Diploma in Software Engineering
The Diploma in Software Engineering is a programme that equips students with knowledge and practical skills in software engineering processes, methodologies, techniques and tools for developing high-quality software systems. Offered at Zetech University through the School of ICT, Media and Engineering, the programme prepares students for the growing demand for software engineers in Kenya and beyond.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 67,189 a year at a public institution. Up to Ksh 99,000 a year at a private one.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C- or above, plus 2 subject grades. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 5 trimesters, full-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 2 institutions.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Cloud Security Engineer, at 14 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
The curriculum covers software engineering concepts, systems analysis and design, software project management, software testing, programming, database design, web development, mobile application development, software quality assurance, software maintenance, computer networks, research methods and practicum. Students develop both theoretical knowledge and hands-on programming skills.
Kenya's ICT sector is one of the fastest growing industries, with increasing demand for software engineers who can develop, maintain and manage software systems. The programme responds to the need for trained professionals who can apply computer science and engineering principles to create, operate and maintain software systems in a cost-effective manner.
The programme is delivered through lectures, programming labs, project-based learning, software development workshops, group projects and practicum. Students gain hands-on experience through software development projects, coding assignments and supervised practicum in software companies or IT departments.
Graduates pursue careers as software developers, software testers, systems analysts, web developers, mobile application developers and software project assistants in software companies, IT departments, tech startups and as freelancers. They can also progress to a Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering or Computer Science.
Prospective students should have interest in programming, software development and problem-solving. The programme is suitable for students seeking careers in the software engineering and ICT industry.
What you study
8 subjects- Software Engineering Concepts and Methodologies
- Systems Analysis and Design
- Programming and Database Design
- Web Development and Mobile Application Development
- Software Project Management and Software Testing
- Software Quality Assurance and Software Maintenance
- Computer Networks and Research Methods
- Practicum and Software Engineering Practice
Modules
8 in the programmeSoftware Engineering Concepts and Methodologies
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers software engineering concepts, software development life cycle, agile and waterfall methodologies, software process models, requirements engineering and software engineering principles.
Systems Analysis and Design
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers systems analysis, systems design, UML modelling, use case diagrams, class diagrams, entity-relationship diagrams, system requirements analysis and design documentation.
Programming and Database Design
Year 1Semester 24 creditsCore
Covers programming fundamentals, object-oriented programming, Java or Python, database design, SQL, relational database management systems and database programming.
Web Development and Mobile Application Development
Year 1Semester 24 creditsCore
Covers web development, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, web frameworks, mobile application development, Android or iOS development and responsive design.
Software Project Management and Software Testing
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers software project management, project planning, risk management, software testing, unit testing, integration testing, test-driven development and quality assurance.
Software Quality Assurance and Software Maintenance
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers software quality assurance, code reviews, software maintenance, refactoring, version control, software configuration management and deployment.
Computer Networks and Research Methods
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers computer networks, network protocols, network security basics, research methods and a software engineering research project.
Practicum and Software Engineering Practice
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
A supervised practicum in a software company, IT department or tech startup, assessed through a practicum report, software project and supervisor evaluation.
Specialisations
Web Development
Focuses on web technologies and web application development for careers as web developers.
Mobile Application Development
Specialises in mobile app development for Android and iOS platforms.
Software Testing and Quality Assurance
Focuses on software testing and QA for careers as software testers.
Database Development
Specialises in database design and management for careers as database developers.
A day as a student
A typical day begins with a morning lecture on software engineering concepts or systems analysis, followed by a programming lab session in Java, Python or web technologies. Afternoon sessions may include a software development project workshop, a testing lab, or preparation for practicum. Students also work on coding assignments, software projects and group development tasks.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Software engineering is a high-demand profession in Kenya's growing ICT sector. | The programme is offered at only one university, limiting study options. |
| The programme provides hands-on programming and software development skills. | Technology evolves rapidly, requiring continuous self-learning after graduation. |
| Graduates can progress to a Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering or Computer Science. | — |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 191 technology 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 67K/yr pub. Zetech 99K/yr priv Yr1 (zetech.ac.ke).
Students can access HELB loans. Zetech University may offer internal bursaries and merit scholarships for diploma students.
Funding options
HELB Loan
Scholarships
1 recordedHELB Loan
LoanKsh 40,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in accredited programmes at recognised institutions
Scholarships you could apply for
3 usable where it is taught- 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
- Moringa School Craftbyte Scholarship
QuarterlyFullMoringa School
Full software development course
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
Relevant qualification approved by the University Senate.
When it next starts
Taught at 2 institutionsIncluding Zetech University, St. Paul's University.
Including Zetech University, St. Paul's University.
Including Zetech University, St. Paul's University.
How you are assessed
4 componentsContinuous Assessment Tests
Written examination30% of the mark
Mid-semester and end-of-semester written tests covering software engineering concepts, systems analysis, programming and database design.
Programming Assignments
Assignment40% of the mark
Assessment of programming assignments, database projects, web development projects and mobile application projects.
Software Engineering Project
Project30% of the mark
A software engineering project, assessed through a software product, documentation and presentation.
Practicum Report
Practicum100% of the mark
Assessment of performance during supervised practicum in a software company or IT department.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at Zetech University, School of ICT, Media and Engineering.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesSoftware Developer
High demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 250,000
Develops software applications, writes code, debugs and maintains software systems, collaborates with development teams and participates in the full software development life cycle.
Software Tester
Moderate demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 180,000
Tests software applications, writes test cases, performs manual and automated testing, reports bugs and ensures software quality in software companies and IT departments.
Web Developer
High demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 200,000
Develops and maintains websites and web applications, implements front-end and back-end functionality and ensures responsive design for web platforms.
Systems Analyst
Moderate demandKsh 48,000 to Ksh 210,000
Analyses business requirements, designs system solutions, creates technical documentation and supports software implementation in corporate IT departments.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work as software developers, software testers, systems analysts, web developers and mobile application developers in software companies, IT departments and tech startups.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Cloud Security EngineerTechnology14Low exposure
- Industrial Robotics ProgrammerTechnology14Low exposure
- Embedded Firmware EngineerTechnology15Low exposure
- Embedded Linux DeveloperTechnology15Low exposure
- Site Reliability EngineerTechnology15Low exposure
- Applied Cryptography EngineerTechnology16Low exposure
- Database Reliability EngineerTechnology16Low exposure
- Edge Computing EngineerTechnology16Low exposure
Tools you will learn
Java
CodePrimary
Python
Code
Visual Studio Code
Tool
Git
Tool
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Software engineering is just about coding.
Software engineering involves analysis, design, project management, testing, quality assurance and maintenance, in addition to programming.
A diploma in software engineering is inferior to a computer science degree.
The diploma provides practical, industry-focused training that prepares graduates for software development roles. Graduates can also progress to a Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering.
Software engineering has no job prospects in Kenya.
Kenya's ICT sector is one of the fastest growing industries, with high demand for software engineers in tech companies, startups and corporate IT departments.
Software engineering is only for math geniuses.
While basic mathematical ability is helpful, software engineering primarily requires logical thinking, problem-solving skills and creativity, which the programme develops systematically.