Arts & Humanities

Master of Arts in History, Government and Archaeology

The Master of Arts in History, Government and Archaeology at Pwani University is a postgraduate programme that integrates the study of history, political science, and archaeology to provide a comprehensive understanding of human societies, governance systems, and material culture. The programme prepares graduates for careers in research, heritage management, public service, education, and policy analysis.

The curriculum covers historical methods, historiography, African history, government and politics, public administration, archaeological theory, field archaeology, heritage management, research methods, and museum studies. Students develop analytical skills for interpreting historical evidence, understanding political systems, and conducting archaeological fieldwork.

Admission requires a bachelor's degree with at least a Second Class Honours (Upper Division) in history, political science, archaeology, or a related discipline from a recognised institution. Applicants with a Lower Second Class Honours and at least two years of relevant work or research experience may also be considered. The programme is offered full-time and part-time over two years.

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and delivered through the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Pwani University, a public university located in Kilifi, along the Kenyan coast. The coastal region's rich historical and archaeological heritage provides a unique setting for practical fieldwork and research.

Career prospects include roles in heritage management, museum curation, archaeology, public administration, research, teaching, policy analysis, and cultural resource management. Graduates work in national museums, heritage agencies, government departments, research institutions, universities, and cultural organisations.

The programme addresses Kenya's need for professionals who can manage and interpret the country's rich historical and archaeological heritage, particularly along the coast where Swahili, Arab, Portuguese, and other cultural influences have created significant archaeological sites. With growing emphasis on cultural heritage preservation and tourism, demand for qualified professionals in history, government, and archaeology continues to increase.

Skills Required

Historical research and analysis
Archaeological field methods
Heritage management and conservation
Political analysis and public administration
Historiographical analysis
Museum and collections management
Research methodology in humanities
Cultural resource management
Archival research
Academic writing and publication

Key Subjects

Historiography and Historical Methods
African History
Archaeological Theory and Field Methods
Government and Politics
Heritage Management
Public Administration
Research Methods in Humanities
Museum Studies
Coastal and Indian Ocean History
Political Economy of Development

Certifications

African Studies Association (ASA) Membership
World Archaeological Congress (WAC) Membership
International Council of Museums (ICOM) Membership
British Institute in Eastern Africa (BIEA) Affiliation

Specializations

African History

Focuses on the study of African history, including precolonial, colonial, and postcolonial periods with emphasis on East African and Indian Ocean world history.

Archaeology and Heritage Management

Covers archaeological theory, field methods, cultural heritage management, and the preservation and interpretation of material culture.

Government and Politics

Examines political systems, governance, public administration, and political theory with focus on African and Kenyan contexts.

Coastal and Maritime Archaeology

Focuses on the archaeology of the East African coast, including Swahili settlements, maritime trade, and underwater cultural heritage.

Public History and Museum Studies

Applies historical knowledge to public contexts, including museum curation, public programming, and community history.

Political Economy and Development

Examines the intersection of history, politics, and economic development in Africa, including colonial legacies and postcolonial development challenges.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 220,500
Private, up to: Ksh 249,800
Job market: Moderate

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Part-time, Evening, Weekend
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 15 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Historiography and Historical Methods
African History
Archaeological Theory and Field Methods
Government and Politics
Heritage Management
Public Administration
Research Methods in Humanities
Museum Studies
Coastal and Indian Ocean History
Political Economy of Development

Modules

11 in the programme

Historiography and Historical Methods
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Evolution of historical writing, major historiographical traditions, and methods of historical research and analysis.
African History to 1800
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Study of African history from prehistoric times to 1800, including state formation, trade networks, and cultural developments.
Archaeological Theory and Field Methods
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Theoretical frameworks in archaeology and practical field methods, including excavation techniques, survey, and artefact analysis.
Research Methods in Humanities
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Research methodology for historical, political, and archaeological research, including qualitative methods and academic writing.
Government and Politics in Africa
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Political systems, governance structures, and political dynamics in Africa, including colonial legacies and postcolonial governance challenges.
Coastal and Indian Ocean History
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
History of the East African coast and Indian Ocean world, including Swahili civilisation, maritime trade, and cultural exchange.
Heritage Management and Museum Studies
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Principles and practices of cultural heritage management, museum curation, and public engagement with historical and archaeological resources.
Public Administration and Policy
Year 1Semester 23 creditsElective
Theories and practices of public administration, policy analysis, and governance in the Kenyan and African context.
Archaeology of the East African Coast
Year 2Semester 33 creditsElective
Archaeological study of coastal East African sites, including Swahili settlements, trade centres, and Islamic cultural heritage.
Political Economy of Development in Africa
Year 2Semester 33 creditsElective
Intersection of history, politics, and economic development in Africa, including colonial legacies and contemporary development challenges.
Thesis / Research Project
Year 2Semester 412 creditsCore
Independent research thesis on a topic in history, government, or archaeology, conducted under faculty supervision and assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

African History
Focuses on the study of African history, including precolonial, colonial, and postcolonial periods with emphasis on East African and Indian Ocean world history.
Archaeology and Heritage Management
Covers archaeological theory, field methods, cultural heritage management, and the preservation and interpretation of material culture.
Government and Politics
Examines political systems, governance, public administration, and political theory with focus on African and Kenyan contexts.
Coastal and Maritime Archaeology
Focuses on the archaeology of the East African coast, including Swahili settlements, maritime trade, and underwater cultural heritage.
Public History and Museum Studies
Applies historical knowledge to public contexts, including museum curation, public programming, and community history.
Political Economy and Development
Examines the intersection of history, politics, and economic development in Africa, including colonial legacies and postcolonial development challenges.

