Arts & Humanities

Diploma in Security Management

The Diploma in Security Management is a programme that equips students with knowledge and practical skills in security management, risk assessment, security operations, crisis management and disaster response. Offered at multiple universities including Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, Pan Africa Christian University, Marist International University College and Kenya Methodist University, the programme prepares students for security management roles in corporate, public and humanitarian settings.

The curriculum covers security management principles, physical security, information security, risk management, security operations, crisis management, disaster management, security investigation, criminal justice systems, community policing, loss prevention, surveillance and CCTV systems, law of evidence, communication skills, research methods and industrial attachment. Students develop both theoretical knowledge and practical security management skills.

Kenya faces complex security challenges including terrorism, crime, corporate fraud and natural disasters, creating demand for trained security management professionals. The programme responds to the need for qualified personnel who can design, implement and manage security systems in corporate organisations, government agencies, NGOs and security firms.

The programme is delivered through lectures, case studies, security simulation exercises, field visits, research projects, group discussions and industrial attachment. Students gain hands-on experience through supervised attachment in security firms, corporate security departments or disaster management agencies.

Graduates pursue careers as security managers, security officers, risk management assistants, loss prevention officers, disaster management assistants and security consultants in corporate organisations, security firms, government agencies and NGOs. They can also progress to a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Security Management or related degree programmes.

Prospective students should have interest in security, risk management and disaster response. The programme is suitable for students seeking careers in security management and related fields.

Duration: 2-3 years
Public, up to: Ksh 98,000
Private, up to: Ksh 75,000
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: 30 students
Award: Diploma

What you study

8 subjects

Security Management Principles and Physical Security
Risk Management and Security Operations
Crisis Management and Disaster Management
Security Investigation and Criminal Justice Systems
Information Security and Surveillance Systems
Loss Prevention and Community Policing
Research Methods and Security Project
Industrial Attachment and Security Practice

Modules

8 in the programme

Security Management Principles and Physical Security
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers security management principles, security frameworks, physical security, access control, perimeter security, security lighting, security barriers and security system design.
Risk Management and Security Operations
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers risk assessment, risk analysis, security risk management, security operations, security planning, security procedures, threat assessment and vulnerability analysis.
Crisis Management and Disaster Management
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers crisis management, emergency response, disaster management, disaster preparedness, business continuity planning, incident command systems and humanitarian response.
Security Investigation and Criminal Justice Systems
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers security investigation, evidence collection, crime analysis, criminal justice systems, law of evidence, finger printing, community policing and loss prevention.
Information Security and Surveillance Systems
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers information security, cybersecurity basics, CCTV systems, surveillance technology, access control systems, alarm systems and security monitoring.
Loss Prevention and Community Policing
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers loss prevention, asset protection, retail security, community policing, crime prevention strategies, security law and ethics, and communication skills.
Research Methods and Security Project
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers research methods, data analysis and a security management project on a relevant topic, assessed through a written report and presentation.
Industrial Attachment and Security Practice
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
A supervised industrial attachment in a security firm, corporate security department or disaster management agency, assessed through an attachment report and supervisor evaluation.

Specialisations

Corporate Security Management
Focuses on corporate security operations and risk management for careers as security officers.
Disaster Management
Specialises in disaster preparedness and emergency response for careers as disaster management assistants.
Loss Prevention
Focuses on asset protection and loss prevention for careers as loss prevention officers.
Security Investigation
Specialises in security investigation and crime analysis for careers in security firms and corporate investigation.

A day as a student

A typical day begins with a morning lecture on security management principles or risk assessment, followed by a case study on crisis management or disaster response. Afternoon sessions may include a security simulation exercise, a surveillance systems workshop, or preparation for industrial attachment. Students also work on security projects and research assignments.

The trade offs

In its favour

Kenya's security sector is growing, creating demand for trained security management professionals.
The programme combines security management with disaster management, providing versatile career options.
Graduates can progress to a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Security Management.

Against it

Some career paths may require additional professional certifications for advancement.
Security management careers can involve irregular hours and high-stress situations.

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

Public98k to 98k

98k at Kenyatta University98k at Kenyatta University

Private75k to 75k

75k at Kenya Institute of Studies in Criminal Justice75k at Kenya Institute of Studies in Criminal Justice

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

KU 98K/yr pub (ku.ac.ke). KISCJ 75K/yr priv, 150K total/2yr (kiscj.ac.ke).

Students can access HELB loans. Public university students may access government funding through the new funding model.

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 security 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 security management, risk management, crisis management and security investigation.
Coursework Assignments
Assignment30% of the mark
Assessment of risk assessment reports, security plans, case studies and group presentations.
Security Project
Project40% of the mark
A security management 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 security firm, corporate security department or disaster management agency.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, Pan Africa Christian University, Marist International University College and Kenya Methodist University.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, Pan Africa Christian University, Marist International University College and Kenya Methodist University.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

Security Officer
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 180,000
Manages security operations, implements security procedures, conducts risk assessments and oversees security personnel in corporate organisations and security firms.
Risk Management Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 33,000 to Ksh 170,000
Supports risk assessment processes, conducts vulnerability analysis, prepares risk reports and assists with risk mitigation strategies in corporate organisations.
Loss Prevention Officer
Moderate demandKsh 32,000 to Ksh 165,000
Implements loss prevention strategies, conducts investigations, monitors surveillance systems and supports asset protection in retail and corporate settings.
Disaster Management Assistant
Low demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 160,000
Supports disaster preparedness and response activities, assists with emergency planning and coordinates humanitarian response in NGOs and government agencies.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as security managers, security officers, risk management assistants, loss prevention officers and disaster management assistants in corporate organisations, security firms and government agencies.

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Security management is just about being a guard.
Security management involves risk assessment, security system design, crisis management, policy development and strategic planning, far beyond physical guarding.
Security management is only for law enforcement backgrounds.
Security management is relevant to corporate organisations, NGOs, government agencies and private security firms, not only law enforcement.
A diploma in security management has limited career prospects.
Kenya's growing security sector creates demand for trained professionals. Graduates can also progress to a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Security Management.
Security management is the same as criminology.
While related, security management focuses on protecting assets and managing security operations, while criminology focuses on the study of crime, its causes and the criminal justice system.