Engineering

Certificate in Architectural Studies

The Certificate in Architectural Studies is a foundational programme that introduces students to the principles of architectural design, technical drawing and building construction. Offered at Kirinyaga University, the programme equips learners with practical skills in draughtsmanship, computer-aided design and construction documentation, preparing them for entry-level roles in the architectural and construction industry.

Students develop competencies in architectural drafting, model production, building science and construction technology. The curriculum covers both manual and digital drawing techniques, enabling graduates to produce accurate architectural plans, elevations and sections. Communication skills, mathematics and entrepreneurship are integrated to provide a well-rounded foundation.

Kenya's construction sector continues to experience steady growth driven by urbanisation, infrastructure development and housing demand. Architectural technicians and draughtsmen play a critical supporting role in architectural firms, construction companies and government departments. The certificate programme serves as a direct pathway for students who wish to progress to diploma and degree-level architectural studies.

Teaching is delivered through a combination of classroom instruction, studio sessions, laboratory work and industrial attachment. Students engage in hands-on draughting exercises, CAD practicals and site visits to reinforce theoretical concepts. The programme emphasises practical competency aligned with industry needs.

Graduates typically find employment as architectural assistants, draughtsmen, building inspectors or CAD technicians in architectural firms, construction companies and county government offices. Many proceed to pursue the Diploma in Architectural Design or Bachelor of Architectural Studies to advance their careers.

The programme is ideal for KCSE graduates with an interest in the built environment who may not meet direct degree entry requirements but wish to build a career in architecture and construction. It provides a accessible entry point into the architectural profession through practical, skills-based training.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 67,189
Private, up to: Ksh 214,700
Job market: Moderate

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 40 students
Award: Certificate

What you study

10 subjects

Architectural Drawing
Building Construction
Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
Technical Drawing
Construction Technology
Mathematics for Builders
Communication Skills
History of Architecture
Surveying Principles
Entrepreneurship

Modules

12 in the programme

Architectural Drawing I
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduces fundamental principles of architectural draughting including orthographic projection, plan production and basic building drawing conventions used in the construction industry.
Building Construction I
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers basic construction methods, building components and materials used in low-rise residential and commercial construction projects in Kenya.
Technical Drawing
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Develops skills in manual technical drawing techniques including geometric constructions, projections and dimensioning as applied to architectural and engineering documentation.
Communication Skills
Year 1Semester 12 creditsCore
Equips students with written and oral communication skills essential for professional practice in the construction industry, including report writing and presentation techniques.
Mathematics for Builders
Year 1Semester 12 creditsCore
Covers mathematical concepts applicable to building and construction including geometry, trigonometry, areas and volumes, and basic structural calculations.
Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Introduces digital drafting using CAD software, enabling students to produce architectural plans, elevations and sections with industry-standard computer-aided design tools.
Building Construction II
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Builds on Construction I, covering advanced building systems including foundations, floors, walls, roofs and finishes, with emphasis on construction detailing and quality standards.
History of Architecture
Year 1Semester 22 creditsCore
Surveys historical development of architectural styles and movements from ancient civilisations to contemporary African architecture, providing context for design practice.
Surveying Principles
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduces basic land surveying techniques and instruments used in site analysis and setting out building works, including levelling, measurement and site planning fundamentals.
Construction Technology
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines modern construction technologies and building systems, including sustainable construction practices and new materials relevant to the Kenyan construction industry.
Entrepreneurship
Year 2Semester 12 creditsCore
Develops business and entrepreneurial skills for self-employment in the construction sector, covering business planning, financial management and marketing for small enterprises.
Industrial Attachment
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Provides supervised practical experience in an architectural firm or construction company, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world professional environments.

A day as a student

A typical day begins with a morning lecture on building construction principles or architectural history, followed by a studio session where students work on draughting exercises using both manual instruments and CAD software. Afternoons often involve site visits to construction projects or practical assignments in the computer laboratory, where students produce architectural drawings and 3D models under instructor supervision.

The trade offs

In its favour

Provides a direct entry point into the architectural profession without requiring high KCSE grades, making it accessible to a wider range of students.
Practical, skills-based curriculum with CAD training that is directly applicable in the job market, enabling graduates to find employment quickly.
Serves as a stepping stone to higher qualifications including Diploma in Architectural Design and Bachelor of Architectural Studies.

