Social Sciences

Master of Arts in Security Studies and Criminology

The Master of Arts in Security Studies and Criminology is a postgraduate programme that equips students with advanced knowledge and analytical skills in security studies, criminology, criminal justice, and governance. The programme prepares professionals for leadership roles in security agencies, law enforcement, criminal justice, and related fields.

Core areas of study include theories of criminology, security management, criminal justice systems, terrorism and counter-terrorism, cyber security, intelligence studies, transitional justice, human rights, alternative dispute resolution, good governance and ethics, and research methods. Students examine security challenges in Kenya, the Horn of Africa, and the broader African context.

The programme is offered by Mount Kenya University through its Institute of Security Studies, Justice and Ethics (ISSJE), established in November 2012 at the Nairobi campus. The ISSJE focuses on four thematic areas: security studies, good governance and ethics, democracy and human rights, and alternative dispute resolution and transitional justice.

Students develop competencies in security analysis, crime prevention strategy design, intelligence assessment, policy formulation, criminal justice administration, and research. The programme combines coursework, examinations, and a research project. The ISSJE collaborates with security institutions, government agencies, and international organisations to provide practical exposure.

The programme is delivered over four semesters for full-time students and six semesters for DIBeL (Distance and Institution Based Learning) students. Classes are offered at Nairobi, Eldoret, Kakamega, Kisii, Kitale, and virtual campuses. The programme is available in full-time, part-time, digital learning, and DIBeL modes.

Graduates pursue careers as security analysts, intelligence officers, crime prevention specialists, policy analysts, security consultants, criminal justice administrators, and researchers in government security agencies, private security firms, NGOs, international organisations, and research institutions.

Skills Required

Criminological Theory and Analysis
Security Management and Strategy
Intelligence Analysis
Counter-Terrorism Studies
Criminal Justice Administration
Cyber Security Fundamentals
Transitional Justice and Security Sector Reform
Research Methods in Security Studies
Policy Analysis and Formulation
Alternative Dispute Resolution

Key Subjects

Theories of Criminology
Security Management
Criminal Justice Systems
Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism
Intelligence Studies
Transitional Justice
Human Rights and Security
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Good Governance and Ethics
Research Methods in Security Studies

Certifications

Kenya Security Professionals Certification
ACCORD Conflict Resolution Certification

Specializations

Security Management

Focuses on security management principles, risk assessment, security operations, physical security, and corporate security management in public and private sector contexts.

Criminology and Criminal Justice

Examines criminological theories, criminal behaviour analysis, criminal justice systems, corrections, rehabilitation, and crime prevention strategies.

Intelligence and Counter-Terrorism

Covers intelligence collection and analysis, counter-terrorism strategies, radicalisation and de-radicalisation, and emerging security threats including cyber terrorism.

Transitional Justice and Security Reform

Explores transitional justice mechanisms, security sector reform, institutional reforms, truth commissions, and post-conflict justice processes.

Governance and Ethics

Examines good governance principles, public ethics, anti-corruption strategies, human rights, and democratic governance in security contexts.

Conflict and Dispute Resolution

Focuses on alternative dispute resolution, negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and conflict management in security and justice contexts.

Cyber Security and Digital Forensics

Covers cyber security threats, digital forensics, cyber crime investigation, and information security management in contemporary security environments.

Human Rights and Security

Examines human rights frameworks in security contexts, emerging human rights concerns, security sector accountability, and rights-based approaches to security.

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

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Part-time, Online
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 20 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Theories of Criminology
Security Management
Criminal Justice Systems
Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism
Intelligence Studies
Transitional Justice
Human Rights and Security
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Good Governance and Ethics
Research Methods in Security Studies

