Bachelor of Science in Maritime Management
The Bachelor of Science in Maritime Management is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in in maritime management. The programme falls under the Business & Economics category and typically spans 4 years of full-time study at accredited Kenyan universities.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 244,800 a year at a public institution, Ksh 979,200 for the whole course.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C+ (plus) mean grade at KCSE or above, plus 4 subject grades. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 4 years, full-time, with 6 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 2 institutions.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Forensic Audit Investigator, at 17 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
The curriculum covers Maritime Management, Maritime Operations, Port Management, Shipping Logistics, Maritime Economics, Maritime Law. Students engage with both theoretical foundations and practical applications, developing competencies in Advertising, Business Process Modeling, Data Visualization, Entrepreneurship, Financial Analysis. The coursework is designed to build progressive understanding from foundational concepts to advanced topics.
Throughout the programme, students study Maritime Management Research Project, Maritime Economics, Maritime Safety, Maritime Law, Introduction to Maritime Management. 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 Port Management, Maritime Economics, Shipping Logistics. 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 Maritime Management pursue careers as Maritime Manager, Maritime Consultant, Shipping Logistics Manager, Maritime Economist. 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.
What you study
6 subjects- Maritime Management
- Maritime Operations
- Port Management
- Shipping Logistics
- Maritime Economics
- Maritime Law
Modules
12 in the programmeIntroduction to Maritime Management
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Comprehensive introduction to maritime management, covering maritime concepts, management principles, and approaches to maritime operations.
Maritime Operations
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Study of maritime operations, covering shipping operations, port operations, maritime logistics, and operational management.
Port Management
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Examination of port management, covering port operations, port planning, port infrastructure, and port administration.
Shipping Logistics
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Study of shipping logistics, covering logistics management, supply chain, freight forwarding, and maritime logistics.
Maritime Economics
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Analysis of maritime economics, covering shipping economics, port economics, maritime trade, and sustainable maritime economics.
Maritime Law
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Development of maritime law skills, covering maritime legislation, international maritime law, regulatory frameworks, and compliance.
Maritime Safety
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Study of maritime safety, covering safety management, risk assessment, safety regulations, and emergency response.
Maritime Policy
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Examination of maritime policy, covering maritime legislation, policy development, regulatory frameworks, and compliance.
Strategic Management
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Study of strategic management, covering strategic analysis, strategy formulation, and strategic implementation in maritime context.
Maritime Ethics
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Analysis of ethical issues in maritime management, covering environmental ethics, safety ethics, and ethical decision-making in maritime practice.
Maritime Management Practice
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Practical maritime work where students apply learned skills in maritime operations, port management, and shipping logistics.
Maritime Management Research Project
Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore
Independent research project on maritime topic, demonstrating mastery of maritime management theory and practice.
Specialisations
Port Management
Focus on port operations, port planning, and port infrastructure for port management careers. 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.
Maritime Economics
Focus on shipping economics, port economics, and maritime trade. 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.
Shipping Logistics
Specialization in logistics management, supply chain, and freight forwarding. 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 maritime operations, participate in case studies, and engage in port management.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Growing demand for maritime professionals due to port development and maritime trade growth. | Maritime work often involves port environments and exposure to maritime conditions. |
| Maritime management offers diverse career opportunities in port authorities, shipping companies, and maritime organizations. | Maritime management requires understanding of complex maritime regulations and international standards. |
| Maritime operations and port management provide hands-on experience with shipping logistics and operational management. | — |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 331 business 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
TUM 183,600/yr KUCCPS; KU Coastal&Marine 244,800/yr. Private unverified. Src: educationnewshub, kenyaeducationguide
HELB loans available for eligible students. Some universities offer scholarships based on academic performance.
Funding options
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
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
9 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
- Mombasa Cement Scholarship
Closes 31 May 2027PartialMombasa Cement Ltd
KES 100,000 per year
- 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
- Komaza Scholarship Program
RollingPartialKomaza
KES 50,000 to 150,000 per year
- Moi University Merit Scholarship
Before semester startsPartialMoi University
50% tuition waiver
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
Diploma holders in Maritime Studies, Logistics, Transport Management, or related fields with Credit pass from recognized institutions may also apply.
When it next starts
Taught at 2 institutionsIncluding Technical University of Mombasa, Moi University.
Including Technical University of Mombasa, Moi University.
Including Technical University of Mombasa, Moi University.
How you are assessed
4 componentsPractice Assessments
Practicum100% of the mark
Evaluation of maritime management skills, maritime work, and practical applications through maritime operations and case studies.
Research Project
Project100% of the mark
Independent research project on maritime topic, demonstrating mastery of maritime management theory and practice.
Continuous Assessment Tests
Cat30% of the mark
Regular tests, assignments, and maritime 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 maritime operations, port management, and shipping logistics.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education
NationalRequired
Mandatory accreditation for all university programmes in Kenya.
Accredited by Commission for University Education (CUE).
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
5 rolesMaritime Manager
High demandKsh 54,000 to Ksh 120,000
Manage maritime operations, develop maritime strategies, and coordinate shipping logistics and port management.
Maritime Consultant
Medium demandKsh 56,000 to Ksh 125,000
Provide maritime expertise, consult on maritime strategy, and support organizations in maritime improvement.
Shipping Logistics Manager
High demandKsh 54,000 to Ksh 120,000
Manage shipping logistics, develop logistics strategies, and coordinate supply chain and freight forwarding.
Maritime Economist
High demandKsh 54,000 to Ksh 120,000
Analyse maritime economics, develop maritime strategies, and support shipping economics and maritime trade.
Port Manager
High demandKsh 56,000 to Ksh 125,000
Manage port operations, develop port strategies, and coordinate port infrastructure and port administration.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work in maritime management across Kenya's maritime and transport sectors.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Forensic Audit InvestigatorBusiness17Low exposure
- Franchise Operations ManagerBusiness18Low exposure
- Infrastructure Finance SpecialistBusiness18Low exposure
- Intermodal Reefer TechnicianBusiness18Low exposure
- Climate Risk UnderwriterBusiness19Low exposure
- Coldchain Logistics ManagerBusiness19Low exposure
- Municipal Finance SpecialistBusiness19Low exposure
- Islamic Banking SpecialistBusiness20Low exposure
Tools you will learn
ChatGPT / Claude
Ai
Google Workspace
Cloud
Microsoft Excel
SpreadsheetPrimary
Power BI
AnalyticsPrimary
QuickBooks
Accounting
SAP
Enterprise
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.