Bachelor of Christian Studies
The Bachelor of Christian Studies is a four-year programme that provides a comprehensive understanding of Christian faith, theology and practice. Students study biblical studies, theology, church history, Christian ethics, pastoral care and Christian worldview, developing knowledge and skills for Christian service and leadership. The programme combines academic rigour with spiritual formation for diverse ministry and faith-based careers.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 160,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 640,000 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 161,600 a year at a private one.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C+ or above, plus 4 subject grades. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 4 years, full-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 1 institution.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Applied Ethicist, at 20 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
Students develop competencies in biblical interpretation, theological reflection, church history analysis, ethical reasoning, pastoral care, Christian apologetics and faith integration. They learn to interpret scripture, understand Christian doctrine, engage with historical and contemporary theological issues, provide pastoral care and apply Christian principles to life and society. The programme covers both academic theology and practical ministry skills.
In Kenya, Christianity is the dominant religion with churches across all denominations. Churches, theological institutions, faith-based NGOs, schools and community organisations require trained Christian leaders and workers. The growth of Pentecostalism, ecumenical movements and faith-based community development creates diverse opportunities. Graduates find roles in churches, theological colleges, Christian schools, faith-based NGOs and community organisations.
Teaching is delivered through lectures, theological seminars, biblical exegesis workshops, ministry practicum, research projects and industrial attachment. Students interpret biblical texts, engage in theological discussions, participate in ministry activities and undertake internships in churches or Christian organisations. The programme includes a final-year research project.
Graduates pursue careers as pastors, church workers, theological educators, Christian counsellors, faith-based programme coordinators and community development workers. Some work in churches or theological institutions. Others join faith-based NGOs, Christian schools or pursue postgraduate study in theology.
This programme is ideal for individuals with Christian faith commitment, intellectual curiosity and interest in serving communities. Students who enjoy theological reflection, biblical study and ministry will find this programme particularly fulfilling.
What you study
10 subjects- Biblical Studies (Old and New Testament)
- Systematic Theology and Doctrine
- Church History and Historical Theology
- Christian Ethics and Moral Theology
- Pastoral Care and Counselling
- Christian Apologetics and Worldview
- Biblical Hermeneutics and Exegesis
- Mission Studies and Evangelism
- Christian Leadership and Administration
- Research Methods in Theological Studies
Modules
12 in the programmeIntroduction to Christian Studies
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Overview of Christian faith, including biblical foundations, theological traditions and Christian practice
Old Testament Studies
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Study of the Old Testament, including historical context, literary forms and theological themes
New Testament Studies
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
New Testament Studies: Study of the New Testament, including Gospels, Acts, epistles and Revelation Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Systematic Theology and Doctrine
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Systematic study of Christian doctrine, including theology proper, Christology, pneumatology and ecclesiology
Church History and Historical Theology
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
History of the Christian church from the early church to modern times, including African Christianity
Biblical Hermeneutics and Exegesis
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Principles and methods of biblical interpretation, including exegesis and hermeneutical approaches
Christian Ethics and Moral Theology
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Christian ethical reasoning, including moral theology, social ethics and contemporary moral issues
Pastoral Care and Counselling
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Principles of pastoral care, including counselling skills, crisis intervention and spiritual guidance
Christian Apologetics and Worldview
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Defence of Christian faith, including apologetics, worldview analysis and engagement with other religions
Mission Studies and Evangelism
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Christian mission theory and practice, including evangelism, cross-cultural mission and church planting
Research Project
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Independent research on a selected Christian studies topic producing a scholarly dissertation
Industrial Attachment
Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore
Supervised placement at a church, theological institution, Christian school or faith-based NGO
Specialisations
Biblical Studies
Specialization in Biblical Studies, preparing graduates for careers such as religious-studies-instructor.
Mission Studies
Specialization in Mission Studies, preparing graduates for careers such as pastor-clergy. 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.
Christian Counselling
Specialization in Christian Counselling, preparing graduates for careers such as chaplain. 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.
Pastoral Ministry
Specialization in Pastoral Ministry, preparing graduates for careers such as pastor-clergy. 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.
Theology
Specialization in Theology, preparing graduates for careers such as theologian-academic. 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.
Church History
Specialization in Church History, preparing graduates for careers such as religious-studies-instructor.
