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Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with Computing

The Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with Computing is a programme that combines mathematical theory with computer science and programming skills. Offered at the University of Embu, the programme equips graduates with analytical reasoning, problem-solving and computational capabilities applicable across diverse fields.

Duration
4 years
Next intake January 2027
Public tuition
Ksh 306,000
Ksh 1,224,000 total
Private tuition
Ksh 441,500
Ksh 1,766,000 total
Job market
High
Market demand for graduates

The short answer

What it costs
Up to Ksh 306,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 1,224,000 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 441,500 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 1 institution.The detail
Where it leads
8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Cloud Security Engineer, at 14 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, discrete mathematics, real analysis, abstract algebra, probability and statistics, numerical methods, computer programming, data structures and algorithms, database systems, computer networks, software development, computational mathematics, operations research, mathematical modelling, computer graphics and research methods. Students develop both mathematical rigour and practical computing skills.

Kenya's growing technology sector and the increasing digitisation of services create demand for professionals who can apply mathematical methods to computational problems. The programme responds to the need for graduates who understand both the mathematical foundations of computing and the practical implementation of algorithms and software.

The programme is delivered through lectures, tutorial sessions, computer laboratory practicals, industrial attachment and a research project. Students gain hands-on experience in programming, algorithm design, numerical computation, data analysis and software development through laboratory work and attachment at technology companies or research institutions.

Graduates pursue careers as software developers, data scientists, quantitative analysts, systems analysts, computational mathematicians, research scientists, mathematics teachers and IT consultants in technology companies, financial institutions, research organisations, government agencies and educational institutions. They can also pursue postgraduate study in mathematics, computer science or data science.

Prospective students should have strong analytical skills, proficiency in mathematics and an interest in computing. The programme is suitable for students who want to apply mathematical thinking to computational and technological challenges.

What you study

10 subjects
  • Calculus and Linear Algebra
  • Discrete Mathematics
  • Probability and Statistics
  • Numerical Methods
  • Computer Programming
  • Data Structures and Algorithms
  • Database Systems
  • Computational Mathematics
  • Mathematical Modelling
  • Operations Research

Modules

11 in the programme

  • Calculus and Analytical Geometry

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Covers differentiation, integration, limits, continuity, applications of derivatives and integrals, and analytical geometry.

  • Linear Algebra

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Covers matrices, determinants, vector spaces, linear transformations, eigenvalues, eigenvectors and applications to computing.

  • Introduction to Programming

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Introduces programming using Python, covering data types, control structures, functions, arrays, file handling and basic algorithm design.

  • Discrete Mathematics

    Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore

    Covers set theory, logic, relations, functions, graph theory, combinatorics, Boolean algebra and applications to computer science.

  • Data Structures and Algorithms

    Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore

    Covers arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, graphs, sorting algorithms, searching algorithms, algorithm complexity and design techniques.

  • Probability and Statistics

    Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore

    Covers probability theory, random variables, distributions, sampling, hypothesis testing, correlation, regression and statistical computing.

  • Numerical Methods and Computational Mathematics

    Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore

    Covers numerical solutions of equations, interpolation, numerical integration, numerical differentiation, differential equations and computational error analysis.

  • Database Systems

    Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore

    Covers relational database design, SQL, normalisation, transaction management, database administration and database application development.

  • Mathematical Modelling and Operations Research

    Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore

    Covers mathematical modelling techniques, linear programming, optimisation, simulation and operations research applications.

  • Real Analysis and Abstract Algebra

    Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore

    Covers real analysis including sequences, series, continuity and differentiation, and abstract algebra including groups, rings and fields.

  • Research Project in Mathematics and Computing

    Year 4Semester 26 creditsCore

    An independent research project applying mathematical and computational methods to a problem, assessed through a written dissertation and software demonstration.

Specialisations

  • Data Science and Analytics

    Focuses on statistical analysis, machine learning, data mining and big data technologies for careers in data science and analytics.

  • Scientific Computing

    Specialises in numerical methods, computational mathematics, simulation and scientific software development for research and engineering.

  • Software Development

    Focuses on programming, software engineering, algorithm design and application development for careers in software development.

  • Financial Mathematics and Quantitative Finance

    Specialises in mathematical finance, risk modelling and quantitative analysis for careers in banking and investment.

