Technology

Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics and Computer Science

The Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics and Computer Science is an interdisciplinary degree programme that combines applied physics with computer science to prepare graduates for careers at the intersection of physical sciences and computing. The programme is offered at Multimedia University of Kenya, equipping graduates with skills in both physics principles and computational methods.

The curriculum covers classical mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, programming, data structures and algorithms, database systems, computer networks, computational physics, electronics, instrumentation, operating systems, software engineering and research methods. Students develop competencies in both physical sciences and computing.

Throughout the programme, students engage in lectures, laboratory practicals, programming projects, computational simulations, industrial attachment and research projects. The practical approach ensures graduates can apply physics principles using computational tools, develop scientific software and solve complex problems requiring both physics knowledge and programming skills.

The programme emphasises the growing intersection of physics and computing, recognising that modern scientific research, engineering and technology development require professionals who understand both physical phenomena and computational methods. Students learn about computational modelling, scientific computing, data analysis and the application of computer science to physics problems.

Graduates are equipped to work in research institutions, technology companies, telecommunications firms, manufacturing companies, government agencies, energy companies and academic institutions. They contribute to scientific software development, computational modelling, data analysis, instrumentation systems and technology innovation.

Career opportunities exist in research institutions, technology companies, telecommunications firms, manufacturing companies, government agencies and academic institutions. Graduates work as computational physicists, software developers, data analysts, systems analysts and research scientists across sectors requiring interdisciplinary physics and computing expertise.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 306,000
Private, up to: Ksh 188,700
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

Classical Mechanics
Electromagnetism
Quantum Mechanics
Programming
Data Structures and Algorithms
Database Systems
Computer Networks
Computational Physics
Electronics and Instrumentation
Research Methods

Modules

10 in the programme

Cell Biology and Genetics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Cell structure, function, division, DNA replication, gene expression, and inheritance.
General Chemistry
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Atomic structure, bonding, stoichiometry, states of matter, and chemical reactions.
Mathematics for Sciences
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Mathematics for Sciences: Calculus, algebra, trigonometry, and statistical methods for science students. Covers theoretical foundations, problem-solving techniques, and practical applications.
Physics for Sciences
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Mechanics, waves, electricity, optics, and modern physics for science programmes.
Microbiology
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Microbial structure, metabolism, genetics, cultivation, and applied microbiology.
Research Methods and Statistics
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Research Methods and Statistics: Scientific research methodology, experimental design, and statistical analysis. Covers quantitative and qualitative approaches, data collection, analysis, and repor...
Laboratory Techniques and Safety
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Laboratory Techniques and Safety: Laboratory procedures, instrumentation, safety protocols, and quality control. Covers safety regulations, risk assessment, and workplace hazard management.
Environmental Science
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Environmental Science: Ecosystems, biodiversity, environmental pollution, and conservation. Covers ecosystem dynamics, conservation principles, and environmental management practices.
Industrial Attachment
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Industrial Attachment: Supervised attachment at research institutions, laboratories, or industry. Provides hands-on industry experience, mentorship, and professional skills development.
Research Project
Year 4Semester 16 creditsCore
Research Project: Independent research project culminating in a defended report. Involves independent research, data analysis, and scholarly writing under supervision.

Specialisations

Computational Physics
Focus on numerical methods, computational modelling and simulation of physical 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.
Scientific Computing
Specialisation in scientific software development, data analysis and high-performance computing. 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.
Electronics and Instrumentation
Concentration on electronic instrument design, sensor systems and measurement techniques. 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
Focus on software engineering, application development and programming for scientific applications. 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 Science and Analytics
Specialisation in data analysis, machine learning and statistical computing for scientific data. 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 lectures on quantum mechanics and data structures, conducting physics laboratory experiments, writing Python code for computational physics simulations and working on software development projects.

The trade offs

In its favour

Unique interdisciplinary programme combining physics and computing, opening diverse career paths.
High demand for graduates with both physics knowledge and programming skills.
Strong foundation for postgraduate study in physics, computer science or data science.

Against it

Only offered at one university in Kenya, limiting institution choice.
Heavy workload due to the interdisciplinary nature of the programme.

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

Public261k to 306k

261k at University of Nairobi306k at Kenyatta University

Private189k to 189k

189k at Kabarak University189k at Kabarak 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 260.9K/yr (KUCCPS). Kabarak 188.7K/yr. Strathmore unverified for physics+CS.

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

Funding options

HELB Undergraduate Loan
Universities Fund Government Scholarship
County Government Bursaries

Scholarships

5 recorded

County Government Bursaries
GrantKsh 50,000Kenyan
Students from specific counties. Criteria vary by county.
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.
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

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+ (Plus) mean grade at KCSE
Alternative entry: A-level with two principal passes in relevant subjects, or a relevant Diploma from an institution recognised by the University Senate.

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment Tests and Practicals
Coursework30% of the mark
Written tests, programming assignments, laboratory practical assessments and project submissions throughout the semester.
End of Semester Examinations
Examination50% of the mark
Comprehensive written and practical examinations covering physics theory and computer science concepts.
Industrial Attachment Report
Practicum10% of the mark
Supervised attachment with a technology company, research institution or telecommunications firm, assessed through logbook and written report.
Research Project
Project10% of the mark
Independent research project combining physics and computing, including software development or computational simulation and written report.

Accreditation

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

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

Computational Physicist
Moderate demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 130,000
Develops computational models and simulations for physical systems in research institutions or technology companies.
Software Developer
Very high demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 150,000
Develops software applications, scientific computing tools and data analysis pipelines for organisations.
Data Analyst
High demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 120,000
Applies computational and statistical skills to analyse scientific and business data in research or industry.
Systems Analyst
Moderate demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 125,000
Designs and implements IT systems, combining physics knowledge with computing skills for technology solutions.
Research Scientist
Moderate demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 120,000
Conducts scientific research at research institutions, applying both physics principles and computational methods.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as computational physicists, software developers, data analysts, systems analysts and research scientists in research institutions, technology companies and telecommunications firms.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Python
Programming languagePrimary
Programming language for computational physics, scientific computing and data analysis.
MATLAB
SoftwarePrimary
Numerical computing environment for physics simulations and data analysis.
C++
Programming language
Programming language for high-performance computing and scientific simulations.
Java
Programming language
Object-oriented programming language for software development.
MySQL
Software
Relational database management system for data storage and retrieval.
Git
Software
Version control system for collaborative software development.

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Applied Physics and Computer Science is just a Physics degree with some coding.
The programme is a genuine interdisciplinary degree with substantial computing components including programming, databases, networks and software engineering.
Graduates only work as physics teachers.
Graduates work as software developers, computational physicists, data analysts, systems analysts and research scientists in technology and research sectors.
The programme does not prepare students for IT careers.
The computing components of the programme prepare graduates for roles in software development, data analysis and systems administration.
Applied Physics and Computer Science is the same as Computer Science.
The programme combines physics and computing, providing unique interdisciplinary skills that pure Computer Science programmes do not offer.