Master of Arts (Geomorphology)
<p>The Master of Arts in Geomorphology at the University of Nairobi is a postgraduate research programme that examines landforms, landscape processes, and the physical evolution of the Earth's surface. The programme prepares graduates for careers in environmental management, geological survey, land use planning, natural hazard assessment, and academia.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 295,800 a year at a public institution, Ksh 591,600 for the whole course.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of N/A (Postgraduate) or above. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 2 years, full-time, part-time, with 0 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 Early Childhood Strategist, at 10 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
The curriculum covers geomorphology theory, fluvial geomorphology, slope processes, tectonic geomorphology, weathering and soils, coastal geomorphology, arid and semi-arid geomorphology, GIS for terrain analysis, remote sensing for landform mapping, and research methods. Students develop analytical skills for understanding landscape processes, landform evolution, and environmental change.
Admission requires a bachelor's degree with at least a Lower Second Class Honours in geography, geology, environmental science, or a related discipline from the University of Nairobi or a recognised institution. A Pass degree with a relevant postgraduate diploma is also acceptable. The programme is offered by research and thesis.
The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and delivered through the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at the University of Nairobi. The programme is research-based, allowing students to focus on specific geomorphology topics relevant to Kenya and East Africa.
Career prospects include roles in environmental management, geological survey, land use planning, natural hazard assessment, soil conservation, mining, and academia. Graduates work in government ministries, geological surveys, environmental agencies, mining companies, research institutions, and universities.
The programme addresses Kenya's need for geomorphological expertise in managing land degradation, soil erosion, landslide hazards, coastal erosion, and land use planning. With increasing environmental pressures from population growth, climate change, and resource extraction, demand for qualified geomorphologists continues to grow in sectors concerned with land management, environmental assessment, and natural hazard mitigation.
Skills Required
- Landform analysis and mapping
- Fluvial geomorphology
- Slope process analysis
- Terrain analysis using GIS
- Remote sensing for landform mapping
- Soil and weathering analysis
- Coastal geomorphology
- Natural hazard assessment
- Environmental impact on landforms
- Research methodology in geomorphology
Key Subjects
- Geomorphology Theory
- Fluvial Geomorphology
- Slope Processes
- Tectonic Geomorphology
- Weathering and Soils
- Coastal Geomorphology
- Arid and Semi-Arid Geomorphology
- GIS for Terrain Analysis
- Remote Sensing for Landform Mapping
- Research Methods in Geography
Certifications
- International Association of Geomorphologists (IAG) Membership
- Geological Society of Kenya Membership
- ESRI GIS Certification
- International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) Affiliation
Specializations
Fluvial Geomorphology
Focuses on river processes, channel morphology, sediment transport, floodplain dynamics, and river management.
Slope Processes and Hazards
Examines slope stability, mass wasting, landslide hazards, erosion processes, and slope management in highland areas.
Coastal Geomorphology
Covers coastal processes, shoreline change, coastal erosion, and coastal zone management along the Indian Ocean coast.
Arid and Semi-Arid Geomorphology
Focuses on desert geomorphology, aeolian processes, arid land degradation, and geomorphology of Kenya's drylands.
Tectonic Geomorphology
Examines the influence of tectonic processes on landform development, including the East African Rift Valley geomorphology.
Applied Geomorphology and Land Management
Covers application of geomorphological knowledge to land use planning, soil conservation, and environmental management.
What you study
10 subjects- Geomorphology Theory
- Fluvial Geomorphology
- Slope Processes
- Tectonic Geomorphology
- Weathering and Soils
- Coastal Geomorphology
- Arid and Semi-Arid Geomorphology
- GIS for Terrain Analysis
- Remote Sensing for Landform Mapping
- Research Methods in Geography
Modules
11 in the programmeGeomorphology Theory and Principles
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Theoretical foundations of geomorphology, including landform classification, geomorphic processes, and landscape evolution.
Research Methods in Geography
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Research methodology for geographical and geomorphological research, including field methods, statistical analysis, and academic writing.
Fluvial Geomorphology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
River processes, channel morphology, sediment transport, floodplain dynamics, and fluvial landform development.
Slope Processes and Hazards
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Slope stability, mass wasting, landslide hazards, erosion processes, and slope management in highland areas of Kenya.