Modules

10 in the programme

Theories of Criminology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines major criminological theories including classical, positivist, strain, labelling, and critical criminology, with application to crime analysis and prevention in Kenyan and African contexts.
Security Management
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers security management principles, risk assessment, security operations, physical security, and corporate security management in public and private sector contexts.
Criminal Justice Systems
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines criminal justice systems including policing, courts, corrections, and rehabilitation, with comparative analysis of Kenyan and international criminal justice frameworks.
Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers terrorism theories, radicalisation and de-radicalisation, counter-terrorism strategies, and emerging security threats including cyber terrorism in African contexts.
Intelligence Studies
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines intelligence collection, analysis, and assessment methods, intelligence cycles, and the role of intelligence in national security and crime prevention.
Transitional Justice and Security Sector Reform
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Explores transitional justice mechanisms, security sector reform, institutional reforms, truth commissions, and post-conflict justice processes in African contexts.
Human Rights and Security
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines human rights frameworks in security contexts, emerging human rights concerns, security sector accountability, and rights-based approaches to security governance.
Research Methods in Security Studies
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers qualitative and quantitative research methodologies for conducting original research in security studies and criminology, including field research and data analysis.
Good Governance and Ethics
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines good governance principles, public ethics, anti-corruption strategies, and democratic governance in security and justice sector contexts.
Research Project
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research project on a security studies or criminology topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and theoretical frameworks, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Security Management
Focuses on security management principles, risk assessment, security operations, physical security, and corporate security management in public and private sector contexts.
Criminology and Criminal Justice
Examines criminological theories, criminal behaviour analysis, criminal justice systems, corrections, rehabilitation, and crime prevention strategies.
Intelligence and Counter-Terrorism
Covers intelligence collection and analysis, counter-terrorism strategies, radicalisation and de-radicalisation, and emerging security threats including cyber terrorism.
Transitional Justice and Security Reform
Explores transitional justice mechanisms, security sector reform, institutional reforms, truth commissions, and post-conflict justice processes.
Governance and Ethics
Examines good governance principles, public ethics, anti-corruption strategies, human rights, and democratic governance in security contexts.
Conflict and Dispute Resolution
Focuses on alternative dispute resolution, negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and conflict management in security and justice contexts.
Cyber Security and Digital Forensics
Covers cyber security threats, digital forensics, cyber crime investigation, and information security management in contemporary security environments.
Human Rights and Security
Examines human rights frameworks in security contexts, emerging human rights concerns, security sector accountability, and rights-based approaches to security.

A day as a student

A typical day involves attending lectures at MKU's Institute of Security Studies, Justice and Ethics at the Nairobi campus on criminological theories, security management, or counter-terrorism strategies. Students engage in seminar discussions analysing contemporary security challenges including terrorism, cyber crime, organised crime, and electoral violence. Case studies of security operations, criminal investigations, and transitional justice processes provide practical context. Guest lectures from security professionals, police officers, intelligence analysts, and human rights advocates provide real-world insights. The programme's multi-campus delivery allows students at Eldoret, Kakamega, Kisii, Kitale, and virtual campuses to access the same curriculum. Those in the research phase conduct independent research on security or criminology topics, working on their research project under faculty supervision.

The trade offs

In its favour

Programme addresses critical national and regional security needs, producing professionals for Kenya's growing security sector.
MKU's Institute of Security Studies, Justice and Ethics is a specialised institute with focused expertise and industry partnerships.
Programme available in multiple modes including full-time, digital learning, and DIBeL across six campuses and virtual learning.
Growing demand for security and criminology professionals in government, private security, NGOs, and international organisations.

Against it

Only offered at one private university, limiting choice and potentially increasing costs compared to public university alternatives.
Programme may not have the same depth of specialised facilities and faculty as established public university security studies departments.
Security sector employment often requires additional professional certifications or agency-specific training beyond the academic qualification.
Sensitive nature of security topics may limit research opportunities and access to classified information for academic research.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 241 social sciences courses

Public118k to 221k

118k at Maseno University221k at University of Nairobi

Private130k to 221k

130k at Mount Kenya University221k 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/yr (Tuko). Maseno ~118K/yr. MKU 130K/yr. Daystar ~221K/yr.

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. MKU offers limited internal financial aid. Security agencies may sponsor staff for professional development in security studies and criminology.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
MKU Financial Aid
Security Agency Sponsorship

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities.
MKU Financial Aid
ScholarshipKsh 100,000
MKU postgraduate students demonstrating academic merit and financial need.
Security Agency Staff Sponsorship
ScholarshipKsh 200,000Kenyan
Security agency staff sponsored for professional development in security studies and criminology. Availability varies by agency.