A day as a student

A typical day begins with a morning lecture on discrete mathematics or calculus, followed by a tutorial session solving mathematical proofs and problems. Afternoon sessions include a computer laboratory practical on programming in Python or Java, algorithm implementation, or numerical computation using MATLAB. Students also work on group projects developing software solutions to mathematical problems and data analysis assignments.

The trade-offs

In its favourAgainst it
The combination of mathematics and computing is highly valued in data science, fintech and scientific computing, with strong job market demand.The programme is demanding, requiring strong abilities in both abstract mathematics and practical programming.
Mathematical foundations provide a deeper understanding of algorithms, cryptography and computational complexity, giving graduates an edge in advanced computing roles.Some employers may prefer graduates with dedicated computer science degrees for software development roles or dedicated mathematics degrees for academic positions.
Graduates have versatile career options in both technology and analytical roles across multiple industries.—

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
Public264k to 306k
264k at University of Nairobi306k at Kenyatta University
Private192k to 442k
192k at Kabarak University442k at USIU-Africa

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 264K; KU 306K/yr. USIU 441,500; Kabarak 191,700. Src: uonbi, kenyaeducationguide, usiu.ac.ke, kabarak.ac.ke

Students can access HELB loans. Some technology companies offer internship opportunities for mathematics and computing students.

Funding options

  • HELB Loan

Scholarships

1 recorded

  • HELB Loan

    LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan

    Kenyan undergraduate students enrolled in accredited programmes at recognised universities

Scholarships you could apply for

6 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

Diploma in a relevant field from a recognised institution, or KACE with two Principal passes in Mathematics and one other science subject.

Subject requirements
MathematicsC+
Physics or Physical Sciences or Chemistry or Biology or Computer StudiesC
English or KiswahiliC

When it next starts

Taught at 1 institution
January 20271 institution

Including University of Embu.

May 20271 institution

Including University of Embu.

September 20271 institution

Including University of Embu.

How you are assessed

4 components

  • Continuous Assessment Tests

    Written examination30% of the mark

    Mid-semester and end-of-semester written tests covering calculus, linear algebra and programming fundamentals.

  • Computer Laboratory Practicals

    Practicum40% of the mark

    Assessment of programming laboratory sessions, algorithm implementation and data structure exercises.

  • Industrial Attachment Report

    Practicum100% of the mark

    Assessment of performance during industrial attachment at a technology company, research institution or financial firm.

  • Research Project

    Project100% of the mark

    A final-year research project applying mathematical and computational methods, assessed through a written dissertation and software demonstration.

Accreditation

  • Commission for University Education

    AcademicRequired

    Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at the University of Embu.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

  • Software Developer

    High demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 350,000

    Designs, develops and maintains software applications, applying mathematical and algorithmic knowledge to create efficient computational solutions.

  • Data Scientist

    High demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 400,000

    Analyses large datasets using statistical and computational methods, builds predictive models and supports data-driven decision-making.

  • Quantitative Analyst

    Moderate demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 350,000

    Applies mathematical models to financial data, develops risk assessment tools and supports investment decisions in financial institutions.

  • Systems Analyst

    Moderate demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 250,000

    Analyses organisational systems, designs IT solutions and bridges the gap between business requirements and technical implementation.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as software developers, data scientists and quantitative analysts in technology companies, financial institutions and research organisations across Kenya.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

  • Python

    CodePrimary

  • Java

    Code

  • MATLAB

    Tool

  • R

    Code

Certifications

Common misconceptions

  • Mathematics with Computing is just computer science with extra maths courses.

    The programme provides equal depth in mathematics and computing, with mathematical foundations informing computational approaches and vice versa, creating a unique interdisciplinary skill set.

  • Graduates can only work as mathematics teachers.

    Graduates work as software developers, data scientists, quantitative analysts and systems analysts in technology companies, banks, research institutions and consulting firms.

  • The computing component is not as good as a dedicated computer science degree.

    The computing component covers programming, algorithms, databases and software development at a professional level, enhanced by the mathematical foundations that underpin advanced computing.

  • This programme is for students who could not qualify for pure computer science.

    The programme is designed for students who want a deeper mathematical foundation for computing careers, particularly in data science, cryptography, scientific computing and algorithm design.

Further reading

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