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.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 67,189 a year at a public institution, Ksh 134,378 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 214,700 a year at a private one.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of D+ or above, plus 2 subject grades. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 2 years, full-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 2 institutions.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
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.
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 programmeArchitectural 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 | Against it |
|---|---|
| Provides a direct entry point into the architectural profession without requiring high KCSE grades, making it accessible to a wider range of students. | Certificate holders are limited to technician-level roles and cannot practise as licensed architects without further education and BORAQS registration. |
| Practical, skills-based curriculum with CAD training that is directly applicable in the job market, enabling graduates to find employment quickly. | Salary ceiling for certificate-level positions is relatively low compared to degree-qualified architects, requiring further study for significant income growth. |
| Serves as a stepping stone to higher qualifications including Diploma in Architectural Design and Bachelor of Architectural Studies. | 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 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
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 recordedHELB 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
Scholarships you could apply for
6 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
- Moringa School Craftbyte Scholarship
QuarterlyFullMoringa School
Full software development course
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
Mean grade D (Plain) with an Artisan Certificate in a relevant discipline from an institution recognised by the University Senate
When it next starts
Taught at 2 institutionsIncluding Kirinyaga University, Kisumu Polytechnic.
Including Kirinyaga University, Kisumu Polytechnic.
Including Kirinyaga University, Kisumu Polytechnic.
How you are assessed
4 componentsContinuous 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
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.
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).
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
5 rolesArchitectural 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.