Bachelor of Science in Statistics and Data Science
The Bachelor of Science in Statistics and Data Science is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in in statistics and data science. The programme falls under the Sciences category and typically spans 4 years of full-time study at accredited Kenyan universities.
The curriculum covers Python, Git, Docker, PostgreSQL, VS Code, GitHub Copilot. Students engage with both theoretical foundations and practical applications, developing competencies in Rust, Smart-contract security, Advanced Machine Learning, AI Ethics, AI Ethics and Governance. The coursework is designed to build progressive understanding from foundational concepts to advanced topics.
Throughout the programme, students study Physics for Sciences, Laboratory Techniques and Safety, Cell Biology and Genetics, Mathematics for Sciences, General Chemistry. 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 Software Engineering, Data Science & Analytics, Artificial Intelligence. 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 Statistics and Data Science pursue careers as Marine Research Assistant (Junior), Research Scientist, Clinical Trial Scientist (Junior), Research Program Coordinator. 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 306,000
- 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, Part-time
- Attachment
- 3 months
- Average class
- 40 students
- Award
- Bachelor
What you study
6 subjects- Python
- Git
- Docker
- PostgreSQL
- VS Code
- GitHub Copilot
Modules
10 in the programmeCell Biology and Genetics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Cell structure, function, division, DNA replication, gene expression, and inheritance.
General Chemistry
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Atomic structure, bonding, stoichiometry, states of matter, and chemical reactions.
Mathematics for Sciences
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Mathematics for Sciences: Calculus, algebra, trigonometry, and statistical methods for science students. Covers theoretical foundations, problem-solving techniques, and practical applications.
Physics for Sciences
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Mechanics, waves, electricity, optics, and modern physics for science programmes.
Microbiology
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Microbial structure, metabolism, genetics, cultivation, and applied microbiology.
Research Methods and Statistics
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Research Methods and Statistics: Scientific research methodology, experimental design, and statistical analysis. Covers quantitative and qualitative approaches, data collection, analysis, and repor...
Laboratory Techniques and Safety
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Laboratory Techniques and Safety: Laboratory procedures, instrumentation, safety protocols, and quality control. Covers safety regulations, risk assessment, and workplace hazard management.
Environmental Science
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Environmental Science: Ecosystems, biodiversity, environmental pollution, and conservation. Covers ecosystem dynamics, conservation principles, and environmental management practices.
Industrial Attachment
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Industrial Attachment: Supervised attachment at research institutions, laboratories, or industry. Provides hands-on industry experience, mentorship, and professional skills development.
Research Project
Year 4Semester 16 creditsCore
Research Project: Independent research project culminating in a defended report. Involves independent research, data analysis, and scholarly writing under supervision.
Specialisations
Software Engineering
Covers the software lifecycle — requirements, architecture, coding, testing and deployment — using modern languages and methodologies. Students build real systems and graduate with a portfolio.
Data Science & Analytics
Combines statistics, programming, machine learning and data engineering to extract insight from data. Students work with real datasets and tools, preparing for high-demand analyst and data-science roles.
Artificial Intelligence
Focuses on machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision and intelligent systems. Students build and evaluate AI models, positioning themselves for emerging roles in Kenya's tech sector.
Networks & Security
Covers network architecture, protocols, systems administration and cybersecurity. Students learn to design, run and defend IT infrastructure — skills every connected organisation needs.
Database Systems
Covers relational and non-relational database design, SQL, optimisation and administration. Students learn to model, build and manage the data backends that power modern applications.
A day as a student
A typical day blends lectures, practicals and group work, with attachment/internship in the field.
The trade offs
In its favour
- High pay.
- Remote options.
Against it
- Must keep learning.
- AI pressure on juniors.
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 191 technology 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
UoN 288K, KU 306K (uonbi, ku.ac.ke). USIU 441.5K, MKU 111K/yr.
HELB loans, county scholarships and university bursaries available.
Funding options
HELB Loan
Government Bursary
CDF Scholarship
Self-sponsored
Scholarships
5 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.
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
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
- KCSE mean grade
- C+
- Alternative entry
- Diploma progression or bridging.
How you are assessed
4 componentsCATs
Cat20% of the mark
CATs.
Practical Lab
Practical20% of the mark
Practical Lab.
Coursework Project
Project30% of the mark
Coursework Project.
Exam
Exam30% of the mark
Exam.
Accreditation
Accredited by CUE and relevant professional bodies.
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.
TVETA
NationalRequired
Accrediting body.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
5 rolesMarine Research Assistant (Junior)
Low demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 90,000
Entry-level role for Bachelor graduates in Sciences. Marine Research Assistant (Junior)s work across various organizations in Kenya. Hiring trend: Growing.
Research Scientist
Low demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 80,000
Entry-level role for Bachelor graduates in Sciences. Research Scientists work across various organizations in Kenya. Hiring trend: Growing.
Clinical Trial Scientist (Junior)
Low demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 110,000
Entry-level role for Bachelor graduates in Sciences. Clinical Trial Scientist (Junior)s work across various organizations in Kenya. Hiring trend: Growing.
Research Program Coordinator
Low demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 120,000
Entry-level role for Bachelor graduates in Sciences. Research Program Coordinators work across various organizations in Kenya. Hiring trend: Growing.
Research Data Analyst (Junior)
Low demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 100,000
Entry-level role for Bachelor graduates in Sciences. Research Data Analyst (Junior)s work across various organizations in Kenya. Hiring trend: Stable.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates find opportunities across Kenya's public, private and entrepreneurship sectors.
Where these fields lead
8 careersTools you will learn
Docker
Cloud
Git
Code
GitHub Copilot
Ai
PostgreSQL
Database
VS Code
Code
Python
Code
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Limited career prospects.
Diverse opportunities exist.
Too theoretical.
Practical training included.
Need related background.
Diverse backgrounds accepted.
Low earnings.
Growth with experience.
Related courses
Further reading
Fees and entry marks for Bachelor of Science in Statistics and Data Science are restated every intake. Save it and the app keeps this version, so you can see what changed when it does.