Diploma in Sports Science and Management
The Diploma in Sports Science and Management is a programme that equips students with knowledge and practical skills in sports science, sports management, talent identification and sports development. Offered at Laikipia University and The East African University, the programme prepares students for technical and management roles in Kenya's growing sports industry.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 67,189 a year at a public institution, Ksh 134,378 for the whole course.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C- or above. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 2 years, full-time, blended, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 2 institutions.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
The curriculum covers sports science fundamentals, exercise physiology, sports management and administration, talent identification and development, sports research, financial management and accounting in sports, sports tourism and marketing, sports psychology and sociology, coaching fundamentals, sports medicine basics, research methods and practicum. Students develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in sports science and management.
Kenya's sports sector is expanding, with increasing demand for qualified personnel who can apply scientific principles to sports performance and manage sports organisations effectively. The programme responds to the need for trained sports professionals who can work in sports federations, clubs, schools, county sports offices and sports training facilities.
The programme is delivered through lectures, practical sessions, laboratory work, sports field sessions, case studies, field visits, group projects and practicum. Students gain hands-on experience through supervised practicum in sports organisations, schools or sports training facilities.
Graduates pursue careers as sports officers, sports scientists, talent identification officers, sports managers, coaching assistants and sports development officers in sports federations, clubs, schools, county governments and sports organisations. They can also progress to a Bachelor of Science in Sports Science and Management or related degree programmes.
Prospective students should have interest in sports, exercise science and sports management. The programme is suitable for students seeking careers that combine sports science with management and administration.
What you study
8 subjects- Sports Science Fundamentals and Exercise Physiology
- Sports Management and Administration
- Talent Identification and Sports Development
- Sports Psychology and Sociology
- Sports Tourism, Marketing and Financial Management
- Coaching Fundamentals and Sports Medicine Basics
- Research Methods and Sports Science Project
- Practicum and Sports Science Practice
Modules
8 in the programmeSports Science Fundamentals and Exercise Physiology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers sports science fundamentals, exercise physiology, energy systems, cardiovascular responses to exercise, muscular adaptations and principles of training.
Sports Management and Administration
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers sports management, sports administration, sports organisations, governance, sports policy, event management and the sports industry structure.
Talent Identification and Sports Development
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers talent identification, talent development pathways, grassroots sports development, sports programmes design and long-term athlete development models.
Sports Psychology and Sociology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers sports psychology, motivation, mental preparation, team dynamics, sports sociology, sports and society, and the social impact of sports.
Sports Tourism, Marketing and Financial Management
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers sports tourism, sports marketing, sponsorship, financial management, budgeting and revenue generation in sports organisations.
Coaching Fundamentals and Sports Medicine Basics
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers coaching fundamentals, coaching principles, training programme design, sports medicine basics, injury prevention, first aid and athlete welfare.
Research Methods and Sports Science Project
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers research methods, sports research, data analysis and a sports science project, assessed through a written report and presentation.
Practicum and Sports Science Practice
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
A supervised practicum in a sports federation, club, school or sports training facility, assessed through a practicum report and supervisor evaluation.
Specialisations
Exercise Physiology
Focuses on the science of exercise and training for careers as sports scientists.
Sports Management
Specialises in sports administration and management for careers as sports managers.
Talent Identification and Development
Focuses on talent identification and athlete development for careers as talent identification officers.
Coaching
Specialises in coaching fundamentals for careers as coaching assistants.
A day as a student
A typical day begins with a morning lecture on exercise physiology or sports management, followed by a practical session in the sports lab or on the field. Afternoon sessions may include a sports psychology workshop, a talent identification exercise, or preparation for practicum. Students also work on sports science projects and research assignments.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| The programme combines sports science with management, providing versatile career options. | The programme is offered at only two universities, limiting study options. |
| Kenya's sports industry is growing, creating demand for qualified sports professionals. | Sports science careers may offer lower starting salaries compared to other science fields. |
| Graduates can progress to a Bachelor of Science in Sports Science and Management. | — |
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 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 standard 67,189/yr (Kiambu Poly). Laikipia offers but fee unverified. Private: unverified.
Students can access HELB loans. Public university students may access government funding through the new funding model.
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
6 usable where it is taught- Equity Group Foundation Wings to Fly
Closes 28 February 2027FullEquity Bank
Full secondary + university
- Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship
Closes 31 March 2027FullAga Khan Foundation
Full university study
- Family Bank Foundation Education Support
Closes 30 June 2027PartialFamily Bank
KES 80,000 per year
- 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
Equivalent qualification from a recognised institution.
When it next starts
Taught at 2 institutionsIncluding The East African University, Laikipia University.
Including The East African University, Laikipia University.
Including The East African University, Laikipia University.
How you are assessed
4 componentsContinuous Assessment Tests
Written examination30% of the mark
Mid-semester and end-of-semester written tests covering exercise physiology, sports management, talent identification and sports psychology.
Practical Assessments
Practicum30% of the mark
Assessment of practical skills in exercise physiology labs, coaching sessions, talent identification exercises and field work.
Sports Science Project
Project40% of the mark
A sports science research project, assessed through a written report and presentation.
Practicum Report
Practicum100% of the mark
Assessment of performance during supervised practicum in a sports organisation, school or training facility.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at Laikipia University and The East African University.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesSports Officer
Moderate demandKsh 33,000 to Ksh 170,000
Coordinates sports programmes, manages sports activities, supports talent development and oversees sports operations in schools, clubs and county offices.
Talent Identification Officer
Low demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 160,000
Identifies and develops sports talent, conducts talent assessments, supports athlete development pathways and coordinates grassroots sports programmes.
Sports Manager
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 180,000
Manages sports organisations, coordinates events, handles administrative operations and supports governance in sports federations and clubs.
Coaching Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 155,000
Assists head coaches with training sessions, designs training programmes, supports athlete development and manages team logistics in clubs and schools.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work as sports officers, sports scientists, talent identification officers and sports development officers in sports federations, clubs, schools and county governments.
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Sports science is just about playing sports.
Sports science involves physiology, biomechanics, psychology, research and management, applying scientific principles to sports performance and administration.
A diploma in sports science has limited career prospects.
Kenya's sports industry is growing, with opportunities in federations, clubs, schools and county governments. Graduates can also progress to a Bachelor of Science in Sports Science and Management.
Sports science is only for athletes.
While sports interest is helpful, the programme teaches science, management and research skills that anyone can learn and apply in the sports industry.
Sports science and sports administration are the same.
Sports science focuses on the scientific aspects of sports performance, while sports administration focuses on management. This programme combines both areas.