Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Building and Civil Engineering

The Bachelor of Science in Building and Civil Engineering is a five-year degree programme that combines building construction with civil engineering principles. The programme prepares graduates to design, construct, and manage building and infrastructure projects.

The curriculum covers engineering mathematics, structural analysis, structural design, building materials, construction technology, geotechnical engineering, fluid mechanics, highway engineering, surveying, construction management, quantity surveying, environmental engineering, water resources engineering, computer-aided design, and project management.

Teaching combines lectures, laboratory practicals, design studios, field surveys, industrial attachment, and a capstone project. Students develop skills in structural design, construction planning, site management, and civil engineering analysis. The programme emphasises practical engineering and sustainable construction practices.

Graduates pursue careers as civil engineers, structural engineers, construction managers, site engineers, project managers, and building consultants. Opportunities exist in construction companies, engineering consultancies, government public works departments, real estate developers, and infrastructure agencies.

The programme is offered at the Technical University of Kenya, a public university in Nairobi County. Admission requires a KCSE mean grade of C+ with C+ in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry. The programme runs for ten semesters with September and January intakes.

Accreditation is provided by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK). Annual tuition is approximately KES 300,000 at the Technical University of Kenya based on KUCCPS data. HELB loans are available for eligible students.Key SubjectsEngineering MathematicsEngineering DrawingMechanics of MaterialsThermodynamicsElectrical CircuitsFluid MechanicsStructural AnalysisConstruction TechnologyEngineering EconomicsProject ManagementSpecializationsGeneral 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 396,000
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: 25 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Engineering Mathematics
Engineering Drawing
Mechanics of Materials
Thermodynamics
Electrical Circuits
Fluid Mechanics
Structural Analysis
Construction Technology
Engineering Economics
Project Management

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.
Research Methods
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, data collection, and analysis techniques.
Information Technology Fundamentals
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Computer applications, data processing, and digital literacy for academic and professional use.
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 engineering lectures, conducting laboratory experiments, working on design projects, using CAD software, and completing problem sets. Students also participate in industrial visits.

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 332 engineering courses

Public300k to 396k

300k at Technical University of Kenya396k at University of Nairobi

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

TUK 300,000/yr (educationnewshub KUCCPS). UoN 396,000/yr (UoN schedule). Private: unverified.

Government scholarships cover up to 53% of tuition for needy students. HELB provides loans up to Ksh 60,000. JICA and KOICA offer international scholarships for engineering 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
JICA Scholarship
Scholarship
Engineering students in partnership with Japanese institutions

Scholarships

5 recorded

Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) Student Scholarships
ScholarshipKenyan
Student members of IEK pursuing accredited engineering programmes
KCDF More Girls for Engineering Opportunities
ScholarshipKenyan
Young women from disadvantaged backgrounds pursuing engineering
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). Engineering programmes are also regulated by the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK) for professional registration.

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 graduate engineers, site engineers, design engineers, project managers, and construction managers in Kenya's infrastructure and manufacturing sectors.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

AutoCAD
SoftwarePrimary
CAD software for civil and structural engineering drawings.
Revit
SoftwarePrimary
BIM software for building design and construction documentation.
STAAD.Pro
Software
Structural analysis and design software for civil engineering.
Microsoft Project
Software
Project management software for construction planning and scheduling.
Microsoft Excel
Software
Spreadsheet for engineering calculations and project data management.