Arts & Humanities

Diploma in Religious Studies

The Diploma in Religious Studies is a programme that equips students with knowledge and analytical skills in religious traditions, theology, biblical studies, comparative religion and the role of religion in society. Offered at Moi University and Marist International University College, the programme prepares students for careers in religious education, pastoral ministry, church administration and social development.

The curriculum covers biblical studies, Old and New Testament, theology, church history, comparative religion, religious ethics, African traditional religion, philosophy of religion, religious education methods, pastoral studies, interfaith dialogue, research methods and industrial attachment. Students develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in religious studies and pastoral engagement.

Kenya's diverse religious landscape and the role of faith communities in education, social development and peace-building create demand for trained religious studies professionals. The programme responds to the need for personnel who can support religious education, pastoral ministry, interfaith initiatives and faith-based community development.

The programme is delivered through lectures, seminars, biblical exegesis workshops, pastoral practice sessions, field visits to religious communities, research projects, group discussions and industrial attachment. Students gain hands-on experience through supervised attachment in religious institutions, schools or faith-based organisations.

Graduates pursue careers as religious education teachers, pastoral assistants, church administrators, youth ministers and faith-based development workers in schools, churches, religious organisations and NGOs. They can also progress to a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies or Theology.

Prospective students should have interest in religion, theology and faith-based community engagement. The programme is suitable for students seeking careers in religious education and pastoral ministry.

Duration: 2-3 years
Public, up to: Ksh 136,000
Private, up to: Ksh 93,050
Job market: Low

The programme

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

Practicalities

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

What you study

8 subjects

Biblical Studies: Old and New Testament
Theology and Church History
Comparative Religion and African Traditional Religion
Religious Ethics and Philosophy of Religion
Religious Education Methods and Pastoral Studies
Interfaith Dialogue and Peace-Building
Research Methods and Religious Studies Project
Industrial Attachment and Pastoral Practice

Modules

8 in the programme

Biblical Studies: Old and New Testament
Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore
Covers Old Testament studies, Pentateuch, prophets, wisdom literature, New Testament studies, Gospels, Acts, epistles, biblical exegesis and hermeneutics.
Theology and Church History
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers systematic theology, doctrine, church history, early church, Reformation, African church history, Christianity in Kenya and ecumenical movements.
Comparative Religion and African Traditional Religion
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers comparative religion, major world religions, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, African traditional religion, religious pluralism and interfaith relations.
Religious Ethics and Philosophy of Religion
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers religious ethics, moral theology, ethical theories, bioethics, social ethics, philosophy of religion, arguments for God's existence and problem of evil.
Religious Education Methods and Pastoral Studies
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers religious education methods, teaching RE in schools, curriculum development, pastoral studies, pastoral care, counselling basics and liturgical studies.
Interfaith Dialogue and Peace-Building
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers interfaith dialogue, religious conflict, peace-building, religion and conflict resolution, religion and development and faith-based community engagement.
Research Methods and Religious Studies Project
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers research methods, qualitative research, data analysis and a religious studies project on a relevant topic, assessed through a written report and presentation.
Industrial Attachment and Pastoral Practice
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
A supervised industrial attachment in a religious institution, school or faith-based organisation, assessed through an attachment report and supervisor evaluation.

Specialisations

Biblical Studies
Focuses on biblical exegesis and interpretation for careers in religious education and biblical teaching.
Pastoral Ministry
Specialises in pastoral care and church administration for careers as pastoral assistants.
Comparative Religion
Focuses on interfaith dialogue and religious pluralism for careers in interfaith organisations.
Religious Education
Specialises in teaching methods for religious education for careers as RE teachers.

A day as a student

A typical day begins with a morning lecture on biblical studies or theology, followed by a seminar on comparative religion or church history. Afternoon sessions may include a biblical exegesis workshop, a pastoral practice session, or a field visit to a religious community. Students also work on religious studies research projects and assignments.

The trade offs

In its favour

The programme provides a broad understanding of religion and its role in society.
Graduates can progress to a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies or Theology.
The programme is suitable for those interested in serving faith communities and educational institutions.

Against it

Direct career opportunities are limited and may require further study for broader prospects.
The programme is offered at only two institutions, limiting study options.

What it costs

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

What it costs, and where

Against 188 arts & humanities courses

Public108k to 136k

108k at Rongo University136k at Rongo University

Private56k to 93k

56k at Tangaza University93k at Africa International 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

Tangaza 56,400, AIU 93,050/yr confirmed. Rongo Univ (public) diploma 54-68K/sem (thekenyatimes).

Students can access HELB loans. Religious institutions and faith-based organisations may offer bursaries for religious studies 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 religious studies or related field from a recognised institution, or equivalent qualification.

Christian Religious Education (CRE) or Islamic Religious Education (IRE)
C

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment Tests
Written examination30% of the mark
Mid-semester and end-of-semester written tests covering biblical studies, theology, comparative religion and religious ethics.
Coursework Assignments
Assignment30% of the mark
Assessment of exegetical papers, theological essays, comparative religion analyses and group presentations.
Religious Studies Project
Project40% of the mark
A religious studies research 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 religious institution, school or faith-based organisation.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at Moi University and Marist International University College.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at Moi University and Marist International University College.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

Religious Education Teacher
Moderate demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 150,000
Teaches religious education in primary and secondary schools, prepares lesson plans and supports moral and spiritual development of students.
Pastoral Assistant
Low demandKsh 28,000 to Ksh 140,000
Supports pastoral activities, assists with church programmes, provides pastoral care and supports faith community engagement in churches and parishes.
Church Administrator
Low demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 145,000
Manages church operations, coordinates church programmes, handles administrative functions and supports church governance in religious institutions.
Faith-Based Development Worker
Low demandKsh 32,000 to Ksh 155,000
Supports faith-based community development programmes, facilitates community engagement and assists with social outreach in faith-based organisations.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as religious education teachers, pastoral assistants, church administrators and faith-based development workers in schools, churches and religious organisations.

Certifications

Commission for University Education (CUE) Accreditation

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Religious studies is only for those pursuing ordination.
Religious studies is an academic discipline that examines religion from scholarly perspectives, suitable for teaching, social work, interfaith dialogue and development work, not only ordination.
Religious studies has no career prospects.
Graduates can work as religious education teachers, pastoral assistants, church administrators and faith-based development workers, and can progress to a bachelor's degree for broader opportunities.
Religious studies is only about Christianity.
Religious studies covers multiple religious traditions including Christianity, Islam, African traditional religion and comparative religion, providing a broad understanding of faith and society.
A diploma in religious studies is the same as theology.
While related, religious studies takes a broader academic approach to religion, while theology focuses specifically on the study of God and religious doctrine from a faith perspective.