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Bachelor of Science in Mathematics

The Bachelor of Science in Mathematics is a programme that provides comprehensive training in pure and applied mathematics. Offered at the University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, JKUAT, Maseno University, Moi University, Egerton University and other institutions, the programme prepares graduates for careers in mathematics, data analysis and quantitative fields.

Duration
4 years
Next intake January 2027
Public tuition
Ksh 264,000
Ksh 1,056,000 total
Private tuition
Ksh 191,700
Ksh 766,800 total
Job market
Moderate
Market demand for graduates

The short answer

What it costs
Up to Ksh 264,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 1,056,000 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 191,700 a year at a private one.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 43 institutions.The detail
Where it leads
8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Early Childhood Strategist, 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 calculus, linear algebra, abstract algebra, real analysis, complex analysis, differential equations, numerical methods, discrete mathematics, probability, statistics, topology, number theory, mathematical modelling, operations research, programming, research methods and a research project. Students develop analytical and problem-solving skills through rigorous mathematical training.

Kenya's data-driven economy, financial sector and education system create demand for mathematics graduates. The programme is offered through lectures, problem-solving sessions, computer laboratories and research projects.

Graduates are prepared for careers as mathematicians, data analysts, statisticians, actuaries, quantitative analysts, mathematics teachers, research scientists, operations research analysts and software developers. They work in banks, insurance companies, research institutions, universities, schools, government, consulting firms and tech companies.

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Admission requires KCSE mean grade C+ with B- in Mathematics and C+ in Physics or Chemistry. KUCCPS Cluster 4.

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
  • Calculus
  • Linear Algebra
  • Abstract Algebra
  • Real Analysis
  • Complex Analysis
  • Differential Equations
  • Numerical Methods
  • Probability
  • Mathematical Modelling
  • Operations Research

Modules

10 in the programme

  • Calculus

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Differential and integral calculus. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-...

  • Linear Algebra

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Vector spaces and matrices. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semes...

  • Abstract Algebra

    Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore

    Groups, rings and fields. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semeste...

  • Real Analysis

    Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore

    Rigorous analysis. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester exami...

  • Complex Analysis

    Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore

    Complex variable analysis. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semest...

  • Differential Equations

    Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore

    ODEs and PDEs. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester examinati...

  • Numerical Methods

    Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore

    Computational mathematics. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semest...

  • Probability

    Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore

    Probability theory. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester exam...

  • Mathematical Modelling

    Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore

    Applied modelling. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester exami...

  • 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

  • Pure Mathematics

    Abstract mathematics. 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.

  • Financial Mathematics

    Quantitative finance. 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.

  • Applied Mathematics

    Mathematical modelling. 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.

  • Computational Mathematics

    Numerical methods. 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 mathematics lectures, solving complex problems, working through proofs, studying algebra and analysis, using mathematical software, researching mathematical models, programming numerical methods, and working on mathematics research projects.

The trade-offs

In its favourAgainst it
Strong foundation for diverse quantitative careersCan be abstract and challenging
Excellent preparation for postgraduate studyMay require additional certification for specific careers
Transferable analytical and problem-solving skillsSome career paths require postgraduate qualifications

What it costs

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

What it costs, and where

Against 243 science courses
Public245k to 264k
245k at Kenyatta University264k at University of Nairobi
Private110k to 192k
110k at Mount Kenya University192k at Kabarak 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

UoN 264,000/yr sch.II; KU 244,800/yr. Kabarak 191,700; MKU ~110K. Src: uonbi, kenyaeducationguide, kabarak.ac.ke, mku.ac.ke

HELB loans and government scholarships under the new funding model are available for eligible students.

Funding options

  • HELB Loan

  • County Bursaries

  • Government Scholarship (New Funding Model)

Scholarships

3 recorded

  • Higher Education Fund (HEF)

    ScholarshipKsh 200,000Kenyan

    KUCCPS-placed students

  • County Government Bursaries

    BursaryKsh 30,000Kenyan

    Kenyan students from participating counties

  • Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan

    LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan

    Kenyan undergraduate students

Scholarships you could apply for

15 usable where it is taught
Save one and be reminded before it closes

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade
C+minimum entry
Alternative entry

KCSE mean grade C+ with B- in Mathematics and C+ in Physics or Chemistry. Diploma in mathematics, statistics, education or related field from a recognised institution. KUCCPS Cluster 4.

Subject requirements
MathematicsB-
Physics or ChemistryC+
English or KiswahiliC+

When it next starts

Taught at 43 institutions
January 202743 institutions

Including Technical University of Kenya, University of Nairobi, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.

May 202743 institutions

Including Technical University of Kenya, University of Nairobi, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.

September 202743 institutions

Including Technical University of Kenya, University of Nairobi, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.

How you are assessed

4 components

  • Continuous Assessment Tests

    Cat30% of the mark

    Regular tests and problem sets

  • Computer Practicals

    Practicum5% of the mark

    Mathematical software sessions

  • End of Semester Examinations

    Written examination60% of the mark

    End of semester written exams

  • Research Project

    Project5% of the mark

    Final year research project

Accreditation

  • Commission for University Education

    AcademicRequired

    Statutory body responsible for accreditation of university programmes in Kenya

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Offered at multiple public and private universities. Admission requires KCSE mean grade C+ with B- in Mathematics and C+ in Physics or Chemistry. KUCCPS Cluster 4.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

  • Actuary

    High demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 500,000

    Actuarial science

  • Mathematician

    Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 300,000

    Mathematical research

  • Mathematics Teacher

    High demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 160,000

    Teaching (with PGDE)

  • Data Analyst

    High demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 380,000

    Data analysis

  • Quantitative Analyst

    Moderate demandKsh 140,000 to Ksh 450,000

    Quantitative finance

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as mathematicians, data analysts and mathematics teachers in banks, research institutions and educational institutions.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

  • SQL

    Database

  • Jupyter Notebook

    Analytics

  • R

    AnalyticsPrimary

  • Stata

    Analytics

  • Python

    CodePrimary

  • Scikit-learn

    Ml library

  • TensorFlow

    Code

  • Microsoft Excel

    Spreadsheet

Certifications

Common misconceptions

  • Mathematics has no practical applications.

    Mathematics underpins data science, finance, engineering, cryptography and technology.

  • Mathematics graduates only become teachers.

    Graduates work in finance, data analysis, research, tech, insurance and consulting.

  • Mathematics is too abstract to be useful.

    Applied mathematics drives innovation in every quantitative field.

  • There are no jobs for mathematics graduates.

    Data-driven industries create strong demand for quantitative skills.

Further reading

Read next