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Bachelor of Science in Applied Aquatic Science

The Bachelor of Science in Applied Aquatic Science is a four-year programme that prepares students for the management, conservation and sustainable use of aquatic resources. Students study aquatic ecology, fisheries, aquaculture, limnology, water quality, aquatic biodiversity, resource management and research. The programme provides scientific and practical skills for aquatic ecosystems, fisheries and aquaculture industries.

Duration
4 years
Next intake January 2027
Public tuition
Ksh 324,000
Ksh 1,296,000 total
Private tuition
Ksh 170,700
Ksh 682,800 total
Job market
Moderate
Market demand for graduates

The short answer

What it costs
Up to Ksh 324,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 1,296,000 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 170,700 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 9 institutions.The detail
Where it leads
8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Aquaculture Technologist, at 3 out of 100.The detail

The programme

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

Overview

Students develop competencies in aquatic biology, fish biology, aquaculture, water quality management, aquatic ecology, fisheries management, aquatic resource conservation and research. They learn to manage fisheries, design aquaculture systems, assess water quality, conserve aquatic ecosystems and support sustainable livelihoods. The programme covers aquatic science, fisheries, aquaculture, limnology, water resources and conservation.

In Kenya, aquatic science is important for Lake Victoria, Lake Naivasha, the Indian Ocean coastline, rivers, dams and wetlands. Egerton University, Kisii University, University of Nairobi and other institutions offer this programme. Graduates find roles in fisheries departments, research institutes, aquaculture enterprises, environmental agencies, NGOs and water resource management.

Teaching is delivered through lectures, laboratory practicals, field work, industrial attachment and research projects. Students sample aquatic ecosystems, identify fish species, analyse water quality and undertake a final research project.

Graduates pursue careers as fisheries officers, aquaculture specialists, aquatic scientists, water quality technicians, marine biologists, conservation officers and research assistants. Some work in government. Others join aquaculture farms, research, NGOs or environmental consultancies.

This programme is ideal for individuals with interest in water, fisheries, marine life and environmental conservation.

What you study

10 subjects
  • Aquatic Ecology
  • Fish Biology and Taxonomy
  • Limnology and Oceanography
  • Aquaculture
  • Fisheries Management
  • Water Quality and Pollution
  • Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation
  • Aquatic Resource Economics
  • Aquatic Biotechnology
  • Research Methods

Modules

12 in the programme

  • Aquatic Ecology

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Ecosystems, food webs, habitats and aquatic communities. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests...

  • Fish Biology and Taxonomy

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Fish anatomy, physiology, classification and identification. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment t...

  • Limnology and Oceanography

    Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore

    Inland and marine water systems, circulation and chemistry. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment te...

  • Aquaculture

    Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore

    Aquaculture: Fish farming, hatchery management, nutrition and culture systems Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.

  • Fisheries Management

    Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore

    Fisheries Management: Fish stocks, harvesting, regulations and sustainable management Covers planning, organising, leadership, and control in organisational contexts.

  • Water Quality and Pollution

    Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore

    Water chemistry, pollution, monitoring and remediation. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests,...

  • Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation

    Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore

    Biodiversity, conservation, protected areas and restoration. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment t...

  • Aquatic Resource Economics

    Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore

    Economics of fisheries, aquaculture and aquatic resources. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tes...

  • Aquatic Biotechnology

    Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore

    Aquatic Biotechnology: Genetic improvement, breeding and biotechnology in aquaculture Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.

  • Fish Processing and Technology

    Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore

    Post-harvest handling, processing, quality and safety. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, ...

  • Integrated Water Resources Management

    Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore

    Water resource management, governance and sustainability. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment test...

  • Final Year Research Project

    Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore

    Independent research in applied aquatic science. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, course...

Specialisations

  • Aquaculture

    Specialization in Aquaculture, preparing graduates for careers such as aquaculture-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.

  • Aquatic Resource Economics

    Specialization in Aquatic Resource Economics, preparing graduates for careers such as agricultural-economist.

  • Water Quality Management

    Specialization in Water Quality Management, preparing graduates for careers such as water-quality-technician.

