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester ex...
Computer-Aided Design
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
CAD software. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester examinations.
3D Modelling
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
3D design and modelling. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester...
Prototyping
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Building prototypes. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester exa...
Interaction Design
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Designing interactions. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester ...
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

UX Design
Focus on user experience. 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.
CAD Design
Focus on CAD. 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.
Product Design
Focus on product design. 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 Design
Focus on digital design. 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 design and technology, working on design projects, using CAD software, studying design thinking, researching user experience, creating prototypes, studying materials, analysing product design, participating in studio sessions, and engaging with current design and technology trends. Students undertake industrial attachment.

The trade offs

In its favour

Combines creativity with technology for modern design careers
Growing demand for UX and digital design
Diverse career options in design and technology

Against it

Requires keeping up with rapidly changing design technology
Competitive industry requiring strong portfolio
May require professional certifications
Starting salaries may be modest

What it costs

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

What it costs, and where

Against 73 art and design courses

Public189k to 204k

189k at University of Nairobi204k at Kenyatta University

Private105k to 243k

105k at Mount Kenya 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 Fine Arts 204K, UoN 189K/yr. MKU 105K, Daystar 242.8K/yr (KUCCPS).

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

3 recorded

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan citizens enrolled in accredited undergraduate programmes at recognised institutions
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

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 Arts. KACE with two principal passes. Diploma in design, technology or related field from a recognised institution.

How you are assessed

3 components

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

Accreditation

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

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

Graphic Designer
Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 280,000
Creates visual designs
Product Designer
Moderate demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 300,000
Designs products
Design Technologist
Moderate demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 300,000
Bridges design and technology
CAD Designer
Moderate demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 280,000
Creates CAD designs
UX Designer
High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 350,000
Designs user experiences

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as product designers, UX designers, graphic designers and design technologists in design studios, manufacturing and technology companies.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

AutoCAD
SoftwarePrimary
Computer-aided design software — covering 2D drafting, technical drawing, floor plans, elevations, and the production of technical interior design drawings.
SketchUp
SoftwarePrimary
3D modelling software — covering 3D interior modelling, space visualisation, furniture modelling, and the creation of 3D presentations for interior design projects.
3ds Max / V-Ray
Software
3D rendering and visualisation software — covering photorealistic rendering, lighting simulation, material rendering, and the production of high-quality visualisations for interior design.
Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign)
Software
Design software for presentations and mood boards — covering image editing, presentation design, and the production of design presentations and documentation.
University Design Studio Facilities
Resource
University design studio facilities — providing drawing tables, CAD labs, material libraries, and model-making equipment for practical interior design work.

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Technology design is just about drawing.
The programme covers design thinking, CAD, UX design, prototyping and manufacturing processes.
This is only for artistic people.
The programme combines creativity with technical skills, requiring both artistic and analytical abilities.
Design cannot be a career.
Design is a growing profession with demand in manufacturing, technology and digital industries.
Technology is replacing designers.
Technology enhances design, but creative direction and human-centred design remain human-driven.