Science

Master of Pure and Applied Sciences

The Master of Pure and Applied Sciences is a postgraduate programme that trains graduates to become specialists in fundamental and applied scientific disciplines. The programme prepares graduates to conduct scientific research, apply scientific principles to real-world problems, and contribute to scientific advancement in Kenya and beyond.

Core areas of study include pure and applied mathematics, chemistry, physics, biology, biotechnology, statistics, and environmental science. Students engage with both theoretical foundations and practical applications in their chosen science specialisation. The programme typically allows students to focus on a specific discipline within the pure and applied sciences.

The programme is offered by Kirinyaga University, Strathmore University, and Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, with Pwani University as a college. MMUST offers MSc programmes in Applied Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, and Pure Mathematics through its School of Natural Sciences. The programme is designed for science graduates seeking to advance their expertise in pure or applied scientific disciplines.

Students develop competencies in scientific research, experimental design, data analysis, mathematical modelling, laboratory techniques, scientific computing, and academic writing. The programme includes coursework, laboratory sessions, seminars, examinations, and a research thesis. Students typically complete coursework in the first year and focus on research and thesis in the second year.

The programme is delivered over two years with full-time and part-time study modes at most institutions. The programme is designed for science graduates, researchers, and professionals seeking to advance their knowledge and research skills in pure and applied sciences.

Graduates pursue careers as research scientists, laboratory managers, data analysts, science educators, quality control specialists, and scientific consultants in research institutions, universities, industry, government, and regulatory bodies.

Skills Required

Scientific Research and Experimental Design
Statistical Data Analysis
Mathematical Modelling and Computation
Laboratory Techniques and Instrumentation
Scientific Computing and Programming
Research Methodology and Academic Writing
Quality Control and Assurance
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Scientific Communication and Publication

Key Subjects

Research Methods in Science
Statistical Methods and Data Analysis
Mathematical Modelling
Laboratory Techniques and Instrumentation
Scientific Computing
Pure and Applied Mathematics
Chemistry and Materials Science
Physics and Instrumentation
Biology and Biotechnology
Environmental Science

Certifications

Kenya Laboratory Technicians Registration
AAS Affiliate Membership

Specializations

Pure Mathematics

Focuses on abstract mathematics, algebra, analysis, topology, number theory, and developing mathematical theory and proofs.

Applied Mathematics

Examines applying mathematical methods to solve real-world problems, mathematical modelling, numerical analysis, and computational mathematics.

Chemistry

Covers analytical, organic, inorganic, physical, and environmental chemistry, with specialisations in materials chemistry, petroleum chemistry, and biochemistry.

Physics

Focuses on theoretical physics, condensed matter physics, electronics and instrumentation, environmental physics, and astrophysics.

Statistics and Data Science

Examines applied statistics, biostatistics, statistical modelling, data analysis, and applying statistical methods to scientific research.

Biology and Biotechnology

Covers molecular biology, biotechnology, ecology, entomology, genetics, and applied microbiology in pure and applied science contexts.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 162,900
Job market: High

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: 20 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Research Methods in Science
Statistical Methods and Data Analysis
Mathematical Modelling
Laboratory Techniques and Instrumentation
Scientific Computing
Pure and Applied Mathematics
Chemistry and Materials Science
Physics and Instrumentation
Biology and Biotechnology
Environmental Science

Modules

10 in the programme

Research Methods in Science
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines scientific research methods, experimental design, hypothesis testing, research ethics, literature review, and scientific writing for pure and applied science research.
Statistical Methods and Data Analysis
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers statistical methods for science research, probability, hypothesis testing, regression analysis, experimental design, and using statistical software for data analysis.
Mathematical Modelling and Computation
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines mathematical modelling, developing mathematical models for real-world problems, numerical methods, and using computational tools for scientific computing.
Advanced Laboratory Techniques
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers advanced laboratory techniques, analytical instrumentation, spectroscopy, chromatography, microscopy, and quality assurance in scientific laboratory practice.
Scientific Computing and Programming
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines scientific computing, programming for science applications, data visualisation, computational methods, and using software tools for scientific analysis.
Advanced Topics in Pure and Applied Sciences
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers advanced topics in the student's chosen science discipline, with content varying by specialisation (mathematics, chemistry, physics, biology, or statistics).
Environmental Science and Sustainability
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines environmental science, pollution monitoring, environmental impact assessment, sustainability principles, and applying science to environmental challenges.
Science, Technology and Society
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers the relationship between science, technology, and society, science policy, science communication, and the role of science in national development.
Research Seminar
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Research seminar where students present their research progress, discuss contemporary scientific issues, and receive feedback on their thesis work.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research thesis on a pure and applied sciences topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and scientific knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Pure Mathematics
Focuses on abstract mathematics, algebra, analysis, topology, number theory, and developing mathematical theory and proofs.
Applied Mathematics
Examines applying mathematical methods to solve real-world problems, mathematical modelling, numerical analysis, and computational mathematics.
Chemistry
Covers analytical, organic, inorganic, physical, and environmental chemistry, with specialisations in materials chemistry, petroleum chemistry, and biochemistry.
Physics
Focuses on theoretical physics, condensed matter physics, electronics and instrumentation, environmental physics, and astrophysics.
Statistics and Data Science
Examines applied statistics, biostatistics, statistical modelling, data analysis, and applying statistical methods to scientific research.
Biology and Biotechnology
Covers molecular biology, biotechnology, ecology, entomology, genetics, and applied microbiology in pure and applied science contexts.

