Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Science in Aviation Security

The Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Science in Aviation Security is a programme that prepares students for careers in aviation security management, threat assessment and airport security operations. Offered at Moi University through the School of Aerospace Sciences, the programme equips graduates with specialised knowledge and skills for protecting aviation infrastructure, passengers and cargo from security threats.

The curriculum covers aviation security principles, threat assessment and risk management, security screening technologies, access control systems, airport security operations, aviation law and regulation, crisis management, security management systems, counter-terrorism, cargo security, cybersecurity in aviation, emergency response and international aviation security standards. Students develop both security management skills and aviation industry knowledge.

Kenya's aviation sector faces evolving security challenges, with airports and airlines requiring trained security professionals to maintain compliance with international aviation security standards. The programme responds to the demand for qualified aviation security personnel who can implement ICAO security protocols and manage security operations at airports and airlines.

The programme is delivered through lectures, practical security exercises, case studies, field visits to airports for security observation, industrial attachment and a research project. Students gain exposure to real airport security operations through attachments at airports, airlines and aviation security agencies.

Graduates pursue careers as aviation security officers, airport security managers, security screeners supervisors, threat assessment analysts, security consultants and compliance officers in airports, airlines, aviation authorities and security consulting firms. They can also pursue postgraduate study in security management or aviation management.

Prospective students should have strong analytical skills, attention to detail, an interest in security and law enforcement, and a commitment to maintaining safety in the aviation industry. The programme is suitable for students who want to combine security expertise with specialised aviation industry knowledge.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 183,600
Job market: Moderate

The programme

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

Practicalities

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

What you study

10 subjects

Aviation Security Principles
Threat Assessment and Risk Management
Security Screening Technologies
Airport Security Operations
Aviation Law and Regulation
Crisis Management
Security Management Systems
Counter-Terrorism in Aviation
Cargo Security
Emergency Response

Modules

11 in the programme

Introduction to Aviation and Aerospace
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduces the aviation industry, covering its structure, regulatory framework, key stakeholders and the role of aviation security in the global air transport system.
Principles of Security Management
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers fundamental security management concepts including risk assessment, security planning, physical security, personnel security and information security principles.
Aviation Law and Regulation
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines international and Kenyan aviation law including the Chicago Convention, ICAO Annex 17, KCAA regulations and air transport security agreements.
Threat Assessment and Risk Management
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers threat identification, risk analysis methodologies, vulnerability assessment and risk mitigation strategies applied to aviation security contexts.
Security Screening Technologies
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines security screening equipment and technologies including X-ray machines, metal detectors, explosive detection systems and biometric identification systems.
Airport Security Operations
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers airport security operations including access control, perimeter security, passenger screening, baggage screening and security checkpoint management.
Crisis Management and Emergency Response
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines crisis management principles applied to aviation security incidents, covering emergency response planning, incident command systems and post-incident recovery.
Counter-Terrorism in Aviation
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers counter-terrorism strategies for aviation, including threat intelligence, hijacking response, explosive threat mitigation and behavioural analysis.
Security Management Systems (SeMS)
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines security management systems frameworks for aviation organisations, covering policy development, risk management, performance measurement and continuous improvement.
Strategic Aviation Security Management
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines strategic security management in aviation organisations, covering security strategy formulation, resource allocation, compliance management and international cooperation.
Research Project in Aviation Security
Year 4Semester 26 creditsCore
An independent research project on an aviation security topic, demonstrating the student's ability to investigate security issues and present findings in a written dissertation.

Specialisations

Airport Security Operations
Focuses on operational security at airports including screening, access control, perimeter security and checkpoint management.
Aviation Security Policy and Compliance
Specialises in security policy development, regulatory compliance and audit management for aviation organisations.
Threat Intelligence and Risk Assessment
Focuses on threat analysis, intelligence gathering, risk assessment and mitigation strategy development for aviation security.
Cargo and Supply Chain Security
Specialises in securing air cargo operations, supply chain security and dangerous goods screening.

A day as a student

A typical day begins with a morning lecture on aviation security principles or threat assessment, followed by a practical session on security screening procedures or access control systems. Afternoon sessions may include case studies on security incidents, group projects on security management systems or a guest lecture from an aviation security professional working at JKIA or KAA. Students also visit airports for security operations observation.

The trade offs

In its favour

Aviation security is a specialised field with growing demand as airports and airlines strengthen security measures against evolving threats.
The programme provides unique skills combining security management with aviation industry knowledge, differentiating graduates from general security professionals.
Kenya's status as a regional aviation hub creates opportunities at major airports including JKIA, Moi International Airport and Eldoret International Airport.

Against it

The programme is offered at only one university in Kenya, limiting study location options.
Aviation security careers may involve shift work, irregular hours and high-stress situations during security incidents.

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

Public184k to 184k

184k at Moi University184k at Moi 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

Moi Univ only; est. Ksh 183,600/yr based on related Civil Aviation Mgmt fee. Not in KUCCPS.

Students can access HELB loans. Self-sponsored students may inquire about internal bursaries from Moi University.

Funding options

HELB Loan

Scholarships

1 recorded

HELB Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan undergraduate students enrolled in accredited programmes at recognised universities

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+
Alternative entry: KACE with two Principals and one Subsidiary, with two principal subjects in Mathematics, Physics or Geography/Chemistry.

Mathematics
C+
English
C+
Geography or Chemistry
C+

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment Tests
Written examination30% of the mark
Mid-semester and end-of-semester written tests covering aviation and security course content.
Practical Security Exercises
Practicum40% of the mark
Practical exercises involving security screening procedures, threat assessment scenarios and security plan development.
Industrial Attachment Report
Practicum100% of the mark
Assessment of performance during industrial attachment at an airport, airline or aviation security agency.
Research Project
Project100% of the mark
A final-year research project on an aviation security topic, assessed through a written dissertation and oral presentation.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at Moi University's School of Aerospace Sciences, established in 2009.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at Moi University's School of Aerospace Sciences, established in 2009.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

Aviation Security Officer
Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 150,000
Implements security procedures at airports including passenger screening, baggage inspection, access control and security patrol operations.
Airport Security Manager
Low demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 250,000
Manages security operations at airports, overseeing security staff, implementing security policies and ensuring compliance with aviation security regulations.
Threat Assessment Analyst
Low demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 200,000
Analyses security threats to aviation operations, conducting risk assessments, developing threat profiles and recommending mitigation strategies.
Security Compliance Officer
Moderate demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 180,000
Ensures aviation organisations comply with national and international security regulations, conducting audits and developing compliance programmes.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as aviation security officers, airport security managers and threat assessment analysts in airports, airlines and aviation authorities across Kenya.

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Aviation security is the same as general security.
The programme covers aviation-specific security including ICAO Annex 17 standards, airport access control, cargo security and counter-terrorism measures unique to the aviation industry.
Aviation security graduates only work as security guards.
Graduates work as security managers, threat analysts, compliance officers and consultants, with responsibilities spanning policy development, risk assessment and security system design.
Aviation security does not require knowledge of law.
The programme covers extensive aviation law and regulation, including international conventions, KCAA regulations and ICAO security standards that govern aviation security practice.
The programme is only for those interested in law enforcement.
Graduates work in diverse roles including security management, policy development, consulting, training and compliance in airports, airlines, government agencies and private security firms.