Social Sciences

Bachelor of Arts (Political Science with IT)

The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with IT is a four-year programme that combines the study of political systems, governance and public policy with information technology skills. Students examine political theory, comparative politics, international relations, public administration and research methodology while also developing competencies in computer applications, data analysis and digital governance. The IT integration reflects the growing role of technology in governance, political communication and civic engagement.

Students develop competencies in political analysis, policy evaluation, research methods, governance and digital literacy. They learn to critically assess political systems, understand the dynamics of power and authority, and apply IT tools to political research, data visualisation and e-governance. The programme emphasises analytical thinking, evidence-based reasoning and the application of technology to political and administrative processes.

In Kenya, political science graduates are in demand in government, civil society, political parties, research institutions and international organisations. The devolved system of government has created new opportunities for governance professionals at county level. The integration of IT skills makes graduates particularly relevant in an era of digital governance, election technology and data-driven policy making. Nairobi's status as a diplomatic hub further expands career opportunities.

Teaching is delivered through lectures, seminars, research projects, IT laboratory sessions and industrial attachment. Students engage with political data sets, use statistical software for political analysis and undertake internships in government offices, NGOs or research institutions. The programme includes a final-year research project or dissertation.

Graduates pursue careers as policy analysts, governance officers, research officers, political consultants and public administrators. Some work in county governments, parliament, political parties or civil society organisations. Others join international organisations, think tanks or media houses as political analysts.

This programme is ideal for individuals with strong analytical skills, an interest in politics and governance, and aptitude for technology. Students who enjoy debate, research and data analysis will find this programme particularly suited to their strengths.

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: 40 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Political Theory
Comparative Politics
Public Administration
International Relations
Research Methods in Political Science
Computer Applications and IT
Data Analysis for Social Sciences
Kenyan Government and Politics
Public Policy Analysis
Digital Governance and E-Government

Modules

12 in the programme

Introduction to Political Science
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Foundational concepts, theories and methodologies of political science as an academic discipline
Computer Applications and IT
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Fundamental IT skills including word processing, spreadsheets, databases and internet research for political analysis
Political Theory
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Classical and modern political thought, including concepts of state, sovereignty, democracy and justice
Comparative Politics
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Comparative analysis of political systems, institutions and processes across different countries and regions
Kenyan Government and Politics
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Structure and functioning of Kenya's government, including the constitution, devolution and political dynamics
Public Administration
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Principles of public administration, bureaucratic theory and public sector management in Kenya
International Relations
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Theories and concepts of international relations, including diplomacy, conflict and cooperation
Data Analysis for Social Sciences
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Statistical methods and software for analysing political and social data, including survey research
Public Policy Analysis
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Public Policy Analysis: Methods for analysing public policy formulation, implementation and evaluation Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Digital Governance and E-Government
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Application of ICT in governance, including e-government services, digital participation and civic technology
Research Project/Dissertation
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Independent research on a selected political science topic producing a scholarly dissertation
Industrial Attachment
Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore
Supervised placement at a government office, NGO or research institution for practical governance experience

Specialisations

Digital Governance
Specialization in Digital Governance, preparing graduates for careers such as public-administration-officer-junior.
International Relations
Specialization in International Relations, preparing graduates for careers such as international-relations.
Governance and Civil Society
Specialization in Governance and Civil Society, preparing graduates for careers such as community-development-officer.
Campaign Strategy and Consulting
Specialization in Campaign Strategy and Consulting, preparing graduates for careers such as political-consultant.
Political Research
Specialization in Political Research, 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.
Public Policy and Administration
Specialization in Public Policy and Administration, preparing graduates for careers such as public-administration-officer-junior.

A day as a student

A typical day combines morning lectures on political theory or comparative politics with afternoon IT laboratory sessions using statistical software for political data analysis. Students may participate in debate forums, research policy briefs or attend guest lectures by policymakers.

The trade offs

In its favour

IT integration gives graduates a competitive edge in digital governance roles
Devolution has created new governance career opportunities at county level
Versatile qualification applicable to government, NGOs, media and academia
Develops critical thinking and analytical skills highly valued across sectors

Against it

Balancing political science with IT requires effort in two distinct disciplines
Political careers can be unpredictable and influenced by electoral cycles
Some roles require postgraduate study for career advancement
Political work can involve navigating complex bureaucratic and political dynamics

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 189K/yr. MKU 105K, CUEA 150K/yr (KUCCPS).

Students may access HELB loans and county bursaries. Some governance-focused NGOs 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

3 recorded

County Government Bursaries
BursaryKenyan
Residents of respective counties
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
BursaryKenyan
Kenyan undergraduate students placed by KUCCPS in public 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

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

Political Consultant
Low demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 150,000
Advises political parties and candidates on campaign strategy, messaging and voter outreach
Research Officer
Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 100,000
Conducts political and governance research for academic institutions and policy think tanks
Public Administration Officer
High demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 95,000
Administers public programmes and services in government departments and county governments
Governance Officer
Moderate demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 120,000
Monitors and supports governance reforms in county governments and civil society organisations
Policy Analyst
Moderate demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 140,000
Researches and analyses public policy options for government agencies, think tanks and NGOs

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as policy analysts, governance officers, research officers and public administrators in government, civil society, political parties and international 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

Political science is just about politicians and elections
Political science covers governance, public policy, international relations, comparative systems and political theory, not just electoral politics.
Political science graduates can only work in government
Graduates work in NGOs, research institutions, international organisations, media, political consulting and academia.
Adding IT to political science is unnecessary
Digital governance, election technology and data-driven policy making make IT skills increasingly valuable for political science graduates.
Political science has no practical applications
The programme develops analytical, research and governance skills directly applicable to public administration, policy analysis and civic engagement.