Business

Diploma in Quality Assurance and Standardization

The Diploma in Quality Assurance and Standardization is a programme that equips students with knowledge and practical skills in quality management, quality control, standardisation, quality assurance systems and compliance management. Offered at Gretsa University, the programme prepares students for quality assurance roles in manufacturing, service organisations and regulatory bodies.

The curriculum covers quality management principles, quality control techniques, statistical process control, ISO standards, total quality management, quality assurance systems, standardisation and metrology, quality auditing, compliance management, six sigma fundamentals, health and safety standards, research methods and industrial attachment. Students develop both theoretical knowledge and practical quality assurance skills.

Kenya's manufacturing and service sectors face increasing pressure to meet international quality standards for competitiveness in regional and global markets. The programme responds to the need for trained quality assurance personnel who can implement quality management systems, conduct quality audits and ensure compliance with national and international standards.

The programme is delivered through lectures, case studies, quality control laboratory sessions, audit simulation exercises, factory visits, research projects, group discussions and industrial attachment. Students gain hands-on experience in quality assurance through supervised attachment in manufacturing firms, quality laboratories or regulatory bodies.

Graduates pursue careers as quality assurance officers, quality control technicians, quality auditors and standards compliance officers in manufacturing firms, service organisations, regulatory bodies and certification agencies. They can also progress to a Bachelor of Science in Quality Assurance or related degree programmes.

Prospective students should have interest in quality management, standards and process improvement. The programme is suitable for students seeking careers in quality assurance and standardisation.

Duration: 18 months
Public, up to: Ksh 67,189
Private, up to: Ksh 76,500
Job market: Moderate

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Part-time
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 20 students
Award: Diploma

What you study

8 subjects

Quality Management Principles and Total Quality Management
Quality Control Techniques and Statistical Process Control
ISO Standards and Quality Assurance Systems
Standardisation, Metrology and Compliance Management
Quality Auditing and Six Sigma Fundamentals
Health and Safety Standards
Research Methods and Quality Project
Industrial Attachment and Quality Assurance Practice

Modules

8 in the programme

Quality Management Principles and Total Quality Management
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers quality management principles, quality philosophies, total quality management, quality gurus, quality culture, continuous improvement and quality management frameworks.
Quality Control Techniques and Statistical Process Control
Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore
Covers quality control techniques, inspection methods, sampling plans, statistical process control, control charts, process capability analysis and measurement system analysis.
ISO Standards and Quality Assurance Systems
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers ISO 9001 quality management systems, ISO standards family, quality management system documentation, implementation, certification process and quality system maintenance.
Standardisation, Metrology and Compliance Management
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers standardisation principles, national and international standards, metrology, calibration, measurement standards, compliance management and regulatory frameworks.
Quality Auditing and Six Sigma Fundamentals
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers quality auditing, audit planning, audit conduct, audit reporting, corrective actions, six sigma fundamentals, DMAIC methodology and process improvement tools.
Health and Safety Standards
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers occupational health and safety standards, ISO 45001, workplace safety, risk assessment, safety management systems and health and safety compliance.
Research Methods and Quality Project
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers research methods, data analysis and a quality improvement project on a relevant topic, assessed through a written report and presentation.
Industrial Attachment and Quality Assurance Practice
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
A supervised industrial attachment in a manufacturing firm, quality laboratory or regulatory body, assessed through an attachment report and supervisor evaluation.

Specialisations

Quality Management Systems
Focuses on ISO 9001 implementation and quality system management for careers as quality assurance officers.
Statistical Quality Control
Specialises in statistical process control and quality control techniques for careers as quality control technicians.
Quality Auditing
Focuses on audit techniques and compliance for careers as quality auditors.
Standardisation and Compliance
Specialises in standards and regulatory compliance for careers as standards compliance officers.

A day as a student

A typical day begins with a morning lecture on quality management principles or ISO standards, followed by a practical session on statistical process control or quality auditing. Afternoon sessions may include a factory visit, a quality control laboratory exercise, or preparation for industrial attachment. Students also work on quality improvement projects and research assignments.

The trade offs

In its favour

Quality assurance skills are increasingly in demand as Kenyan firms seek international competitiveness.
Graduates can pursue ISO auditor certifications and six sigma certifications for career advancement.
The programme combines technical and management skills, providing versatile career options.

Against it

The programme is offered at only one university, limiting study options.
Direct career opportunities may be concentrated in manufacturing hubs, limiting geographic options.

What it costs

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

What it costs, and where

Against 331 business courses

Public67k to 67k

67k at Kabete National Polytechnic67k at Eldoret Polytechnic

Private77k to 77k

77k at Gretsa University77k at Gretsa University

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

TVET 67,189/yr public (kasaranitechnical.ac.ke). Gretsa 76,500/yr (eafinder.com).

Students can access HELB loans. Gretsa University may offer internal bursaries for diploma 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 quality management, business management or related field from a recognised institution, or equivalent qualification.

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment Tests
Written examination30% of the mark
Mid-semester and end-of-semester written tests covering quality management, quality control, ISO standards and standardisation.
Practical Assessment
Practicum40% of the mark
Assessment of practical skills in statistical process control, quality auditing and quality system documentation.
Quality Improvement Project
Project30% of the mark
A quality improvement project on a relevant topic, assessed through a written report and oral presentation.
Industrial Attachment Report
Practicum100% of the mark
Assessment of performance during industrial attachment in a manufacturing firm, quality laboratory or regulatory body.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme aligns with Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) quality requirements.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme aligns with Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) quality requirements.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

Quality Assurance Officer
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 170,000
Implements quality management systems, conducts quality audits, monitors compliance and supports continuous improvement in manufacturing and service organisations.
Quality Control Technician
Moderate demandKsh 32,000 to Ksh 160,000
Conducts quality inspections, performs statistical process control, manages quality records and supports quality control operations in manufacturing firms.
Quality Auditor
Low demandKsh 38,000 to Ksh 180,000
Plans and conducts internal quality audits, prepares audit reports, recommends corrective actions and supports quality system certification in organisations.
Standards Compliance Officer
Low demandKsh 33,000 to Ksh 165,000
Monitors compliance with national and international standards, prepares compliance documentation and supports certification processes in organisations.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as quality assurance officers, quality control technicians and standards compliance officers in manufacturing firms, service organisations and regulatory bodies.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Quality assurance is just about inspecting products.
Quality assurance encompasses process design, quality management systems, continuous improvement, standardisation and compliance, far beyond product inspection.
Quality assurance only applies to manufacturing.
Quality assurance principles apply to service organisations, healthcare, education, construction and any sector that requires process standardisation and quality management.
A diploma in quality assurance has limited career prospects.
Kenya's push for industrialisation and export competitiveness creates demand for quality assurance professionals. Graduates can also pursue ISO auditor certifications and progress to a bachelor's degree.
Standardisation is only about government regulations.
Standardisation involves international standards like ISO, industry-specific standards and organisational standards, not only government regulations.