Bachelor of Science in Computer Studies and Information Technology
The Bachelor Of Science In Computer Studies And Information Technology is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in in computer studies and information technology. The programme falls under the ICT & Technology category and typically spans 4 years of full-time study at accredited Kenyan universities.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 345,100 a year at a public institution, Ksh 1,380,400 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 458,000 a year at a private one.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C+ or above, plus 4 subject grades. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 4 years, full-time, with 6 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 19 institutions.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Cloud Security Engineer, at 14 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
The curriculum covers Computer Studies and Computer Systems, Information Technology and IT Infrastructure, Software Development and Programming, Network Administration and Network Management, Database Systems and Data Management, Web Development and Internet Technologies. Students engage with both theoretical foundations and practical applications, developing competencies in technical and analytical competencies. The coursework is designed to build progressive understanding from foundational concepts to advanced topics.
Throughout the programme, students study Software Development and Programming, Web Development and Internet Technologies, Information Technology and IT Infrastructure, Database Systems and Data Management, Computer Studies and Computer Systems. 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 Software Development and Programming, Network Administration and Network Management, Database Systems and Data Management. 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 Computer Studies And Information Technology pursue careers as Software Developer / Software Engineer, IT Specialist / Information Technology Specialist, Network Administrator / Network Manager, Computer Support Specialist / IT Support Technician. 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- Computer Studies and Computer Systems
- Information Technology and IT Infrastructure
- Software Development and Programming
- Network Administration and Network Management
- Database Systems and Data Management
- Web Development and Internet Technologies
- Systems Administration and IT Operations
- Computer Hardware and Hardware Systems
- IT Support and Technical Support
- Research Methods and Computer Studies Research
Modules
10 in the programmeComputer Studies and Computer Systems
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Computer studies, computer systems, digital technologies, and supporting computer studies.
Information Technology and IT Infrastructure
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Information technology, IT infrastructure, systems administration, and supporting information technology.
Software Development and Programming
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Software development, programming, software engineering, and supporting software development.
Network Administration and Network Management
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Network administration, network management, network operations, and supporting network administration.
Database Systems and Data Management
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Database systems, data management, database administration, and supporting database systems.
Web Development and Internet Technologies
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Web development, internet technologies, web applications, and supporting web development.
Systems Administration and IT Operations
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Systems administration, IT operations, system operations, and supporting systems administration.
Computer Hardware and Hardware Systems
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Computer hardware, hardware systems, hardware maintenance, and supporting computer hardware.
IT Support and Technical Support
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
IT Support and Technical Support: IT support, technical support, help desk, and supporting IT support. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Research Methods and Computer Studies Research
Year 4Semester 16 creditsCore
Research methods, computer studies research, data collection, and supporting research methods and project work.
Specialisations
Software Development and Programming
Focuses on software development, programming, software engineering, and application development. 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.
Network Administration and Network Management
Specialises in network administration, network management, network operations, and network infrastructure.
Database Systems and Data Management
Focuses on database systems, data management, database administration, and data infrastructure. 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.
Systems Administration and IT Operations
Concentrates on systems administration, IT operations, system operations, and IT infrastructure. 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.
IT Support and Technical Support
Focuses on IT support, technical support, help desk, and computer support services. 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 starts with morning lectures on computer studies, information technology, or software development, followed by computer laboratories, IT projects, or industry visits. Students design computer systems, develop software, work with network tools, manage databases, and work on their computer studies projects. Industrial attachments at technology companies, government agencies, and financial institutions provide hands-on experience.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| High demand — digital transformation, IT infrastructure development, and technology adoption create strong demand for computer studies and information technology professionals. | Continuous learning — computer studies and information technology faces rapid technology changes, continuous learning requirements, and skills obsolescence. |
| Diverse applications — graduates work in technology, government, finance, healthcare, education, and various industries. | Technical complexity — computer studies and information technology requires strong technical skills in software development, network administration, and systems administration. |
| Technology — computer studies and information technology involves cutting-edge technology including cloud computing, cybersecurity, and digital services. | On-call work — IT management and network administration involves on-call duties, emergency support, and sometimes working outside normal hours. |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 191 technology 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 306K/yr official site. UoN 345.1K/yr KUCCPS. Kabarak 99.35K/sem=198.7K/yr. Strathmore ~458K/yr shika.co.ke
Students can access HELB undergraduate loans and KUCCPS placement. County bursaries, TVET sponsorships, and international technology scholarships are available.
Funding options
HELB Undergraduate Loan
KUCCPS Placement
County Government Bursaries
Scholarships
5 recordedHuawei Seeds for the Future Kenya
Scholarship
Talented ICT/STEM university students with a GPA of 3.0+
Generation Google Scholarship
Scholarship
Women in computer science and related technical fields
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKsh 50,000Kenyan
Students from specific counties. Varies by county.
