Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology and Fisheries
The Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology and Fisheries is a four-year programme offered at Pwani University, strategically located along Kenya coastline in Kilifi County. It trains students in marine ecosystem science, fisheries management, and aquatic resource conservation.
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+ or above, plus 2 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 8 institutions.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Forensic DNA Scientist, at 15 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
Students study marine biology, oceanography, fisheries ecology, aquaculture, marine conservation, fish population dynamics, and coastal resource management. The curriculum combines theoretical instruction with fieldwork at marine research stations, laboratory practicals, and industrial attachments at fisheries institutions.
Entry requires a KCSE mean grade of C+ with strong grades in Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics. The programme leverages Pwani University coastal location to provide unique hands-on training in marine environments along the Indian Ocean.
Graduates work as marine biologists, fisheries officers, aquaculture specialists, conservation scientists, and environmental consultants in government agencies, research institutions, NGOs, and the growing blue economy sector.
The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and supports Kenya Blue Economy strategy, which prioritises sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth and job creation.
Career opportunities include roles in fisheries management, marine park administration, environmental impact assessment, aquaculture farming, and marine research. The blue economy sector is expanding rapidly in Kenya, creating strong demand for qualified marine science professionals.
What you study
7 subjects- Marine
- Biology
- Fisheries
- Soil Science
- Crop Science
- Agricultural Economics
- Animal Science
Modules
8 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.
Advanced Mathematics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Advanced calculus, algebra, and mathematical methods. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, c...
Research Methods
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, data collection, and analysis techniques.
Laboratory Techniques
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Advanced laboratory methods and instrumentation. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, course...
Research Methods
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Scientific research methodology and experimental design. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests...
Advanced Topics
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Advanced theoretical and applied topics in the discipline. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tes...
Research Project
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Independent research project in pure or applied science. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests...
Specialisations
Marine Biology and Fisheries
Specialisation pathway within Bachelor of Marine Biology and Fisheries. 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.
Crop Science
Specialisation pathway within Bachelor of Marine Biology and Fisheries. 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.
Animal Production
Specialisation pathway within Bachelor of Marine Biology and Fisheries. 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.
Agribusiness & Extension
Specialisation pathway within Bachelor of Marine Biology and Fisheries. 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.
Soil & Water Management
Specialisation pathway within Bachelor of Marine Biology and Fisheries. 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
Lectures, practicals, group discussions, and independent study form the core of the student experience. Industrial attachment and research projects provide real-world exposure.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Solid foundation for diverse career paths across multiple sectors | Competitive job market requiring additional skills or experience |
| Recognised qualification accredited by CUE | May require further specialisation for advanced roles |
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
UoN Fisheries & Aquaculture 324K/yr (vetmedicine.uonbi.ac.ke). Others unverified.
HELB loans available for eligible students. University and external scholarships may be available.
Funding options
HELB Loan
KUCCPS Placement
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 may upgrade through bridging programmes.
When it next starts
Taught at 8 institutionsIncluding Pwani University, Karatina University, Maseno University.
Including Pwani University, Karatina University, Maseno University.
Including Pwani University, Karatina University, Maseno University.
How you are assessed
4 componentsResearch Project
Research15% of the mark
Final-year research project.
Continuous Assessment
Cat25% of the mark
Assignments, tests, and presentations.
Written Examinations
Exam50% of the mark
End-of-semester examinations.
Industrial Attachment
Clinical10% of the mark
Supervised attachment report.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education
Academic accreditationRequired
Mandatory accreditation for university programmes in Kenya.
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE).
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
5 rolesMarine Research Assistant (Junior)
Low demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 90,000
Entry-level role for Bachelor graduates in Pure & Applied Sciences. Marine Research Assistant (Junior)s work across various organizations in Kenya. Hiring trend: Growing.
Research Scientist
Low demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 80,000
Entry-level role for Bachelor graduates in Pure & Applied Sciences. Research Scientists work across various organizations in Kenya. Hiring trend: Growing.
Clinical Trial Scientist (Junior)
Low demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 110,000
Entry-level role for Bachelor graduates in Pure & Applied Sciences. Clinical Trial Scientist (Junior)s work across various organizations in Kenya. Hiring trend: Growing.
Research Data Analyst (Junior)
Low demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 100,000
Entry-level role for Bachelor graduates in Pure & Applied Sciences. Research Data Analyst (Junior)s work across various organizations in Kenya. Hiring trend: Stable.
Research Program Coordinator
Low demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 120,000
Entry-level role for Bachelor graduates in Pure & Applied Sciences. Research Program Coordinators work across various organizations in Kenya. Hiring trend: Growing.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates pursue careers in pure & applied sciences or proceed to further studies.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Forensic DNA ScientistScience15Low exposure
- Neuromorphic Computing ResearcherScience15Low exposure
- Agricultural EntomologistScience17Low exposure
- Neurotechnology Research EngineerScience17Low exposure
- Phage Therapy ResearcherScience17Low exposure
- Applied GeochemistScience18Low exposure
- Computational ToxicologistScience18Low exposure
- Computational Toxicology SpecialistScience18Low exposure
Tools you will learn
MATLAB
SoftwarePrimary
Numerical computing environment for optical simulations, data analysis and modelling.
Zemax OpticStudio
SoftwarePrimary
Optical design software for designing and analysing optical systems.
Python
Software
Programming language for data analysis, optical simulations and automation.
COMSOL Multiphysics
Software
Simulation software for electromagnetic and optical wave propagation modelling.
LabVIEW
Software
Laboratory virtual instrumentation software for data acquisition and instrument control.
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
This programme has limited career options.
Graduates pursue diverse career paths across multiple sectors including government, private sector, NGOs, and entrepreneurship.
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.