Social Sciences

Bachelor of Arts (Psychology, Sociology and Political Science)

The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Sociology and Political Science is a four-year interdisciplinary programme that combines three social science disciplines to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of human behaviour, social structures and political systems. Students study individual psychology, group dynamics and governance, developing a multifaceted perspective on how individuals, communities and states interact. This combination equips graduates with versatile analytical and research skills.

Students develop competencies in psychological assessment, sociological analysis, political inquiry and social research methods. They learn to analyse individual behaviour, social institutions and political processes, applying theories from all three disciplines to understand complex social phenomena. The programme emphasises critical thinking, research methodology and the ability to integrate insights from multiple social science perspectives.

In Kenya, graduates with combined social science training are valued in government, NGOs, research institutions, education and corporate sectors. The interdisciplinary approach is particularly relevant for roles that require understanding both individual and structural factors, such as community development, policy analysis, social research and human resources. Kenya's complex social and political landscape creates demand for professionals who can navigate multiple perspectives.

Teaching is delivered through lectures, seminars, research projects, group discussions and industrial attachment. Students engage with research from all three disciplines, participate in debates and undertake internships in diverse settings. The programme includes a final-year research project that often integrates perspectives from multiple disciplines.

Graduates pursue careers as social researchers, community development officers, human resources officers, policy analysts and teachers. Some work in NGOs, government departments or international organisations. Others continue to postgraduate study in one of the three disciplines for specialisation.

This programme is ideal for individuals with broad interests in social sciences, strong analytical skills and a desire to understand society from multiple angles. Students who enjoy interdisciplinary study and critical inquiry will find this programme particularly engaging.

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: 45 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Introduction to Psychology
Introduction to Sociology
Introduction to Political Science
Social Psychology
Research Methods in Social Sciences
Social Statistics
Political Theory
Sociological Theory
Community Development
Public Policy and Governance

Modules

12 in the programme

Introduction to Psychology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Foundational concepts and perspectives in psychology, including biological, cognitive and social bases of behaviour
Introduction to Sociology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Basic concepts and theories of sociology, including social structure, institutions and social change
Introduction to Political Science
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Core concepts of political science, including state, power, authority and political systems
Social Statistics
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Statistical methods for social science research, including descriptive and inferential statistics
Social Psychology
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Study of individual behaviour in social contexts, including attitudes, prejudice and group dynamics
Sociological Theory
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Classical and contemporary sociological theories from Marx, Weber and Durkheim to modern theorists
Political Theory
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Classical and modern political thought, including democracy, justice, rights and political obligation
Research Methods in Social Sciences
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Research Methods in Social Sciences: Quantitative and qualitative research methods for social science inquiry Covers quantitative and qualitative approaches, data collection, analysis, and reporting.
Community Development
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Theories and practices of community development, including participatory approaches and social change
Public Policy and Governance
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Analysis of public policy processes and governance structures in Kenya and comparative contexts
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 community organisation

Specialisations

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.
Community Development
Specialization in Community Development, preparing graduates for careers such as community-development-officer.
Sociology
Specialization in Sociology, 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.
Public Policy
Specialization in Public Policy, preparing graduates for careers such as policy-analyst-junior. 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.
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.
Social Research
Specialization in Social Research, 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.

A day as a student

A typical day involves morning lectures spanning psychology, sociology and political science, followed by afternoon seminars or research methodology sessions. Students may conduct social surveys, analyse data using statistical software or participate in group debates on contemporary social issues.

The trade offs

In its favour

Interdisciplinary training provides versatile career options across sectors
Strong research and analytical skills valued by employers
Relevant to Kenya's complex social, political and cultural landscape
Develops critical thinking and multifaceted problem-solving abilities

Against it

May lack depth in any single discipline compared to specialised degrees
Some career paths require postgraduate specialisation for advancement
Broad qualification may require additional training for specific professional roles
Salary levels vary widely depending on sector and role

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 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

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities
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

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
Final Examination
Coursework40% of the mark
Research Essays and Assignments
Coursework30% of the mark
Research Project
Coursework100% 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

Human Resources Officer
High demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 120,000
Manages recruitment, training and employee relations using insights from psychology and sociology
Community Development Officer
High demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 95,000
Coordinates community development programmes in government, NGOs and community-based organisations
Policy Analyst
Moderate demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 130,000
Researches and analyses social and governance policy for government agencies and think tanks
Research Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 80,000
Supports academic and applied research projects in universities and research organisations
Social Researcher
Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 100,000
Conducts social research on community issues, public opinion and social trends for research institutions and NGOs

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as social researchers, community development officers, human resources officers and policy analysts in government, NGOs 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 three subjects means you learn less of each
The interdisciplinary approach develops complementary analytical skills that are highly valued by employers seeking versatile social science graduates.
This degree has no clear career path
Graduates pursue diverse careers in research, governance, community development, human resources and education with clear progression routes.
Social science is not rigorous
The programme involves statistical analysis, research methodology and critical theory, requiring strong analytical and writing skills.
You must specialise to be employable
Many employers value the breadth of interdisciplinary social science training, especially for roles requiring multifaceted analysis.