Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Oceanography
The Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Oceanography is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in in fisheries and oceanography. The programme falls under the Agriculture & Environment category and typically spans 4 years of full-time study at accredited Kenyan universities.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 324,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 1,296,000 for the whole course.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 8 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 8 institutions.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Aquaculture Technologist, at 3 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
The curriculum covers Fisheries, Oceanography, Marine Biology, Aquatic Ecosystems, Sustainable Fisheries, Marine Resource Management. Students engage with both theoretical foundations and practical applications, developing competencies in Advanced Econometrics, Advanced Statistics for Agricultural Research, Agribusiness and Entrepreneurship, Agribusiness Finance and Accounting, Agribusiness Information Systems. The coursework is designed to build progressive understanding from foundational concepts to advanced topics.
Throughout the programme, students study Introduction to Fisheries and Oceanography, Marine Biology, Fisheries Biology, Fisheries Technology, Chemical Oceanography. 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 Physical Oceanography, Fisheries Management, Marine Biology. 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 Fisheries and Oceanography pursue careers as Oceanographer, Fisheries Officer, Fisheries Manager, Marine 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- Fisheries
- Oceanography
- Marine Biology
- Aquatic Ecosystems
- Sustainable Fisheries
- Marine Resource Management
Modules
12 in the programmeIntroduction to Fisheries and Oceanography
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduction to Fisheries and Oceanography: Overview of fisheries, oceanography, and marine resource management. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Physical Oceanography
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Physical Oceanography: Ocean physics, ocean currents, waves, and marine physical processes. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Marine Biology
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Marine Biology: Marine organisms, marine ecosystems, and biological oceanography. Covers cellular processes, organismal biology, and ecological relationships.
Fisheries Management
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Fisheries Management: Fisheries principles, stock assessment, and fisheries management strategies. Covers planning, organising, leadership, and control in organisational contexts.
Chemical Oceanography
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Chemical Oceanography: Marine chemistry, ocean chemistry, and chemical processes in oceans. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Fisheries Biology
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Fish biology, fish ecology, and population dynamics. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, co...
Marine Ecology
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Marine Ecology: Marine ecosystems, ecological processes, and marine biodiversity. Covers ecosystem dynamics, conservation principles, and environmental management practices.
Aquaculture
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Aquaculture: Aquaculture principles, fish farming, and aquaculture systems. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Fisheries Technology
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Fishing gear, fishing methods, and fisheries technology. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests...
Marine Conservation
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Marine Conservation: Marine conservation, protected areas, and marine ecosystem protection. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Fisheries Economics
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Fisheries Economics: Fisheries economics, cost-benefit analysis, and fisheries business management. Covers economic theory, market analysis, and policy evaluation.
Fisheries and Oceanography Project
Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore
Independent project on fisheries or oceanography topic. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests,...
Specialisations
Physical Oceanography
Specialization in ocean physics, ocean currents, and marine physical processes. 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.
Fisheries Management
Focus on fisheries principles, stock assessment, and fisheries management strategies. 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.
Marine Biology
Focus on marine organisms, marine ecosystems, and biological oceanography. 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 fieldwork in marine environments, participate in fisheries assessments, and engage in oceanographic research.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Critical role in managing marine resources and ensuring sustainable fisheries. | Marine work can be challenging due to sea conditions and remote locations. |
| Growing demand for fisheries professionals due to increasing marine resource needs. | Fisheries management can be complex due to overfishing and ecosystem changes. |
| Fieldwork provides direct experience with marine environments and oceanographic research. | — |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 303 agriculture 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
Egerton 276.7K/yr (educationnewshub), UoN 324K/yr (Schedule II). Private unverified.
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
Residents of respective counties pursuing undergraduate studies
Scholarships you could apply for
11 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
- 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
- HELB Undergraduate Scholarship
Closes 31 July 2027PartialHigher Education Loans Board
KES 40,000 to 60,000 per year
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
Diploma holders in Fisheries, Marine Science, Biology, or related fields with Credit pass from recognized institutions may also apply.
When it next starts
Taught at 8 institutionsIncluding Karatina University, Chuka University, University of Eldoret.
Including Karatina University, Chuka University, University of Eldoret.
Including Karatina University, Chuka University, University of Eldoret.
How you are assessed
4 componentsContinuous Assessment Tests
Cat30% of the mark
Regular tests, assignments, and laboratory reports throughout the semester.
Field Practice Assessments
Practicum100% of the mark
Evaluation of field skills in fisheries assessments, oceanographic measurements, and marine research.
Research Project
Project100% of the mark
Independent research project on fisheries or oceanography topic.
End of Semester Examinations
Exam70% of the mark
Comprehensive written examinations at the end of each semester.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education
NationalRequired
Mandatory accreditation for all 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
5 rolesOceanographer
Medium demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 130,000
Study ocean systems, conduct oceanographic research, and assess marine conditions.
Fisheries Officer
High demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 120,000
Manage fisheries, enforce regulations, and support sustainable fishing practices.
Fisheries Manager
High demandKsh 57,000 to Ksh 123,000
Manage fishing operations, oversee fish stocks, and ensure sustainable fisheries.
Marine Consultant
Medium demandKsh 62,000 to Ksh 135,000
Provide consulting services on fisheries, oceanography, and marine resource management.
Marine Biologist
Medium demandKsh 58,000 to Ksh 125,000
Study marine organisms, conduct marine research, and support marine conservation.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work in fisheries, oceanography, and marine resource management across Kenya's marine sector.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Aquaculture TechnologistAgriculture3Low exposure
- Climate-Resilient Seed BreederAgriculture3Low exposure
- Veterinary Public OfficerAgriculture3Low exposure
- Veterinary OfficerAgriculture7Low exposure
- Climate Change AnalystEnvironmental Science10Low exposure
- Wildlife Corridors EcologistEnvironmental Science10Low exposure
- Farm Insurance AssessorAgriculture11Low exposure
- Finance AnalystEnvironmental Science11Low exposure
Tools you will learn
ChatGPT / Claude
Ai
Google Earth
Gis
Microsoft Excel
SpreadsheetPrimary
PlantVillage Nuru
Agriculture
QGIS
GisPrimary
R
Analytics
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
All fishing is unsustainable and depletes oceans
Sustainable fisheries exist and many are certified. Well-managed fisheries can be sustainable and support marine ecosystems.
Fishermen are solely to blame for overfishing
Overfishing has complex causes including demand, regulations, market forces, and governance. Fishermen often support sustainable practices.
Aquaculture is always harmful to the environment
Responsible aquaculture can be sustainable with proper management. Well-run farms minimize environmental impacts.
Ocean resources are infinite
Ocean resources are finite and require careful management. Overexploitation can lead to collapse of fish stocks and ecosystems.
Small-scale fisheries don't impact the ocean
Small-scale fisheries collectively have significant impacts. Cumulative effects require management and sustainable practices.
Marine protected areas eliminate fishing completely
Many marine protected areas allow sustainable fishing. Zones can balance conservation with sustainable resource use.