Technology

Diploma in Cloud and Data Science

The Diploma in Cloud and Data Science is a programme that equips students with knowledge and practical skills in cloud computing, data science and cloud-based application development. Offered at Tangaza University, the programme combines data analytics with cloud technologies to prepare students for the digital economy.

The curriculum covers programming fundamentals, statistics, data analysis, Python and R, database management, SQL, cloud computing platforms (AWS, Azure), cloud storage, cloud security, data visualisation, machine learning basics, big data processing, web application development, API development, DevOps fundamentals, data ethics, communication skills and entrepreneurship. Students develop both data science and cloud computing competencies.

Kenya's technology sector is experiencing growing demand for professionals who can work with cloud platforms and data analytics. The programme responds to the need for skilled practitioners who can deploy and manage cloud-based data solutions, support digital transformation and leverage data for business insights.

The programme is delivered through lectures, computer laboratory sessions, cloud platform practicals, data analysis projects, case studies and industrial attachment. Students gain hands-on experience in cloud deployment, data processing and application development through laboratory sessions and practical projects using cloud platforms.

Graduates pursue careers as cloud technicians, data analysts, junior data scientists, cloud application developers, DevOps assistants, database assistants and IT support officers in technology companies, banks, telecom firms, government agencies and startups. They can also progress to a Bachelor of Science in Data Science or related degree programmes.

Prospective students should have analytical skills, interest in technology and basic mathematical aptitude. The programme is suitable for students seeking practical cloud and data skills for employment or further study.

Duration: 2 years
Private, up to: Ksh 120,000
Job market: High

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Blended (Online and Face to Face)
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 25 students
Award: Diploma

What you study

8 subjects

Programming and Statistics Fundamentals
Database Management and SQL
Cloud Computing Platforms (AWS and Azure)
Data Analysis and Visualisation
Machine Learning Basics and Big Data
Web Application and API Development
Cloud Security and DevOps Fundamentals
Data Ethics and Entrepreneurship

Modules

8 in the programme

Programming and Statistics Fundamentals
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers Python programming, data structures, statistics, probability, data manipulation and introductory data analysis.
Database Management and SQL
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers relational databases, database design, normalisation, SQL queries, NoSQL databases and cloud database services.
Cloud Computing Platforms
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers cloud computing concepts, AWS and Azure platforms, cloud storage, virtual machines, cloud networking and cloud service models.
Data Analysis and Visualisation
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers data analysis techniques, data cleaning, exploratory data analysis, data visualisation tools and dashboard creation.
Machine Learning and Big Data
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers machine learning concepts, supervised and unsupervised learning, big data processing, distributed computing and predictive modelling.
Cloud Application and API Development
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers web application development, REST APIs, cloud deployment, microservices, containerisation and DevOps fundamentals.
Cloud Security and Data Ethics
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers cloud security, data protection, access management, data ethics, privacy compliance, communication skills and entrepreneurship.
Industrial Attachment and Project
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
A three-month industrial attachment at a technology organisation, assessed through an attachment report and a cloud-based data science project.

Specialisations

Cloud Computing
Focuses on cloud infrastructure, deployment and management for careers as cloud technicians.
Data Analytics
Specialises in data analysis, visualisation and business intelligence for careers as data analysts.
Cloud Application Development
Focuses on cloud-based application development, APIs and microservices for careers as cloud developers.
Machine Learning
Specialises in machine learning, predictive modelling and data mining for careers in data science.

A day as a student

A typical day begins with a morning lecture on statistics or programming fundamentals, followed by a computer laboratory session working with Python for data analysis. Afternoon sessions may include a cloud platform practical deploying applications on AWS or Azure, a data visualisation workshop, or a group project building a cloud-based data application. Students also work on machine learning exercises and API development assignments.

The trade offs

In its favour

Cloud and data science skills are in high demand as Kenya undergoes digital transformation across sectors.
The programme offers blended learning (online and face-to-face), providing flexibility for students.
Graduates can progress to a Bachelor of Science in Data Science or related degree programmes.

Against it

The programme is offered at only one university, limiting study location options.
The technology field evolves rapidly, requiring graduates to continuously update their skills beyond the diploma.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 191 technology courses

Private56k to 120k

56k at Tangaza University120k at Digiask Institute of 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

Tangaza 56.4K, Digiask 120K/yr private (tangaza.ac.ke). Public: unverified.

Students can access HELB loans. Tangaza University may offer internal financial aid for qualifying students.

Funding options

HELB Loan

Scholarships

1 recorded

HELB Loan
LoanKsh 40,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in accredited programmes at recognised institutions

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C-
Alternative entry: Certificate in ICT, Data Science or related field from a recognised institution.

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment Tests
Written examination30% of the mark
Mid-semester and end-of-semester written tests covering programming, statistics and cloud concepts.
Laboratory Practicals
Practicum40% of the mark
Assessment of computer laboratory sessions including Python programming, SQL queries and cloud platform exercises.
Cloud Data Science Project
Project50% of the mark
A practical project deploying a cloud-based data science application, assessed through a presentation and documentation.
Industrial Attachment Report
Practicum100% of the mark
Assessment of performance during industrial attachment at a technology organisation.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at Tangaza University. Official name: Diploma in Data Science and Cloud Applications Development.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at Tangaza University. Official name: Diploma in Data Science and Cloud Applications Development.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

Cloud Technician
High demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 150,000
Deploys and manages cloud infrastructure, configures cloud services, monitors performance and supports cloud operations in organisations.
Data Analyst
High demandKsh 42,000 to Ksh 140,000
Collects, cleans, analyses and visualises data to support decision-making using statistical and visualisation tools.
Junior Data Scientist
Moderate demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 160,000
Supports data science projects, builds predictive models, conducts data mining and assists with machine learning implementation.
Cloud Application Developer
Moderate demandKsh 48,000 to Ksh 170,000
Develops and deploys cloud-based applications, builds APIs, implements microservices and supports cloud application lifecycle.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as cloud technicians, data analysts and junior data scientists in technology companies, banks, telecom firms and startups.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Python
CodePrimary
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Tool
Microsoft Azure
Tool

Certifications

Commission for University Education (CUE) Accreditation

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Cloud and data science is only for IT experts.
The programme teaches skills from fundamentals, making it accessible to students with basic mathematical aptitude and interest in technology.
You need a degree to work with cloud platforms.
A diploma provides practical cloud and data skills for entry-level positions, with opportunities to progress to degree-level study.
Cloud computing is just about storing files online.
Cloud computing encompasses infrastructure, platforms, software services, security, DevOps and application deployment, requiring diverse technical skills.
There are no jobs for cloud and data science graduates in Kenya.
Kenya's digital transformation creates demand for cloud and data professionals in banking, telecom, government, healthcare and technology sectors.