Science

Bachelor of Science in Geology

The Bachelor of Science in Geology is a programme that provides comprehensive training in earth science, geological processes and mineral exploration. Offered at the University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, JKUAT, Maseno University, Moi University and other institutions, the programme prepares graduates for careers in geology, mining and earth science.

The curriculum covers physical geology, mineralogy, petrology, structural geology, stratigraphy, sedimentology, palaeontology, economic geology, hydrogeology, environmental geology, field geology, geological mapping, GIS, geophysics, geochemistry, petroleum geology, research methods and a research project. Students develop field and laboratory skills for geological science.

Kenya's mining sector, oil and gas exploration, water resource management and infrastructure development create demand for geology graduates. The programme is offered through lectures, intensive fieldwork, laboratory sessions, industrial attachment and research projects.

Graduates are prepared for careers as geologists, exploration geologists, hydrogeologists, mining geologists, petroleum geologists, environmental geologists, geological surveyors, GIS specialists, research scientists and geological consultants. They work in mining companies, oil and gas companies, water agencies, construction firms, research institutions, government and consulting firms.

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Admission requires KCSE mean grade C+ with C+ in Mathematics, Physics or Chemistry, and English or Kiswahili. KUCCPS Cluster 4.

Prospective students should have strong analytical skills, a commitment to continuous learning, and an interest in contributing to Kenya's socio-economic development. The programme provides a solid foundation for further postgraduate study and professional advancement in related fields.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 331,000
Job market: Moderate

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 30 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Physical Geology
Mineralogy
Petrology
Structural Geology
Stratigraphy
Economic Geology
Hydrogeology
Environmental Geology
Geological Mapping
Geophysics

Modules

12 in the programme

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.
Communication Skills
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Communication Skills: Academic writing, presentation skills, and professional communication. Develops practical skills for academic and professional contexts.
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.
Economic Geology
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Mineral deposits and resources. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-s...
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.
Environmental Geology
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Environmental applications. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semes...
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.
Geological Mapping
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Field mapping techniques. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semeste...
Geophysics
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Physical properties of Earth. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-sem...

Specialisations

Economic Geology
Mineral exploration. 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.
Petroleum Geology
Oil and gas. 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.
Environmental Geology
Environmental applications. 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.
Hydrogeology
Groundwater. 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.
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 geology lectures, working in geology laboratories examining rock and mineral samples, conducting field mapping exercises, studying geological structures, using GIS for geological mapping, researching mineral deposits, and working on geological research projects.

The trade offs

In its favour

Kenya's mining and oil exploration sectors are growing
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE).
Field-based learning with outdoor work
Graduates are eligible for HELB loans and government funding.
Specialised skills with good earning potential

Against it

Limited programme specialisation options may be available.
Competitive job market requiring practical experience and networking.
May require postgraduate qualifications for advancement

What it costs

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

What it costs, and where

Against 243 science courses

Public245k to 331k

245k at Kenyatta University331k at University of Nairobi

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

UoN ~331K/yr (uonbi.ac.ke); KU ~245K/yr KUCCPS. Private: unverified.

HELB loans and government scholarships under the new funding model are available. Mining companies may offer sponsorships.

Funding options

HELB Loan
County Bursaries
Government Scholarship (New Funding Model)

Scholarships

3 recorded

County Government Bursaries
BursaryKsh 30,000Kenyan
Kenyan students from participating counties
Higher 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.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+
Alternative entry: KCSE mean grade C+ with C+ in Mathematics, Physics or Chemistry, and English or Kiswahili. Diploma in geology, mining, laboratory technology or related field from a recognised institution. KUCCPS Cluster 4.

Mathematics
C+
Physics or Chemistry
C+
English or Kiswahili
C+

How you are assessed

5 components

Continuous Assessment Tests and Assignments
Coursework30% of the mark
Written tests, assignments, and practical exercises throughout the semester.
Continuous Assessment Tests
Cat20% of the mark
Regular tests and assignments
Research Project
Project10% of the mark
Final year research project
End of Semester Examinations
Written examination40% of the mark
End of semester written exams
Field and Laboratory Practicals
Practicum30% of the mark
Field mapping and lab sessions

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Offered at UoN, KU, JKUAT, Maseno, Moi and other institutions. Admission requires KCSE mean grade C+ with C+ in Mathematics, Physics or Chemistry, and English or Kiswahili. KUCCPS Cluster 4.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Statutory body responsible for accreditation of 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.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

8 roles

Geologist
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 380,000
Geological science
Exploration Geologist
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 420,000
Mineral exploration
Mining Geologist
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 400,000
Mining geology
Hydrogeologist
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 350,000
Groundwater management
Environmental Geologist
Moderate demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 320,000
Environmental geology
Graduate 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.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as geologists, exploration geologists and hydrogeologists in mining companies, oil and gas companies and water agencies.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Microscope
MedicalPrimary
SPSS
Analytics
R
Analytics
ChemDraw
Design
ArcGIS
SoftwarePrimary
GIS software for geological mapping and spatial analysis.
RockWorks
SoftwarePrimary
Geological software for subsurface visualisation and well log analysis.
Microsoft Excel
Software
Spreadsheet for geological data analysis and reporting.
Google Earth
Software
Satellite imagery for geological surveys and terrain analysis.

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Geology is just about rocks.
The programme covers mineral exploration, hydrogeology, petroleum geology, environmental geology and geophysics.
There are no geology jobs in Kenya.
Mining, oil exploration, water resources and construction create demand for geologists.
Geology is only for men.
The field is open to all, with growing opportunities for women in geoscience.
Geology is less rigorous than other sciences.
Geology integrates physics, chemistry, mathematics and field science.