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Bachelor of Science in Mineral Exploration Technology and Mining

The Bachelor of Science in Mineral Exploration Technology and Mining is a degree programme that focuses on the scientific and technical aspects of mineral exploration, extraction and mining operations. The programme is offered at Taita Taveta University and JKUAT, preparing graduates for careers in the mining industry, mineral exploration and extractive sectors.

Duration
4 years
Next intake January 2027
Public tuition
Ksh 336,600
Ksh 1,346,400 total
Job market
Moderate
Market demand for graduates

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 4 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 mineralogy, petrology, structural geology, exploration geochemistry, geophysics, mine surveying, rock mechanics, mining methods, mineral processing, mine ventilation, environmental management, occupational health and safety, mining economics and mine planning. Students develop competencies in identifying mineral deposits, designing exploration programmes and applying technology to extract minerals efficiently and safely.

Throughout the programme, students engage in lectures, laboratory practicals, fieldwork, industrial attachment and research projects. The practical approach ensures graduates can conduct geological surveys, operate mining equipment, design mine layouts and implement mineral processing techniques in real mining environments.

The programme emphasises the application of scientific and engineering principles to locate, evaluate and extract mineral resources while minimising environmental impact. Students learn about sustainable mining practices, environmental rehabilitation and the regulatory framework governing mining operations in Kenya.

Graduates are equipped to work in mining companies, mineral exploration firms, geological surveys, environmental agencies and research institutions. They play a critical role in discovering new mineral deposits, optimising extraction processes and ensuring that mining operations are conducted safely and responsibly.

Career opportunities exist in mining companies, exploration firms, cement manufacturers, government geological surveys, environmental consultancies and academic institutions. Graduates work as mining engineers, exploration geologists, mineral processing engineers, mine surveyors and environmental officers across the mining and extractive industries.

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 programme

  • Communication 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.

  • Research Methods

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, data collection, and analysis techniques.

  • Information Technology Fundamentals

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Computer applications, data processing, and digital literacy for academic and professional use.

  • 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 favourAgainst 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 332 engineering courses
Public285k to 337k
285k at Technical University of Kenya337k at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

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

TUK ~285K/yr (intake portal). JKUAT/TTU Mining 336,600/yr (KUCCPS). Private: unverified.

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 recorded

  • Higher 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
Save one and be reminded before it closes

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade
C+ (Plus)minimum entry
Alternative entry

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 4 institutions
January 20274 institutions

Including Kenyatta University, Taita Taveta University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.

May 20274 institutions

Including Kenyatta University, Taita Taveta University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.

September 20274 institutions

Including Kenyatta University, Taita Taveta University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.

How you are assessed

2 components

  • Continuous 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 roles

  • Graduate 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

Tools you will learn

  • AutoCAD

    SoftwarePrimary

    Computer-aided design software for mine layout planning and surveying.

  • Surpac

    SoftwarePrimary

    Geological modelling and mine planning software for mineral exploration and resource estimation.

  • ArcGIS

    Software

    Geographic information system for geological mapping and mineral deposit analysis.

  • Microsoft Excel

    Software

    Spreadsheet for mining data management, resource calculations and cost analysis.

  • Python

    Software

    Programming language for geospatial data analysis and mineral exploration modelling.

Certifications

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.

Further reading

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