Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics
The Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics is a programme that provides comprehensive training in mathematical methods and their applications to real-world problems. Offered at the University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, JKUAT, Maseno University, Moi University and other institutions, the programme prepares graduates for careers in data analysis, modelling and quantitative fields.
The curriculum covers calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, numerical analysis, probability and statistics, optimisation, mathematical modelling, discrete mathematics, operations research, financial mathematics, computational mathematics, programming, research methods and a research project. Students develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Kenya's data-driven economy, the growth of fintech and the demand for quantitative professionals create demand for applied mathematics graduates. The programme is offered through lectures, computational sessions, problem-solving workshops and research projects.
Graduates are prepared for careers as data analysts, quantitative analysts, operations research analysts, statisticians, financial analysts, software developers, actuaries, research scientists, teachers and consultants. They work in banks, insurance companies, tech companies, research institutions, government, consulting firms and academia.
The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Admission requires KCSE mean grade C+ with B- in Mathematics and C+ in Physics or Chemistry. KUCCPS Cluster 4.
Prospective students should have strong analytical skills, a commitment to continuous learning, and an interest in contributing to Kenya's socio-economic development. The programme provides a solid foundation for further postgraduate study and professional advancement in related fields.
- Duration
- 4 years
- Public, up to
- Ksh 306,000
- Private, up to
- Ksh 191,700
- Job market
- High
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Practicalities
- Study mode
- Full-time
- Attachment
- 3 months
- Average class
- 40 students
- Award
- Bachelor
What you study
10 subjects- Calculus
- Linear Algebra
- Differential Equations
- Numerical Analysis
- Probability and Statistics
- Optimisation
- Mathematical Modelling
- Discrete Mathematics
- Operations Research
- Financial Mathematics
Modules
10 in the programmeCalculus
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Differential and integral calculus. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-...
Linear Algebra
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Vector spaces and matrices. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semes...
Differential Equations
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
ODEs and PDEs. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester examinati...
Numerical Analysis
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Computational methods. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester e...
Probability and Statistics
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Statistical methods. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester exa...
Optimisation
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Optimisation techniques. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester...
Mathematical Modelling
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Modelling real-world problems. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-se...
Operations Research
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Decision analysis. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester exami...
Financial Mathematics
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Mathematics of finance. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester ...
Research Project
Year 4Semester 16 creditsCore
Final year research project. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-seme...
Specialisations
Computational Mathematics
Numerical methods. 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.
Financial Mathematics
Mathematics of finance. 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.
Operations Research
Optimisation. 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.
Statistics
Statistical analysis. 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 mathematics lectures, solving differential equations, working on mathematical models, programming computational solutions, studying probability and statistics, working on optimisation problems, and researching applications of mathematics.
The trade offs
In its favour
- High demand in data-driven industries
- Versatile degree with applications across sectors
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
Against it
- Mathematically demanding programme
- May require programming skills for data roles
- Some career paths may require postgraduate study
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 243 science coursesAnnual 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 260.9K/yr (KUCCPS). Kabarak 191.7K/yr. Strathmore doesn't offer applied math.
HELB loans and government scholarships under the new funding model are available for eligible students.
Funding options
HELB Loan
County Bursaries
Government Scholarship (New Funding Model)
Scholarships
3 recordedHigher Education Fund (HEF)
ScholarshipKsh 200,000Kenyan
KUCCPS-placed students
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKsh 30,000Kenyan
Kenyan students from participating counties
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan undergraduate students
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
- KCSE mean grade
- C+
- Alternative entry
- KCSE mean grade C+ with B- in Mathematics and C+ in Physics or Chemistry. Diploma in mathematics, statistics or related field from a recognised institution. KUCCPS Cluster 4.
Mathematics
B-
Physics or Chemistry
C+
English or Kiswahili
C+
How you are assessed
4 componentsEnd of Semester Examinations
Written examination60% of the mark
End of semester written exams
Computational Practicals
Practicum5% of the mark
Programming and computational sessions
Continuous Assessment Tests
Cat30% of the mark
Regular tests and assignments
Research Project
Project5% of the mark
Final year research project
Accreditation
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Offered at multiple public and private universities. Admission requires KCSE mean grade C+ with B- in Mathematics and C+ in Physics or Chemistry. KUCCPS Cluster 4.
Accredited by
Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Statutory body responsible for accreditation of university programmes in Kenya
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
5 rolesOperations Research Analyst
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 380,000
Optimisation and decision analysis
Research Scientist
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 350,000
Mathematical research
Data Analyst
High demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 350,000
Data analysis and modelling
Statistician
High demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 320,000
Statistical analysis
Quantitative Analyst
High demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 450,000
Financial modelling
Graduate outcomes
Graduates pursue careers as data analysts, quantitative analysts and operations research analysts in banks, insurance companies, tech companies and research institutions.
Where these fields lead
8 careersTools you will learn
MATLAB
ComputationalPrimary
Numerical computing and mathematical modeling
Python
ProgrammingPrimary
Scientific computing with NumPy and SciPy
Mathematica
Computational
Symbolic computation and mathematical visualization
R
Statistical computing
Statistical computing and data analysis
LaTeX
Document preparation
Mathematical document typesetting
Microsoft Excel
Spreadsheet
Data analysis and calculations
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Mathematics is only for teaching.
Applied mathematics graduates work in finance, data science, technology, research and consulting.
There are no jobs for mathematics graduates.
Data-driven industries create strong demand for quantitative professionals.
Applied mathematics is too abstract.
The programme focuses on practical applications to real-world problems.
Mathematics is only for geniuses.
Success in mathematics requires practice and persistence, not just talent.
Related courses
Further reading
Fees and entry marks for Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics are restated every intake. Save it and the app keeps this version, so you can see what changed when it does.