A day as a student

A typical day during the Master of Pure and Applied Sciences programme begins with morning lectures on advanced topics in the student's chosen science discipline. Students engage in theoretical discussions, problem-solving sessions, and analysis of recent scientific literature. Laboratory sessions form a significant part of the programme, with students conducting experiments, using analytical instruments, and learning advanced laboratory techniques. For mathematics and statistics students, computational sessions involve mathematical modelling, numerical analysis, and scientific computing using programming languages. Research methodology sessions cover experimental design, statistical analysis, scientific writing, and research ethics. Seminar presentations allow students to present their research findings and discuss contemporary scientific issues. Journal clubs review recent publications in the student's area of specialisation. Students develop their thesis proposals, conducting literature reviews and designing research experiments. The programme at MMUST is based at the School of Natural Sciences with access to laboratory facilities. The two-year programme culminates in a research thesis defence.

The trade offs

In its favour

Science graduates are in high demand across research institutions, industry, quality control, and data analysis in Kenya's growing science and technology sector.
Programme offers diverse specialisations including mathematics, chemistry, physics, biology, and statistics, providing flexibility and choice.
Strong foundation for doctoral studies and academic careers, with research training applicable across multiple scientific disciplines.
Science skills are transferable across sectors including research, industry, education, government, and consulting.

Against it

Programme name is a general category rather than a specific discipline, potentially causing confusion about the actual qualification.
Specific fee structures for the listed universities could not be independently verified, making cost comparison difficult.
Science research in Kenya faces challenges with funding, equipment, and infrastructure, particularly at smaller universities.
Only three universities offer this specific programme, limiting geographic access and choice for prospective students.

What it costs

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

What it costs, and where

Against 243 science courses

Public163k to 163k

163k at Kirinyaga University163k at Kirinyaga 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

Kirinyaga MSc ~162.9K/yr total (kyu.ac.ke). Private unverified.

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. NACOSTI provides research grants for science research in Kenya. AAS offers research fellowships for African scientists. The programme's scientific research focus attracts research council and international organisation funding.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
NACOSTI Research Grants
AAS Research Fellowships

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate science studies at recognised universities.
NACOSTI Research Grants
GrantKsh 500,000Kenyan
NACOSTI provides research grants for science research in Kenya, supporting postgraduate research projects.
AAS Research Fellowships
FellowshipKsh 600,000
African Academy of Sciences offers research fellowships for African scientists, supporting postgraduate research and career development.

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 designed for science graduates seeking to advance their expertise in pure or applied sciences. Two-year programme with full-time and part-time study modes. Specialisations vary by institution, with MMUST offering Applied Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, and Pure Mathematics.

How you are assessed

4 components

Coursework and Assignments
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, problem sets, laboratory reports, and class participation throughout the programme.
Written Examinations
Examination30% of the mark
Written examinations covering advanced topics in the student's science discipline, conducted at end of each semester.
Laboratory and Practical Assessment
Practical40% of the mark
Assessment of laboratory skills, experimental technique, data analysis, and ability to conduct scientific experiments independently.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on a pure and applied sciences topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and scientific knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). MMUST's MSc programmes are offered through its School of Natural Sciences. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate science training.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. MMUST's MSc programmes are offered through its School of Natural Sciences. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate science training.
National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI)
Research accreditation
NACOSTI regulates science research in Kenya. Research conducted during the programme may require NACOSTI research permits.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Research Scientist
High demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Conducts scientific research in research institutions, universities, or industry, designing experiments, analysing data, and publishing research findings.
Data Analyst
Very high demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 450,000
Analyses data using statistical methods and computational tools, working in research institutions, industry, or consulting to extract insights from data.
Laboratory Manager
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 400,000
Manages laboratory operations, overseeing equipment, quality control, safety standards, and laboratory staff in research or industrial laboratories.
Quality Control Specialist
High demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 400,000
Manages quality control processes in manufacturing, food, pharmaceutical, or chemical industries, ensuring products meet quality and safety standards.
Science Educator
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 400,000
Teaches science in universities and training institutions, conducting research, training students, and contributing to science education and literacy.
Scientific Consultant
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 500,000
Provides scientific consulting services to organisations, advising on research, environmental assessment, quality systems, and scientific problem-solving.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as research scientists, data analysts, laboratory managers, and science educators in research institutions, industry, and academia.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

SPSS
SoftwarePrimary
Statistical analysis software for scientific research, analysing experimental data, and conducting quantitative scientific studies.
MATLAB
SoftwarePrimary
Numerical computing environment for mathematical modelling, data analysis, algorithm development, and scientific visualisation.
Python (Scientific Libraries)
Software
Programming language with scientific libraries (NumPy, SciPy, Pandas) for data analysis, scientific computing, and mathematical modelling.
Analytical Instruments (Spectrophotometer)
Equipment
Analytical laboratory instruments including spectrophotometers, chromatographs, and microscopes for scientific analysis and research.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

A master's in pure and applied sciences has limited career prospects.
Science graduates are in high demand across research institutions, industry, quality control, data analysis, and education, with diverse career paths in Kenya's growing science and technology sector.
Pure sciences are less practical than applied sciences.
Pure sciences provide fundamental theoretical foundations that underpin applied sciences, with pure science research often leading to significant practical applications and innovations.
This programme is only for those wanting to become academics.
While many graduates pursue academic careers, the programme also leads to roles in industry, research institutions, quality control, data analysis, and scientific consulting.
Science master's degrees are becoming less relevant with technology advances.
Technology advances increase demand for skilled scientists who can conduct research, analyse data, and apply scientific principles to solve complex problems in emerging fields.
This is a single specific programme rather than a category.
Master of Pure and Applied Sciences encompasses multiple specialisations including mathematics, chemistry, physics, biology, and statistics, offered through Schools of Pure and Applied Sciences.
All universities offer the same specialisations under this programme.
Specialisations vary by institution, with MMUST offering mathematics, chemistry, and physics, while other universities may offer different combinations of science disciplines.