Technology

Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Computer Networks

The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Computer Networks is a programme that prepares students for careers in cybersecurity, network administration and information security management. Offered at South Eastern Kenya University through the School of Computing Science, the programme equips graduates with skills to protect information systems and secure computer networks against cyber threats.

The curriculum covers computer networks, network security, cryptography, ethical hacking, digital forensics, information security management, operating systems security, web application security, network infrastructure, cyber law and policy, risk assessment, penetration testing, security operations, malware analysis, programming and database security. Students develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in cybersecurity and network management.

Cybersecurity is a critical concern for organisations in Kenya and globally, with increasing cyber attacks targeting businesses, government agencies and financial institutions. The programme responds to the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals who can design secure networks, detect and respond to cyber threats, and implement information security policies.

The programme is delivered through lectures, laboratory sessions, hands-on security practicals, industrial attachment and a research project. Students gain hands-on experience in network configuration, vulnerability assessment, penetration testing and digital forensics using industry-standard security tools in dedicated cybersecurity laboratories.

Graduates pursue careers as cybersecurity analysts, network security engineers, penetration testers, digital forensics analysts, security consultants, network administrators and information security officers in banks, government agencies, telecommunications companies, IT consulting firms and security operations centres. They can also pursue industry certifications such as CISSP, CEH and CCNA Security.

Prospective students should have strong analytical skills, proficiency in mathematics and an interest in computing and security. The programme is suitable for students who want to protect organisations from cyber threats and secure digital infrastructure.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 306,000
Private, up to: Ksh 190,035
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: 35 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Computer Networks
Network Security
Cryptography
Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing
Digital Forensics
Information Security Management
Operating Systems Security
Web Application Security
Cyber Law and Policy
Risk Assessment and Compliance

Modules

11 in the programme

Introduction to Cybersecurity
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduces cybersecurity principles, threat landscape, security frameworks, CIA triad, security policies and the role of cybersecurity in organisations.
Computer Networks Fundamentals
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers network architectures, OSI and TCP/IP models, routing, switching, network protocols and network device configuration.
Programming for Security
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Introduces programming with Python for security applications, covering scripting, automation, data processing and security tool development.
Network Security
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, VPNs, network access control, secure network design and security monitoring.
Cryptography
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers cryptographic algorithms, symmetric and asymmetric encryption, hash functions, digital signatures, key management and cryptographic protocols.
Operating Systems Security
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers security in Windows and Linux operating systems, access control, privilege management, hardening techniques and security configuration.
Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers penetration testing methodologies, vulnerability assessment, exploitation techniques, web application testing and security assessment reporting.
Digital Forensics
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers digital forensics principles, evidence collection and preservation, disk imaging, memory analysis, network forensics and forensic reporting.
Information Security Management
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers security governance, risk management, compliance, security policies, incident response, business continuity and security awareness programmes.
Cyber Law and Policy
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines cybersecurity laws and regulations in Kenya, data protection, privacy, cybercrime legislation, international cyber law and security policy development.
Research Project in Cybersecurity
Year 4Semester 26 creditsCore
An independent research project on a cybersecurity topic, demonstrating the student's ability to investigate security issues and present findings.

Specialisations

Network Security
Focuses on secure network design, firewall management, intrusion detection and network infrastructure protection.
Digital Forensics
Specialises in digital evidence collection, analysis and incident investigation for careers in law enforcement and corporate security.
Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking
Focuses on offensive security techniques, vulnerability assessment and security testing for careers as penetration testers.
Security Governance and Risk Management
Specialises in security policy development, risk assessment, compliance and security management for leadership roles.

A day as a student

A typical day begins with a morning lecture on network security protocols or cryptography, followed by a laboratory session configuring firewalls or conducting vulnerability scans. Afternoon sessions may include a penetration testing workshop using Kali Linux, a digital forensics practical analysing network traffic captures, or group projects designing secure network architectures. Students also participate in capture-the-flag cybersecurity competitions.

The trade offs

In its favour

Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing fields globally, with high demand and competitive salaries for qualified professionals.
The programme combines networking and cybersecurity, providing a strong foundation for diverse IT security career paths.
Cybersecurity skills are globally transferable, with opportunities for remote work and international careers.

Against it

The field requires continuous learning to keep up with rapidly evolving cyber threats and security technologies.
Cybersecurity roles can be high-pressure, with responsibility for protecting critical systems and responding to security incidents.

What it costs

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

What it costs, and where

Against 191 technology courses

Public245k to 306k

245k at Meru University of Science and Technology306k at Machakos University

Private179k to 190k

179k at KCA University190k at Kabarak 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

KUCCPS: Meru/JOOUST 245K, Machakos 306K. KCA 179K, Kabarak 190K. educationnewshub.co.ke

Students can access HELB loans and SEKU's internal bursary scheme. Some technology companies offer cybersecurity internships with stipends.

Funding options

HELB Loan
SEKU Bursary Scheme

Scholarships

1 recorded

HELB Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan undergraduate students enrolled in accredited programmes at recognised universities

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+
Alternative entry: KCSE Mean Grade C (Plain) with a Diploma in Computer Science, Information Technology or equivalent from a recognised institution.

Mathematics
C+
Physics
C+
English or Kiswahili
C

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment Tests
Written examination30% of the mark
Mid-semester and end-of-semester written tests covering cybersecurity fundamentals, networking and programming.
Laboratory Practical Reports
Practicum40% of the mark
Assessment of laboratory sessions including network configuration, security tool usage and vulnerability assessment exercises.
Industrial Attachment Report
Practicum100% of the mark
Assessment of performance during industrial attachment at an IT company, security operations centre or cybersecurity firm.
Research Project
Project100% of the mark
A final-year research project on a cybersecurity topic, assessed through a written dissertation and oral presentation.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at SEKU's School of Computing Science, Department of Computer Science and Technology.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at SEKU's School of Computing Science.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

Cybersecurity Analyst
High demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 300,000
Monitors and analyses security events, investigates incidents, implements security controls and responds to cyber threats in security operations centres.
Network Security Engineer
High demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 350,000
Designs, implements and maintains secure network infrastructure, configuring firewalls, VPNs and intrusion detection systems for organisations.
Penetration Tester
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 400,000
Conducts authorised security assessments of systems and applications, identifying vulnerabilities and recommending remediation measures.
Digital Forensics Analyst
Moderate demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 300,000
Investigates cyber incidents by collecting and analysing digital evidence, supporting legal proceedings and incident response activities.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as cybersecurity analysts, network security engineers and penetration testers in banks, government agencies, telecommunications companies and IT consulting firms across Kenya.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Kali Linux
ToolPrimary
Wireshark
Tool
Python
Code
Metasploit
Tool

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Cybersecurity is just about installing antivirus software.
Cybersecurity encompasses network security, cryptography, risk management, digital forensics, penetration testing and security policy development, requiring deep technical knowledge across multiple domains.
You need to be a hacker to study cybersecurity.
The programme builds foundational knowledge from first principles, teaching security concepts, networking and programming before advancing to ethical hacking and penetration testing.
Cybersecurity jobs are only in tech companies.
Every organisation that uses digital systems needs cybersecurity professionals, including banks, hospitals, government agencies, manufacturing companies and educational institutions.
Cybersecurity is only about technical skills.
Cybersecurity also requires understanding of cyber law, risk management, compliance, communication and policy development, making it an interdisciplinary field.