Bachelor of Science in Science - Building Construction Management
The Bachelor Of Science In Science - Building Construction Management is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in in science - building construction management. The programme falls under the Architecture & Built Environment category and typically spans 4 years of full-time study at accredited Kenyan universities.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 360,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 1,440,000 for the whole course.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C+ (plus) mean grade at KCSE or above, plus 4 subject grades. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 4 years, full-time, with 8 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 7 institutions.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Overhead Transmission Technician, at 10 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
The curriculum covers Construction Management, Project Management, Construction Technology, Construction Economics, Building Science, Construction Law. 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 Construction Economics, Project Management, Quantity Surveying, Construction Materials, Construction Law. 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 Quantity Surveying, Project Management, Construction Technology. 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 Science - Building Construction Management pursue careers as Construction Consultant, Quantity Surveyor, Construction Manager, Site Manager. 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.
What you study
6 subjects- Construction Management
- Project Management
- Construction Technology
- Construction Economics
- Building Science
- Construction Law
Modules
12 in the programmeIntroduction to Construction Management
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Overview of construction management, construction industry, and project management principles.
Construction Technology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Construction Technology: Building technology, construction methods, and construction systems. Covers construction technology, materials science, and project execution.
Building Science
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Building Science: Building physics, building materials, and building performance. Covers construction technology, materials science, and project execution.
Construction Economics
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Construction Economics: Construction costs, cost management, and construction economics. Covers construction technology, materials science, and project execution.
Project Management
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Project Management: Project planning, project control, and project management techniques. Covers project lifecycle, resource allocation, risk management, and stakeholder engagement.
Construction Law
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Construction Law: Construction contracts, legal frameworks, and regulatory compliance. Examines statutory frameworks, case law, and regulatory compliance in the Kenyan context.
Site Management
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Site Management: Site organization, site management, and construction site operations. Covers planning, organising, leadership, and control in organisational contexts.
Construction Materials
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Construction Materials: Building materials, material testing, and material selection. Covers construction technology, materials science, and project execution.
Quantity Surveying
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Quantity Surveying: Measurement, cost estimation, and quantity surveying principles. Covers measurement techniques, data analysis, and land information systems.
Construction Safety
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Construction Safety: Health and safety, risk management, and construction safety standards. Covers construction technology, materials science, and project execution.
Construction Studio
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Construction Studio: Construction design, studio projects, and practical applications. Covers construction technology, materials science, and project execution.
Construction Management Project
Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore
Independent project on construction management topic. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, c...
Specialisations
Project Management
Focus on project planning, project control, and project management techniques. 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.
Quantity Surveying
Focus on measurement, cost estimation, and quantity surveying principles. 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.
Construction Technology
Specialization in building technology, construction methods, and construction 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.
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 studio work, participate in site visits, and engage in construction projects.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Critical role in infrastructure development and construction industry growth. | Construction work can be physically demanding and requires site visits. |
| Growing demand for construction managers due to infrastructure development needs. | Construction projects face challenges from delays, cost overruns, and safety risks. |
| Studio work provides practical experience in construction and project management. | — |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 332 engineering 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 306K/yr (ku.ac.ke); UoN 360K/yr tuition (uonbi.ac.ke schedule). Private: unverified.
HELB loans available for eligible students. Some universities offer scholarships based on academic performance.
Funding options
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
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
Residents of respective counties pursuing undergraduate studies
Scholarships you could apply for
12 usable where it is taught- Equity Group Foundation Wings to Fly
Closes 28 February 2027FullEquity Bank
Full secondary + university
- Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship
Closes 31 March 2027FullAga Khan Foundation
Full university study
- KCB Foundation Scholarship
Closes 31 March 2027FullKCB Bank
Full tuition + stipend
- Mombasa Cement Scholarship
Closes 31 May 2027PartialMombasa Cement Ltd
KES 100,000 per year
- Safaricom Foundation ICT Scholarship
Closes 30 June 2027FullSafaricom Foundation
Full tuition + internship
- Family Bank Foundation Education Support
Closes 30 June 2027PartialFamily Bank
KES 80,000 per year
- HELB Undergraduate Scholarship
Closes 31 July 2027PartialHigher Education Loans Board
KES 40,000 to 60,000 per year
- County Government Scholarships
Varies by countyPartialCounty Governments
KES 50,000 to 200,000 per year
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
Diploma holders in Construction, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or related fields with Credit pass from recognized institutions may also apply.
When it next starts
Taught at 7 institutionsIncluding University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology.
Including University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology.
Including University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology.
How you are assessed
4 componentsStudio Practice Assessments
Practicum100% of the mark
Evaluation of studio skills, construction design, and practical applications.
End of Semester Examinations
Exam70% of the mark
Comprehensive written examinations at the end of each semester.
Research Project
Project100% of the mark
Independent research project on construction management topic.
Continuous Assessment Tests
Cat30% of the mark
Regular tests, assignments, and studio projects throughout the semester.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education
NationalRequired
Mandatory accreditation for all university programmes in Kenya.
Accredited by Commission for University Education (CUE).
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
5 rolesConstruction Consultant
Medium demandKsh 68,000 to Ksh 145,000
Provide consulting services on construction management, project delivery, and construction technology.
Quantity Surveyor
High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 130,000
Measure construction work, estimate costs, and manage construction costs.
Construction Manager
High demandKsh 65,000 to Ksh 140,000
Manage construction projects, oversee construction operations, and ensure project delivery.
Site Manager
High demandKsh 62,000 to Ksh 135,000
Manage construction sites, oversee site operations, and ensure site safety.
Project Manager
High demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 150,000
Manage projects, implement project plans, and ensure project success.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work in construction management, project management, and building technology across Kenya's construction sector.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Overhead Transmission TechnicianEngineering10Low exposure
- Desalination Systems EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- District Cooling EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- HighVoltage Substation EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- Hydrogen Systems EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- Microgrid Control EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- Subsea Cable EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- Traction Power EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
Tools you will learn
QGIS
Design
Google Earth Engine
Analytics
AutoCAD
DesignPrimary
ETABS
Structural analysis
MS Project
Project management
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Construction projects are only about the final product
Construction involves multiple factors including client expectations, contracts, weather, geography, and more. Proactive management throughout the process is critical for success.
Project management is optional for construction
While small projects can technically proceed without management, professional oversight ensures smooth workflow, quality standards, timeline adherence, and significantly higher goal achievement rates.
Project management is only about paperwork
Project managers handle paperwork but also focus on project planning, resource scheduling, communications, reporting, client relations, contractor management, and much more.
Project management is not about people
People's expectations matter as much as completing tasks. Involving clients at every stage from planning to delivery is crucial for project success and avoiding roadblocks.
Following schedules guarantees project success
Schedules are important but not the sole driver. Projects face uncontrollable factors like weather. Strong supervision, problem-solving skills, and adaptability are essential.
Technology can replace construction project managers
Technology improves efficiency but cannot replace human skills in strategy, team motivation, and conflict resolution. Technology complements rather than replaces managers.