Hospitality & Tourism

Bachelor of Science in Tourism Studies

The Bachelor Of Science In Tourism Studies is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in in tourism studies. The programme falls under the Hospitality & Tourism category and typically spans 4 years of full-time study at accredited Kenyan universities.

The curriculum covers Tourism Principles and Tourism Studies, Tourism Development and Tourism Operations, Tourism Marketing and Destination Marketing, Sustainable Tourism and Responsible Tourism, Tourism Economics and Tourism Finance, Tourism Policy and Tourism Law. 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 Tourism Development and Tourism Operations, Tourism Marketing and Destination Marketing, Tourism Policy and Tourism Law, Tourism Entrepreneurship and Business Development, Tourism Principles and Tourism Studies. 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 Sustainable Tourism and Ecotourism, Destination Marketing and Management, Tourism Studies and Development. 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 Tourism Studies pursue careers as Tour Operations Manager, Tourism Officer / Tourism Researcher, Tourism Development Officer, Destination Marketing Manager. 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 152,700
Private, up to: Ksh 152,000
Job market: High

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 6 months
Average class: 50 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Tourism Principles and Tourism Studies
Tourism Development and Tourism Operations
Tourism Marketing and Destination Marketing
Sustainable Tourism and Responsible Tourism
Tourism Economics and Tourism Finance
Tourism Policy and Tourism Law
Tourism Human Resources and Leadership
Tourism Technology and Digital Tourism
Tourism Research and Data Analysis
Tourism Entrepreneurship and Business Development

Modules

10 in the programme

Tourism Principles and Tourism Studies
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Tourism principles, tourism studies, tourism operations, and supporting tourism principles.
Tourism Development and Tourism Operations
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Tourism development, tourism operations, tour operations, travel agency management, and supporting tourism development.
Tourism Marketing and Destination Marketing
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Tourism marketing, destination marketing, digital marketing, tourism branding, and supporting tourism marketing.
Sustainable Tourism and Responsible Tourism
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Sustainable tourism, responsible tourism, ecotourism, environmental management, and supporting sustainable tourism.
Tourism Economics and Tourism Finance
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Tourism economics, tourism finance, cost control, budgeting, and supporting tourism economics.
Tourism Policy and Tourism Law
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Tourism policy, tourism law, Kenya Tourism Act, tourism regulations, and supporting tourism policy.
Tourism Human Resources and Leadership
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Tourism human resources, staff management, team leadership, training and development, and supporting tourism human resources.
Tourism Technology and Digital Tourism
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Tourism technology, digital tourism, tourism information systems, online booking, and supporting tourism technology.
Tourism Research and Data Analysis
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Tourism research, data analysis, monitoring and evaluation, M and E, and supporting tourism research.
Tourism Entrepreneurship and Business Development
Year 4Semester 16 creditsCore
Tourism entrepreneurship, tourism business development, tourism investment, and supporting tourism entrepreneurship.

Specialisations

Tour Operations and Travel Management
Concentrates on tour operations, travel agency management, tourism logistics, and tour packages. 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.
Destination Marketing and Management
Specialises in destination marketing, tourism promotion, tourism branding, and digital marketing. 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.
Tourism Entrepreneurship
Focuses on tourism entrepreneurship, tourism business development, tourism investment, and tourism innovation.
Sustainable Tourism and Ecotourism
Focuses on sustainable tourism, responsible tourism, ecotourism, and environmental management. 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.
Tourism Studies and Development
Focuses on tourism studies, tourism development, tourism operations, and tourism policy. 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 starts with morning lectures on tourism principles, tourism studies, or tourism marketing, followed by tourism attachments, field trips, or industry visits. Students study tourism trends, provide tourism services, handle tour operations, manage destination marketing, and work on their research project. Tourism attachments at KTB, tourism companies, and tour operators provide hands-on experience.

The trade offs

In its favour

High demand — tourism growth, destination marketing, and tourism company development create strong demand for tourism studies professionals.
Diverse settings — graduates work at KTB, tourism companies, tour operators, travel agencies, hotels, and government agencies.
Entrepreneurship opportunities — graduates can start tourism businesses, tour companies, or destination marketing ventures.

Against it

Seasonality — tourism is seasonal with peak and off-peak seasons affecting employment and income.
Competition — tourism faces competition from other destinations requiring continuous innovation.
Environmental challenges — tourism involves addressing environmental sustainability, climate change, and conservation challenges.

