Bachelor of Science in Media Science
The Bachelor of Science in Media Science is a degree programme designed to produce competent media professionals capable of working in both print and electronic media industries. The programme is offered at Moi University through the School of Information Sciences and prepares graduates for careers in journalism, media production, media management and communication.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 336,600 a year at a public institution, Ksh 1,346,400 for the whole course.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 2 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 introduction to communication and mass media, print media, radio production, television production, photojournalism, media law and ethics, online journalism, media research methods, advertising, public relations and media management. Students develop competencies in content production, media analysis and the management of media institutions.
Throughout the programme, students engage in lectures, seminars, practicals, written assignments, project work, field visits and individual reading. The practical teaching uses equipment commonly used in the media industry, ensuring graduates are familiar with industry-standard tools and workflows.
The programme includes an eight-week practical attachment in a media institution during the long vacation following the third academic year. This hands-on experience allows students to apply theoretical knowledge in real media environments, working in newsrooms, production studios, radio stations and television broadcasting facilities.
Graduates are equipped to work as field reporters and effective managers of media institutions, combining practical media skills with theoretical understanding of communication processes. They play a critical role in informing, educating and entertaining the public while upholding media ethics and professional standards.
Career opportunities exist in television stations, radio stations, newspapers, online media platforms, publishing houses, advertising agencies, public relations firms and corporate communication departments. Graduates work as journalists, media producers, editors, media managers, communication specialists and content creators across the media industry.
What you study
10 subjects- Calculus and Linear Algebra
- Organic Chemistry
- Cell Biology
- Classical Mechanics
- Statistical Methods
- Analytical Chemistry
- Microbiology
- Quantum Physics
- Ecology
- Research Methods
Modules
8 in the programmeCommunication Skills
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Communication Skills: Academic writing, presentation skills, and professional communication. Develops practical skills for academic and professional contexts.
Foundations 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.
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 science lectures, conducting laboratory experiments, analysing experimental data, writing lab reports, attending field trips, and studying for practical examinations.
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 106 media & communication 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 Journalism ~118K/yr, KU Comm&Media 336,600/yr (eafinder, kenyaeducationguide). Private: unverified.
Government scholarships cover up to 53% of tuition for needy students. HELB provides loans up to Ksh 60,000. DAAD and DAAD-IKEN offer scholarships for STEM 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
DAAD Scholarship
Scholarship
Undergraduate students in STEM fields
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
8 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
- 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
- Komaza Scholarship Program
RollingPartialKomaza
KES 50,000 to 150,000 per year
- Moi University Merit Scholarship
Before semester startsPartialMoi University
50% tuition waiver
- Moringa School Craftbyte Scholarship
QuarterlyFullMoringa School
Full software development course
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 2 institutionsIncluding Moi University, Multimedia University of Kenya.
Including Moi University, Multimedia University of Kenya.
Including Moi University, Multimedia University of Kenya.
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). Scientific programmes are regulated under NACOSTI guidelines for research activities.
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 laboratory technologists, research assistants, quality control officers, data analysts, and science teachers in Kenya's scientific and industrial sectors.
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
Adobe Premiere Pro
SoftwarePrimary
Video editing software for television production and multimedia content creation.
Adobe InDesign
SoftwarePrimary
Desktop publishing software for print media layout and design.
Audacity
Software
Audio editing software for radio production and podcast creation.
Adobe Photoshop
Software
Image editing software for photojournalism and graphic design.
WordPress
Software
Content management system for online journalism and digital media publishing.
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Science degrees only lead to teaching careers.
Science graduates work at KEMRI, ICIPE, KALRO, KEBS, pharmaceutical companies, environmental agencies, and data analytics firms.
Pure science is less marketable than applied science.
Analytical and research skills from pure science are valued in data science, finance, technology, and quality assurance industries.
Science degrees are too theoretical.
Most science programmes include laboratory work, field research, and industrial attachments.
You need a postgraduate degree to be employable with a science degree.
Many entry-level positions in laboratories, quality control, and research assistance are available with a bachelor's degree.