  • Aquatic Conservation

    Specialization in Aquatic Conservation, preparing graduates for careers such as conservation-officer.

  • Fisheries Management

    Specialization in Fisheries Management, preparing graduates for careers such as fisheries-officer. 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.

  • Aquatic Ecology

    Specialization in Aquatic Ecology, preparing graduates for careers such as marine-biologist. 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 aquatic science lectures with laboratory or field work. Students may sample water, identify fish, conduct water quality tests, visit aquaculture farms or analyse aquatic data.

The trade-offs

In its favourAgainst it
Relevant to Kenya's lakes, rivers, coast and aquacultureField work may involve water-based activities and remote areas
Diverse careers in fisheries, aquaculture and conservationSome aquatic science jobs are limited to specific geographic regions
Contributes to food security and environmental conservationAquaculture and fisheries can be affected by climate change and pollution
Practical field and laboratory trainingSome roles require postgraduate training for research leadership

What it costs

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

What it costs, and where

Against 303 agriculture courses
Public277k to 324k
277k at Egerton University324k at University of Nairobi
Private121k to 171k
121k at Mount Kenya University171k 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

Egerton 276,740/yr (educationnewshub KUCCPS). UoN 324,000/yr (UoN schedule). MKU 121,200, UEAB 170,700/yr.

Students may access HELB loans and county bursaries. Some fisheries research institutes and environmental organisations offer internships.

Funding options

  • Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)

    LoanKsh 60,000

  • National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF)

    Bursary

  • County Government Bursaries

    Bursary

Scholarships

3 recorded

  • Higher Education Fund (HEF)

    BursaryKenyan

    Kenyan undergraduate students placed by KUCCPS in public universities

  • Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan

    LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan

    Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities

  • County Government Bursaries

    BursaryKenyan

    Residents of respective counties

Scholarships you could apply for

13 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
English or KiswahiliC+
Biology or Biological SciencesC+
Chemistry or Physical SciencesC
Mathematics A/B or GeographyC

When it next starts

Taught at 9 institutions
January 20279 institutions

Including Egerton University, University of Nairobi, Chuka University.

May 20279 institutions

Including Egerton University, University of Nairobi, Chuka University.

September 20279 institutions

Including Egerton University, University of Nairobi, Chuka University.

How you are assessed

4 components

  • Industrial Attachment Report

    Coursework10% of the mark

  • Laboratory and Field Practicals

    Coursework40% of the mark

  • Final Examination

    Coursework30% 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

  • Aquaculture Specialist

    Moderate demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 220,000

    Designs and manages fish farming systems

  • Aquatic Scientist

    Moderate demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 220,000

    Researches aquatic ecosystems and resources

  • Fisheries Officer

    Moderate demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 180,000

    Manages fisheries resources and regulations

  • Water Quality Technician

    Moderate demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 180,000

    Monitors and manages water quality

  • Conservation Officer

    Moderate demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 200,000

    Protects aquatic biodiversity and ecosystems

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as fisheries officers, aquaculture specialists, aquatic scientists, water quality technicians, marine biologists, conservation officers and research assistants in fisheries departments, research institutes, aquaculture enterprises, environmental agencies, NGOs and water resource management.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

  • Microsoft Excel

    SpreadsheetPrimary

    Farm financial modelling and analysis.

  • QuickBooks

    Accounting

    Agribusiness accounting.

  • SAP Agricultural Contract Management

    Erp

    Agricultural contract and supply management.

  • R

    AnalyticsPrimary

  • QGIS

    Analytics

Certifications

Common misconceptions

  • Applied aquatic science is only about fishing

    It covers aquatic ecology, conservation, aquaculture, water quality, biodiversity and resource management.

  • There are no jobs in aquatic science

    Aquatic scientists work in fisheries, aquaculture, conservation, research, environmental management and water resources.

  • Aquatic science is only for coastal or lakeside areas

    Aquatic resources include rivers, dams, wetlands and aquaculture systems across Kenya.

  • Aquaculture is not sustainable

    Sustainable aquaculture practices can improve food security and reduce pressure on wild fisheries.

Further reading

Read next