Bachelor of Science in Information Studies
The Bachelor of Science in Information Studies is a broad-based degree programme designed to produce competent information professionals capable of working in any sector of the information industry. The programme encompasses four information disciplines namely information technology, library and information studies, publishing and media studies, and records and archives management, providing graduates with versatile skills for the modern information economy.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 204,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 816,000 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 242,800 a year at a private one.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C+ (Plus) or above. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 4 years, full-time, part-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 9 institutions.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Cloud Security Engineer, at 14 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
The curriculum covers information communication technology, information resources management, management of information systems and services, and information storage and retrieval. Students study a common core of subjects before specialising in their preferred information discipline, developing both technical and managerial competencies.
Throughout the programme, students engage in coursework, laboratory practicals, research projects and practical attachment in information management settings. The industrial attachment provides hands-on experience in libraries, archives, records departments, publishing houses and IT departments, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world information environments.
The programme recognises the growing demand for knowledge and information in the workplace, education and leisure, driven by technological changes in society. Students learn to provide effective access to information resources and services, using computers and online retrieval systems to enhance productivity in business corporations, governments and research institutions.
Graduates are equipped to manage information resources, implement knowledge management systems and provide information services that support decision-making and organisational effectiveness. They play a critical role in the knowledge-based economy, where access to specialised and up-to-date information is essential for growth.
Career opportunities exist in libraries, archives, records management departments, publishing houses, media organisations, government ministries and corporate information departments. Graduates work as information officers, records managers, librarians, knowledge managers and information systems coordinators across various sectors.
What you study
10 subjects- Programming Fundamentals
- Data Structures and Algorithms
- Database Systems
- Computer Networks
- Software Engineering
- Web Development
- Operating Systems
- Computer Architecture
- Information Security
- Artificial Intelligence
Modules
8 in the programmeFoundations of the Discipline
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Foundations of the Discipline: Introduction to core concepts, theories, and principles of the field. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Communication Skills
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Communication Skills: Academic writing, presentation skills, and professional communication. Develops practical skills for academic and professional contexts.
Information Technology Fundamentals
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Computer applications, data processing, and digital literacy for academic and professional use.
Research Methods
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, data collection, and analysis techniques.
Statistics and Data Analysis
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Statistical methods, probability, and data interpretation for research and practice.
Professional Ethics
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Ethical principles, professional conduct, and regulatory frameworks in the field.
Project Management
Year 3Semester 16 creditsCore
Project Management: Project planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation techniques. Covers project lifecycle, resource allocation, risk management, and stakeholder engagement.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Business planning, venture creation, and innovation management. Equips students with practical skills for venture creation and business management.
Specialisations
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.
Research and Analysis
Focus on research methods, data analysis, and evidence-based decision making. 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.
Research and Analysis
Focus on research methods, data analysis, and evidence-based decision making. 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 programming lectures, working on coding assignments in computer labs, participating in hackathons, debugging code, and collaborating on software development projects.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). | Limited programme specialisation options may be available. |
| Graduates are eligible for HELB loans and government funding. | Competitive job market requiring practical experience and networking. |
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
KU 204K/yr (kenyaeducationguide), TUK 159K/yr (tukenya.ac.ke). MKU 111K, Daystar 243K (educationnewshub).
Government scholarships cover up to 53% of tuition for needy students. HELB provides loans up to Ksh 60,000. Safaricom Academy and Google Africa offer scholarships for outstanding computing students.
Funding options
HELB Undergraduate Loan
Loan
Kenyan citizens enrolled in accredited undergraduate programmes
Government Scholarship (New Funding Model)
Scholarship
Needy students placed by KUCCPS in public universities
Safaricom Academy Scholarship
Scholarship
Outstanding computing students
Scholarships
3 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.
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
KCSE C+ (Plus) OR A Level with two principal passes; OR a relevant Diploma from a recognised institution; OR any other qualification recognised by the university senate and CUE.
When it next starts
Taught at 9 institutionsIncluding Technical University of Kenya, Kibabii University, Machakos University.
Including Technical University of Kenya, Kibabii University, Machakos University.
Including Technical University of Kenya, Kibabii University, Machakos University.
How you are assessed
2 componentsContinuous Assessment Tests and Assignments
Coursework30% of the mark
Written tests, assignments, and practical exercises throughout the semester.
End of Semester Examinations
Examination70% of the mark
Written examinations covering all course content for the semester.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
CUE is the statutory body responsible for the accreditation and quality assurance of university programmes in Kenya.
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Computing programmes may also be aligned with IEEE and ACM curricular standards.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesGraduate Trainee
High demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 60,000
Entry-level position applying academic knowledge in a professional environment.
Research Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 65,000
Supporting research projects through data collection, analysis, and reporting.
Project Officer
High demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 80,000
Coordinating and implementing projects in public, private, or NGO sectors.
Analyst
High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 90,000
Analysing data, trends, and patterns to support decision-making.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates pursue careers as software developers, systems analysts, network administrators, data analysts, and IT consultants in Kenya's growing digital economy.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Cloud Security EngineerTechnology14Low exposure
- Industrial Robotics ProgrammerTechnology14Low exposure
- Embedded Firmware EngineerTechnology15Low exposure
- Embedded Linux DeveloperTechnology15Low exposure
- Site Reliability EngineerTechnology15Low exposure
- Applied Cryptography EngineerTechnology16Low exposure
- Database Reliability EngineerTechnology16Low exposure
- Edge Computing EngineerTechnology16Low exposure
Tools you will learn
Microsoft Excel
SoftwarePrimary
Spreadsheet for information data analysis and records management.
SQL
SoftwarePrimary
Database query language for information storage and retrieval systems.
Microsoft SharePoint
Software
Document management and collaboration platform for information services.
DSpace
Software
Open-source repository software for digital archives and institutional repositories.
Microsoft Word
Software
Word processing for documentation, publishing and records management.
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
A computer science degree guarantees a tech job.
While computing is in demand, employers value practical skills, portfolio, internships, and certifications alongside the degree.
You need to be a math genius to study computer science.
While mathematical thinking is important, many computing careers focus on practical development, design, and problem-solving.
IT and Computer Science are the same thing.
Computer Science focuses on theory and software development, while IT focuses on systems administration and technology management.
Computing degrees become outdated quickly.
Fundamental principles (algorithms, data structures, architecture) remain relevant. Graduates learn to adapt to new technologies.