Bachelor of Science in Geology and Mining Technology
The Bachelor of Science in Geology and Mining Technology is a programme that combines geological science with mining engineering and mineral processing. Offered at JKUAT, Technical University of Kenya, University of Nairobi and other institutions, the programme prepares graduates for careers in mining, mineral processing and geological technology.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 336,600 a year at a public institution, Ksh 1,346,400 for the whole course.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C+ or above, plus 3 subject grades. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 4 years, full-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 4 institutions.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Overhead Transmission Technician, 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 physical geology, mineralogy, petrology, structural geology, economic geology, mining engineering, mine design, blasting technology, mineral processing, extractive metallurgy, mine ventilation, mine surveying, environmental management in mining, mine safety, GIS, computer applications in mining, research methods and a research project. Students develop geological and mining engineering skills.
Kenya's mining sector development, mineral exploration and the government's focus on extractive industries create demand for geology and mining technology graduates. The programme is offered through lectures, laboratory sessions, mine visits, fieldwork, industrial attachment and research projects.
Graduates are prepared for careers as mining engineers, geological engineers, mineral processing engineers, mine surveyors, blasting engineers, mining consultants, mine safety officers, exploration geologists and mining project managers. They work in mining companies, mineral processing plants, consulting firms, government, research institutions and cement companies.
The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Admission requires KCSE mean grade C+ with B- in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. KUCCPS Cluster 3.
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.
What you study
10 subjects- Physical Geology
- Mineralogy
- Economic Geology
- Mining Engineering
- Mine Design
- Blasting Technology
- Mineral Processing
- Extractive Metallurgy
- Mine Surveying
- Mine Safety
Modules
10 in the programmePhysical Geology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Earth processes. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester examina...
Mineralogy
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Mineral science. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester examina...
Economic Geology
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Mineral deposits. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester examin...
Mining Engineering
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Mining methods. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester examinat...
Mine Design
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Mine planning and design. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semeste...
Blasting Technology
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Explosives and blasting. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester...
Mineral Processing
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Ore processing. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester examinat...
Extractive Metallurgy
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Metal extraction. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester examin...
Mine Safety
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Mining safety management. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semeste...
Research Project
Year 4Semester 16 creditsCore
Final year research project. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-seme...
Specialisations
Mine Safety
Safety management. 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.
Blasting Engineering
Explosives engineering. 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.
Mineral Processing
Ore processing technology. 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.
Mine Design
Mine planning. 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 mining and geology lectures, working in geology laboratories, studying mine design, researching mineral processing, visiting mines, learning blasting technology, using mining software, and working on mining engineering projects.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Kenya's mining sector is developing with new projects | Fieldwork in remote mining areas |
| Specialised skills with good earning potential | Limited number of universities offering the programme |
| Combines geology with practical mining engineering | Job market depends on mining sector investment |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 332 engineering 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
JKUAT & TTU KSH336.6K/yr KUCCPS (educationnewshub). 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 recordedCounty Government Bursaries
BursaryKsh 50,000Kenyan
Kenyan students from participating counties
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 80,000Kenyan
Kenyan undergraduate students in engineering
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
ScholarshipKsh 200,000Kenyan
KUCCPS-placed students
Scholarships you could apply for
12 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
- 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
- County Government Scholarships
Varies by countyPartialCounty Governments
KES 50,000 to 200,000 per year
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
KCSE mean grade C+ with B- in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. Diploma in mining, geology, engineering or related field from a recognised institution. KUCCPS Cluster 3.
When it next starts
Taught at 4 institutionsIncluding Kenyatta University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, University of Nairobi.
Including Kenyatta University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, University of Nairobi.
Including Kenyatta University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, University of Nairobi.
How you are assessed
4 componentsContinuous Assessment Tests
Cat20% of the mark
Regular tests and assignments
End of Semester Examinations
Written examination50% of the mark
End of semester written exams
Laboratory and Field Practicals
Practicum20% of the mark
Lab and mine visits
Research Project
Project10% of the mark
Final year research project
Accreditation
Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Statutory body responsible for accreditation of university programmes in Kenya
Engineers Board of Kenya
ProfessionalRequired
Statutory body responsible for registration and regulation of engineers in Kenya
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Offered at JKUAT, TUK, UoN and other institutions. Admission requires KCSE mean grade C+ with B- in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. KUCCPS Cluster 3.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
5 rolesGeological Engineer
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 350,000
Geological engineering
Mineral Processing Engineer
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 380,000
Mineral processing
Mining Consultant
Low demandKsh 140,000 to Ksh 450,000
Mining consulting
Mining Engineer
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 400,000
Mining engineering
Mine Surveyor
Moderate demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 300,000
Mine surveying
Graduate outcomes
Graduates pursue careers as mining engineers, mineral processing engineers and mine surveyors in mining companies, mineral processing plants and consulting firms.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Overhead Transmission TechnicianEngineering10Low exposure
- Desalination Systems EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- District Cooling EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- HighVoltage Substation EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- Hydrogen Systems EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- Microgrid Control EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- Subsea Cable EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- Traction Power EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
Tools you will learn
MATLAB
Engineering softwarePrimary
Signal processing and communication simulation.
Atoll
Network planning
Radio network planning and optimisation.
Wireshark
Network analysis
Network protocol analysis.
Microsoft Excel
SpreadsheetPrimary
AutoCAD
DesignPrimary
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Mining technology is just about digging holes.
The programme covers geology, mine design, mineral processing, safety and environmental management.
There are no mining jobs in Kenya.
Kenya's mining sector is developing with base metal, rare earth and industrial mineral projects.
Mining is dangerous and not worth pursuing.
Modern mining emphasises safety, technology and environmental management.
This is the same as geology.
The programme combines geology with mining engineering and mineral processing technology.