Business

Bachelor of Science in Marine Resource Management

The Bachelor of Science in Marine Resource Management is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in in marine resource management. The programme falls under the Business & Economics category and typically spans 4 years of full-time study at accredited Kenyan universities.

The curriculum covers Marine Resource Management, Marine Science, Marine Ecology, Fisheries Management, Marine Conservation, Marine Economics. Students engage with both theoretical foundations and practical applications, developing competencies in technical and analytical competencies. The coursework is designed to build progressive understanding from foundational concepts to advanced topics.

Throughout the programme, students study Introduction to Marine Resource Management, Marine Science, Marine Resource Management Research Project, Marine Law, Marine Conservation. 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 Fisheries Management, Marine Conservation, Marine Economics. 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 Marine Resource Management pursue careers as Marine Economist, Environmental Consultant, Fisheries Manager, Marine Resource Manager. 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.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 244,800
Job market: High

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 6 months
Average class: 30 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

6 subjects

Marine Resource Management
Marine Science
Marine Ecology
Fisheries Management
Marine Conservation
Marine Economics

Modules

12 in the programme

Introduction to Marine Resource Management
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Comprehensive introduction to marine resource management, covering marine concepts, management principles, and approaches to sustainable marine use.
Marine Science
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Study of marine science, covering oceanography, marine biology, marine chemistry, and marine physics.
Marine Ecology
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Examination of marine ecology, covering marine ecosystems, marine biodiversity, ecological interactions, and ecosystem dynamics.
Fisheries Management
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Study of fisheries management, covering fisheries assessment, fisheries policy, fisheries conservation, and sustainable fisheries.
Marine Conservation
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Analysis of marine conservation, covering conservation principles, protected areas, marine restoration, and biodiversity conservation.
Marine Economics
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Development of marine economics skills, covering marine valuation, marine markets, marine economics, and sustainable marine economics.
Marine Policy
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Study of marine policy, covering marine legislation, policy development, regulatory frameworks, and compliance.
Marine Law
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Examination of marine law, covering maritime law, legal frameworks, compliance, and legal frameworks for marine management.
Strategic Management
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Study of strategic management, covering strategic analysis, strategy formulation, and strategic implementation in marine context.
Marine Ethics
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Analysis of ethical issues in marine resource management, covering environmental ethics, conservation ethics, and ethical decision-making in marine practice.
Marine Resource Management Practice
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Practical marine work where students apply learned skills in marine ecosystems, fisheries management, and marine conservation.
Marine Resource Management Research Project
Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore
Independent research project on marine topic, demonstrating mastery of marine resource management theory and practice.

Specialisations

Fisheries Management
Focus on fisheries assessment, fisheries policy, and sustainable fisheries for fisheries management careers.
Marine Conservation
Specialization in conservation principles, protected areas, and biodiversity conservation. 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 Economics
Focus on marine valuation, marine markets, and sustainable marine economics. 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 marine ecosystems, participate in case studies, and engage in marine conservation.

The trade offs

In its favour

Growing focus on marine conservation and sustainable fisheries due to climate change and environmental protection needs.
Marine resource management offers diverse career opportunities in marine departments, environmental agencies, and conservation organizations.
Marine ecosystems and fisheries management provide hands-on experience with marine conservation and sustainable practices.

Against it

Marine work often involves fieldwork in marine environments and exposure to water-related conditions.
Marine resource management requires understanding of complex marine ecosystems and climate-related challenges.

What it costs

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

What it costs, and where

Against 331 business courses

Public245k to 245k

245k at Kenyatta University245k at Kenyatta University

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

KU BSc Coastal & Marine Resource Mgmt 244,800/yr (KUCCPS). Others unverified.

HELB loans available for eligible students. Some universities offer scholarships based on academic performance.

Funding options

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)

Scholarships

3 recorded

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.
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKenyan
Residents of respective counties pursuing undergraduate studies

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+ (plus) mean grade at KCSE
Alternative entry: Diploma holders in Marine Science, Fisheries, Environmental Science, or related fields with Credit pass from recognized institutions may also apply.

Biology/Biological Sciences
C+
Chemistry
C
Mathematics/Physics
C
English/Kiswahili
C

How you are assessed

4 components

Fieldwork Assessments
Practicum100% of the mark
Evaluation of marine management skills, fieldwork, and practical applications through marine ecosystems and case studies.
Continuous Assessment Tests
Cat30% of the mark
Regular tests, assignments, and marine exercises throughout the semester evaluating knowledge and practical skills.
End of Semester Examinations
Exam70% of the mark
Comprehensive written examinations at the end of each semester testing understanding of marine science, fisheries management, and marine conservation.
Research Project
Project100% of the mark
Independent research project on marine topic, demonstrating mastery of marine resource management theory and practice.

Accreditation

Accredited by Commission for University Education (CUE).

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
NationalRequired
Mandatory accreditation for all university programmes in Kenya.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

Marine Economist
High demandKsh 54,000 to Ksh 120,000
Analyse marine economics, develop marine strategies, and support marine valuation and sustainable marine economics.
Environmental Consultant
Medium demandKsh 56,000 to Ksh 125,000
Provide marine expertise, consult on conservation strategy, and support organizations in marine improvement.
Fisheries Manager
High demandKsh 52,000 to Ksh 115,000
Manage fisheries operations, develop fisheries strategies, and coordinate fisheries conservation and sustainable fisheries.
Marine Resource Manager
High demandKsh 54,000 to Ksh 120,000
Manage marine resources, develop marine strategies, and coordinate marine conservation and sustainable marine use.
Marine Conservation Officer
High demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 110,000
Support marine conservation, implement conservation programs, and work in marine protection and biodiversity conservation.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work in marine resource management across Kenya's marine and environmental sectors.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

SAP FICO
ErpPrimary
SAP financial and controlling module.
QuickBooks Enterprise
Accounting
Advanced accounting for SMEs.
Microsoft Excel
SpreadsheetPrimary
Financial modelling and analysis.
SAP ERP
ErpPrimary
Oracle ERP
Erp

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

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.
The degree is not recognised internationally.
The programme is accredited by CUE and is recognised under regional and international qualification frameworks.