A day as a student

A typical day combines historical study with political analysis and archaeological fieldwork. Mornings involve lectures on African history, historiography, government and politics, or archaeological theory. Afternoons include research methodology sessions, archival analysis workshops, or archaeological fieldwork at coastal sites. Students engage with historical documents, archaeological artefacts, and political analysis frameworks. The coastal location provides unique access to historical and archaeological sites such as Lamu, Mombasa Old Town, and Gedi ruins. Independent reading, historical research papers, and thesis research occupy significant time, with access to the university library and regional archival resources.

The trade offs

In its favour

Unique interdisciplinary programme combining history, government, and archaeology in a single degree.
Coastal location provides exceptional access to historical and archaeological sites for fieldwork and research.
Affordable tuition at KES 145,000/year at a public university.
Diverse career paths in heritage management, museums, government, research, and education.

Against it

Only offered at one institution, limiting choice for prospective students.
Broad interdisciplinary scope may limit depth in any single discipline compared to specialised programmes.
Limited archaeological field equipment and laboratory facilities at a smaller university.
Career opportunities in heritage and archaeology may be concentrated in specific regions and institutions.

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

Public145k to 221k

145k at Pwani University221k at University of Nairobi

Private138k to 250k

138k at KCA University250k at Daystar 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

UoN 220.5K, Pwani 145K, Daystar 249.8K verified. KCA unverified.

HELB offers postgraduate loans for Kenyan students at public universities. The British Institute in Eastern Africa may provide research grants for archaeological and historical research in East Africa. Pwani University may offer institutional graduate scholarships based on merit.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
BIEA Research Grants
Pwani University 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.
BIEA Research Grant
ScholarshipKsh 300,000
The British Institute in Eastern Africa provides research grants for archaeological and historical research in East Africa.
Pwani University Graduate Scholarship
ScholarshipKsh 145,000Kenyan
Pwani University 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 history, government, political science, archaeology, education (with history or government specialisation), and related humanities disciplines. The programme is offered full-time and part-time (evening/weekend) over two years at Pwani University, Kilifi.

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment
Coursework40% of the mark
Ongoing assessment through research papers, historical analysis essays, seminar presentations, and field reports throughout each semester.
End-of-Semester Examination
Examination60% of the mark
Written examination conducted at the end of each semester for each course unit.
Fieldwork Assessment
Practical30% of the mark
Assessment of archaeological fieldwork skills through field reports, site survey exercises, and practical fieldwork at coastal heritage sites.
Thesis / Research Project
Project100% of the mark
Independent research thesis on a topic in history, government, or archaeology, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE), Kenya's statutory body for university quality assurance. Pwani University is a CUE-accredited public university.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Statutory accreditation required for all university programmes in Kenya. Pwani University is a CUE-accredited public university.
World Archaeological Congress (WAC)
Professional alignment
International organisation promoting archaeological research and heritage management. Graduates may join WAC for professional development and research networking.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

Heritage Manager
Moderate demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 230,000
Manages cultural heritage sites and resources for government agencies, museums, and cultural organisations, ensuring preservation and public engagement.
Museum Curator
Moderate demandKsh 85,000 to Ksh 210,000
Curates museum collections, develops exhibitions, and manages cultural and historical artefacts for museums and cultural institutions.
Research Officer
Moderate demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 220,000
Conducts historical, archaeological, or political research for research institutions, government agencies, and international organisations.
Public Administration Officer
Moderate demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 240,000
Serves in government departments and public agencies, applying knowledge of government and politics to public administration roles.
University Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 250,000
Teaches history, government, or archaeology at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, conducts research, and supervises student projects.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers in heritage management, museum curation, archaeology, public administration, research, teaching, policy analysis, and cultural resource management across museums, government, and research institutions.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

ArcGIS
Gis softwarePrimary
GIS software for spatial analysis of archaeological sites, historical maps, and geographic patterns in research.
NVivo
Research softwarePrimary
Qualitative data analysis software for analysing historical documents, interview data, and qualitative humanities research.
EndNote
Reference management
Reference management software for organising citations and bibliographies in historical and archaeological research.
JSTOR
Research database
Digital library providing access to academic journals and books for historical, political, and archaeological research.
Google Earth
Mapping software
Satellite imagery and mapping tool for archaeological site survey, landscape analysis, and geographic visualisation.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

History, government, and archaeology are unrelated disciplines.
The programme integrates these fields to provide a holistic understanding of human societies, combining textual, political, and material culture analysis.
Archaeology is just about digging up old things.
Archaeology involves rigorous scientific methods, theoretical analysis, and interpretation of material culture to understand past societies and cultural processes.
History graduates can only become teachers.
Graduates pursue diverse careers including heritage management, museum work, public administration, research, policy analysis, and cultural resource management.
There is no career demand for archaeology in Kenya.
Kenya's rich archaeological heritage, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites, creates demand for qualified archaeologists and heritage management professionals.
Government studies are just about politics.
Government studies encompass public administration, policy analysis, governance systems, and political economy, providing skills for diverse public sector careers.
The programme is only relevant to the coastal region.
While the coastal location provides unique fieldwork opportunities, the programme's skills and knowledge are applicable nationally and internationally.