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Bachelor of Geospatial Information Science and Remote Sensing

The Bachelor of Geospatial Information Science and Remote Sensing is a four-year programme that prepares students for GIS analysis, remote sensing and spatial data management. Students study GIS, remote sensing, photogrammetry, spatial analysis and geospatial data science. The programme combines geospatial technology with data science for spatial problem-solving.

Duration
4 years
Next intake January 2027
Public tuition
Ksh 283,333
Ksh 1,133,332 total
Job market
High
Market demand for graduates

The short answer

What it costs
Up to Ksh 283,333 a year at a public institution, Ksh 1,133,332 for the whole course.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 2 institutions.The detail
Where it leads
8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Forensic DNA Scientist, at 15 out of 100.The detail

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Overview

Students develop competencies in GIS analysis, remote sensing image processing, spatial data management, photogrammetry, GPS and geospatial programming. They learn to analyse spatial data, process satellite imagery, create maps and develop geospatial applications. The programme covers GIS, remote sensing, programming, spatial statistics and geospatial data management.

In Kenya, geospatial technology is critical for land management, agriculture, environmental monitoring, urban planning and disaster management. Kenya's digital transformation and spatial data infrastructure create demand. Graduates find roles in GIS companies, county governments, NEMA, research institutions, telecommunications and consulting firms.

Teaching is delivered through lectures, computer laboratory sessions, fieldwork, industrial attachment and research projects. Students use GIS software, process satellite imagery, programme geospatial applications and undertake industrial attachment. The programme includes a final-year research project.

Graduates pursue careers as GIS analysts, remote sensing specialists, geospatial data scientists, survey technicians and spatial data managers. Some work for GIS companies or county governments. Others join research institutions, telecommunications firms or consulting companies.

This programme is ideal for individuals with computing aptitude, spatial awareness and interest in geospatial technology.

What you study

10 subjects
  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
  • Remote Sensing and Image Processing
  • Photogrammetry and Surveying
  • Spatial Analysis and Modelling
  • GPS and Satellite Positioning
  • Geospatial Programming
  • Cartography and Visualisation
  • Spatial Database Management
  • Digital Image Processing
  • Research Methods and Statistics

Modules

12 in the programme

  • Introduction to GIS and Remote Sensing

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Fundamentals of GIS, remote sensing and geospatial science. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment te...

  • Cartography and Map Design

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Cartography and Map Design: Map design principles, cartographic visualisation and digital cartography Covers design principles, creative processes, and practical project development.

  • Programming for Geospatial Applications

    Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore

    Python, R and programming for geospatial analysis. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, cour...

  • GIS Fundamentals and Analysis

    Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore

    GIS data models, spatial analysis and GIS software. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, cou...

  • Remote Sensing and Image Processing

    Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore

    Remote Sensing and Image Processing: Satellite and aerial imagery, image processing and spectral analysis Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.

  • Photogrammetry and Surveying

    Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore

    Photogrammetry and Surveying: Photogrammetric principles, aerial surveying and ground surveying Covers measurement techniques, data analysis, and land information systems.

  • GPS and Satellite Positioning

    Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore

    GPS and Satellite Positioning: GPS principles, GNSS, positioning methods and accuracy assessment Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.

  • Spatial Analysis and Modelling

    Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore

    Spatial Analysis and Modelling: Spatial statistics, interpolation, modelling and decision support Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.

  • Spatial Database Management

    Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore

    Spatial Database Management: Spatial databases, SQL, data management and spatial data infrastructure Covers planning, organising, leadership, and control in organisational contexts.

  • Digital Image Processing

    Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore

    Digital Image Processing: Advanced image processing, classification and feature extraction Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.

  • Web GIS and Geospatial Applications

    Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore

    Web GIS, mobile GIS and geospatial web applications. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, co...

  • Final Year Research Project

    Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore

    Independent research on geospatial information science. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests,...

Specialisations

  • Geospatial Programming

    Specialization in Geospatial Programming, preparing graduates for careers such as gis-specialist. 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.

  • GIS Analysis

    Specialization in GIS Analysis, preparing graduates for careers such as gis-specialist. 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.