A day as a student
A typical day combines morning lectures on theology or biblical studies with afternoon seminars or ministry practicum. Students may interpret biblical texts, engage in theological discussions, participate in chapel services or work on ministry projects.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Fulfilment of serving in Christian ministry and community | Limited financial compensation compared to secular careers |
| Diverse roles in churches, schools, NGOs and institutions | Career opportunities may be limited outside faith-based settings |
| Combines academic rigour with spiritual formation | Some roles may require ordination or additional theological qualifications |
| Opportunity to make meaningful impact on communities | Job market is smaller than secular fields |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 188 arts & humanities coursesAnnual 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/yr (KUCCPS), UoN ~160K/yr (uonbi.ac.ke). KHEU 119.7K, Baraton 161.6K/yr.
Students may access HELB loans, county bursaries and church/denominational scholarships. Some churches and theological institutions offer internship stipends.
Funding options
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
LoanKsh 60,000
National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF)
Bursary
Church and Denominational Scholarships
Scholarship
Scholarships
5 recordedHigher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities
Church and Denominational Scholarships
ScholarshipKenyan
Members of respective churches pursuing theology-related study
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
BursaryKenyan
Kenyan undergraduate students placed by KUCCPS in public universities
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKenyan
Residents of respective counties pursuing undergraduate studies
St. Paul's University Scholarships
ScholarshipKenyan
Students admitted to theology and related programmes at St. Paul's University
Scholarships you could apply for
3 usable where it is taught- HELB Undergraduate Scholarship
Closes 31 July 2027PartialHigher Education Loans Board
KES 40,000 to 60,000 per year
- County Government Scholarships
Varies by countyPartialCounty Governments
KES 50,000 to 200,000 per year
- Moringa School Craftbyte Scholarship
QuarterlyFullMoringa School
Full software development course
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
Relevant diploma or equivalent qualification
When it next starts
Taught at 1 institutionIncluding Multimedia University of Kenya.
Including Multimedia University of Kenya.
Including Multimedia University of Kenya.
How you are assessed
4 componentsContinuous Assessment Tests (CATs)
Coursework30% of the mark
Exegesis Papers and Ministry Projects
Coursework30% of the mark
Research Project
Coursework100% of the mark
Final Examination
Coursework40% of the mark
Accreditation
Commission for University Education (CUE)
InstitutionalRequired
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Ordination through denominational bodies may be required for pastoral roles.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
5 rolesTheological Educator
Low demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 120,000
Teaches theology and biblical studies in theological colleges and seminaries
Faith-based Programme Coordinator
Moderate demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 110,000
Coordinates programmes in faith-based NGOs and community organisations
Church Worker
Moderate demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 80,000
Serves in various church ministry roles including youth, children and adult ministries
Pastor
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 120,000
Provides spiritual leadership, preaches, teaches and pastors a congregation
Christian Counsellor
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 100,000
Provides faith-based counselling and pastoral care to individuals and families
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work as pastors, church workers, theological educators, Christian counsellors and faith-based programme coordinators in churches, theological colleges, Christian schools and faith-based NGOs.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Applied EthicistArts & Humanities20Low exposure
- ChoreographerArts & Humanities20Low exposure
- Interfaith Dialogue FacilitatorArts & Humanities20Low exposure
- EpigrapherArts & Humanities22Low exposure
- Indigenous Knowledge SpecialistArts & Humanities22Low exposure
- Manuscript ConservatorArts & Humanities22Low exposure
- Museum EducatorArts & Humanities22Low exposure
- Theological ResearcherArts & Humanities22Low exposure
Tools you will learn
Microsoft Word
CreativePrimary
Google Drive
Cloud
Zoom
CloudPrimary
Google Docs
Cloud
Adobe Photoshop
Design
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Christian studies is only for those wanting to be pastors
The programme prepares graduates for diverse roles including teaching, counselling, community development and faith-based organisational work.
There are no career opportunities with a Christian studies degree
Churches, schools, theological institutions and faith-based NGOs require trained Christian leaders and workers.
Christian studies is not academically rigorous
The programme involves rigorous biblical exegesis, theological analysis, historical research and ethical reasoning.
You can only work in churches with this degree
Graduates work in schools, NGOs, community organisations, counselling centres and educational institutions.