Education

Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sport Science

The Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sport Science is a four-year degree programme that combines exercise physiology with sports science. The programme prepares graduates to apply scientific principles to athletic performance, fitness, and rehabilitation.

The curriculum covers exercise physiology, sports psychology, biomechanics, sports nutrition, motor learning, sports medicine, fitness assessment, strength and conditioning, sports management, research methods, anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, sports injuries, rehabilitation, public health, and sports coaching.

Teaching combines lectures, laboratory practicals, field testing, practicum placements, industrial attachment, and a research project. Students develop skills in fitness assessment, exercise prescription, sports performance analysis, and injury rehabilitation. The programme emphasises evidence-based practice in exercise and sport science.

Graduates pursue careers as sports scientists, fitness trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, sports coaches, exercise physiologists, wellness coordinators, and sports administrators. Opportunities exist in sports academies, fitness centres, schools, sports ministries, national sports federations, rehabilitation centres, and corporate wellness programmes.

The programme is offered at Kenyatta University, a public university in Nairobi County. Admission requires a KCSE mean grade of C+ with C+ in at least one of Biology, Mathematics, Chemistry, or Physics. 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 244,800 at Kenyatta University based on KUCCPS data. HELB loans and government bursaries are available for eligible students.Key SubjectsCalculus and Linear AlgebraOrganic ChemistryCell BiologyClassical MechanicsStatistical MethodsAnalytical ChemistryMicrobiologyQuantum PhysicsEcologyResearch MethodsSpecializationsGeneral 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 288,000
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

Calculus and Linear Algebra
Organic Chemistry
Cell Biology
Classical Mechanics
Statistical Methods
Analytical Chemistry
Microbiology
Quantum Physics
Ecology
Research Methods

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 science lectures, conducting laboratory experiments, analysing experimental data, writing lab reports, attending field trips, and studying for practical examinations.

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 243 education courses

Public245k to 288k

245k at Kenyatta University288k 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

KU 244,800/yr (educationnewshub KUCCPS). UoN 288,000/yr (uonbi.ac.ke). Private unverified.

Government scholarships cover up to 53% of tuition for needy students. HELB provides loans up to Ksh 60,000. DAAD and DAAD-IKEN offer scholarships for STEM 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
DAAD Scholarship
Scholarship
Undergraduate students in STEM fields

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). Scientific programmes are regulated under NACOSTI guidelines for research activities.

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 laboratory technologists, research assistants, quality control officers, data analysts, and science teachers in Kenya's scientific and industrial sectors.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

SPSS
SoftwarePrimary
Statistical analysis software for sports science research data.
Microsoft Excel
SoftwarePrimary
Spreadsheet for fitness data analysis and athlete performance tracking.
Kinovea
Software
Video analysis software for sports biomechanics and movement assessment.
Microsoft PowerPoint
Software
Presentation software for coaching sessions and sports science lectures.
R
Software
Programming language for statistical computing in exercise science research.