Diploma in Fine Art
The Diploma in Fine Art, offered at Kenyatta University, builds on a prior Certificate in Art and Design to develop advanced skills in drawing, painting, sculpture, and related visual art disciplines.
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 156,400 a year at a private one.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C plain or above. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 2 years, full-time, with 2 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 5 institutions.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Ceramics Designer, at 18 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
Students study advanced drawing and painting techniques, sculpture, art history and theory, and studio practice, developing both technical craft and a personal artistic voice.
Kenya's growing contemporary art market, gallery scene, and creative economy create opportunities for trained fine artists, alongside teaching and art therapy-adjacent roles.
Training is intensively studio-based, with students building a portfolio of work assessed through exhibitions and critiques alongside more conventional coursework.
Graduates work as practising artists, art teachers, gallery/museum assistants, and in creative industries adjacent to fine art such as illustration and design, with progression into Bachelor of Art and Design degrees. The programme suits students who have already completed a foundation certificate in art and design and want to deepen their technical and conceptual practice as visual artists.
Skills RequiredDrawing and PaintingSculptureArt Theory and HistoryStudio PracticePortfolio DevelopmentKey SubjectsAdvanced DrawingPaintingSculptureArt History and TheoryStudio PracticeSpecializationsPaintingFocus on advanced painting techniques and personal artistic style. SculptureFocus on three-dimensional art and sculptural techniques. The programme also encourages participation in national art exhibitions and competitions, providing exposure and networking opportunities with established artists and galleries. The programme also encourages participation in national art exhibitions and competitions, providing exposure and networking opportunities with established artists and galleries.
What you study
6 subjects- Advanced Drawing
- Painting
- Sculpture
- Art History and Theory
- Studio Practice
- Research Methods
Modules
10 in the programmeAdvanced Drawing
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Advanced techniques in observational and conceptual drawing for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Painting
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Painting techniques across various media and styles for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Drawing and Painting
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Drawing and painting techniques using standard drafting conventions and industry software for technical documentation.
Sculpture
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Three-dimensional art and sculpture as applied to fine art principles, practices, and professional competency requirements.
Sculpture
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Three-dimensional art-making techniques and materials for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Graphic Design
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Graphic design principles and practice including design principles, material selection, and production techniques for creative industry practice.
Art History
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
History of art and design movements as applied to fine art principles, practices, and professional competency requirements.
Art History and Theory
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Study of art movements and critical theory relevant to practice for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Studio Practice and Portfolio
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Independent studio work culminating in a final portfolio and exhibition for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Portfolio Development
Year 3Semester 14 creditsCore
Professional art portfolio creation as applied to fine art principles, practices, and professional competency requirements.
Specialisations
Painting
Focus on advanced painting techniques and personal artistic style, with emphasis on practical application in Kenyan industry contexts and compliance with relevant national standards and regulatory requirements.
Sculpture
Focus on three-dimensional art and sculptural techniques, with emphasis on practical application in Kenyan industry contexts and compliance with relevant national standards and regulatory requirements.
Digital Art and Illustration
Focus on digital art techniques, illustration software, digital painting, and contemporary visual communication within Kenyan creative industry contexts.
Art Education
Focus on art teaching methods, curriculum delivery, art history, and studio practice for art education in Kenyan schools and community art programmes.
A day as a student
Days are studio-based, working on drawing, painting, or sculpture projects under instructor guidance, interspersed with art history lectures and periodic group critiques of student work.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Deep, focused development of technical and conceptual artistic skill. | The job market for full-time practising artists is small and highly competitive. |
| Opens both creative-practice and broader creative-industry career paths. | Requires prior foundational art training (a Certificate) before enrolling. |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 73 art and design 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
TVET 67,189/yr. Visualdo 120K, BIFA ~126-156K/yr (visualdo.ac.ke, bifa.ac.ke).
Students can access HELB loans and county bursaries; art-focused scholarships and grants are occasionally available through galleries or cultural foundations.
Funding options
HELB TVET/Diploma Loan
Loan
Needy Kenyan students enrolled in accredited diploma programmes.
County Government Bursaries
Bursary
Bursaries for needy students from their respective counties.
Scholarships
2 recordedCounty Government Bursaries
BursaryKsh 20,000Kenyan
Bursaries for needy students from their respective counties.
HELB TVET/Diploma Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Needy Kenyan students enrolled in accredited diploma programmes.
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
- KCB Foundation Scholarship
Closes 31 March 2027FullKCB Bank
Full tuition + stipend
- 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
- Kenyatta University Scholarship
Before semesterPartialKenyatta University
30 to 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
A Certificate in Art and Design from a recognised institution is required for entry.
When it next starts
Taught at 5 institutionsIncluding Kenyatta University, Maseno University, Kisii National Polytechnic.
Including Kenyatta University, Maseno University, Kisii National Polytechnic.
Including Kenyatta University, Maseno University, Kisii National Polytechnic.
How you are assessed
3 componentsStudio Coursework
Coursework50% of the mark
Ongoing studio projects assessed through instructor review.
Final Portfolio and Exhibition
Coursework30% of the mark
A final body of work presented in an exhibition setting.
Art History Examinations
Examination20% of the mark
Written examinations on art history and theory.
Accreditation
Kenya National Qualifications Authority
Qualification recognitionRequired
Recognised as a diploma qualification within Kenya's education framework.
Offered at Kenyatta University; requires a prior Certificate in Art and Design for entry.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesPractising Artist (Freelance)
Low demandKsh 15,000 to Ksh 50,000
Sells original artwork and takes commissions; income varies widely.
Art Teacher
Low demandKsh 25,000 to Ksh 40,000
Teaches art at a school or training institution.
Gallery/Museum Assistant
Low demandKsh 24,000 to Ksh 38,000
Supports exhibitions and operations at a gallery or museum.
Graphic Designer
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 70,000
Creates visual designs, illustrations, and digital artwork for advertising agencies, media houses, and corporate organisations in Kenya.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work as practising artists, art teachers, gallery/museum assistants, and in creative industries adjacent to fine art.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Ceramics DesignerArt and Design18Low exposure
- Theatrical ScenographerArt and Design18Low exposure
- Ceramic Product DesignerArt and Design19Low exposure
- Circular Fashion DesignerArt and Design19Low exposure
- Architectural Model MakerArt and Design20Low exposure
- Exhibition Experience DesignerArt and Design20Low exposure
- Wardrobe Design SpecialistArt and Design20Low exposure
- Furniture Product DesignerArt and Design21Low exposure
Tools you will learn
Microsoft Office
ProductivityPrimary
Productivity suite for documentation, reports, and presentations.
Microsoft Excel
Productivity
Data analysis, calculations, and project planning.
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Fine art diplomas don't lead to real careers.
Graduates work as practising artists, teachers, gallery staff, illustrators, and in broader creative industries.
Anyone can enrol without prior art training.
This diploma requires a prior Certificate in Art and Design, building on foundational skills rather than starting from scratch.