Bachelor of Science in Clothing, Textiles and Interior Design
The Bachelor of Science in Clothing, Textiles and Interior Design is a four-year degree programme that combines textile science with fashion design and interior decoration. The programme prepares graduates for careers in the garment industry, interior design, and textile manufacturing.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 204,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 816,000 for the whole course.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C+ (Plus) or above. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 4 years, full-time, part-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 1 institution.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Early Childhood Strategist, 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 textile science, fabric construction, pattern making, garment construction, fashion illustration, interior design, colour theory, furniture design, computer-aided design, textile chemistry, apparel production, textile testing, quality control, fashion merchandising, entrepreneurship, and research methods.
Teaching combines lectures, studio sessions, laboratory practicals, design projects, industrial attachment, and a research project. Students develop skills in pattern drafting, garment construction, interior space planning, textile analysis, and computer-aided design. The programme emphasises creativity, technical competence, and industry relevance.
Graduates pursue careers as fashion designers, interior designers, textile technologists, apparel production managers, quality control officers, and entrepreneurs. Opportunities exist in garment manufacturing companies, textile mills, interior design firms, furniture companies, retail chains, and self-employment.
The programme is offered at Egerton University, a public university in Nakuru County. Admission requires a KCSE mean grade of C+ with C in Chemistry or a Diploma in Clothing and Textile from a recognised institution. The programme runs for eight semesters with September and January intakes.
Accreditation is provided by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Annual tuition is approximately KES 276,740 at Egerton University based on KUCCPS data. HELB loans and government bursaries are available for eligible students.Key SubjectsCalculus and Linear AlgebraOrganic ChemistryCell BiologyClassical MechanicsStatistical MethodsAnalytical ChemistryMicrobiologyQuantum PhysicsEcologyResearch MethodsSpecializationsGeneral PracticeBroad foundational knowledge covering core principles and practices in the field.Research and AnalysisFocus on research methods, data analysis, and evidence-based decision making.General PracticeBroad foundational knowledge covering core principles and practices in the field.Research and AnalysisFocus on research methods, data analysis, and evidence-based decision making.
What you study
10 subjects- Calculus and Linear Algebra
- Organic Chemistry
- Cell Biology
- Classical Mechanics
- Statistical Methods
- Analytical Chemistry
- Microbiology
- Quantum Physics
- Ecology
- Research Methods
Modules
8 in the programmeCommunication Skills
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Communication Skills: Academic writing, presentation skills, and professional communication. Develops practical skills for academic and professional contexts.
Foundations of the Discipline
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Foundations of the Discipline: Introduction to core concepts, theories, and principles of the field. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Information Technology Fundamentals
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Computer applications, data processing, and digital literacy for academic and professional use.
Research Methods
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, data collection, and analysis techniques.
Statistics and Data Analysis
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Statistical methods, probability, and data interpretation for research and practice.
Professional Ethics
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Ethical principles, professional conduct, and regulatory frameworks in the field.
Project Management
Year 3Semester 16 creditsCore
Project Management: Project planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation techniques. Covers project lifecycle, resource allocation, risk management, and stakeholder engagement.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Business planning, venture creation, and innovation management. Equips students with practical skills for venture creation and business management.
Specialisations
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.
Research and Analysis
Focus on research methods, data analysis, and evidence-based decision making. 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.
Research and Analysis
Focus on research methods, data analysis, and evidence-based decision making. 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 science lectures, conducting laboratory experiments, analysing experimental data, writing lab reports, attending field trips, and studying for practical examinations.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). | Limited programme specialisation options may be available. |
| Graduates are eligible for HELB loans and government funding. | Competitive job market requiring practical experience and networking. |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 73 art and design 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 Fashion Design&Marketing:204K/yr(ku.ac.ke). UoN/private:unverified
Government scholarships cover up to 53% of tuition for needy students. HELB provides loans up to Ksh 60,000. DAAD and DAAD-IKEN offer scholarships for STEM students.
Funding options
HELB Undergraduate Loan
Loan
Kenyan citizens enrolled in accredited undergraduate programmes
Government Scholarship (New Funding Model)
Scholarship
Needy students placed by KUCCPS in public universities
DAAD Scholarship
Scholarship
Undergraduate students in STEM fields
Scholarships
3 recordedHigher 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
Kenyan students from respective counties demonstrating financial need.
Scholarships you could apply for
8 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
- Egerton University TAGDev 2.0 Scholarship
Closes 1 May 2027FullEgerton University / Mastercard Foundation
Full tuition + living expenses
- 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
- Komaza Scholarship Program
RollingPartialKomaza
KES 50,000 to 150,000 per year
- Moringa School Craftbyte Scholarship
QuarterlyFullMoringa School
Full software development course
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
KCSE C+ (Plus) OR A Level with two principal passes; OR a relevant Diploma from a recognised institution; OR any other qualification recognised by the university senate and CUE.
When it next starts
Taught at 1 institutionIncluding Egerton University.
Including Egerton University.
Including Egerton University.
How you are assessed
2 componentsContinuous Assessment Tests and Assignments
Coursework30% of the mark
Written tests, assignments, and practical exercises throughout the semester.
End of Semester Examinations
Examination70% of the mark
Written examinations covering all course content for the semester.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
CUE is the statutory body responsible for the accreditation and quality assurance of university programmes in Kenya.
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Scientific programmes are regulated under NACOSTI guidelines for research activities.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesResearch Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 65,000
Supporting research projects through data collection, analysis, and reporting.
Project Officer
High demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 80,000
Coordinating and implementing projects in public, private, or NGO sectors.
Analyst
High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 90,000
Analysing data, trends, and patterns to support decision-making.
Graduate Trainee
High demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 60,000
Entry-level position applying academic knowledge in a professional environment.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates pursue careers as laboratory technologists, research assistants, quality control officers, data analysts, and science teachers in Kenya's scientific and industrial sectors.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Early Childhood StrategistEducation10Low exposure
- Special Needs EducatorEducation10Low exposure
- Career Guidance CounselorEducation11Low exposure
- Cloud Security EngineerTechnology14Low exposure
- Early Literacy SpecialistEducation14Low exposure
- Industrial Robotics ProgrammerTechnology14Low exposure
- STEM Laboratory EducatorEducation14Low exposure
- TVET Competency AssessorEducation14Low exposure
Tools you will learn
Adobe Illustrator
SoftwarePrimary
Vector graphics software for fashion and interior design illustration.
Adobe Photoshop
SoftwarePrimary
Image editing software for design presentation and visualisation.
AutoCAD
Software
CAD software for interior design space planning and layout.
Microsoft Excel
Software
Spreadsheet for production planning and inventory management.
SketchUp
Software
3D modelling software for interior design visualisation.
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Science degrees only lead to teaching careers.
Science graduates work at KEMRI, ICIPE, KALRO, KEBS, pharmaceutical companies, environmental agencies, and data analytics firms.
Pure science is less marketable than applied science.
Analytical and research skills from pure science are valued in data science, finance, technology, and quality assurance industries.
Science degrees are too theoretical.
Most science programmes include laboratory work, field research, and industrial attachments.
You need a postgraduate degree to be employable with a science degree.
Many entry-level positions in laboratories, quality control, and research assistance are available with a bachelor's degree.