Bachelor of Science in Physics
The Bachelor of Science in Physics is a programme that provides comprehensive training in fundamental physics, applied physics and computational methods. 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 physics, research and technology.
The curriculum covers classical mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, statistical physics, optics, solid state physics, nuclear physics, mathematical methods, computational physics, electronics, atmospheric physics, geophysics, materials science, research methods and a research project. Students develop analytical, computational and experimental skills through rigorous physics training.
Kenya's research institutions, energy sector, telecommunications and education system create demand for physics graduates. The programme is offered through lectures, physics laboratories, computational sessions and research projects.
Graduates are prepared for careers as physicists, research scientists, physics teachers, data analysts, geophysicists, medical physicists, radiation safety officers, systems analysts, metrologists and consultants. They work in research institutions, universities, schools, hospitals, telecommunications, energy companies, Kenya Bureau of Standards, meteorological department and consulting firms.
The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Admission requires KCSE mean grade C+ with B- in Mathematics and Physics, and C+ in 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
- 30 students
- Award
- Bachelor
What you study
10 subjects- Classical Mechanics
- Electromagnetism
- Thermodynamics
- Quantum Mechanics
- Statistical Physics
- Optics
- Solid State Physics
- Nuclear Physics
- Computational Physics
- Mathematical Methods
Modules
10 in the programmeClassical Mechanics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Newtonian mechanics. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester exa...
Electromagnetism
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Electromagnetic theory. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester ...
Thermodynamics
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Thermal physics. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester examina...
Quantum Mechanics
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Quantum physics. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester examina...
Statistical Physics
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Statistical mechanics. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester e...
Optics
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Light and optics. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester examin...
Solid State Physics
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Condensed matter. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester examin...
Nuclear Physics
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Nuclear and particle physics. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-sem...
Computational Physics
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Computer simulations. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester ex...
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
Geophysics
Earth physics. 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 Physics
Computer simulations. 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.
Medical Physics
Physics in medicine. 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.
Materials Science
Materials physics. 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 physics lectures, working in physics laboratories, studying quantum mechanics, solving mathematical problems, using computational physics tools, researching materials science, conducting experiments, analysing data, and working on physics research projects.
The trade offs
In its favour
- Strong foundation for diverse technical careers
- Excellent preparation for postgraduate study
- Transferable analytical and problem-solving skills
Against it
- Mathematically demanding programme
- Some career paths require postgraduate qualifications
- Direct job market can be limited without specialisation
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 243 science 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
KU 244.8K/yr (kenyaeducationguide), UoN 264K (uonbi Schedule II). Kabarak 95,850×2=191.7K (kabarak.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 recordedHigher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan undergraduate students
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
ScholarshipKsh 200,000Kenyan
KUCCPS-placed students
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKsh 30,000Kenyan
Kenyan students from participating counties
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 Physics, and C+ in Chemistry. Diploma in physics, laboratory technology, education or related field from a recognised institution. KUCCPS Cluster 4.
Mathematics
B-
Physics
B-
Chemistry
C+
How you are assessed
4 componentsContinuous Assessment Tests
Cat30% of the mark
Regular tests and problem sets
Laboratory Practicals
Practicum10% of the mark
Physics lab experiments
Research Project
Project10% of the mark
Final year research project
End of Semester Examinations
Written examination50% of the mark
End of semester written exams
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 Physics, and C+ in 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 rolesPhysicist
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 300,000
Physics research
Research Scientist
Moderate demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 320,000
Scientific research
Data Analyst
High demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 380,000
Data analysis
Physics Teacher
High demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 160,000
Teaching (with PGDE)
Medical Physicist
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 350,000
Medical physics
Graduate outcomes
Graduates pursue careers as physicists, research scientists and physics teachers in research institutions, universities and schools.
Where these fields lead
8 careersTools you will learn
Python
ProgrammingPrimary
Data analysis and machine learning for risk modelling.
Microsoft Excel
SpreadsheetPrimary
PlantVillage Nuru
Agriculture
QGIS
GisPrimary
R
Analytics
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Physics has no practical applications.
Physics underpins technology, energy, telecommunications, medical imaging and materials science.
Physics graduates only become teachers.
Graduates work in research, data analysis, medical physics, geophysics and technology.
Physics is too difficult.
Physics is challenging but rewarding with strong analytical skill development.
There are no physics jobs in Kenya.
Research, energy, telecommunications and standards create demand for physics graduates.
Related courses
Further reading
Fees and entry marks for Bachelor of Science in Physics are restated every intake. Save it and the app keeps this version, so you can see what changed when it does.