  • Remote Sensing

    Specialization in Remote Sensing, preparing graduates for careers such as gis-specialist. 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.

  • Web GIS

    Specialization in Web GIS, preparing graduates for careers such as gis-specialist. 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.

  • Spatial Data Science

    Specialization in Spatial Data Science, preparing graduates for careers such as gis-specialist. 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.

  • Photogrammetry

    Specialization in Photogrammetry, preparing graduates for careers such as surveyor. 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 combines morning lectures on GIS or remote sensing with afternoon computer laboratory sessions or fieldwork. Students may process satellite imagery, use GIS software, programme geospatial applications or work on spatial analysis projects.

The trade-offs

In its favourAgainst it
High demand for GIS and spatial data skillsGIS software and satellite data can be expensive
Diverse career paths across multiple sectorsRequires both computing and spatial analysis skills
Cutting-edge technology with continuous innovationRapidly evolving field requires continuous learning
Competitive salaries in technology and consultingSome positions may require professional surveying registration

What it costs

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

What it costs, and where

Against 332 engineering courses
Public246k to 283k
246k at JKUAT283k at Technical University of Kenya

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

JKUAT 245.9K/yr (jkuat.ac.ke), TUK 283.3K (educationnewshub). Private: unverified.

Students may access HELB loans and county bursaries. Some GIS companies and research institutions offer internship stipends.

Funding options

  • Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)

    LoanKsh 60,000

  • National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF)

    Bursary

  • County Government Bursaries

    Bursary

Scholarships

4 recorded

  • 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

  • Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD) Training Scholarship

    ScholarshipKenyan

    Students in geospatial sciences, GIS and remote sensing

  • County Government Bursaries

    BursaryKenyan

    Residents of respective counties

Scholarships you could apply for

6 usable where it is taught
Save one and be reminded before it closes

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade
C+minimum entry
Alternative entry

Relevant diploma or equivalent qualification

Subject requirements
Mathematics AC+
Physics or GeographyC+
Chemistry or Biology or any Group IIC+
English or KiswahiliC+

When it next starts

Taught at 2 institutions
January 20272 institutions

Including Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, Multimedia University of Kenya.

May 20272 institutions

Including Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, Multimedia University of Kenya.

September 20272 institutions

Including Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, Multimedia University of Kenya.

How you are assessed

4 components

  • Industrial Attachment Report

    Coursework20% of the mark

  • Final Examination

    Coursework40% of the mark

  • Computer Practicals and Projects

    Coursework20% of the mark

  • Continuous Assessment Tests (CATs)

    Coursework20% of the mark

Accreditation

  • Commission for University Education (CUE)

    InstitutionalRequired

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE).

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

  • GIS Analyst

    High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 220,000

    Manages and analyses geographic information systems

  • Remote Sensing Specialist

    Moderate demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 220,000

    Processes and analyses satellite and aerial imagery

  • Survey Technician

    Moderate demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 180,000

    Conducts surveys using GPS and geospatial technology

  • Geospatial Data Scientist

    High demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 300,000

    Applies data science to spatial data analysis and modelling

  • Spatial Data Manager

    Moderate demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 220,000

    Manages spatial databases and geospatial data infrastructure

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as GIS analysts, remote sensing specialists, geospatial data scientists, survey technicians and spatial data managers in GIS companies, county governments, NEMA, research institutions, telecommunications and consulting firms.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

  • Figma

    DesignPrimary

  • Adobe Creative Suite

    DesignPrimary

  • Unity

    Game engine

  • Visual Studio Code

    Ide

  • Microsoft Excel

    SoftwarePrimary

    Spreadsheet for analytical data management, quality control charts and statistical analysis.

Certifications

Common misconceptions

  • GIS is just about making maps

    GIS involves spatial analysis, data science, programming and decision support systems.

  • Remote sensing is just about satellite photos

    Remote sensing involves image processing, spectral analysis and earth observation science.

  • There are limited jobs in geospatial science

    GIS and remote sensing skills are in high demand across multiple sectors.

  • Geospatial science requires only computer skills

    The programme combines computing with geography, surveying and environmental science.

Further reading

Read next