Science

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.

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.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 264,000
Private, up to: Ksh 191,700
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: 40 students
Award: Bachelor

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 favour

Strong foundation for diverse quantitative careers
Excellent preparation for postgraduate study
Transferable analytical and problem-solving skills

Against it

Can be abstract and challenging
May require additional certification for specific careers
Some 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

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 and C+ in Physics or Chemistry. Diploma in mathematics, statistics, education or related field from a recognised institution. KUCCPS Cluster 4.

Mathematics
B-
Physics or Chemistry
C+
English or Kiswahili
C+

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

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.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Statutory body responsible for accreditation of university programmes in Kenya

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

Industry links

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.