Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Automotive Technology

The Bachelor of Science in Automotive Technology is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in in automotive technology. The programme falls under the Engineering & Technology category and typically spans 4 years of full-time study at accredited Kenyan universities.

The curriculum covers Automotive Engines and Fuel Systems, Transmissions, Drivelines and Vehicle Dynamics, Automotive Electrical and Electronic Systems, Vehicle Diagnostics and Troubleshooting, Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Technology, Suspension, Steering and Braking Systems. Students engage with both theoretical foundations and practical applications, developing competencies in Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Mechanics, Agricultural Structures, Cloud Computing, Crop Management. The coursework is designed to build progressive understanding from foundational concepts to advanced topics.

Throughout the programme, students study Automotive Design, CAD and Manufacturing, Transmissions, Drivelines and Vehicle Dynamics, Industrial Attachment, Automotive Engines and Fuel Systems, Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Technology. 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 Automotive Engines and Performance, Automotive Electrical and Electronics, Hybrid and Electric Vehicles. 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 Automotive Technology pursue careers as Automotive Consultant / Entrepreneur, Diagnostic Technician / Automotive Electronics Specialist, Vehicle Maintenance Engineer / Service Manager, Automotive Technologist / Automotive Engineer. 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 441,000
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: 30 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Automotive Engines and Fuel Systems
Transmissions, Drivelines and Vehicle Dynamics
Automotive Electrical and Electronic Systems
Vehicle Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Technology
Suspension, Steering and Braking Systems
Automotive Design, CAD and Manufacturing
Automotive Maintenance and Workshop Management
Fleet Management and Automotive Safety
Automotive Technology Research Methods

Modules

12 in the programme

Engineering Mathematics and Mechanics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Engineering mathematics, engineering mechanics, statics, dynamics, strength of materials, thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and supporting engineering fundamentals.
Automotive Engines and Fuel Systems
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Internal combustion engines, petrol engines, diesel engines, engine design, engine performance, fuel systems, carburettors, fuel injection, turbochargers, superchargers, emissions, exhaust systems,...
Transmissions, Drivelines and Vehicle Dynamics
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Transmissions, manual transmissions, automatic transmissions, clutches, gearboxes, differentials, drivelines, vehicle dynamics, understanding transmissions, and supporting transmission and vehicle ...
Automotive Electrical and Electronic Systems
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Automotive electrical systems, batteries, alternators, starters, ignition systems, lighting, wiring, automotive electronics, ECU, engine control units, sensors, actuators, understanding automotive ...
Vehicle Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Vehicle diagnostics, OBD, on-board diagnostics, fault finding, troubleshooting, diagnostic tools, understanding diagnostics, and supporting vehicle diagnostics and troubleshooting.
Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Technology
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, EV, battery management, charging systems, electric motors, power electronics, understanding EV, and supporting hybrid and electric vehicle technology.
Suspension, Steering and Braking Systems
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Suspension systems, steering systems, braking systems, ABS, vehicle handling, understanding suspension and braking, and supporting chassis systems engineering.
Automotive Design, CAD and Manufacturing
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Automotive design, body and chassis, vehicle design, CAD, SolidWorks, AutoCAD, automotive manufacturing, assembly, quality control, understanding design, and supporting automotive design and manufa...
Automotive Maintenance and Workshop Management
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Automotive maintenance, service, repair, workshop management, fleet management, automotive safety, crash safety, airbags, seatbelts, understanding maintenance, and supporting maintenance and worksh...
Engineering Economics, Entrepreneurship and Research Methods
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Engineering economics, entrepreneurship, safety, occupational health, materials science, automotive HVAC, air conditioning, research methods, and supporting engineering practice.
Industrial Attachment
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Supervised industrial attachment at a vehicle assembly plant, motor vehicle dealer, fleet company, or automotive workshop, applying automotive technology skills.
Final Automotive Technology Research Project or Dissertation
Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore
Final year automotive technology research project or dissertation, assessed through written report and oral defence.

Specialisations

Hybrid and Electric Vehicles
Concentrates on hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, battery management, charging systems, and supporting EV technology.
Automotive Design and Manufacturing
Concentrates on vehicle design, body and chassis, CAD, manufacturing, assembly, quality control, and supporting automotive design and manufacturing.
Automotive Engines and Performance
Focuses on internal combustion engines, engine design, performance, fuel systems, and supporting engine engineering.
Automotive Electrical and Electronics
Specialises in automotive electrical systems, electronics, ECU, sensors, actuators, and supporting automotive electrical and electronic engineering.
Vehicle Diagnostics and Maintenance
Focuses on vehicle diagnostics, OBD, troubleshooting, maintenance, service, repair, and supporting diagnostics and maintenance.

A day as a student

A typical day starts with a morning lecture on engines, transmissions, or automotive electronics, followed by laboratory work, workshop practicals, diagnostic exercises, or CAD exercises. Students work on engine analyses, transmission designs, electrical system diagnostics, ECU programming, vehicle diagnostics, CAD models, and automotive technology research. Workshop practicals for engine repair and maintenance, diagnostic exercises using OBD tools, and industrial attachment at a vehicle assembly plant, motor vehicle dealer, or automotive workshop provide practical experience.

