Bachelor of Science in Fashion Design and Marketing
The Bachelor of Science in Fashion Design and Marketing is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in in fashion design and marketing. The programme falls under the Business & Economics category and typically spans 4 years of full-time study at accredited Kenyan universities.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 240,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 960,000 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 105,000 a year at a private one.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C+ (plus) mean grade at KCSE 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 2 institutions.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 Fashion Design and Marketing, Fashion Design, Textile Science, Fashion Marketing, Brand Development, Fashion Business. Students engage with both theoretical foundations and practical applications, developing competencies in Advertising, Business Process Modeling, Data Visualization, Entrepreneurship, Financial Analysis. The coursework is designed to build progressive understanding from foundational concepts to advanced topics.
Throughout the programme, students study Fashion Design, Fashion Technology, Fashion History, Textile Science, Strategic Management. 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 Brand Development, Fashion Design, Fashion Marketing. 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 Fashion Design and Marketing pursue careers as Fashion Designer, Brand Manager, Creative Director, Fashion Consultant. 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
6 subjects- Fashion Design and Marketing
- Fashion Design
- Textile Science
- Fashion Marketing
- Brand Development
- Fashion Business
Modules
12 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.
Research Methods
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, data collection, and analysis techniques.
Information Technology Fundamentals
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Computer applications, data processing, and digital literacy for academic and professional use.
Fashion Design
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Study of fashion design, covering design principles, fashion illustration, pattern making, and garment construction.
Textile Science
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Examination of textile science, covering textile materials, textile properties, fabric technology, and textile testing.
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.
Fashion Technology
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Study of fashion technology, covering CAD for fashion, digital design, fashion software, and technology applications.
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.
Fashion History
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Examination of fashion history, covering fashion evolution, cultural influences, fashion movements, and contemporary fashion.
Specialisations
Brand Development
Focus on brand strategy, brand positioning, and brand identity. 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.
Fashion Design
Focus on design principles, pattern making, and garment construction for fashion design careers. 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.
Fashion Marketing
Specialization in fashion branding, fashion retail, and consumer behavior. 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.
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
Students attend lectures, conduct fashion design, participate in case studies, and engage in marketing campaigns.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Growing fashion industry in Kenya with increasing demand for fashion designers and marketers. | Limited programme specialisation options may be available. |
| Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). | Competitive job market requiring practical experience and networking. |
| Fashion design and marketing offer diverse career opportunities in fashion houses, retail, and creative agencies. | Fashion industry is highly competitive with pressure for creativity and trend awareness. |
| Graduates are eligible for HELB loans and government funding. | — |
| Fashion design and marketing campaigns provide hands-on experience with brand development and creative work. | — |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 331 business 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 204.4K/yr, UoN 240K/yr (Schedule II). MKU 105K/yr (mku.ac.ke).
HELB loans available for eligible students. Some universities offer scholarships based on academic performance.
Funding options
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
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
- KCB Foundation Scholarship
Closes 31 March 2027FullKCB Bank
Full tuition + stipend
- 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
- Kenyatta University Scholarship
Before semesterPartialKenyatta University
30 to 50% tuition waiver
- Moringa School Craftbyte Scholarship
QuarterlyFullMoringa School
Full software development course
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
Diploma holders in Fashion Design, Textile Design, Business Administration, or related fields with Credit pass from recognized institutions may also apply.
When it next starts
Taught at 2 institutionsIncluding Machakos University, Kenyatta University.
Including Machakos University, Kenyatta University.
Including Machakos University, Kenyatta University.
How you are assessed
5 componentsResearch Project
Project100% of the mark
Independent research project on fashion or marketing topic, demonstrating mastery of fashion design and marketing theory and practice.
End of Semester Examinations
Exam70% of the mark
Comprehensive written examinations at the end of each semester testing understanding of fashion design, textile science, and fashion marketing.
Continuous Assessment Tests
Cat30% of the mark
Regular tests, assignments, and fashion exercises throughout the semester evaluating fashion knowledge and practical skills.
Practice Assessments
Practicum100% of the mark
Evaluation of fashion design skills, creative work, and practical applications through fashion design and case studies.
Continuous Assessment Tests and Assignments
Coursework30% of the mark
Written tests, assignments, and practical exercises throughout the semester.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education
NationalRequired
Mandatory accreditation for all university programmes in Kenya.
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 Commission for University Education (CUE).
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
8 rolesGraduate Trainee
High demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 60,000
Entry-level position applying academic knowledge in a professional environment.
Research 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.
Fashion Designer
High demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 110,000
Design fashion collections, develop fashion concepts, and create innovative fashion products and garments.
Brand Manager
High demandKsh 54,000 to Ksh 120,000
Manage fashion brands, develop brand strategies, and oversee brand positioning and brand equity.
Creative Director
Medium demandKsh 62,000 to Ksh 140,000
Lead creative teams, develop creative strategies, and oversee fashion design and brand development.
Fashion Consultant
Medium demandKsh 54,000 to Ksh 120,000
Provide fashion expertise, consult on fashion strategy, and support organizations in fashion improvement.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work in fashion design and marketing across Kenya's fashion and creative 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
Google Workspace
Cloud
Power BI
AnalyticsPrimary
QuickBooks
Accounting
SAP
Enterprise
Adobe Illustrator
SoftwarePrimary
Vector graphics software for fashion illustration and design.
Adobe Photoshop
SoftwarePrimary
Image editing software for fashion presentation and marketing visuals.
Canva
Software
Graphic design platform for fashion marketing materials and social media content.
CLO 3D
Software
3D fashion design software for virtual garment visualisation and prototyping.
ChatGPT / Claude
Ai
Microsoft Excel
SpreadsheetPrimary
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.