What it costs

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

What it costs, and where

Against 91 hospitality & tourism courses

Public149k to 153k

149k at University of Nairobi153k at Kenyatta University

Private143k to 152k

143k at Zetech University152k at Kenya Methodist University

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 152.7K/yr (victormatara). UoN ~149K/yr (studyinkenya). KeMU 152K, Zetech 142.6K/yr (educationnewshub).

Students can access HELB undergraduate loans and KUCCPS placement. County bursaries, tourism sponsorships, and international tourism scholarships are available.

Funding options

HELB Undergraduate Loan
KUCCPS Placement
County Government Bursaries

Scholarships

5 recorded

Tourism Training Revolution Fund
BursaryKenyan
Students pursuing tourism and hospitality training
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan citizens pursuing undergraduate studies at accredited universities.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
PlacementKsh 0Kenyan
Kenyan students placed to public universities through KUCCPS receive government-subsidised tuition.
Tourism Sponsorships
ScholarshipKsh 150,000Kenyan
Tourism companies, hotels, and tourism organisations may sponsor tourism studies students in exchange for service commitment.
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKsh 50,000Kenyan
Students from specific counties. Varies by county.

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+
Alternative entry: Diploma in Tourism, Hospitality Management, or related fields from recognised institutions may be considered for upgrading. Relevant tourism or hospitality experience is advantageous.

English or Kiswahili
C+
Geography or History
C
Economics or Business Studies
C
Mathematics
C

How you are assessed

5 components

Continuous Assessment Tests and Assignments
Cat20% of the mark
Assignments, tests, presentations, case studies, and tourism reports throughout each semester.
End of Semester Written Examinations
Exam30% of the mark
Written examinations covering tourism principles, tourism studies, tourism marketing, tourism economics, and tourism law.
Industry Attachment Assessment
Clinical10% of the mark
Assessment of industry attachments including tourism work, documentation, and supervision evaluation.
Research Project
Research10% of the mark
Independent tourism studies research project, assessed through written report and presentation.
Tourism Studies Practical Examinations
Practicum30% of the mark
Assessment of tourism studies competencies including tourism operations, destination marketing, tour operations, and tourism technology.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Certified by Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) for tourism professionals. The Kenya Tourism Act governs tourism practice. The National Tourism Policy guides tourism development. KATO represents tour operators.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
NationalRequired
CUE accredits all university programmes in Kenya.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

Tour Operations Manager
High demandKsh 65,000 to Ksh 150,000
Manages tour operations, tourism logistics, travel agency services, and tour packages at tour operators or travel agencies.
Tourism Officer / Tourism Researcher
High demandKsh 65,000 to Ksh 150,000
Conducts tourism research, tourism studies, tourism development, and tourism programmes at KTB, county governments, or tourism companies.
Tourism Development Officer
High demandKsh 65,000 to Ksh 150,000
Manages tourism development, tourism planning, tourism investment, and tourism projects at county governments or tourism companies.
Destination Marketing Manager
High demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 160,000
Manages destination marketing, tourism promotion, tourism branding, and digital marketing at KTB, county governments, or tourism companies.
Tourism Consultant
Medium demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 180,000
Provides tourism consulting, tourism development advice, destination management, and tourism strategy to tourism organisations, governments, or private sector.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as tourism officers and tourism researchers. Tourism studies is in high demand driven by tourism growth. Salaries range from KES 65,000 to 160,000 per month. Ministry of Tourism, KTB, tourism companies, and tour operators offer the main opportunities.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Opera PMS
Hotel managementPrimary
Microsoft Excel
Spreadsheet
QuickBooks
Accounting
Micros POS
Point of sale
HACCP Systems
Safety
Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point food safety management systems

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Tourism studies is just about guiding tourists.
Tourism studies includes tourism development, destination marketing, tourism operations, tourism policy, tourism economics, and tourism research — guiding is one component.
Tourism studies is only about travel.
Tourism studies includes tourism development, destination management, tourism marketing, tourism policy, tourism economics, and research — travel is one aspect.
There are limited career opportunities for tourism studies graduates in Kenya.
Kenya's tourism growth, destination marketing, tourism company development, and tourism competitiveness create demand for tourism studies professionals at KTB, tourism companies, tour operators, and research institutions.
This programme has limited career opportunities.
Graduates pursue diverse career paths across multiple sectors in Kenya and internationally.