Bachelor of Science in Telecommunications
The Bachelor of Science in Telecommunications is a programme that prepares students for careers in the rapidly evolving telecommunications and information technology sector. Offered at Strathmore University through the Faculty of Information Technology, the programme combines telecommunications engineering with information system security to produce graduates who can design, deploy and secure communication networks.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 396,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 1,584,000 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 441,500 a year at a private one.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of B or above, plus 2 subject grades. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 4 years, full-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 10 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 telecommunications fundamentals, data communications, computer networks, network security, information system security, signal processing, mobile communications, fibre optics, satellite communications, wireless technologies, network design and management, routing and switching, cryptography, cyber security, programming, database systems, operating systems, project management and research methods. Students develop both technical networking skills and security expertise.
Kenya's telecommunications sector is one of the most dynamic in East Africa, with growing demand for professionals who understand both the technical infrastructure of communication networks and the security challenges associated with data transmission. The programme responds to the need for qualified telecommunications specialists who can design, manage and secure communication systems in telecom companies, banks, government agencies and enterprises.
The programme is delivered through lectures, computer laboratory sessions, network configuration practicals, industry attachment and a final-year project. Students gain hands-on experience in network design, configuration, security implementation and troubleshooting through laboratory work using industry-standard network equipment and simulation tools.
Graduates pursue careers as telecommunications engineers, network engineers, network security specialists, systems administrators, IT consultants, cyber security analysts, infrastructure managers and technical project managers in telecommunications companies, banks, government agencies, IT consulting firms and large enterprises. They can also pursue postgraduate study in telecommunications, network security or information systems.
Prospective students should have strong analytical skills, proficiency in mathematics and an interest in technology and communications. The programme is suitable for students passionate about networking, security and the infrastructure that powers modern communication.
What you study
10 subjects- Data Communications and Computer Networks
- Network Security and Information System Security
- Mobile and Wireless Communications
- Fibre Optics and Satellite Communications
- Signal Processing
- Cryptography and Cyber Security
- Network Design and Management
- Routing and Switching
- Programming and Database Systems
- Project Management
Modules
10 in the programmeIntroduction to Telecommunications and Data Communications
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduces telecommunications fundamentals, signals, transmission media, modulation techniques, data communications, OSI model, TCP/IP protocol suite and network architectures.
Programming and Database Systems
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers programming fundamentals, data structures, database design, SQL, database management systems and their applications in telecommunications.
Computer Networks and Routing
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers network design, IP addressing, routing protocols, switching technologies, VLANs, network troubleshooting and network management using industry-standard equipment.
Signal Processing and Communications Theory
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers signal analysis, Fourier transforms, modulation and demodulation, digital communication systems, error detection and correction, and channel coding.
Network Security and Cryptography
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers network security threats, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, VPNs, cryptographic algorithms, public key infrastructure and security protocols.
Mobile and Wireless Communications
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers cellular communications, GSM, CDMA, 3G, 4G LTE, 5G technologies, wireless LANs, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and mobile network architecture and design.
Fibre Optics and Satellite Communications
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers optical fibre communication systems, fibre optic network design, satellite communication principles, satellite orbits, earth stations and satellite link design.
Information System Security and Cyber Security
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers information security management, risk assessment, security policies, ethical hacking, digital forensics, compliance and cyber security operations.
Network Design, Management and Project Management
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers enterprise network design, capacity planning, network monitoring, quality of service, IT project management and telecommunications project implementation.
Final Year Project in Telecommunications
Year 4Semester 26 creditsCore
A comprehensive final-year project designing, implementing and testing a telecommunications or network security solution, assessed through a written report, demonstration and oral presentation.
Specialisations
Network Security and Cyber Security
Focuses on network security, ethical hacking, digital forensics and cyber security operations for careers in security-focused roles.
Mobile and Wireless Communications
Specialises in mobile network technologies, wireless systems and 5G for careers with mobile network operators.
Network Infrastructure Design
Focuses on enterprise network design, fibre optics, transmission systems and infrastructure management for careers in network engineering.
Cloud and IoT Communications
Specialises in cloud networking, Internet of Things communications and edge computing for careers in emerging technology areas.
