Business

Master of Arts Security Management

The Master of Arts in Security Management at Egerton University is a postgraduate programme that provides advanced training in security studies, risk management, and security governance. The programme prepares graduates for careers in security management, law enforcement, corporate security, national security, and academia.

The curriculum covers security theory, security management, risk assessment, threat analysis, intelligence studies, security governance, cybersecurity policy, conflict management, terrorism and counterterrorism, disaster management, and research methods. Students develop analytical and practical skills for managing security challenges in both public and private sectors.

Admission requires a first degree in Police Science, Military Science, Criminology, Security Studies, or a related discipline with at least Second Class Honours (Upper Division) from a recognised institution. Holders of a first degree in any relevant discipline with initial training in Police Science, Military Science, Criminology, or Security Studies with at least a Lower Second Class Honours may also be considered. Applicants who do not meet minimum requirements may be required to appear for an interview.

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and delivered through the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at Egerton University. The programme is offered through the e-campus platform, providing flexible learning options for security professionals.

Career prospects include roles in security management, law enforcement, military intelligence, corporate security, risk consultancy, national security analysis, disaster management, and academia. Graduates work in government security agencies, private security firms, international organisations, corporate security departments, NGOs, and academic institutions.

The programme addresses Kenya's growing security challenges, including terrorism, cybercrime, organised crime, border security, and corporate security risks. With expanding security sector investment, professionalisation of private security, and increasing national security concerns, demand for qualified security management professionals continues to grow across both public and private sectors requiring advanced security expertise.

Skills Required

Security risk assessment
Threat analysis and intelligence
Security management and planning
Security governance and policy
Counterterrorism strategy
Cybersecurity policy
Conflict management
Disaster management
Research methodology in security studies
Corporate security management

Key Subjects

Security Theory
Security Management
Risk Assessment
Threat Analysis
Intelligence Studies
Security Governance
Cybersecurity Policy
Counterterrorism
Disaster Management
Research Methods in Security Studies

Certifications

ASIS Certified Protection Professional (CPP)
Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA) Certification
ISMI Security Management Certification
Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF) Training

Specializations

Corporate Security Management

Focuses on security management in corporate settings, including physical security, information security, and executive protection.

National Security and Intelligence

Examines national security policy, intelligence analysis, threat assessment, and security sector governance.

Cybersecurity Policy and Management

Covers cybersecurity threats, cyber policy, digital security management, and information assurance.

Counterterrorism and Conflict Management

Focuses on terrorism analysis, counterterrorism strategies, conflict resolution, and post-conflict security management.

Border and Regional Security

Examines border security management, regional security cooperation, and transnational security threats in East Africa.

Disaster and Emergency Management

Covers disaster preparedness, emergency response, crisis management, and security aspects of natural and human-made disasters.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 168,650
Private, up to: Ksh 700,000
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: 15 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Security Theory
Security Management
Risk Assessment
Threat Analysis
Intelligence Studies
Security Governance
Cybersecurity Policy
Counterterrorism
Disaster Management
Research Methods in Security Studies

Modules

11 in the programme

Security Theory and Concepts
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Theoretical foundations of security studies, including security concepts, security paradigms, and contemporary security discourse.
Research Methods in Security Studies
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Research methodology for security research, including qualitative and quantitative methods, intelligence analysis methods, and academic writing.
Security Risk Assessment and Management
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Risk assessment methodologies, threat analysis, vulnerability assessment, and security risk management frameworks.
Intelligence Studies
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Intelligence cycle, intelligence analysis, sources and methods, and intelligence-led security management.
Security Governance and Policy
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Security governance frameworks, security policy development, security sector reform, and institutional security management.
Terrorism and Counterterrorism
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Terrorism analysis, terrorist organisations and methods, counterterrorism strategies, and countering violent extremism.
Cybersecurity Policy and Management
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Cybersecurity threats, cyber policy frameworks, digital security management, and information assurance.
Conflict Management and Resolution
Year 1Semester 23 creditsElective
Conflict analysis, conflict resolution methods, mediation, and security aspects of conflict management.
Corporate Security Management
Year 2Semester 33 creditsElective
Security management in corporate settings, including physical security, personnel security, information security, and security operations management.
Disaster and Emergency Management
Year 2Semester 33 creditsElective
Disaster preparedness, emergency response, crisis management, and security aspects of natural and human-made disasters.
Thesis / Research Project
Year 2Semester 412 creditsCore
Independent research thesis on a security management topic, conducted under faculty supervision and assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Corporate Security Management
Focuses on security management in corporate settings, including physical security, information security, and executive protection.
National Security and Intelligence
Examines national security policy, intelligence analysis, threat assessment, and security sector governance.
Cybersecurity Policy and Management
Covers cybersecurity threats, cyber policy, digital security management, and information assurance.
Counterterrorism and Conflict Management
Focuses on terrorism analysis, counterterrorism strategies, conflict resolution, and post-conflict security management.
Border and Regional Security
Examines border security management, regional security cooperation, and transnational security threats in East Africa.
Disaster and Emergency Management
Covers disaster preparedness, emergency response, crisis management, and security aspects of natural and human-made disasters.

