Environmental Science

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 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.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 324,000
Job market: High

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 8 months
Average class: 35 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

6 subjects

Environmental Conservation
Natural Resources Management
Biodiversity Conservation
Ecosystem Management
Sustainable Resource Use
Environmental Protection

Modules

12 in the programme

Introduction 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

Critical role in conserving biodiversity and protecting natural resources.
Growing demand for conservation professionals due to environmental degradation.
Fieldwork provides direct experience with ecosystems and conservation activities.

Against it

Fieldwork can be physically demanding and requires working in remote areas.
Conservation work can be challenging due to limited resources and competing interests.

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 courses

Public245k to 324k

245k at Kenyatta University324k at University of Nairobi

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

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 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

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 Environmental Science, Biology, Geography, or related fields with Credit pass from recognized institutions may also apply.

Biology
C+
Chemistry/Geography
C+
Mathematics/Physics
C
English/Kiswahili
C

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous 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

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

Conservation 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

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.