Diploma in Geology Technology
Geology Technology Level 6 is a TVET CDACC-accredited diploma programme listed on KUCCPS under the Technical Courses cluster. It trains geology technologists who apply geological principles to identify, evaluate, and develop subsurface resources including geothermal reservoirs, minerals, and groundwater.
The curriculum was developed under the EASTRIP project by KenGen's Geothermal Training Centre in collaboration with TVET CDACC. It covers rock and mineral analysis, geological mapping, structural interpretation, field investigation techniques, stratigraphy, sedimentology, petrology, mineralogy, and geological hazard assessment.
Kenya's active geothermal exploration in the Rift Valley, growing mining sector, and infrastructure development create demand for trained geology technologists. KenGen, the Ministry of Mining, and private exploration companies are key employers.
Training combines theoretical instruction with laboratory work and field exercises at active geological sites. The programme uses a hybrid learning model with online modules and mandatory in-person practical sessions. CDACC assessment includes written tests, practical demonstrations, and portfolio submissions.
Graduates work as geology technicians, geological mapping assistants, field investigation officers, and laboratory analysts with geothermal companies, mining firms, government agencies, and consulting firms, with progression routes to degree programmes in geology or earth sciences.
Skills RequiredRock and Mineral IdentificationGeological MappingStructural Geology InterpretationField Investigation TechniquesStratigraphic AnalysisPetrological AnalysisSedimentologyGeological Hazard AssessmentLaboratory Sample AnalysisGeothermal Resource AssessmentKey SubjectsIntroduction to GeologyMineralogy and PetrologyStructural GeologyStratigraphy and SedimentologyGeological Mapping TechniquesField Investigation MethodsEconomic Geology and Mineral ExplorationGeothermal
- Duration
- 2 years
- Public, up to
- Ksh 67,189
- Private, up to
- Ksh 129,000
- Job market
- High
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Practicalities
- Study mode
- Blended, Online
- Attachment
- 3 months
- Average class
- 20 students
- Award
- Diploma
What you study
10 subjects- Introduction to Geology
- Mineralogy and Petrology
- Structural Geology
- Stratigraphy and Sedimentology
- Geological Mapping Techniques
- Field Investigation Methods
- Economic Geology and Mineral Exploration
- Geothermal Geology
- Environmental Geology and Hazard Assessment
- Geological Laboratory Techniques
Modules
10 in the programmeMineralogy and Petrology
Year 1Semester 110 creditsCore
Core unit on mineral identification, rock classification, igneous for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Introduction to Geology and Communication Skills
Year 1Semester 16 creditsCore
Foundation unit covering geology principles, earth systems, communication skills.
Entrepreneurship Education
Year 1Semester 12 creditsCore
Business planning and enterprise skills for enterprise development, business planning, and venture creation skills.
Information Communication Technology
Year 1Semester 12 creditsCore
Computer applications and digital literacy for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Structural Geology and Geological Mapping
Year 1Semester 110 creditsCore
Core unit on geological structures, mapping techniques, field methods for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Stratigraphy and Sedimentology
Year 1Semester 28 creditsCore
Core unit on sedimentary processes, stratigraphic principles for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Economic Geology and Mineral Exploration
Year 1Semester 28 creditsCore
Core unit on ore-forming processes, mineral deposit types, exploration methods for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Geothermal Geology
Year 2Semester 110 creditsCore
Specialised unit on geothermal systems, hydrothermal alteration for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Environmental Geology and Hazard Assessment
Year 2Semester 16 creditsCore
Unit covering geological hazards, groundwater geology, environmental impact assessment.
Geological Laboratory Techniques and Field Project
Year 2Semester 210 creditsCore
Advanced unit on laboratory analysis techniques including thin section preparation.
Specialisations
Geothermal Geology
Applying geological principles to explore, evaluate, and develop geothermal resources, with emphasis on practical application in Kenyan industry contexts and compliance with relevant national standards and regulatory requirements.
Mineral Exploration Geology
Using geological mapping and rock analysis to identify and assess mineral deposits, with emphasis on practical application in Kenyan industry contexts and compliance with relevant national standards and regulatory requirements.
Environmental Geology
Assessing geological hazards, groundwater resources, and environmental impacts of development projects, with emphasis on practical application in Kenyan industry contexts and compliance with relevant national standards and regulatory requirements.
Geological Laboratory Technology
Analysing rock, mineral, and soil samples in laboratory settings using specialised equipment, with emphasis on practical application in Kenyan industry contexts and compliance with relevant national standards and regulatory requirements.
A day as a student
A typical day combines online theory modules on geological principles with laboratory work on rock and mineral identification. Students practise geological mapping techniques, analyse rock samples under microscopes, and participate in field visits to active geological sites in the Rift Valley. Field exercises form a core component of the learning experience.