Weathering and Soils
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Weathering processes, soil formation, soil classification, and the relationship between weathering and landform development.
GIS for Terrain Analysis
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Application of GIS and digital elevation models for terrain analysis, landform mapping, and geomorphological modelling.
Coastal Geomorphology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Coastal processes, shoreline dynamics, coastal erosion, and coastal landform development along the Kenyan Indian Ocean coast.
Remote Sensing for Landform Mapping
Year 1Semester 23 creditsElective
Application of satellite imagery and aerial photography for landform identification, terrain mapping, and environmental change detection.
Arid and Semi-Arid Geomorphology
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Desert geomorphology, aeolian processes, arid land degradation, and geomorphology of Kenya's drylands.
Tectonic Geomorphology
Year 2Semester 33 creditsElective
Influence of tectonic processes on landform development, including the East African Rift Valley geomorphology and neotectonics.
Thesis / Research Project
Year 2Semester 412 creditsCore
Independent research thesis on a geomorphology topic, conducted under faculty supervision and assessed through written submission and oral defence.
Specialisations
Fluvial Geomorphology
Focuses on river processes, channel morphology, sediment transport, floodplain dynamics, and river management.
Slope Processes and Hazards
Examines slope stability, mass wasting, landslide hazards, erosion processes, and slope management in highland areas.
Coastal Geomorphology
Covers coastal processes, shoreline change, coastal erosion, and coastal zone management along the Indian Ocean coast.
Arid and Semi-Arid Geomorphology
Focuses on desert geomorphology, aeolian processes, arid land degradation, and geomorphology of Kenya's drylands.
Tectonic Geomorphology
Examines the influence of tectonic processes on landform development, including the East African Rift Valley geomorphology.
Applied Geomorphology and Land Management
Covers application of geomorphological knowledge to land use planning, soil conservation, and environmental management.
A day as a student
A typical day centres on independent research and fieldwork. Mornings involve literature review, terrain data processing, or meetings with thesis supervisors. Students work with digital elevation models, satellite imagery, and GIS software to analyse landforms and landscape processes. Fieldwork is a significant component, with trips to study river systems, slope processes, coastal landforms, or rift valley geology. Students conduct field surveys, collect soil and sediment samples, and map landforms. The programme is research-based, so most time is spent on independent study, field research, and thesis writing, with access to the university library, GIS laboratory, and online geoscience databases.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Research-based programme allowing focus on specific geomorphology topics relevant to Kenya's diverse landscapes. | Only offered at one institution, limiting choice for prospective students. |
| Affordable tuition at KES 281,000 total for the MA programme. | Research-based format may lack structured coursework for students preferring taught programmes. |
| UoN's Department of Geography has established faculty and research infrastructure. | Niche specialisation within geography may limit broader career options compared to general environmental science programmes. |
| Practical applications in hazard assessment, land management, and environmental planning. | Fieldwork in remote areas requires travel and additional costs not included in tuition. |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 181 environmental science 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
KU KES 295,800/yr (ku.ac.ke). Moi ~KES 187,200/yr (worldscholarshipforum). Private unverified.
HELB offers postgraduate loans for Kenyan students. UNESCO IGCP may provide research grants for geoscience research. UoN may offer institutional graduate scholarships based on merit. IAG may offer research collaboration opportunities.
Funding options
HELB Postgraduate Loan
UNESCO IGCP Research Grants
UoN Graduate Scholarships
Scholarships
3 recordedHELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan citizens pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities. Applicants must meet HELB eligibility criteria.
UNESCO IGCP Research Grant
ScholarshipKsh 300,000
UNESCO International Geoscience Programme may provide research grants for geoscience research, particularly for projects aligned with IGCP themes.
UoN Graduate Scholarship
ScholarshipKsh 140,500Kenyan
The University of Nairobi may offer institutional graduate scholarships based on academic merit. Contact the School of Graduate Studies for details.
Scholarships you could apply for
2 usable where it is taught- Chevening Scholarships Kenya
Closes 30 November 2026FullUK Government
Full masters in UK
- AfDB Japan Scholarship Program
Closes 28 February 2027FullAfrican Development Bank
Full graduate study abroad
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
The programme is open to graduates from geography, geology, environmental science, earth science, and related disciplines. The programme is research-based, offered full-time and part-time at the University of Nairobi, Department of Geography and Environmental Studies.