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 available in full-time, part-time, digital learning, and DIBeL modes. Classes are offered at Nairobi, Eldoret, Kakamega, Kisii, Kitale, and virtual campuses. Application fee is KES 2,000 for East African applicants and USD 50 for non-East African applicants.

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment
Coursework40% of the mark
CATs, security analysis essays, case study reports, threat assessment exercises, and seminar presentations conducted throughout each semester.
Final Examination
Examination40% of the mark
End-of-semester examination covering criminological theory, security management, and criminal justice, including essay questions and case analysis.
Practical Assignments
Practical20% of the mark
Practical assessment involving security risk assessment, crime analysis exercises, intelligence report writing, and policy brief development.
Research Project
Research100% of the mark
Original research project on a security studies or criminology topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and theoretical frameworks, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Mount Kenya University is a CUE-accredited private university. The Institute of Security Studies, Justice and Ethics was established in 2012 and offers programmes at postgraduate and undergraduate levels.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. Mount Kenya University is a CUE-accredited private university. The Institute of Security Studies, Justice and Ethics was established in 2012.
Kenya Security Professionals Registration Board
Professional certification
Professional body for security professionals in Kenya. Graduates may pursue professional certification for career advancement in the security sector.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Security Analyst
High demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 350,000
Analyses security threats and risks for government agencies, private security firms, or corporate organisations, providing intelligence assessments and security recommendations.
Intelligence Officer
Moderate demandKsh 85,000 to Ksh 320,000
Collects and analyses intelligence for national security agencies, supporting threat assessment, counter-terrorism operations, and crime prevention initiatives.
Crime Prevention Specialist
Moderate demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 280,000
Designs and implements crime prevention strategies for government agencies, community organisations, or private sector, applying criminological theory and evidence-based approaches.
Policy Analyst
Moderate demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 300,000
Analyses security, justice, and governance policy issues for government agencies, think tanks, or NGOs, providing evidence-based recommendations on security sector reform.
Security Consultant
Moderate demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 400,000
Provides consulting services on security risk management, corporate security, and security sector reform for private companies, government agencies, or international organisations.
Research Analyst
Moderate demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 250,000
Conducts research on security, crime, and justice issues for research institutions, universities, or international organisations, producing reports and policy briefs.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as security analysts, intelligence officers, crime prevention specialists, and policy analysts in government security agencies, private security firms, NGOs, and international organisations.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

SPSS
SoftwarePrimary
Statistical analysis software for quantitative research in criminology and security studies, including crime data analysis and threat assessment.
NVivo
SoftwarePrimary
Qualitative data analysis software for analysing interview data, case studies, and policy documents in security and criminology research.
ACLED Conflict Data
Database
Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project providing real-time conflict and security data for research and analysis on political violence.
Zotero
Software
Reference management software for organising research sources, citations, and bibliographies in security studies and criminology research.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Security studies is only for military or police personnel.
The programme accepts graduates from diverse backgrounds including sociology, political science, law, and international relations, and prepares professionals for roles beyond law enforcement.
Criminology is the same as criminal justice.
Criminology is the scientific study of crime, its causes, and prevention, while criminal justice focuses on the system that responds to crime including police, courts, and corrections.
Security studies graduates can only work in government security agencies.
Graduates work in private security firms, corporate security, NGOs, international organisations, research institutions, and consulting firms addressing diverse security challenges.
This programme promotes violence or aggressive security approaches.
The programme emphasises human rights, good governance, ethics, alternative dispute resolution, and transitional justice alongside security analysis, promoting rights-based approaches to security.
Security studies has limited academic rigour.
The programme involves rigorous theoretical frameworks from sociology, political science, law, and psychology, combined with empirical research methods and analytical skills training.
Cyber security is not relevant to security studies in Kenya.
Cyber crime, cyber terrorism, and digital security threats are growing concerns in Kenya, and the programme addresses these emerging challenges alongside traditional security threats.