Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering

The Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering is a programme that provides comprehensive training in ship propulsion systems, marine machinery and offshore engineering. Offered at the Technical University of Mombasa, JKUAT and other select institutions, the programme prepares graduates for careers in marine engineering, ship operations and offshore technology.

The curriculum covers marine engineering, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, marine propulsion, diesel engines, marine boilers, marine auxiliary machinery, ship construction, marine electrical systems, marine refrigeration, marine safety, port operations, offshore engineering, naval architecture, CAD, marine pollution control, research methods and a final year project. Students develop engineering skills for marine and offshore applications.

Kenya's Blue Economy agenda, port development at Mombasa and the growth of maritime trade create demand for marine engineering graduates. The programme is offered through lectures, engineering laboratories, workshop practice, sea training, industrial attachment and design projects.

Graduates are prepared for careers as marine engineers, ship engineers, port engineers, offshore engineers, marine maintenance engineers, marine surveyors, marine consultants and maritime instructors. They work in shipping companies, port authorities, offshore oil and gas, maritime training institutions, Kenya Navy, shipyards and consulting firms.

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK). 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.

Duration: 5 years
Public, up to: Ksh 275,400
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: 25 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Marine Engineering
Thermodynamics
Marine Propulsion
Diesel Engines
Marine Boilers
Marine Auxiliary Machinery
Ship Construction
Marine Electrical Systems
Offshore Engineering
Naval Architecture

Modules

12 in the programme

Communication 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.
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.
Thermodynamics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Thermal science. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester examina...
Statistics and Data Analysis
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Statistical methods, probability, and data interpretation for research and practice.
Diesel Engines
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Marine diesel engines. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester e...
Professional Ethics
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Ethical principles, professional conduct, and regulatory frameworks in the field.
Ship Construction
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Ship design and construction. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-sem...
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.
Marine Electrical Systems
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Marine electrics. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester examin...
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.

Specialisations

Offshore Engineering
Offshore structures. 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.
Port Engineering
Port operations. 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.
Naval Architecture
Ship design. 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 Propulsion
Propulsion systems. 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 marine engineering lectures, working in marine engineering laboratories, studying propulsion systems, learning ship construction, operating marine machinery, using CAD for marine design, researching offshore engineering, and working on marine engineering design projects.

The trade offs

In its favour

Kenya's Blue Economy creates new opportunities
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE).
Specialised field with good earning potential
Graduates are eligible for HELB loans and government funding.
EBK and KMA registration enable professional practice

Against it

Limited programme specialisation options may be available.
Some roles require extended periods at sea
Competitive job market requiring practical experience and networking.

What it costs

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

What it costs, and where

Against 332 engineering courses

Public246k to 275k

246k at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology275k at Technical University of Mombasa

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

JKUAT Marine Eng 245,950/yr (jkuat.ac.ke); TUM 275,400/yr (KUCCPS). Private unverified.

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

Funding options

HELB Loan
County Bursaries
Government Scholarship (New Funding Model)

Scholarships

5 recorded

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.
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 80,000Kenyan
Kenyan undergraduate students in engineering
Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) Student Scholarships
ScholarshipKenyan
Student members of IEK pursuing accredited engineering programmes
KCDF More Girls for Engineering Opportunities
ScholarshipKenyan
Young women from disadvantaged backgrounds pursuing engineering

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 B- in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. Diploma in marine engineering, mechanical engineering or related field from a recognised institution. KUCCPS Cluster 3.

Mathematics
B-
Physics
B-
Chemistry
B-

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
Final Year Project
Project10% of the mark
Capstone design project
Laboratory and Workshop Practicals
Practicum20% of the mark
Lab and workshop sessions
End of Semester Examinations
Written examination50% of the mark
End of semester written exams

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK). Offered at TUM, JKUAT and other select institutions. Admission requires KCSE mean grade C+ with B- in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. KUCCPS Cluster 3. EBK registration and Kenya Maritime Authority certification required for professional practice.

Accredited by

Engineers Board of Kenya
ProfessionalRequired
Statutory body responsible for registration and regulation of engineers in Kenya
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

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.
Analyst
High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 90,000
Analysing data, trends, and patterns to support decision-making.
Ship Engineer
Moderate demandKsh 140,000 to Ksh 400,000
Ship operations
Offshore Engineer
Low demandKsh 160,000 to Ksh 480,000
Offshore engineering
Marine Engineer
Moderate demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 450,000
Marine engineering
Marine Surveyor
Low demandKsh 140,000 to Ksh 400,000
Marine surveying

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as marine engineers, ship engineers and port engineers in shipping companies, Kenya Ports Authority and offshore industry.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Multimeter
Medical
AutoCAD
DesignPrimary
SolidWorks
Design
MATLAB
Analytics
ANSYS
SoftwarePrimary
Engineering simulation software for computational fluid dynamics and structural analysis.
Rhino 3D
Software
3D modelling software for naval architecture and ship hull design.
Microsoft Excel
Software
Spreadsheet for marine engineering calculations and maintenance scheduling.

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Marine engineering is just about fixing ship engines.
The programme covers propulsion systems, offshore engineering, naval architecture and marine safety.
There are no marine engineering jobs in Kenya.
Kenya's Blue Economy and port development create demand for marine engineers.
Marine engineers spend all their time at sea.
Graduates work in ports, shipyards, offshore, consulting and training institutions.
This is less rigorous than other engineering fields.
Marine engineering requires the same engineering foundation with additional marine specialisation.