Environmental Science

Bachelor of Science in Bio-resources Management and Conservation

This Bachelor's programme prepares students for professional careers in bio-resources management and conservation. It develops expertise in biodiversity conservation, natural resource management, ecosystem management, conservation biology, and sustainable resource use while building comprehensive skills for managing biological resources and ecosystems.

Students analyse biological resources, design conservation strategies, implement resource management techniques, evaluate conservation effectiveness, conduct biological research, apply ecological principles, manage conservation projects, and develop sustainable resource practices. They also strengthen analytical thinking, conservation skills, communication, teamwork, and ecological abilities.

Kenya requires bio-resources management and conservation to support biodiversity conservation, enhance natural resource protection, and promote sustainable use of biological resources, creating demand for professionals who can work in conservation, natural resource management, ecological research, and support the environmental and conservation sectors.

The programme combines coursework, conservation fieldwork, laboratory work, research projects, and ecological training. Students gain hands-on experience through conservation practice, biodiversity assessment, and resource management.

Graduates pursue careers as conservation officers, natural resource managers, biodiversity specialists, environmental consultants, and conservation researchers across government agencies, conservation organizations, research institutions, and environmental NGOs.

The programme is ideal for students interested in bio-resources management, natural resource conservation, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem management, and conservation biology.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 244,800
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: 30 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

6 subjects

Bio-resources Management and Conservation
Biodiversity Conservation
Natural Resource Management
Ecosystem Management
Conservation Biology
Sustainable Resource Use

Modules

12 in the programme

Introduction to Bio-resources Management
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Comprehensive introduction to bio-resources management, covering biological resource concepts, conservation principles, and approaches to resource management.
Biodiversity Conservation
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Study of biodiversity conservation, covering species conservation, habitat conservation, conservation strategies, and biodiversity assessment.
Natural Resource Management
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Examination of natural resource management, covering resource assessment, resource planning, sustainable use, and resource conservation.
Ecosystem Management
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Study of ecosystem management, covering ecosystem dynamics, ecosystem restoration, ecosystem services, and ecosystem-based management.
Conservation Biology
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Analysis of conservation biology, covering conservation genetics, population biology, conservation planning, and conservation science.
Wildlife Management
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Development of wildlife management skills, covering wildlife ecology, wildlife conservation, protected area management, and human-wildlife conflict.
Forest Management
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Study of forest management, covering forest ecology, forest conservation, sustainable forestry, and forest resource management.
Conservation Policy and Law
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Examination of conservation policy, covering environmental legislation, policy frameworks, and legal frameworks for conservation.
Community Conservation
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Study of community-based conservation, covering participatory conservation, community engagement, and local conservation initiatives.
Climate Change and Conservation
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Analysis of climate change impacts on biodiversity, covering climate adaptation, resilience building, and climate-smart conservation.
Bio-resources Management Fieldwork
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Practical fieldwork where students apply learned methods in conservation practice, biodiversity assessment, and resource management.
Bio-resources Management Research Project
Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore
Independent research project on conservation or resource topic, demonstrating mastery of bio-resources management and conservation theory and practice.

Specialisations

Forest Conservation
Specialization in forest ecology, forest conservation, and sustainable forestry. 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.
Wildlife Conservation
Focus on wildlife ecology, wildlife conservation, and protected area management for wildlife careers.
Biodiversity Assessment
Focus on biodiversity assessment, conservation genetics, and conservation 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.
General Practice
Broad foundational knowledge covering core principles and practices in the field. 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

Students attend lectures, conduct conservation fieldwork, participate in laboratory work, and engage in biodiversity assessment.

The trade offs

In its favour

Growing demand for conservation professionals due to increasing biodiversity loss and conservation needs.
Opportunity to contribute to biodiversity conservation and environmental protection through meaningful work.
Conservation fieldwork and laboratory work provide hands-on experience with biodiversity assessment and conservation practice.

Against it

Conservation work often involves fieldwork in remote locations and exposure to various environmental conditions.
Conservation requires understanding of complex ecological and socio-economic systems.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 181 environmental science courses

Public245k to 245k

245k at Kenyatta University245k at Kenyatta 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 Conservation Biology 244,800/yr (educationnewshub). Private unverified for this specific course.

HELB loans available for eligible students. Some universities offer scholarships based on academic performance.

Funding options

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)

Scholarships

3 recorded

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities demonstrating financial need.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
Government fundingKenyan
Kenyan students in public universities under the new funding model based on financial need assessment.
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKenyan
Residents of respective counties pursuing undergraduate studies

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 in Environmental Science, Biology, Natural Resource Management, or related fields with Credit pass from recognized institutions may also apply.

Biology/Biological Sciences
C+
Chemistry
C
Mathematics/Physics/Geography
C
English/Kiswahili
C

How you are assessed

4 components

Fieldwork Assessments
Practicum100% of the mark
Evaluation of conservation skills, fieldwork, and practical applications through conservation practice and biodiversity assessment.
Research Project
Project100% of the mark
Independent research project on conservation or resource topic, demonstrating mastery of bio-resources management and conservation theory and practice.
Continuous Assessment Tests
Cat30% of the mark
Regular tests, assignments, and conservation exercises throughout the semester evaluating bio-resources knowledge and practical skills.
End of Semester Examinations
Exam70% of the mark
Comprehensive written examinations at the end of each semester testing understanding of biodiversity conservation, natural resource management, and ecosystem management.

Accreditation

Accredited by Commission for University Education (CUE).

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
NationalRequired
Mandatory accreditation for all university programmes in Kenya.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

Conservation Officer
High demandKsh 48,000 to Ksh 105,000
Support conservation efforts, implement conservation programs, and work in protected areas and conservation.
Environmental Consultant
Medium demandKsh 54,000 to Ksh 120,000
Provide environmental expertise, consult on conservation and resource management, and support organizations in environmental compliance.
Biodiversity Specialist
Medium demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 110,000
Assess biodiversity, conduct biodiversity research, and support conservation planning and biodiversity management.
Natural Resource Manager
High demandKsh 52,000 to Ksh 115,000
Manage natural resources, develop resource management strategies, and coordinate conservation and resource activities.
Conservation Researcher
Medium demandKsh 56,000 to Ksh 125,000
Conduct conservation research, publish research findings, and support conservation science and policy.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work in bio-resources management and conservation across Kenya's environmental and conservation sectors.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

SAP FICO
ErpPrimary
SAP financial and controlling module.
QuickBooks Enterprise
Accounting
Advanced accounting for SMEs.
Microsoft Excel
SpreadsheetPrimary
Financial modelling and analysis.
SAP ERP
ErpPrimary
Oracle ERP
Erp

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

This programme has limited career opportunities.
Graduates pursue diverse career paths across multiple sectors in Kenya and internationally.
The programme is only for top-performing students.
While academic excellence is valued, the programme accepts students meeting the minimum KCSE requirements and supports diverse learners.
Graduates cannot find employment in Kenya.
Kenya's growing economy creates demand for qualified graduates across public, private, and NGO sectors.
The degree is not recognised internationally.
The programme is accredited by CUE and is recognised under regional and international qualification frameworks.