A day as a student
A typical day begins with a morning lecture on network protocols or mobile communications, followed by a computer laboratory session configuring routers and switches using Cisco equipment. Afternoon sessions may include a network security practical implementing firewalls and encryption, a group project designing a secure network infrastructure for a simulated organisation, or a seminar on emerging telecommunications technologies. Students also work on programming assignments and network simulation exercises.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Kenya's telecommunications sector is dynamic and growing, with strong demand for qualified networking and security professionals. | Strathmore University has high tuition fees compared to public universities, which may be a barrier for some students. |
| The programme combines telecommunications with information system security, addressing the critical need for secure communication networks. | The technology field evolves rapidly, requiring graduates to continuously update their skills to remain relevant in the job market. |
| Strathmore University has strong industry links with telecom companies and IT firms, providing good internship and job placement opportunities. | — |
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
TUK Eng 199.5K/yr, UoN Eng 396K/yr (UoN Schedule II). USIU IST 441.5K/yr, Kabarak 198.7K/yr (PDFs).
Strathmore University offers scholarships and financial aid for qualifying students. Students can also access HELB loans.
Funding options
HELB Loan
Strathmore University Financial Aid
Scholarships
2 recordedStrathmore University Financial Aid
ScholarshipKsh 200,000Kenyan
Strathmore University students demonstrating financial need and academic merit
HELB Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan undergraduate students enrolled in accredited programmes at recognised universities
Scholarships you could apply for
11 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
KACE certificate with a minimum of two principal passes and a minimum of a Credit Pass in Mathematics at KACE.
When it next starts
Taught at 10 institutionsIncluding Technical University of Kenya, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Dedan Kimathi University of Technology.
Including Technical University of Kenya, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Dedan Kimathi University of Technology.
Including Technical University of Kenya, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Dedan Kimathi University of Technology.
How you are assessed
4 componentsContinuous Assessment Tests
Written examination30% of the mark
Mid-semester and end-of-semester written tests covering telecommunications fundamentals, programming and database systems.
Computer Laboratory Practicals
Practicum40% of the mark
Assessment of laboratory sessions including network configuration, routing implementation and security practicals.
Industrial Attachment Report
Practicum100% of the mark
Assessment of performance during industrial attachment at a telecommunications company, IT firm or network operations centre.
Final Year Project
Project100% of the mark
A comprehensive final-year project designing and implementing a telecommunications or network security solution, assessed through a written report, demonstration and oral presentation.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at Strathmore University's Faculty of Information Technology.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesTelecommunications Engineer
High demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 400,000
Designs, deploys and maintains telecommunications infrastructure including networks, transmission systems and communication equipment for telecom companies and enterprises.
Network Engineer
High demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 350,000
Designs, configures and manages computer networks, ensuring reliable connectivity, performance optimisation and security for organisations.
Network Security Specialist
High demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 450,000
Implements and manages network security measures, monitors threats, conducts security assessments and responds to cyber security incidents.
IT Consultant
Moderate demandKsh 95,000 to Ksh 380,000
Advises organisations on telecommunications and IT infrastructure, designing solutions and supporting technology implementation projects.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work as telecommunications engineers, network engineers and network security specialists in telecom companies, banks, government agencies and IT consulting firms across Kenya.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Overhead Transmission TechnicianEngineering10Low exposure
- Cloud Security EngineerTechnology14Low exposure
- Desalination Systems EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- District Cooling EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- HighVoltage Substation EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- Hydrogen Systems EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- Industrial Robotics ProgrammerTechnology14Low exposure
- Microgrid Control EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
Tools you will learn
Cisco Packet Tracer
ToolPrimary
Wireshark
Tool
Python
Code
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Telecommunications is just about making phone calls work.
Modern telecommunications encompasses data networks, internet infrastructure, mobile communications, satellite systems, fibre optics and cyber security, forming the backbone of all digital communication.
A telecommunications degree is outdated in the age of the internet.
The internet relies entirely on telecommunications infrastructure, and the convergence of telecom and IT has made telecommunications skills more relevant than ever, especially with 5G, IoT and cloud computing.
Telecommunications graduates can only work for telecom companies.
Every organisation with a network infrastructure needs telecommunications expertise, with graduates working in banks, government, healthcare, manufacturing, consulting firms and technology companies.
The programme is purely theoretical with no practical skills.
The programme includes extensive laboratory work with industry-standard network equipment, security tools and simulation software, preparing graduates for hands-on technical roles.