Environmental Science

Master of Arts (Geomorphology)

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 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.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 295,800
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: 0 months
Average class: 8 students
Award: Masters

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 programme

Geomorphology 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

Research-based programme allowing focus on specific geomorphology topics relevant to Kenya's diverse landscapes.
Affordable tuition at KES 281,000 total for the MA programme.
UoN's Department of Geography has established faculty and research infrastructure.
Practical applications in hazard assessment, land management, and environmental planning.

Against it

Only offered at one institution, limiting choice for prospective students.
Research-based format may lack structured coursework for students preferring taught programmes.
Niche specialisation within geography may limit broader career options compared to general environmental science programmes.
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 courses

Public187k to 296k

187k at Moi University296k at Kenyatta 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

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 recorded

HELB 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.

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: 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.

How you are assessed

4 components

Research 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

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.

Accredited by

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.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

Environmental 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

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.