Science

Master of Science (Applied Analytical Chemistry)

The Master of Science in Applied Analytical Chemistry is a postgraduate programme that prepares professionals for advanced practice in analytical chemistry, quality assurance, and chemical analysis. The programme combines analytical chemistry theory with instrumental techniques and industrial application.

Core areas include analytical chemistry, instrumental analysis, chromatography, spectroscopy, environmental analysis, quality assurance, nanomaterials, research methods, and thesis. Students engage with both analytical chemistry theory and practical laboratory application through coursework and research.

The programme is offered by Kenyatta University, University of Nairobi, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, and Multimedia University of Kenya. All are public universities offering the programme over two academic years through full-time and part-time modes of study.

Students develop competencies in analytical chemistry, instrumental analysis, chromatography, spectroscopy, environmental analysis, quality assurance, and research methods. The programme includes coursework, laboratory practicals, examinations, and a research thesis.

KU charges KES 326,400/year (East Africans). UoN charges approximately KES 397,500/year (total KES 795,000). JKUAT charges approximately KES 140,000/year. Entry requires a Bachelor's degree with Second Class Honours Upper Division in chemistry or related fields from a recognised university.

Graduates pursue careers as analytical chemists, quality assurance managers, environmental analysts, research chemists, laboratory managers, and lecturers in analytical chemistry across pharmaceutical industry, research institutions, environmental agencies, and universities.

Skills Required

Analytical Chemistry and Chemical Analysis
Instrumental Analysis and Chromatography
Spectroscopy and Molecular Analysis
Environmental Analysis and Monitoring
Quality Assurance and Quality Control
Nanomaterials and Advanced Materials
Laboratory Management and Safety
Statistical Analysis in Chemistry
Research Methods in Analytical Chemistry
Academic Writing and Thesis Research

Key Subjects

Advanced Analytical Chemistry
Instrumental Methods of Analysis
Chromatography and Separation Techniques
Spectroscopy and Molecular Analysis
Environmental Analysis and Monitoring
Quality Assurance and Quality Control
Nanomaterials and Advanced Materials
Research Methods in Chemistry
Statistical Analysis in Chemistry
Thesis Research

Certifications

KEBS Laboratory Certification
Royal Society of Chemistry Membership

Specializations

Environmental Analysis

Focuses on environmental analysis, covering water quality, air analysis, soil analysis, pollution monitoring, and managing environmental analysis.

Chromatography

Examines chromatography, covering HPLC, GC, chromatographic methods, separation techniques, and managing chromatographic analysis.

Spectroscopy

Covers spectroscopy, covering UV-Vis, IR, NMR, mass spectrometry, atomic spectroscopy, and managing spectroscopic analysis.

Quality Assurance

Focuses on quality assurance, covering QA systems, QC methods, accreditation, validation, and managing quality assurance in chemistry.

Nanomaterials

Examines nanomaterials, covering nanomaterial synthesis, characterisation, applications, and managing nanomaterial research.

Food Chemistry

Covers food chemistry, covering food analysis, food safety, food quality, additives, and managing food chemistry analysis.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 326,400
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

Advanced Analytical Chemistry
Instrumental Methods of Analysis
Chromatography and Separation Techniques
Spectroscopy and Molecular Analysis
Environmental Analysis and Monitoring
Quality Assurance and Quality Control
Nanomaterials and Advanced Materials
Research Methods in Chemistry
Statistical Analysis in Chemistry
Thesis Research

