Technology

Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science

The Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science is a four-year undergraduate programme that provides comprehensive training in applied computer science, software development, and practical computing for Kenya's digital economy.

Students develop expertise in applied computer science, software development, and practical computing.

The programme builds skills in computer programming, software development, web development, mobile development, software engineering, database systems, data structures, algorithms, computer networks, network programming, distributed systems, cloud computing, web services, API development, software testing, quality assurance, software project management, agile development, DevOps, continuous integration, continuous deployment, cybersecurity, information security, network security, software security, human-computer interaction, user experience design, software architecture, system design, software deployment, software maintenance, software documentation, software research, research methods, data collection, monitoring and evaluation, M and E, and a research project.

Graduates apply these skills to work as software developers, web developers, mobile developers, and software engineers across the Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy, Communication Authority of Kenya, CAK, Kenya ICT Authority, county governments, IT companies, software companies, banks, insurance companies, telecommunications companies, universities, and as independent software development consultants in Kenya where the digital economy is growing, software development is critical, technology adoption is accelerating, Communication Authority of Kenya, CAK, regulates ICT, the Kenya Information and Communications Act, KICA, governs ICT, the National ICT Policy guides digital development, software companies are expanding, and the need for qualified applied computer science professionals creates demand for experts who can develop software, build applications, support digital transformation, and enhance Kenya's software development capabilities.

Students examine how applied computer science theory, Kenya's applied computer science landscape including the Ministry of ICT, CAK, software companies, Kenya Information and Communications Act, and software development, the regulatory framework including the KICA, Data Protection Act, copyright law, and professional ethics, the growing emphasis on software engineering, cloud computing, DevOps, and software innovation, and the challenges of technology adoption, skills gap, software quality, and capacity building shape applied computer science practice.

The programme combines coursework, computer science laboratory practicals, fieldwork, attachments, seminars, and a research project.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 306,000
Private, up to: Ksh 240,850
Job market: High

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 6 months
Average class: 50 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Computer Programming and Software Development
Web Development and Mobile Development
Software Engineering and Software Architecture
Database Systems and Data Structures
Computer Networks and Network Programming
Cloud Computing and Web Services
DevOps and Continuous Integration
Cybersecurity and Software Security
Software Testing and Quality Assurance
Research Methods and Applied Computer Science Research

Modules

12 in the programme

Computer Programming and Software Development
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Computer programming, software development, programming languages, and supporting programming.
Programming and Algorithms
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Programming fundamentals, control structures and algorithms. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment t...
Web Development and Mobile Development
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Web development, mobile development, front-end development, and supporting web development.
Software Engineering
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Software development lifecycle, design, testing and Agile. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tes...
Database Systems and Data Structures
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Database Systems and Data Structures: Database systems, data structures, algorithms, and supporting database systems. Covers data modelling, query optimisation, storage structures, and information ...
Computer Networks and Network Programming
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Computer networks, network programming, distributed systems, and supporting computer networks.
Cloud Computing and Web Services
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Cloud Computing and Web Services: Cloud computing, web services, API development, and supporting cloud computing. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Operating Systems
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
OS concepts, process management, memory and file systems. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment test...
DevOps and Continuous Integration
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
DevOps and Continuous Integration: DevOps, continuous integration, continuous deployment, and supporting DevOps. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Software Testing and Quality Assurance
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Software testing, quality assurance, test automation, and supporting software testing.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: AI/ML fundamentals, data-driven decision making and applications Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Final Year Research Project
Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore
Independent software or research project. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework an...

Specialisations

Web Development and Full Stack Development
Specialises in web development, full stack development, front-end development, and back-end development.
Software Development and Software Engineering
Focuses on software development, software engineering, software architecture, and system design. 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.
DevOps and Cloud Computing
Focuses on DevOps, cloud computing, continuous integration, and cloud infrastructure. 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.
Mobile Development and Mobile App Development
Concentrates on mobile development, Android development, iOS development, and mobile app development.
Information Systems
Specialization in Information Systems, preparing graduates for careers such as systems-analyst. 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.
Web and Mobile Development
Specialization in Web and Mobile Development, preparing graduates for careers such as web-developer.
Networking
Specialization in Networking, preparing graduates for careers such as network-administrator. 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.
Data Analytics
Specialization in Data Analytics, preparing graduates for careers such as data-analyst. 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.
Software Development
Specialization in Software Development, preparing graduates for careers such as software-developer. 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.
Database Management
Specialization in Database Management, preparing graduates for careers such as database-administrator.

A day as a student

A typical day starts with morning lectures on programming, software development, or web development, followed by computer science laboratory practicals, fieldwork, or industry visits. Students develop software, build web applications, create mobile apps, work with cloud platforms, and work on their research project. Software development attachments at IT companies, software companies, and banks provide hands-on experience.

