Arts & Humanities

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.

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.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 160,000
Private, up to: Ksh 161,600
Job market: Low

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

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 programme

Introduction 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

Fulfilment of serving in Christian ministry and community
Diverse roles in churches, schools, NGOs and institutions
Combines academic rigour with spiritual formation
Opportunity to make meaningful impact on communities

Against it

Limited financial compensation compared to secular careers
Career opportunities may be limited outside faith-based settings
Some roles may require ordination or additional theological qualifications
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 courses

Public153k to 160k

153k at Kenyatta University160k at University of Nairobi

Private120k to 162k

120k at Kenya Highlands Evangelical University162k at University of Eastern Africa, Baraton

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/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 recorded

Higher 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

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+
Any Group I, II or III subject
C+
Any Group III, IV or V subject
C+
Any Group III, IV or V subject
C+

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous 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

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Ordination through denominational bodies may be required for pastoral roles.

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

Theological 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

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.