Technology

Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering

The Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering is a programme that provides comprehensive training in software development, software architecture and engineering principles. Offered at JKUAT, Kenyatta University, Strathmore University, Technical University of Kenya, Mount Kenya University and other institutions, the programme prepares graduates for careers in software engineering, systems development and technology.

The curriculum covers programming, data structures, algorithms, software design, software architecture, database systems, web development, mobile development, software testing, software project management, software quality assurance, DevOps, cloud computing, cybersecurity, agile methodologies, user interface design, research methods and a final year project. Students develop programming and engineering skills for building reliable software systems.

Kenya's tech ecosystem, digital transformation and startup culture create strong demand for software engineering graduates. The programme is offered through lectures, programming labs, hackathons, industrial attachment and software development projects.

Graduates are prepared for careers as software engineers, full-stack developers, mobile developers, software architects, DevOps engineers, QA engineers, software project managers, systems analysts, tech entrepreneurs and software consultants. They work in tech companies, banks, telecommunications, consulting firms, startups, government and as freelancers.

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Admission requires KCSE mean grade C+ with B- in Mathematics and C+ in Physics or Chemistry. KUCCPS Cluster 3.

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 360,000
Private, up to: Ksh 441,500
Job market: High

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 40 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Programming
Data Structures and Algorithms
Software Design
Software Architecture
Database Systems
Web Development
Mobile Development
Software Testing
Software Project Management
DevOps

Modules

10 in the programme

Programming
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Programming fundamentals. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semeste...
Data Structures and Algorithms
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Algorithms and data structures. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-s...
Software Design
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Design patterns and principles. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-s...
Software Architecture
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
System architecture. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester exa...
Database Systems
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Database design and management. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-s...
Web Development
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Frontend and backend development. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of...
Mobile Development
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Mobile app development. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester ...
Software Testing
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Testing and QA. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester examinat...
Software Project Management
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Project management. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester exam...
Final Year Project
Year 4Semester 16 creditsCore
Capstone software project. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semest...

Specialisations

DevOps and Cloud
DevOps engineering. 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.
Software Architecture
System design. 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.
Mobile Development
Mobile apps. 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.
Web Development
Full-stack web. 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 software engineering lectures, programming in multiple languages, designing software architectures, building web and mobile applications, testing software, using Git for version control, participating in hackathons, and developing software projects.

The trade offs

In its favour

One of the most in-demand skills globally
Excellent earning potential and remote work opportunities
Entrepreneurial opportunities in tech startup ecosystem

Against it

Rapidly evolving field requiring continuous learning
Sedentary work with long hours at computer
Can be stressful with project deadlines

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 191 technology courses

Public306k to 360k

306k at Kenyatta University360k at University of Nairobi

Private132k to 442k

132k at Zetech University442k at USIU-Africa

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 306K, UoN 360K (ku.ac.ke, uonbi). USIU 441.5K, Zetech 132K/yr.

HELB loans and government scholarships under the new funding model are available. Tech companies may offer sponsorships.

Funding options

HELB Loan
County Bursaries
Government Scholarship (New Funding Model)

Scholarships

5 recorded

Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) Student Scholarships
ScholarshipKenyan
Student members of IEK pursuing accredited engineering programmes
KCDF More Girls for Engineering Opportunities
ScholarshipKenyan
Young women from disadvantaged backgrounds pursuing engineering
Huawei Seeds for the Future Kenya
Scholarship
Talented ICT/STEM university students with a GPA of 3.0+
Generation Google Scholarship
Scholarship
Women in computer science and related technical fields
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
ScholarshipKsh 200,000Kenyan
KUCCPS-placed students

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 C+ in Physics or Chemistry. Diploma in computer science, IT, software development or related field from a recognised institution. KUCCPS Cluster 3.

Mathematics
B-
Physics or Chemistry
C+

How you are assessed

4 components

End of Semester Examinations
Written examination40% of the mark
End of semester written exams
Programming Projects
Practicum30% of the mark
Software development projects
Final Year Project
Project10% of the mark
Capstone software project
Continuous Assessment Tests
Cat20% of the mark
Regular tests and assignments

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Offered at JKUAT, KU, Strathmore, TUK, MKU and other institutions. Admission requires KCSE mean grade C+ with B- in Mathematics and C+ in Physics or Chemistry. KUCCPS Cluster 3.

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 roles

Mobile Developer
High demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 400,000
Mobile app development
DevOps Engineer
High demandKsh 180,000 to Ksh 550,000
DevOps and cloud
Software Architect
Moderate demandKsh 200,000 to Ksh 600,000
System architecture
Software Engineer
High demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 500,000
Software development
Full-Stack Developer
High demandKsh 140,000 to Ksh 450,000
Web development

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as software engineers, full-stack developers and software architects in tech companies, banks and startups.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Java
ProgrammingPrimary
Enterprise software development
Python
ProgrammingPrimary
Software development and scripting
Git/GitHub
Version control
Version control and CI/CD
Docker
Devops
Containerization for software deployment
Visual Studio Code
Ide
Integrated development environment
PostgreSQL
Database
Advanced relational database management

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Software engineering is just about coding.
The programme covers architecture, testing, project management, DevOps, security and quality assurance.
You need to be a genius to study software engineering.
The programme requires logical thinking and practice, not genius.
Software engineering jobs are saturated.
Kenya's tech ecosystem is growing with strong demand for skilled developers.
Self-taught developers are better than graduates.
A degree provides systematic foundation in engineering principles that self-study may miss.