The trade offs

In its favour

High demand for IT and software professionals in Kenya
Diverse career paths and remote work opportunities
Practical and project-based training
Opportunities for entrepreneurship and freelancing

Against it

Technology changes rapidly, requiring continuous learning
Some roles require long hours during project deadlines
Requires access to computers and internet
Competition is high for top roles

What it costs

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

What it costs, and where

Against 191 technology courses

Public265k to 306k

265k at University of Nairobi306k at Kenyatta University

Private189k to 241k

189k at Kabarak University241k at Daystar 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 306K/yr, UoN 264.5K/yr (KUCCPS/official). Kabarak 188.7K/yr, Daystar 240.9K/yr (KUCCPS).

Students can access HELB undergraduate loans and KUCCPS placement. County bursaries, software industry sponsorships, and international computer science scholarships are available.

Funding options

HELB Undergraduate Loan
KUCCPS Placement
County Government Bursaries

Scholarships

5 recorded

Huawei Seeds for the Future Kenya
Scholarship
Talented ICT/STEM university students with a GPA of 3.0+
Generation Google Scholarship
Scholarship
Women in computer science and related technical fields
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKsh 50,000Kenyan
Students from specific counties. Varies by county.
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan citizens pursuing undergraduate studies at accredited universities.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
PlacementKsh 0Kenyan
Kenyan students placed to public universities through KUCCPS receive government-subsidised tuition.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+
Alternative entry: Diploma in Computer Science, Information Technology, Software Development, or related fields from recognised institutions may be considered for upgrading. Relevant programming or software development experience is advantageous.

Mathematics
C+
Physics or Computer Studies
C+
English or Kiswahili
C
Chemistry or Biology
C

How you are assessed

5 components

End of Semester Written Examinations
Exam30% of the mark
Written examinations covering computer science, software engineering, algorithms, and applied computer science research.
Continuous Assessment Tests and Assignments
Cat20% of the mark
Assignments, tests, presentations, case studies, and software projects throughout each semester.
Industry Attachment Assessment
Clinical10% of the mark
Assessment of industry attachments including software development work, programming work, documentation, and supervision evaluation.
Research Project
Research10% of the mark
Independent applied computer science research project, assessed through written report and presentation.
Applied Computer Science Practical Examinations
Practicum30% of the mark
Assessment of applied computer science competencies including programming, software development, web development, and software engineering.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Certified by Communication Authority of Kenya (CAK) for ICT professionals. The Kenya Information and Communications Act governs ICT. The National ICT Policy guides digital development. Data Protection Act governs data protection.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
InstitutionalRequired
Commission for University Education
NationalRequired
CUE accredits all university programmes in Kenya.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

8 roles

Web Developer / Full Stack Developer
High demandKsh 65,000 to Ksh 170,000
Develops web applications, front-end development, back-end development, and supports web development at software companies, IT companies, or digital businesses.
Software QA Engineer / Software Tester
High demandKsh 65,000 to Ksh 160,000
Conducts software testing, quality assurance, test automation, and supports software quality at software companies, IT companies, or banks.
Software Developer / Software Engineer
High demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 180,000
Develops software, web applications, mobile applications, and supports software development at software companies, IT companies, or banks.
Mobile Developer / Mobile App Developer
High demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 170,000
Develops mobile applications, Android apps, iOS apps, and supports mobile development at software companies, IT companies, or telecommunications companies.
DevOps Engineer / Cloud Engineer
High demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 190,000
Manages DevOps, cloud infrastructure, continuous integration, and supports software deployment at software companies, IT companies, or cloud providers.
Software Developer
High demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 300,000
Designs and builds software applications
Database Administrator
High demandKsh 75,000 to Ksh 260,000
Manages databases and data systems
Network Administrator
High demandKsh 65,000 to Ksh 230,000
Manages computer networks and security

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as software developers and web developers. Applied computer science is in high demand driven by digital economy growth. Salaries range from KES 70,000 to 180,000 per month. Ministry of ICT, CAK, software companies, and IT companies offer the main opportunities.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Git
CodePrimary
GitHub Copilot
Ai
PostgreSQL
Database
VS Code
Code
Figma
DesignPrimary
Adobe Creative Suite
DesignPrimary
Unity
Game engine
Visual Studio Code
Ide
Microsoft Excel
SoftwarePrimary
Spreadsheet for analytical data management, quality control charts and statistical analysis.
Docker
Cloud
Python
CodePrimary

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Applied computer science is just about coding.
Applied computer science includes software engineering, software architecture, system design, DevOps, cloud computing, and software testing — coding is one component.
Applied computer science is only for IT companies.
Applied computer science applies to banks, insurance companies, telecommunications, healthcare, education, government, and many other industries beyond IT companies.
There are limited career opportunities for applied computer science graduates in Kenya.
Kenya's digital economy growth, software development needs, technology adoption, and digital transformation create demand for applied computer science professionals at software companies, IT companies, and government agencies.
This programme has limited career opportunities.
Graduates pursue diverse career paths across multiple sectors in Kenya and internationally.