Bachelor of Science in Renewable Energy
The Bachelor of Science in Renewable Energy is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in in renewable energy. The programme falls under the Sciences category and typically spans 4 years of full-time study at accredited Kenyan universities.
The curriculum covers Calculus and Linear Algebra, Organic Chemistry, Cell Biology, Classical Mechanics, Statistical Methods, Analytical Chemistry. 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 Foundations of the Discipline, Research Methods, Communication Skills, Information Technology Fundamentals, Statistics and Data Analysis. 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 General Practice, Research and Analysis, General Practice. 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 Renewable Energy pursue careers as Graduate Trainee, Research Assistant, Project Officer, Analyst. 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 160,000
- Job market
- Moderate
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Practicalities
- Study mode
- Full-time, Part-time
- Attachment
- 3 months
- Average class
- 25 students
- Award
- Bachelor
What you study
10 subjects- Calculus and Linear Algebra
- Organic Chemistry
- Cell Biology
- Classical Mechanics
- Statistical Methods
- Analytical Chemistry
- Microbiology
- Quantum Physics
- Ecology
- Research Methods
Modules
12 in the programmeRenewable Energy Principles
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduction to renewable energy sources, conversion principles and sustainability concepts.
Communication Skills
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Communication Skills: Academic writing, presentation skills, and professional communication. Develops practical skills for academic and professional contexts.
Foundations of the Discipline
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Foundations of the Discipline: Introduction to core concepts, theories, and principles of the field. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Thermodynamic laws, fluid mechanics principles and their application in energy systems.
Research Methods
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, data collection, and analysis techniques.
Information Technology Fundamentals
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Computer applications, data processing, and digital literacy for academic and professional use.
Solar Energy Systems
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Solar radiation, photovoltaic systems, solar thermal collectors and solar energy applications.
Biomass and Geothermal Energy
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Biomass conversion technologies, biogas production and geothermal energy extraction.
Wind and Hydropower Energy
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Wind turbine technology, hydropower systems and resource assessment for wind and water energy.
Energy Storage and Electrical Systems
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Battery technology, energy storage systems and electrical integration of renewable energy.
Environmental Impact and Energy Policy
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Environmental assessment of energy projects, energy policy frameworks and regulatory compliance.
Research Methods and Energy Economics
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Research design, economic analysis of energy projects and renewable energy project evaluation.
Specialisations
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.
Research and Analysis
Focus on research methods, data analysis, and evidence-based decision making. 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.
Research and Analysis
Focus on research methods, data analysis, and evidence-based decision making. 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.
Solar Energy
Focus on photovoltaic systems, solar thermal technology and solar resource assessment. 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.
Wind Energy
Specialisation in wind resource assessment, wind turbine technology and wind energy systems. 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.
Biomass and Bioenergy
Focus on biomass conversion, biogas production and biofuel technologies. 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.
Energy Economics and Policy
Specialisation in energy markets, renewable energy policy and project 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.
A day as a student
A typical day involves attending science lectures, conducting laboratory experiments, analysing experimental data, writing lab reports, attending field trips, and studying for practical examinations.
The trade offs
In its favour
- Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE).
- Graduates are eligible for HELB loans and government funding.
Against it
- Limited programme specialisation options may be available.
- Competitive job market requiring practical experience and networking.
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 181 environmental 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
JKUAT 130,000-160,000/yr self-sponsored (jkuat.ac.ke). Others unverified.
Government scholarships cover up to 53% of tuition for needy students. HELB provides loans up to Ksh 60,000. DAAD and DAAD-IKEN offer scholarships for STEM students.
Funding options
HELB Undergraduate Loan
Loan
Kenyan citizens enrolled in accredited undergraduate programmes
Government Scholarship (New Funding Model)
Scholarship
Needy students placed by KUCCPS in public universities
DAAD Scholarship
Scholarship
Undergraduate students in STEM fields
Scholarships
3 recordedHigher 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
Kenyan students from respective counties demonstrating financial need.
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
- KCSE mean grade
- C+ (Plus)
- Alternative entry
- KCSE C+ (Plus) OR A Level with two principal passes; OR a relevant Diploma from a recognised institution; OR any other qualification recognised by the university senate and CUE.
English or Kiswahili
Mathematics
How you are assessed
2 componentsContinuous Assessment Tests and Assignments
Coursework30% of the mark
Written tests, assignments, and practical exercises throughout the semester.
End of Semester Examinations
Examination70% of the mark
Written examinations covering all course content for the semester.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Scientific programmes are regulated under NACOSTI guidelines for research activities.
Accredited by
Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
CUE is the statutory body responsible for the accreditation and quality assurance of university programmes in Kenya.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesGraduate Trainee
High demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 60,000
Entry-level position applying academic knowledge in a professional environment.
Research Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 65,000
Supporting research projects through data collection, analysis, and reporting.
Project Officer
High demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 80,000
Coordinating and implementing projects in public, private, or NGO sectors.
Analyst
High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 90,000
Analysing data, trends, and patterns to support decision-making.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates pursue careers as laboratory technologists, research assistants, quality control officers, data analysts, and science teachers in Kenya's scientific and industrial sectors.
Where these fields lead
8 careersTools you will learn
Microsoft Excel
SpreadsheetPrimary
QGIS
GisPrimary
PlantVillage Nuru
Agriculture
R
Analytics
Python
ProgrammingPrimary
Data analysis and machine learning for risk modelling.
MATLAB
SoftwarePrimary
Numerical computing environment for renewable energy system modelling and simulation.
RETScreen
Software
Clean energy management software for renewable energy project feasibility analysis.
AutoCAD
Software
Design software for renewable energy system layout and planning.
Certifications
Industry links
Related courses
Further reading
Fees and entry marks for Bachelor of Science in Renewable Energy are restated every intake. Save it and the app keeps this version, so you can see what changed when it does.