The trade offs

In its favour

High demand — vehicle assembly, maintenance, and transport sector growth create strong demand for automotive technologists.
Practical focus — the programme emphasises hands-on engine repair, diagnostics, electronics, and vehicle maintenance.
Entrepreneurship potential — graduates can establish automotive repair businesses, fleet services, and consultancy practices.

Against it

Workshop hazards — automotive work involves safety risks from heavy equipment, engines, and chemicals.
Physical demands — automotive work can be physically demanding with long hours in workshops.
Technology evolution — rapid changes in EV and automotive electronics require continuous learning.

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

Public285k to 441k

285k at Technical University of Kenya441k 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

TUK 285K/yr (TUK portal). UoN Engineering 441K/yr (uonbi.ac.ke). Private: unverified.

Students can access HELB undergraduate loans, Universities Fund government scholarships, and county government bursaries. Some automotive companies, vehicle manufacturers, and transport companies offer scholarships for automotive technology students.

Funding options

HELB Undergraduate Loan
Universities Fund Government Scholarship
County Government Bursaries

Scholarships

4 recorded

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to accredited universities. Means-tested based on family income.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
SponsorshipKsh 500,000
Academically talented but economically disadvantaged African students at partner universities.
County Government Bursaries
GrantKsh 50,000Kenyan
Students from specific counties. Criteria vary by county.
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+ (plus) mean grade at KCSE
Alternative entry: Diploma holders with credit pass in Automotive Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related fields from recognised institutions may join.

Mathematics
C (plain)
Physics
C (plain)
Chemistry
C (plain)
English or Kiswahili
C (plain)

How you are assessed

5 components

Project / Practical Assessment
Practicum20% of the mark
Assessment of engine analyses, transmission designs, electrical system diagnostics, ECU programming, and vehicle diagnostics.
Continuous Assessment Tests
Cat30% of the mark
Regular tests, assignments, problem sets, and laboratory exercises throughout the semester.
Final Automotive Technology Research Project or Dissertation
Research5% of the mark
Final year automotive technology research project or dissertation, assessed through written report and oral defence.
Industrial Attachment Report
Practicum5% of the mark
Assessment of industrial attachment at a vehicle assembly plant, motor vehicle dealer, or automotive workshop. Includes logbook, supervisor evaluation, and written report.
End of Semester Examinations
Exam40% of the mark
Comprehensive written examinations covering engines, transmissions, vehicle dynamics, electrical systems, electronics, and EV technology.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). EBK registration is mandatory for professional engineering practice. NTSA regulations govern vehicle safety and inspection.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
NationalRequired
CUE accredits all university programmes in Kenya. EBK registration is mandatory for professional engineering practice. NTSA regulations govern vehicle safety and inspection.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Automotive Consultant / Entrepreneur
Medium demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 250,000
Provides consulting, starts automotive businesses, advises on vehicle technology, and supporting automotive consulting and entrepreneurship.
Diagnostic Technician / Automotive Electronics Specialist
Medium demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 180,000
Diagnoses vehicle faults, manages electronics, supports ECU programming, and supporting vehicle diagnostics and electronics.
Vehicle Maintenance Engineer / Service Manager
High demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 200,000
Manages vehicle maintenance, coordinates service, supports repairs, and supporting maintenance and service management.
Automotive Technologist / Automotive Engineer
High demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 220,000
Supports vehicle design, manages automotive systems, supports manufacturing, and supports automotive technology.
Fleet Manager / Transport Coordinator
Medium demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 200,000
Manages vehicle fleets, coordinates transport, supports logistics, and supporting fleet management and transport coordination.
Automotive Design Engineer / Quality Engineer
Low demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 230,000
Designs vehicle components, manages quality, supports manufacturing, and supporting automotive design and quality engineering.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as automotive technologists, automotive engineers, and fleet managers. Automotive technology is in high demand driven by vehicle assembly and maintenance. Starting salaries range from KES 55,000 to 90,000 per month, with experienced professionals earning KES 100,000 to 250,000. Vehicle assembly plants, motor vehicle dealers, fleet companies, transport companies, NTSA, KEBS, and automotive workshops offer the main opportunities.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

AutoCAD
DesignPrimary
MATLAB
CodePrimary
Microsoft Excel
Spreadsheet
Microsoft Project
Project management
Python
Code
SolidWorks
Design

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Automotive technology is just about being a mechanic.
This programme covers engine design, vehicle dynamics, automotive electronics, EV technology, CAD, manufacturing, diagnostics, and fleet management. It's a comprehensive automotive engineering discipline.
Automotive technologists only work in repair shops.
Graduates work in vehicle assembly plants, motor vehicle dealers, fleet companies, transport companies, government, consulting, and as independent consultants.
Automotive technology has limited career growth.
Vehicle assembly expansion, electric vehicle adoption, and transport sector growth create demand for qualified automotive technologists.
This programme has limited career opportunities.
Graduates pursue diverse career paths across multiple sectors in Kenya and internationally.