Technology

Bachelor of Science in Applied Computing

The Bachelor of Science in Applied Computing is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in in applied computing. The programme falls under the ICT & Computing category and typically spans 4 years of full-time study at accredited Kenyan universities.

The curriculum covers Programming and Software Development, Database Systems and Database Administration, Computer Networks and Network Administration, Web Development and Information Systems, Information Security and Systems Administration, Operating Systems and Systems Programming. Students engage with both theoretical foundations and practical applications, developing competencies in Advanced Machine Learning, AI Ethics, AI Ethics and Governance, Algorithms, Business Administration. The coursework is designed to build progressive understanding from foundational concepts to advanced topics.

Throughout the programme, students study Programming and Software Development, Database Systems and Database Administration, Data Structures and Algorithms, Computer Architecture and Hardware, Software Engineering and Project Management. The teaching approach combines lectures, laboratory practicals, tutorials, assignments and independent research projects. This blend ensures graduates can apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems in their field.

The programme offers specialisations in Software Development and Systems Analysis, Network Administration and Network Security, Information Security and Cybersecurity. Students can focus their studies on areas of particular interest, allowing them to tailor their degree to specific career goals. The flexibility enables graduates to pursue diverse professional paths within the sector.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Applied Computing pursue careers as Software Developer / Systems Analyst, Database Administrator / Data Analyst, Information Systems Manager / IT Manager, IT Consultant / Systems Administrator. They find employment in various sectors including government agencies, private companies, research institutions, non-governmental organisations and academic institutions. The degree opens doors to both local and international opportunities.

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and offered at recognised universities across Kenya. Students benefit from industry attachments, fieldwork and practical training that complement classroom learning and enhance employability upon graduation.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 306,000
Private, up to: Ksh 182,320
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

Programming and Software Development
Database Systems and Database Administration
Computer Networks and Network Administration
Web Development and Information Systems
Information Security and Systems Administration
Operating Systems and Systems Programming
Software Engineering and Project Management
Data Structures and Algorithms
Computer Architecture and Hardware
Research Methods and Applied Computing Research

Modules

10 in the programme

Programming and Software Development
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Programming, software development, programming languages, and supporting programming.
Database Systems and Database Administration
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Database systems, database administration, SQL, and supporting database systems.
Computer Networks and Network Administration
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Computer networks, network administration, network security, and supporting computer networks.
Web Development and Information Systems
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Web development, information systems, web applications, and supporting web development.
Information Security and Systems Administration
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Information security, systems administration, cybersecurity, and supporting information security.
Operating Systems and Systems Programming
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Operating systems, systems programming, system administration, and supporting operating systems.
Software Engineering and Project Management
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Software engineering, project management, software development lifecycle, and supporting software engineering.
Data Structures and Algorithms
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Data Structures and Algorithms: Data structures, algorithms, algorithm design, and supporting data structures. Covers data modelling, query optimisation, storage structures, and information retrieval.
Computer Architecture and Hardware
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Computer architecture, hardware, computer organisation, and supporting computer architecture.
Research Methods, Applied Computing Research and Project
Year 4Semester 16 creditsCore
Research methods, data collection, monitoring and evaluation, M and E, applied computing research, research project, and supporting research methods and project work.

Specialisations

Software Development and Systems Analysis
Focuses on software development, systems analysis, software engineering, and information systems. 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.
Network Administration and Network Security
Concentrates on network administration, network security, network engineering, and computer networks.
Information Security and Cybersecurity
Focuses on information security, cybersecurity, systems security, and IT security. 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.
Systems Administration and IT Management
Focuses on systems administration, IT management, IT operations, and technology 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.
Database Administration and Data Management
Specialises in database administration, data management, data analysis, and database systems. 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 starts with morning lectures on programming, database systems, or computer networks, followed by laboratory practicals, fieldwork, or industry visits. Students develop software, configure networks, manage databases, work with IT systems, and work on their software projects. Industrial attachments at IT companies, banks, and government agencies provide hands-on experience.

The trade offs

In its favour

High demand — digital economy growth, technology adoption, and digital transformation create strong demand for applied computing professionals.
Diverse settings — graduates work at software companies, IT companies, banks, telecommunications, government agencies, and various industries.
Practical skills — applied computing focuses on practical, hands-on skills that are directly applicable in the workplace.

Against it

Technology changes — applied computing faces rapid technology changes, continuous learning requirements, and skills obsolescence.
Work pressure — IT work involves tight deadlines, system downtime pressure, and high pressure during technology implementations.
Skills gap — applied computing requires continuous learning, technology updates, and skills development.

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

Private111k to 182k

111k at Mount Kenya University182k at KCA 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). KCA 182.3K/yr (fee structure), MKU 111K/yr.

Students can access HELB undergraduate loans, Universities Fund government scholarships, county government bursaries and ICT industry sponsorships.

Funding options

HELB Undergraduate Loan
Universities Fund Government Scholarship
County Government Bursaries

Scholarships

4 recorded

County Government Bursaries
GrantKsh 50,000Kenyan
Students from specific counties. Criteria vary by county.
ICT Industry Sponsorships
SponsorshipKsh 150,000Kenyan
Technology companies may sponsor applied computing students in exchange for service commitment.
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to accredited universities. Means-tested based on family income.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
GrantKsh 200,000Kenyan
Government-sponsored (KUCCPS) students in public universities. Awarded through the Higher Education Funding Model.

Getting in

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

What you need

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

How you are assessed

5 components

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

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at KCA University.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
NationalRequired
CUE accredits all university programmes in Kenya. This programme must be offered by a CUE-accredited university.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

Software Developer / Systems Analyst
High demandKsh 65,000 to Ksh 170,000
Develops software, analyzes systems, implements information systems, and supports software development at software companies, IT companies, or banks.
Database Administrator / Data Analyst
High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 160,000
Manages databases, database administration, data analysis, and supports data management at banks, IT companies, or government agencies.
Information Systems Manager / IT Manager
High demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 180,000
Manages information systems, IT operations, technology strategy, and supports IT management at banks, government agencies, or large corporations.
IT Consultant / Systems Administrator
High demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 170,000
Provides IT consulting, systems administration, IT support, and supports technology implementation at consulting firms, IT companies, or government agencies.
Network Administrator / Network Engineer
High demandKsh 65,000 to Ksh 160,000
Administers networks, network configuration, network security, and supports network infrastructure at telecommunications companies, IT companies, or government agencies.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as software developers and systems analysts. Applied computing is in high demand driven by digital economy growth. Salaries range from KES 65,000 to 170,000 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
Python
CodePrimary
VS Code
Code
Docker
Cloud
GitHub Copilot
Ai
PostgreSQL
Database

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Applied Computing is just about coding.
The programme covers databases, networks, security, operating systems, cloud computing and IT project management in addition to programming.
Graduates only work as programmers.
Graduates work as software developers, database administrators, network administrators, systems analysts and IT consultants.
Applied Computing is the same as Computer Science.
Applied Computing focuses on practical application of computing skills, while Computer Science is more theoretical and algorithm-focused.
The programme is only available at public universities.
The programme is offered at KCA University, a private university, through KUCCPS placement.