The trade offs
In its favour
- Kenya's leading position in geothermal energy and growing mining sector create strong demand for geology technologists.
- Training at KenGen GTC provides access to active geothermal sites and industry-standard equipment.
- Hybrid learning model offers flexibility while ensuring hands-on field and laboratory experience.
Against it
- Limited number of institutions offering this programme in Kenya.
- Field work can be physically demanding and may involve working in remote areas.
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 243 science 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
TUK 45,000/yr, Kabete 67,189/yr (tukenya.ac.ke). Finstock 129,000/yr (finstockevarsity.com).
Students are eligible for HELB TVET loans (up to KSH 40,000), government capitation (KSH 30,000/year), and county bursaries.
Funding options
HELB TVET Loan
Government TVET Capitation (KSH 30,000/year)
County Government Bursaries
Scholarships
3 recordedHELB TVET/Diploma Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Needy Kenyan students enrolled in accredited TVET programmes.
Government TVET Capitation
GrantKsh 30,000Kenyan
All KUCCPS-placed students in public TVET institutions.
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKsh 20,000Kenyan
Needy students from respective counties.
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
- KCSE mean grade
- C-
- Alternative entry
- Level 5 Certificate in Geology Technology or Earth Sciences from a recognised institution.
How you are assessed
3 componentsCDACC Written Assessment
Examination40% of the mark
Written theory examinations administered by TVET CDACC at the end of each unit of competency.
CDACC Practical Assessment
Practical40% of the mark
Practical demonstrations of geological techniques including mineral identification, mapping, and laboratory analysis.
Field Project Portfolio
Coursework20% of the mark
Compilation of field mapping reports, laboratory analyses, and geological project documentation.
Accreditation
Accredited by the TVET Curriculum Development, Assessment and Certification Council (TVET CDACC) under the CBET framework at Level 6. The programme was developed under the EASTRIP project and is listed on KUCCPS.
Accredited by
Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA)
Qualifications recognitionRequired
Recognises the Level 6 qualification within the Kenya National Qualifications Framework.
TVET Curriculum Development, Assessment and Certification Council (TVET CDACC)
Academic accreditationRequired
Statutory body for CBET curriculum development, assessment and certification. The programme was developed under the EASTRIP project.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesGeological Mapping Assistant
High demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 70,000
Assists geological teams with field mapping, sample collection, and map preparation for exploration surveys.
Geology Technician
High demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 80,000
Performs rock and mineral analysis, geological mapping, and field investigations for exploration and resource assessment projects.
Laboratory Analyst
Moderate demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 75,000
Analyses rock, mineral, and soil samples in geological laboratories using microscopy and geochemical techniques.
Field Investigation Officer
Moderate demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 70,000
Conducts field geological investigations for site assessment, hazard evaluation, and resource exploration.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work as geology technicians, geological mapping assistants, and field investigation officers with geothermal companies, mining firms, and government agencies.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Climate Change AnalystEnvironmental Science10Low exposure
- Climate Risk Analyst (Finance)Environmental Science11Low exposure
- Water Treatment Plant OperatorEnvironmental Science12Low exposure
- Drought & Famine Early-Warning AnalystEnvironmental Science13Low exposure
- Environmental Product Certification AnalystEnvironmental Science13Low exposure
- Marine & Coastal Conservation OfficerEnvironmental Science13Low exposure
- Wildlife Researcher / Conservation BiologistEnvironmental Science16Low exposure
- Air Quality AnalystEnvironmental Science17Low exposure
Tools you will learn
Geological Field Equipment
Field equipmentPrimary
Geological hammers, hand lenses, compasses, GPS units, and field mapping tools.
GIS Software
Software
Geographic Information Systems for geological mapping and spatial data analysis.
Petrographic Microscopes
Laboratory equipmentPrimary
Microscopes for thin section analysis and mineral identification in geological laboratory work.
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Geology is only about studying rocks.
Geology technology covers resource exploration, hazard assessment, environmental monitoring, and geothermal development, making it a broad applied science.
There are no career opportunities in geology in Kenya.
Kenya's active geothermal exploration, growing mining sector, and infrastructure development create strong demand for geology technologists.
You need a geology degree to work in geological exploration.
The Level 6 diploma qualifies you as a geology technician capable of field mapping and laboratory analysis, with progression routes to degree programmes.
Geology technology is the same as geophysics.
Geology technology focuses on rock and mineral analysis and geological mapping, while geophysics uses physical methods to image the subsurface. They are complementary but distinct disciplines.
Related courses
Further reading
Fees and entry marks for Diploma in Geology Technology are restated every intake. Save it and the app keeps this version, so you can see what changed when it does.