Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies

The Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in in architectural studies. The programme falls under the Engineering & Technology category and typically spans 6 years of full-time study at accredited Kenyan universities.

The curriculum covers Architectural Design, Building Construction, Structures, Environmental Control Systems, History of Architecture, Urban Planning. Students engage with both theoretical foundations and practical applications, developing competencies in 3D Modelling, Architectural Design, Building Construction, Building Materials, Computer-aided design. The coursework is designed to build progressive understanding from foundational concepts to advanced topics.

Throughout the programme, students study Architectural Design Studio I, Building Construction I, History of Architecture, Engineering Mathematics, Computer-Aided Design. 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 Sustainable Architecture, Urban Design and Planning, Interior Architecture. 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 Architectural Studies pursue careers as Architectural Assistant, Building Design Technician, CAD Specialist, Project Coordinator. 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: 6 years
Public, up to: Ksh 409,000
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: 40 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Architectural Design
Building Construction
Structures
Environmental Control Systems
History of Architecture
Urban Planning
Computer-Aided Design
Building Materials
Surveying
Professional Practice

Modules

12 in the programme

Architectural Design Studio I
Year 1Semester 16 creditsCore
Introduction to architectural design principles, spatial organisation and basic design communication.
Building Construction I
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Fundamentals of building construction, materials and methods for low-rise buildings.
Engineering Mathematics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Mathematical foundations for structural analysis and environmental systems calculations.
History of Architecture
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
History of Architecture: Survey of architectural history from ancient civilisations to modern movements. Covers historical analysis, source evaluation, and interpretation of past events.
Surveying
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Land surveying, levelling and site measurement techniques for architectural projects.
Computer-Aided Design
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Digital drawing and modelling using AutoCAD, Revit and other architectural software.
Structures I
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Structures I: Structural mechanics, load analysis and structural systems for buildings. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Building Materials
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Building Materials: Properties, performance and selection of construction materials. Covers construction technology, materials science, and project execution.
Environmental Control Systems
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Environmental Control Systems: Lighting, ventilation, acoustics and thermal comfort in building design. Covers ecosystem dynamics, conservation principles, and environmental management practices.
Industrial Attachment
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Supervised practical training in an architectural firm or construction organisation.
Urban Planning
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Urban Planning: Principles of urban planning, land use and city development. Covers planning theory, regulatory frameworks, and sustainable development practices.
Professional Practice
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Professional Practice: Architectural practice management, contracts, ethics and regulatory frameworks. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.

Specialisations

Sustainable Architecture
Focus on green building design, energy efficiency and environmentally responsive architecture. 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.
Urban Design and Planning
Specialisation in urban form, public space design and city planning. 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.
Interior Architecture
Concentration on interior spatial design, material selection and human-centred environments. 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.
Digital Architecture and BIM
Focus on computational design, parametric modelling and Building Information Modelling technologies.
Conservation and Heritage Architecture
Specialisation in historic building conservation, restoration and heritage management. 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 building construction and structural analysis, working in the design studio on architectural projects, using AutoCAD and Revit for drawing and modelling, and visiting construction sites for practical observation.

The trade offs

In its favour

Kenya's construction and real estate boom creates strong demand for architectural design talent.
Combines creative design with technical problem-solving for a uniquely varied career.
Offered at five universities, providing institution choice across Kenya.

Against it

Six-year programme duration is longer than most undergraduate degrees.
Requires professional registration with BORAQS to practise independently as an architect.
Design studio culture demands extended hours and intense project deadlines.

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

Public306k to 409k

306k at Kenyatta University409k at University of Nairobi

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 Arch 306K/yr (joweri). UoN BAS 409K/yr (uonbi.ac.ke). Private: unverified.

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

4 recorded

Higher Education Fund (HEF)
GrantKsh 200,000Kenyan
Government-sponsored (KUCCPS) students in public universities. Awarded through the Higher Education Funding Model.
Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) Bursary Fund
BursaryKenyan
Student members of AAK pursuing architecture or built-environment programmes
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.

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 including Mathematics or Physics, or a relevant Diploma in Architectural Studies, Building Construction or Civil Engineering from an institution recognised by the University Senate.

How you are assessed

4 components

Design Studio Projects
Project40% of the mark
Core design projects assessed through drawings, models, presentations and critiques, forming the central component of architectural education.
Continuous Assessment Tests and Assignments
Coursework20% of the mark
Written tests, technical assignments, drawing exercises and class participation throughout the semester.
End of Semester Examinations
Examination30% of the mark
Comprehensive written examinations covering theory of structures, construction technology, history and professional practice.
Industrial Attachment Report
Practicum10% of the mark
Supervised attachment with an architectural firm or construction company, assessed through logbook and written report.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and regulated by the Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors (BORAQS). The programme is offered at the University of Nairobi, JKUAT, Technical University of Kenya, Kenyatta University and Technical University of Mombasa.

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.
Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors (BORAQS)
ProfessionalRequired
BORAQS regulates the architectural profession in Kenya. Graduates must register with BORAQS to practise as architects.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

Architectural Assistant
High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 120,000
Develops design drawings, 3D models and technical documentation under the supervision of a registered architect in architectural firms.
Building Design Technician
High demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 110,000
Produces detailed architectural working drawings and specifications for residential and commercial construction projects.
CAD Specialist
Moderate demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 120,000
Creates technical architectural drawings and photorealistic renders for design presentation and client approval.
Project Coordinator
High demandKsh 65,000 to Ksh 130,000
Coordinates architectural projects, liaising between clients, contractors and consultants to ensure project delivery.
Graduate Architect
High demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 100,000
Entry-level position in architectural firms, applying academic knowledge while working towards professional registration.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as architectural assistants, design technicians, CAD specialists and project coordinators in architectural firms, construction companies and government planning departments.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

AutoCAD
SoftwarePrimary
Industry-standard software for 2D and 3D architectural drawing and drafting.
Revit
SoftwarePrimary
Building Information Modelling software for architectural design, structural engineering and construction.
SketchUp
Software
3D modelling software for architectural conceptual design and visualisation.
ArchiCAD
Software
BIM software for architects, providing design, visualisation and documentation tools.
Adobe Photoshop
Software
Image editing software for architectural rendering and presentation.
V-Ray
Software
Rendering plugin for photorealistic architectural visualisation.

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Architectural Studies is just about drawing buildings.
The programme covers structural engineering, environmental systems, urban planning, building materials, construction technology and professional practice alongside design.
Graduates can immediately practise as registered architects.
Graduates must complete professional training, pass BORAQS examinations and register with the Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors to practise independently.
Architecture is only for artistic people.
The programme requires both creative design skills and strong technical abilities in mathematics, physics and computational design.
The programme takes four years like most degrees.
The Bachelor of Architectural Studies leading to Bachelor of Architecture is a six-year programme at most Kenyan universities.