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan citizens pursuing undergraduate studies at accredited institutions.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
PlacementKsh 0Kenyan
Kenyan students placed to TVET institutions through KUCCPS receive government-subsidised tuition.
Scholarships you could apply for
14 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
- University of Eldoret TAGDev 2.0 Scholarship
Closes 1 May 2027FullUniversity of Eldoret / Mastercard Foundation
Full tuition + living expenses
- Egerton University TAGDev 2.0 Scholarship
Closes 1 May 2027FullEgerton University / Mastercard Foundation
Full tuition + living expenses
- 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
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
Diploma in Information Technology, Computer Studies, Computer Science, or related fields from recognised TVET institutions may be considered for upgrading. Relevant computer or IT experience is advantageous.
When it next starts
Taught at 19 institutionsIncluding Kabarak University, Kibabii University, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology.
Including Kabarak University, Kibabii University, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology.
Including Kabarak University, Kibabii University, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology.
How you are assessed
5 componentsIndustry Attachment Assessment
Clinical10% of the mark
Assessment of industry attachments including computer studies work, IT work, documentation, and supervision evaluation.
Computer Studies and Information Technology Practical Examinations
Practicum30% of the mark
Assessment of computer studies and information technology competencies including computer systems, software development, network administration, and systems administration.
End of Semester Written Examinations
Exam30% of the mark
Written examinations covering computer studies, information technology, software development, and computer studies research.
Continuous Assessment Tests and Assignments
Cat20% of the mark
Assignments, tests, presentations, case studies, and computer studies projects throughout each semester.
Research Project
Research10% of the mark
Independent computer studies and information technology research project, assessed through written report and presentation.
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.
Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority
NationalRequired
TVETA accredits TVET institutions and programmes in Kenya.
Accredited by the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA). Examined by Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) or National Industrial Training Authority (NITA). The TVET Act governs TVET institutions. The Kenya Information and Communications Act governs ICT. The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE), the statutory body responsible for quality assurance and regulation of university education in Kenya.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
5 rolesSoftware Developer / Software Engineer
High demandKsh 65,000 to Ksh 160,000
Develops software, applications, software systems, and supports software development at technology companies, government agencies, or financial institutions.
IT Specialist / Information Technology Specialist
High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 150,000
Designs IT systems, information technology solutions, digital technologies, and supports IT at technology companies, government agencies, or financial institutions.
Network Administrator / Network Manager
High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 150,000
Manages networks, network infrastructure, network operations, and supports network administration at technology companies, government agencies, or financial institutions.
Computer Support Specialist / IT Support Technician
High demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 140,000
Provides computer support, technical support, help desk services, and supports IT support at technology companies, government agencies, or business organisations.
Systems Administrator / IT Administrator
High demandKsh 65,000 to Ksh 160,000
Administers systems, IT infrastructure, system operations, and supports systems administration at government agencies, financial institutions, or business organisations.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work as IT specialists and software developers. Computer studies and information technology is in high demand driven by digital transformation. Salaries range from KES 60,000 to 150,000 per month. TVETA, KNEC, technology companies, and financial institutions offer the main opportunities.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Cloud Security EngineerTechnology14Low exposure
- Industrial Robotics ProgrammerTechnology14Low exposure
- Embedded Firmware EngineerTechnology15Low exposure
- Embedded Linux DeveloperTechnology15Low exposure
- Site Reliability EngineerTechnology15Low exposure
- Applied Cryptography EngineerTechnology16Low exposure
- Database Reliability EngineerTechnology16Low exposure
- Edge Computing EngineerTechnology16Low exposure
Tools you will learn
Figma
DesignPrimary
Adobe Creative Suite
DesignPrimary
Unity
Game engine
Visual Studio Code
Ide
Microsoft Excel
SoftwarePrimary
Spreadsheet for analytical data management, quality control charts and statistical analysis.
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Computer studies and information technology is just about fixing computers.
Computer studies and information technology includes software development, network administration, database management, systems administration, and IT support — fixing computers is one component.
Computer studies and information technology is only for technology companies.
Computer studies and information technology applies to government agencies, financial institutions, healthcare, education, and many other industries beyond technology companies.
There are limited career opportunities for computer studies graduates in Kenya.
Kenya's digital transformation, IT infrastructure development, technology adoption, and digital services create demand for computer studies and information technology professionals at technology companies, government agencies, and financial institutions.
This programme has limited career opportunities.
Graduates pursue diverse career paths across multiple sectors in Kenya and internationally.