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 short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 409,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 2,454,000 for the whole course.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C+ (Plus) mean grade at KCSE or above. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 6 years, full-time, with 6 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 5 institutions.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Overhead Transmission Technician, at 10 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
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.
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 programmeArchitectural 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 | Against it |
|---|---|
| Kenya's construction and real estate boom creates strong demand for architectural design talent. | Six-year programme duration is longer than most undergraduate degrees. |
| Combines creative design with technical problem-solving for a uniquely varied career. | Requires professional registration with BORAQS to practise independently as an architect. |
| Offered at five universities, providing institution choice across Kenya. | 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 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 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 recordedHigher 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.
Scholarships you could apply for
12 usable where it is taught- Equity Group Foundation Wings to Fly
Closes 28 February 2027FullEquity Bank
Full secondary + university
- Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship
Closes 31 March 2027FullAga Khan Foundation
Full university study
- KCB Foundation Scholarship
Closes 31 March 2027FullKCB Bank
Full tuition + stipend
- Mombasa Cement Scholarship
Closes 31 May 2027PartialMombasa Cement Ltd
KES 100,000 per year
- Safaricom Foundation ICT Scholarship
Closes 30 June 2027FullSafaricom Foundation
Full tuition + internship
- Family Bank Foundation Education Support
Closes 30 June 2027PartialFamily Bank
KES 80,000 per year
- HELB Undergraduate Scholarship
Closes 31 July 2027PartialHigher Education Loans Board
KES 40,000 to 60,000 per year
- County Government Scholarships
Varies by countyPartialCounty Governments
KES 50,000 to 200,000 per year
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
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.
When it next starts
Taught at 5 institutionsIncluding Technical University of Mombasa, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, University of Nairobi.
Including Technical University of Mombasa, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, University of Nairobi.
Including Technical University of Mombasa, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, University of Nairobi.
How you are assessed
4 componentsDesign 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
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.
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.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
5 rolesArchitectural 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- Overhead Transmission TechnicianEngineering10Low exposure
- Adolescent Mentorship OfficerSocial Sciences14Low exposure
- Desalination Systems EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- District Cooling EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- HighVoltage Substation EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- Hydrogen Systems EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- Microgrid Control EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- Subsea Cable EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
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.