A day as a student

A typical day combines theoretical study with practical security analysis. Mornings involve lectures on security theory, risk assessment, intelligence analysis, or counterterrorism strategy. Afternoons include case study analysis of security incidents, scenario-based exercises, and research methodology sessions. Students engage with security threat assessments, intelligence reports, and security policy documents. The e-campus option provides flexibility for working security professionals, with online modules, discussion forums, and virtual seminars. Independent research, thesis preparation, and engagement with current security developments occupy significant time, with access to the university library, online security databases, and e-learning platforms.

The trade offs

In its favour

High career demand driven by Kenya's security challenges and growing security sector.
E-campus option provides flexibility for working security professionals.
Covers contemporary security issues including cybersecurity, terrorism, and corporate security.
Open to both security professionals and those from related disciplines.

Against it

Only offered at one institution, limiting choice for prospective students.
Programme cost of KES 337,300 may be significant for security professionals on modest salaries.
Security careers may involve personal risk and demanding work conditions.
Some security positions require additional security clearance or professional certification beyond the degree.

What it costs

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

What it costs, and where

Against 331 business courses

Public148k to 169k

148k at Kenyatta University169k at Egerton University

Private119k to 700k

119k at Mount Kenya University700k at Strathmore 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 147,500/yr. Egerton 337,300/2=168,650/yr (fass PDF). MKU 119,100. Strathmore 700,000.

HELB offers postgraduate loans for Kenyan students. ASIS International may provide professional development grants for security management education. Egerton University may offer institutional graduate scholarships based on merit.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
ASIS Professional Development Grants
Egerton 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.
ASIS Professional Development Grant
ScholarshipKsh 200,000
ASIS International may provide professional development grants for security management education and certification for members.
Egerton University Graduate Scholarship
ScholarshipKsh 171,900Kenyan
Egerton University may offer institutional graduate scholarships based on academic merit. Contact the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences for details.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: Applicants who do not meet minimum admission requirements may be required to appear for an interview (oral or written) to determine eligibility. The programme is offered through the e-campus platform and Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at Egerton University.

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment
Coursework40% of the mark
Ongoing assessment through security analysis papers, case studies, risk assessment exercises, seminar presentations, and research assignments throughout each semester.
End-of-Semester Examination
Examination60% of the mark
Written examination conducted at the end of each semester for theoretical course units.
Practical Security Assessment
Practical30% of the mark
Practical assessment through security risk assessment projects, threat analysis exercises, and scenario-based security management simulations.
Thesis / Research Project
Project100% of the mark
Independent research thesis on a security management topic, 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. Egerton University is a CUE-accredited public university. Graduates may pursue professional certification with ASIS International and the Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA).

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Statutory accreditation required for all university programmes in Kenya. Egerton University is a CUE-accredited public university.
ASIS International
Professional certification
Global professional association for security management. Graduates may pursue ASIS Certified Protection Professional (CPP) certification for professional security management practice.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

Security Manager
High demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 350,000
Manages security operations for corporate organisations, government agencies, or private security firms, overseeing risk management and security planning.
Intelligence Analyst
Moderate demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 300,000
Analyses intelligence data, assesses threats, and produces intelligence reports for government security agencies and private sector.
Risk Consultant
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 320,000
Provides security risk assessment and management consultancy for consulting firms, international organisations, and corporate clients.
Corporate Security Director
Moderate demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 450,000
Directs corporate security programmes, manages security teams, and oversees enterprise-wide security strategy for large organisations.
University Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 250,000
Teaches security studies, criminology, or political science at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, conducts research, and supervises student projects.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers in security management, law enforcement, military intelligence, corporate security, risk consultancy, national security analysis, disaster management, and academia across government, private sector, and international organisations.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

SPSS
Statistical softwarePrimary
Statistical analysis software for security research, threat data analysis, and quantitative security studies.
NVivo
Qualitative analysis softwarePrimary
Qualitative data analysis software for analysing intelligence reports, security incident data, and qualitative security research.
ArcGIS
Gis software
GIS software for security mapping, threat geography, and spatial analysis of security incidents.
Microsoft Office
Productivity software
Office suite for security report writing, risk assessment documentation, and professional communication.
Tableau
Data visualisation software
Data visualisation software for security analytics, threat dashboards, and security metrics reporting.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Security management is just about guarding premises.
Security management encompasses risk assessment, intelligence analysis, policy development, crisis management, and strategic security planning at organisational and national levels.
Security studies is only for military and police.
Security management is relevant to corporate security, cybersecurity, humanitarian security, border management, and academic research, not only military and police.
A master's degree is unnecessary for security careers.
Advanced security challenges including cyber threats, terrorism, and complex risk environments require advanced education and analytical skills beyond basic security training.
Security management has limited career prospects.
Kenya's growing security sector, corporate security needs, and national security challenges create strong demand for qualified security management professionals.
Cybersecurity is only an IT issue.
Cybersecurity requires policy, governance, and management expertise in addition to technical skills, making it a key component of security management.
Private security does not require advanced education.
The professionalisation of Kenya's private security industry under PSRA regulation creates demand for advanced qualifications in security management.