When it next starts
Taught at 2 institutionsIncluding Kenyatta University, University of Nairobi.
Including Kenyatta University, University of Nairobi.
Including Kenyatta University, University of Nairobi.
How you are assessed
4 componentsResearch Proposal Defence
Practical100% of the mark
Oral defence of the research proposal before a faculty committee, demonstrating the feasibility and academic merit of the proposed research.
Thesis / Research Project
Project100% of the mark
Independent research thesis on a geomorphology topic, assessed through written submission and oral defence.
Supervisory Assessment
Coursework100% of the mark
Ongoing assessment by thesis supervisors of research progress, methodology, and academic rigour throughout the programme.
Seminar Presentations
Practical100% of the mark
Research seminar presentations to peers and faculty, demonstrating research progress and receiving feedback on thesis work.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Statutory accreditation required for all university programmes in Kenya. The University of Nairobi is a CUE-accredited public university.
International Association of Geomorphologists (IAG)
Professional alignment
International association promoting geomorphological research. Graduates may access IAG networks, conferences, and professional development opportunities.
The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE), Kenya's statutory body for university quality assurance. The University of Nairobi is a CUE-accredited public university.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
5 rolesEnvironmental Geomorphologist
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 280,000
Assesses landform processes, conducts terrain analysis, and advises on land management for environmental agencies and consulting firms.
Natural Hazard Specialist
Moderate demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 290,000
Assesses landslide, flood, and erosion hazards, develops hazard maps, and advises on risk mitigation for government and disaster management agencies.
Land Use Planner
Moderate demandKsh 95,000 to Ksh 250,000
Plans land use considering geomorphological constraints, soil suitability, and hazard risks for government planning departments.
Research Officer
Moderate demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 230,000
Conducts geomorphological and environmental research for research institutions, universities, and geological surveys.
University Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 250,000
Teaches geomorphology, geography, or environmental science at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, conducts research, and supervises student projects.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates pursue careers in environmental management, geological survey, land use planning, natural hazard assessment, soil conservation, mining, and academia across government, research institutions, and private sector.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Early Childhood StrategistEducation10Low exposure
- Special Needs EducatorEducation10Low exposure
- Career Guidance CounselorEducation11Low exposure
- Adolescent Mentorship OfficerSocial Sciences14Low exposure
- Early Literacy SpecialistEducation14Low exposure
- STEM Laboratory EducatorEducation14Low exposure
- TVET Competency AssessorEducation14Low exposure
- Vocational Workshop InstructorEducation14Low exposure
Tools you will learn
ArcGIS
Gis softwarePrimary
GIS software for terrain analysis, landform mapping, and spatial analysis of geomorphological data.
QGIS
Gis softwarePrimary
Open-source GIS software for spatial analysis, terrain modelling, and geomorphological mapping.
Google Earth Engine
Remote sensing platform
Cloud-based platform for satellite imagery analysis of landform change, erosion monitoring, and terrain classification.
R Studio
Statistical software
Statistical computing environment for geomorphological data analysis, terrain statistics, and research data processing.
SAGA GIS
Gis software
Open-source GIS software specialised in terrain analysis, geomorphometry, and digital elevation model processing.
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Geomorphology is just about rocks and landscapes.
Geomorphology examines the processes shaping landforms, including water, wind, tectonics, and human impacts, with practical applications in hazard assessment and land management.
Geomorphology has no practical applications.
Geomorphology is applied in flood risk assessment, landslide hazard mapping, coastal management, soil conservation, and land use planning.
There is no career demand for geomorphologists in Kenya.
Kenya's diverse landscapes, landslide-prone highlands, eroding coastlines, and active rift valley create demand for geomorphological expertise.
Geomorphology is the same as geology.
Geomorphology focuses on surface processes and landforms, while geology examines the Earth's interior, rocks, and geological history.
Landform research is purely descriptive.
Modern geomorphology uses quantitative modelling, GIS analysis, remote sensing, and numerical dating techniques for rigorous scientific analysis.
The programme only leads to academic careers.
Graduates work in environmental consulting, mining, government planning, hazard assessment, and conservation, not only academia.