Technology

Bachelor of Science in Networks and Communication Systems

The Bachelor of Science in Networks and Communication Systems is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in in networks and communication systems. The programme falls under the Computing & IT category and typically spans 4 years of full-time study at accredited Kenyan universities.

The curriculum covers Networks and Communication Systems, Network Engineering, Communication Systems, Network Security, Telecommunications, Wireless Technologies. 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 Cloud Networking, Networks and Communication Systems Practice, Introduction to Networks and Communication Systems, Communication Systems, Wireless Technologies. 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 Wireless Technologies, Network Engineering, Network Security. 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 Networks and Communication Systems pursue careers as Wireless Network Specialist, Communication Systems Engineer, Network Engineer, Network Security Specialist. 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 306,000
Private, up to: Ksh 120,000
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

Networks and Communication Systems
Network Engineering
Communication Systems
Network Security
Telecommunications
Wireless Technologies

Modules

12 in the programme

Introduction to Networks and Communication Systems
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Comprehensive introduction to networks and communication systems, covering network concepts, communication principles, and approaches to network engineering.
Network Engineering
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Study of network engineering, covering network design, network architecture, network protocols, and network implementation.
Communication Systems
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Examination of communication systems, covering signal processing, communication protocols, transmission systems, and communication technologies.
Network Security
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Study of network security, covering security protocols, threat analysis, intrusion detection, and network protection.
Telecommunications
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Analysis of telecommunications, covering telecommunication systems, voice networks, data networks, and telecommunication infrastructure.
Wireless Technologies
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Development of wireless technologies skills, covering wireless networks, mobile communications, wireless protocols, and wireless security.
Cloud Networking
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Study of cloud networking, covering cloud infrastructure, network virtualization, software-defined networking, and cloud services.
Network Law
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Examination of network law, covering telecommunications legislation, regulatory frameworks, compliance, and legal frameworks for networks.
Strategic Management
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Study of strategic management, covering strategic analysis, strategy formulation, and strategic implementation in network context.
Network Ethics
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Analysis of ethical issues in networks and communication systems, covering professional ethics, data ethics, and ethical decision-making in network practice.
Networks and Communication Systems Practice
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Practical network work where students apply learned skills in network engineering, communication systems, and network security.
Networks and Communication Systems Research Project
Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore
Independent research project on network topic, demonstrating mastery of networks and communication systems theory and practice.

Specialisations

Wireless Technologies
Focus on wireless networks, mobile communications, and wireless protocols. 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.
Network Engineering
Focus on network design, network architecture, and network protocols for network engineering careers.
Network Security
Specialization in security protocols, threat analysis, and intrusion detection. 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 network engineering, participate in case studies, and engage in communication systems.

The trade offs

In its favour

Growing focus on networks and communication systems due to digital connectivity and telecommunications infrastructure needs.
Networks and communication systems offers diverse career opportunities in technology companies, telecommunications providers, and corporate organizations.
Network security and wireless technologies provide hands-on experience with cloud networking and communication systems.

Against it

Network roles often involve high pressure and responsibility for network uptime and security.
Networks and communication systems requires continuous learning of new technologies and security threats.

What it costs

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

What it costs, and where

Against 191 technology courses

Public240k to 306k

240k at Technical University of Kenya306k at Kenyatta University

Private120k to 120k

120k at The East African University120k at The East African 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

TUK comm & networks 240K/yr, KU CS 306K/yr (educationnewshub). TEAU CS&ICT 120K/yr (teau.ac.ke).

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

Funding options

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)

Scholarships

5 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
Media Council of Kenya Journalism Training Fund
BursaryKenyan
Journalism and communication students accredited by the Media Council of Kenya
Nation Media Group Journalism Graduate Trainee Programme
ScholarshipKenyan
Recent journalism, media and communication graduates with strong digital skills

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 Information Technology, Network Engineering, Telecommunications, or related fields with Credit pass from recognized institutions may also apply.

Mathematics
C+
Physics/Physical Sciences
C
English/Kiswahili
C
Any Group II subject
C

How you are assessed

4 components

Research Project
Project100% of the mark
Independent research project on network topic, demonstrating mastery of networks and communication systems theory and practice.
End of Semester Examinations
Exam70% of the mark
Comprehensive written examinations at the end of each semester testing understanding of network engineering, communication systems, and network security.
Practical Assessments
Practicum100% of the mark
Evaluation of networks and communication systems skills, network work, and practical applications through network engineering and case studies.
Continuous Assessment Tests
Cat30% of the mark
Regular tests, assignments, and network exercises throughout the semester evaluating knowledge and practical skills.

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

Wireless Network Specialist
High demandKsh 54,000 to Ksh 120,000
Support wireless technologies, implement wireless solutions, and work in wireless networks and mobile communications.
Communication Systems Engineer
High demandKsh 54,000 to Ksh 120,000
Support communication systems, implement communication solutions, and work in signal processing and communication technologies.
Network Engineer
High demandKsh 54,000 to Ksh 120,000
Design and implement networks, develop network strategies, and support network architecture and network protocols.
Network Security Specialist
High demandKsh 56,000 to Ksh 125,000
Support network security, implement security solutions, and work in security protocols and threat analysis.
Telecommunications Engineer
High demandKsh 56,000 to Ksh 125,000
Support telecommunications, implement telecommunication solutions, and work in telecommunication systems and infrastructure.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work in networks and communication systems across Kenya's technology and telecommunications sectors.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Microsoft Excel
SoftwarePrimary
Spreadsheet for analytical data management, quality control charts and statistical analysis.
SPSS
SoftwarePrimary
Statistical analysis software for analytical chemistry research and method validation.
Python
Software
Programming language for cheminformatics, data analysis and laboratory automation.
R
Software
Statistical computing environment for analytical data analysis and visualisation.
LabWare LIMS
Software
Laboratory information management system for sample tracking, workflow management and regulatory compliance.

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.