Art and Design

Bachelor of Science in Apparel and Fashion Technology

The Bachelor of Science in Apparel and Fashion Technology is a four-year degree programme that combines textile science with fashion design and apparel manufacturing. The programme prepares graduates for careers in the garment industry, fashion design, and textile production.

The curriculum covers textile science, fabric construction, pattern making, garment construction, fashion illustration, fashion design, apparel production, textile testing, quality control, computer-aided design, fashion merchandising, textile chemistry, business management, entrepreneurship, and research methods.

Teaching combines lectures, studio sessions, laboratory practicals, industrial attachment, and a design project. Students develop skills in pattern drafting, garment construction, textile analysis, fashion illustration, and computer-aided design. The programme emphasises creativity, technical competence, and industry relevance.

Graduates pursue careers as fashion designers, apparel production managers, textile technologists, quality control officers, fashion merchandisers, and entrepreneurs. Opportunities exist in garment manufacturing companies, textile mills, fashion houses, retail chains, design studios, and self-employment.

The programme is offered at University of Eldoret, a public university in Uasin Gishu County. Admission requires a KCSE mean grade of C+ with C in Chemistry or a Diploma in Fashion Technology from a recognised institution. The programme runs for eight semesters with September and January intakes.

Accreditation is provided by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Annual tuition is approximately KES 204,000 at University of Eldoret based on KUCCPS data. HELB loans and government bursaries are available for eligible students.Key SubjectsProgramming FundamentalsData Structures and AlgorithmsDatabase SystemsComputer NetworksSoftware EngineeringWeb DevelopmentOperating SystemsComputer ArchitectureInformation SecurityArtificial IntelligenceSpecializationsGeneral PracticeBroad foundational knowledge covering core principles and practices in the field.Research and AnalysisFocus on research methods, data analysis, and evidence-based decision making.General PracticeBroad foundational knowledge covering core principles and practices in the field.Research and AnalysisFocus on research methods, data analysis, and evidence-based decision making.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 204,000
Job market: Moderate

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Part-time
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 30 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Programming Fundamentals
Data Structures and Algorithms
Database Systems
Computer Networks
Software Engineering
Web Development
Operating Systems
Computer Architecture
Information Security
Artificial Intelligence

Modules

8 in the programme

Communication Skills
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Communication Skills: Academic writing, presentation skills, and professional communication. Develops practical skills for academic and professional contexts.
Foundations of the Discipline
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Foundations of the Discipline: Introduction to core concepts, theories, and principles of the field. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Information Technology Fundamentals
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Computer applications, data processing, and digital literacy for academic and professional use.
Research Methods
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, data collection, and analysis techniques.
Statistics and Data Analysis
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Statistical methods, probability, and data interpretation for research and practice.
Professional Ethics
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Ethical principles, professional conduct, and regulatory frameworks in the field.
Project Management
Year 3Semester 16 creditsCore
Project Management: Project planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation techniques. Covers project lifecycle, resource allocation, risk management, and stakeholder engagement.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Business planning, venture creation, and innovation management. Equips students with practical skills for venture creation and business management.

Specialisations

General Practice
Broad foundational knowledge covering core principles and practices in the field. 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.
Research and Analysis
Focus on research methods, data analysis, and evidence-based decision making. 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.
General Practice
Broad foundational knowledge covering core principles and practices in the field. 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.
Research and Analysis
Focus on research methods, data analysis, and evidence-based decision making. 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 attending programming lectures, working on coding assignments in computer labs, participating in hackathons, debugging code, and collaborating on software development projects.

The trade offs

In its favour

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE).
Graduates are eligible for HELB loans and government funding.

Against it

Limited programme specialisation options may be available.
Competitive job market requiring practical experience and networking.

What it costs

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

What it costs, and where

Against 73 art and design courses

Public204k to 204k

204k at Kenyatta University204k at Kenyatta University

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 204K (ku.ac.ke). Private: no private univ confirmed for this course.

Government scholarships cover up to 53% of tuition for needy students. HELB provides loans up to Ksh 60,000. Safaricom Academy and Google Africa offer scholarships for outstanding computing students.

Funding options

HELB Undergraduate Loan
Loan
Kenyan citizens enrolled in accredited undergraduate programmes
Government Scholarship (New Funding Model)
Scholarship
Needy students placed by KUCCPS in public universities
County Government Bursaries
Bursary
Kenyan students from respective counties demonstrating financial need

Scholarships

3 recorded

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities demonstrating financial need.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
Government fundingKenyan
Kenyan students in public universities under the new funding model based on financial need assessment.
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKenyan
Kenyan students from respective counties demonstrating financial need.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+ (Plus)
Alternative entry: KCSE C+ (Plus) OR A Level with two principal passes; OR a relevant Diploma from a recognised institution; OR any other qualification recognised by the university senate and CUE.

How you are assessed

2 components

Continuous Assessment Tests and Assignments
Coursework30% of the mark
Written tests, assignments, and practical exercises throughout the semester.
End of Semester Examinations
Examination70% of the mark
Written examinations covering all course content for the semester.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Computing programmes may also be aligned with IEEE and ACM curricular standards.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
CUE is the statutory body responsible for the accreditation and quality assurance of university programmes in Kenya.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

Graduate Trainee
High demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 60,000
Entry-level position applying academic knowledge in a professional environment.
Research Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 65,000
Supporting research projects through data collection, analysis, and reporting.
Project Officer
High demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 80,000
Coordinating and implementing projects in public, private, or NGO sectors.
Analyst
High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 90,000
Analysing data, trends, and patterns to support decision-making.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as software developers, systems analysts, network administrators, data analysts, and IT consultants in Kenya's growing digital economy.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Adobe Illustrator
SoftwarePrimary
Vector graphics software for fashion illustration and design.
Adobe Photoshop
SoftwarePrimary
Image editing software for fashion design and presentation.
Optitex
Software
CAD software for pattern making and garment design.
Microsoft Excel
Software
Spreadsheet for production planning and inventory management.
Gerber AccuMark
Software
Pattern design and production planning software for apparel manufacturing.