Bachelor of Science in Science - Environment Conservation Natural Resources
The Bachelor Of Science In Science - Environment Conservation Natural Resources is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in in science - environment conservation natural resources. The programme falls under the Agriculture & Environment category and typically spans 4 years of full-time study at accredited Kenyan universities.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 324,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 1,296,000 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 3 institutions.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Aquaculture Technologist, at 3 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
The curriculum covers Environmental Conservation, Natural Resources Management, Biodiversity Conservation, Ecosystem Management, Sustainable Resource Use, Environmental Protection. 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 Introduction to Environmental Conservation, Protected Area Management, Forest Conservation, Conservation Biology, Environmental Protection. 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 Forest Conservation, Biodiversity Conservation, Wildlife Conservation. 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 - Environment Conservation Natural Resources pursue careers as Conservation Officer, Natural Resource Manager, Biodiversity Specialist, Environmental Consultant. 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- Environmental Conservation
- Natural Resources Management
- Biodiversity Conservation
- Ecosystem Management
- Sustainable Resource Use
- Environmental Protection
Modules
12 in the programmeIntroduction to Environmental Conservation
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Overview of environmental conservation, natural resources, and conservation principles.
Biodiversity Conservation
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Biodiversity Conservation: Biodiversity assessment, conservation strategies, and biodiversity management. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Ecosystem Management
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Ecosystem Management: Ecosystem ecology, ecosystem services, and ecosystem management strategies. Covers planning, organising, leadership, and control in organisational contexts.
Natural Resources Management
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Principles of natural resources management, sustainable use, and resource economics.
Wildlife Conservation
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Wildlife Conservation: Wildlife ecology, wildlife management, and conservation strategies. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Forest Conservation
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Forest Conservation: Forest ecology, forest management, and forest conservation strategies. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Environmental Protection
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Environmental protection strategies, pollution control, and environmental quality.
Conservation Biology
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Conservation Biology: Conservation biology principles, species conservation, and population biology. Covers cellular processes, organismal biology, and ecological relationships.
Protected Area Management
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Protected Area Management: Protected area management, park planning, and conservation area design. Covers planning, organising, leadership, and control in organisational contexts.
Community Conservation
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Community Conservation: Community-based conservation, participatory approaches, and local engagement. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Environmental Policy and Governance
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Environmental Policy and Governance: Environmental policy frameworks, governance structures, and legal aspects. Covers ecosystem dynamics, conservation principles, and environmental management prac...
Environmental Conservation and Natural Resources Project
Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore
Environmental Conservation and Natural Resources Project: Independent project on environmental conservation or natural resources topic. Covers ecosystem dynamics, conservation principles, and envir...
Specialisations
Biodiversity Conservation
Focus on biodiversity assessment, species conservation, and ecosystem protection. 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.
Forest Conservation
Focus on forest ecology, forest management, and forest conservation strategies. 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.
Wildlife Conservation
Specialization in wildlife ecology, wildlife management, and wildlife conservation. 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 fieldwork in ecosystems, participate in conservation projects, and engage in biodiversity surveys.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Critical role in conserving biodiversity and protecting natural resources. | Fieldwork can be physically demanding and requires working in remote areas. |
| Growing demand for conservation professionals due to environmental degradation. | Conservation work can be challenging due to limited resources and competing interests. |
| Fieldwork provides direct experience with ecosystems and conservation activities. | — |
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
KU 244.8K (ku.ac.ke); UoN 324K 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
10 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 Environmental Science, Biology, Geography, or related fields with Credit pass from recognized institutions may also apply.
When it next starts
Taught at 3 institutionsIncluding South Eastern Kenya University, University of Nairobi, University of Embu.
Including South Eastern Kenya University, University of Nairobi, University of Embu.
Including South Eastern Kenya University, University of Nairobi, University of Embu.
How you are assessed
4 componentsContinuous Assessment Tests
Cat30% of the mark
Regular tests, assignments, and field reports throughout the semester.
End of Semester Examinations
Exam70% of the mark
Comprehensive written examinations at the end of each semester.
Field Practice Assessments
Practicum100% of the mark
Evaluation of field skills in biodiversity assessment, conservation, and resource management.
Research Project
Project100% of the mark
Independent research project on environmental conservation or natural resources topic.
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 rolesConservation Officer
High demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 120,000
Implement conservation strategies, manage protected areas, and protect biodiversity.
Natural Resource Manager
High demandKsh 58,000 to Ksh 125,000
Manage natural resources, implement sustainable use strategies, and ensure resource sustainability.
Biodiversity Specialist
Medium demandKsh 56,000 to Ksh 122,000
Assess biodiversity, develop conservation strategies, and support species protection.
Environmental Consultant
Medium demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 130,000
Provide consulting services on environmental conservation and natural resources management.
Park Manager
Medium demandKsh 57,000 to Ksh 123,000
Manage protected areas, oversee conservation activities, and ensure park management.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work in environmental conservation, natural resources management, and biodiversity protection across Kenya's environmental sector.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Aquaculture TechnologistAgriculture3Low exposure
- Climate-Resilient Seed BreederAgriculture3Low exposure
- Veterinary Public OfficerAgriculture3Low exposure
- Veterinary OfficerAgriculture7Low exposure
- Climate Change AnalystEnvironmental Science10Low exposure
- Wildlife Corridors EcologistEnvironmental Science10Low exposure
- Farm Insurance AssessorAgriculture11Low exposure
- Finance AnalystEnvironmental Science11Low exposure
Tools you will learn
Microsoft Excel
SoftwarePrimary
Spreadsheet for extension data management, project planning and rural development budgeting.
SPSS
SoftwarePrimary
Statistical analysis software for rural development research and extension impact assessment.
QGIS
Software
GIS software for agricultural mapping and extension service planning.
PowerPoint
Software
Presentation tool for farmer training and extension education sessions.
KoboToolbox
Software
Mobile data collection tool for field surveys and extension needs assessment.
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Conservation is only about protecting animals
Conservation is about protecting entire ecosystems, including plants, habitats, and the relationships between species. It's about maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services that support human life.
Protected areas are sufficient for conservation
Protected areas are important but not enough. Conservation must also address threats outside protected areas, engage local communities, and manage landscapes holistically.
Conservation opposes development
Conservation seeks sustainable development that balances human needs with environmental protection. Well-managed conservation can support economic development through ecosystem services.
Technology can solve environmental problems
Technology is important but cannot replace healthy ecosystems. Nature provides irreplaceable services that technology cannot replicate. Conservation requires both technology and ecosystem protection.
Biodiversity loss doesn't affect humans directly
Biodiversity loss directly affects humans through food security, water quality, disease regulation, and livelihoods. Human well-being depends on healthy ecosystems.
Individual actions don't matter for conservation
Individual actions collectively make a significant difference. Every conservation action, from planting trees to reducing consumption, contributes to broader environmental protection efforts.