Against it

Certificate holders are limited to technician-level roles and cannot practise as licensed architects without further education and BORAQS registration.
Salary ceiling for certificate-level positions is relatively low compared to degree-qualified architects, requiring further study for significant income growth.
Only a limited number of institutions offer this specific programme in Kenya, which may restrict options for students in certain regions.

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

Public37k to 67k

37k at Kirinyaga University67k at Public TVET colleges

Private215k to 215k

215k at SCAAD College215k at SCAAD College

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

Pub: Kirinyaga 37K tuition, TVET 67K/yr. Priv: SCAAD ~215K/yr (scaad.ac.ke, studyinkenya.co.ke).

Students may access HELB loans, NGCDF bursaries and Kirinyaga University internal bursaries to support their studies. County government bursaries are also available for eligible students.

Funding options

HELB Loan
National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NGCDF) Bursary
Kirinyaga University Internal Bursaries

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Loan
LoanKsh 40,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in accredited certificate programmes at recognised institutions
NGCDF Bursary
BursaryKenyan
Kenyan students from low-income backgrounds, applied through respective constituency offices
County Government Bursary
BursaryKenyan
Kenyan students who are residents of the respective county, applied through county education offices

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: D+
Alternative entry: Mean grade D (Plain) with an Artisan Certificate in a relevant discipline from an institution recognised by the University Senate

Mathematics
D
Physics/Chemistry
D

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment Tests
Written examination30% of the mark
Regular CATs conducted throughout each semester to evaluate student understanding of theoretical concepts in architectural and construction subjects.
Studio Practical Assignments
Practical30% of the mark
Hands-on draughting and CAD assignments assessed on accuracy, technique and presentation quality of architectural drawings produced.
End of Semester Examinations
Written examination40% of the mark
Formal written examinations at the end of each semester covering all taught modules, testing comprehensive understanding of course content.
Industrial Attachment Report
Project100% of the mark
Assessment of the student's industrial attachment performance, including a logbook, supervisor evaluation and written report on practical experience gained.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and offered under Kirinyaga University's charter. Graduates may seek technician-level registration with the Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors (BORAQS) and certification with the National Construction Authority (NCA).

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education under Kirinyaga University's charter, ensuring it meets national standards for university-level certificate programmes.
Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors
Professional
Graduates may seek technician-level registration with BORAQS to formalise their professional status in the architectural field.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

Architectural Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 25,000 to Ksh 45,000
Supports architects in producing drawings, preparing documentation and coordinating project files in architectural firms.
Draughtsman
Moderate demandKsh 20,000 to Ksh 40,000
Prepares technical drawings and architectural plans using manual and CAD methods for construction and design projects.
CAD Technician
High demandKsh 25,000 to Ksh 50,000
Produces detailed computer-aided drawings and 3D models for architectural and construction projects using industry-standard software.
Building Inspector
Moderate demandKsh 22,000 to Ksh 45,000
Inspects construction sites and building works for compliance with approved plans and building codes in county government offices.
Site Supervisor
Moderate demandKsh 28,000 to Ksh 50,000
Oversees day-to-day construction activities on building sites, ensuring work follows architectural drawings and quality standards.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as architectural assistants, draughtsmen and CAD technicians in architectural firms and construction companies, with many progressing to diploma and degree-level architectural studies.

Tools you will learn

AutoCAD
DesignPrimary
ArchiCAD
Design
SketchUp
Design

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

A certificate in architectural studies qualifies you to work as a licensed architect.
A certificate prepares you for technician-level roles such as draughtsman or architectural assistant. Becoming a licensed architect requires a Bachelor of Architecture and registration with BORAQS.
Architectural studies is only about drawing building plans.
The programme covers a broad range of subjects including construction technology, surveying, building science, entrepreneurship and communication skills, providing a comprehensive foundation in the built environment.
Certificate graduates cannot find employment in the construction industry.
Architectural firms, construction companies and government departments regularly employ certificate holders as draughtsmen, CAD technicians and architectural assistants, particularly in supporting roles within project teams.
The programme is only for students who failed to qualify for degree programmes.
While the certificate serves as a pathway to higher qualifications, it is a deliberate entry point for practical, skills-based training that directly prepares graduates for immediate employment in the construction sector.