Modules

12 in the programme

Advanced Analytical Chemistry
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines analytical methods, sample preparation, chemical analysis, analytical techniques, and managing analytical chemistry.
Instrumental Methods of Analysis
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers instrumental techniques, instrument operation, method development, instrument maintenance, and managing instrumental analysis.
Chromatography and Separation Techniques
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines HPLC, GC, chromatographic methods, separation techniques, and managing chromatographic analysis.
Research Methods in Chemistry
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers research design, data collection, analysis, ethical issues, and conducting chemistry research, preparing students for their thesis.
Spectroscopy and Molecular Analysis
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers UV-Vis, IR, NMR, mass spectrometry, atomic spectroscopy, and managing spectroscopic analysis.
Environmental Analysis and Monitoring
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines water quality, air analysis, soil analysis, pollution monitoring, and managing environmental analysis.
Quality Assurance and Quality Control
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers QA systems, QC methods, accreditation, validation, regulatory compliance, and managing quality assurance in chemistry.
Nanomaterials and Advanced Materials
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines nanomaterial synthesis, characterisation, applications, nanotechnology, and managing nanomaterial research.
Food Chemistry and Analysis
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers food analysis, food safety, food quality, food additives, and managing food chemistry analysis.
Statistical Analysis in Chemistry
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines statistical methods, data analysis, chemometrics, experimental design, and managing statistical analysis in chemistry.
Industrial Chemistry and Applications
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers industrial chemistry, process analysis, industrial applications, chemical manufacturing, and managing industrial chemistry analysis.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research thesis on an analytical chemistry topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and analytical chemistry knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Environmental Analysis
Focuses on environmental analysis, covering water quality, air analysis, soil analysis, pollution monitoring, and managing environmental analysis.
Chromatography
Examines chromatography, covering HPLC, GC, chromatographic methods, separation techniques, and managing chromatographic analysis.
Spectroscopy
Covers spectroscopy, covering UV-Vis, IR, NMR, mass spectrometry, atomic spectroscopy, and managing spectroscopic analysis.
Quality Assurance
Focuses on quality assurance, covering QA systems, QC methods, accreditation, validation, and managing quality assurance in chemistry.
Nanomaterials
Examines nanomaterials, covering nanomaterial synthesis, characterisation, applications, and managing nanomaterial research.
Food Chemistry
Covers food chemistry, covering food analysis, food safety, food quality, additives, and managing food chemistry analysis.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc in Applied Analytical Chemistry programme combines lectures, laboratory practicals, seminars, and independent study. Sessions cover analytical chemistry, instrumental analysis, chromatography, spectroscopy, and environmental analysis. Analytical chemistry sessions examine analytical methods, sample preparation, chemical analysis, and managing analytical chemistry. Instrumental analysis sessions cover instrumental techniques, instrument operation, method development, and managing instrumental analysis. Chromatography sessions cover HPLC, GC, chromatographic methods, separation techniques, and managing chromatographic analysis. Spectroscopy sessions cover UV-Vis, IR, NMR, mass spectrometry, atomic spectroscopy, and managing spectroscopic analysis. Environmental analysis sessions cover water quality, air analysis, soil analysis, pollution monitoring, and managing environmental analysis. Quality assurance sessions cover QA systems, QC methods, accreditation, validation, and managing quality assurance. Nanomaterials sessions cover nanomaterial synthesis, characterisation, applications, and managing nanomaterial research. Research methods sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering research design, data collection, and analysis. Laboratory practicals provide hands-on experience with analytical instruments, chromatographic techniques, spectroscopic methods, and laboratory analysis. Seminars and discussion groups provide opportunities for debating current issues in analytical chemistry. Guest lectures from experienced analytical chemists, quality assurance managers, and researchers provide practical insights. The programme culminates in a research thesis on an analytical chemistry topic.

The trade offs

In its favour

High demand for analytical chemists with growing pharmaceutical industry, environmental regulation, and quality assurance needs in Kenya.
Programme is offered by multiple universities (KU, UoN, JKUAT, MMU), providing institutional choice.
JKUAT offers affordable fees at approximately KES 140,000/year.
KU hosts the National Phytotherapeutic Research Centre with state-of-the-art research facilities.

Against it

UoN fees are relatively high at approximately KES 397,500/year (total KES 795,000).
MMU fees not independently verified, limiting fee comparison.
No private university confirmed offering this exact programme, limiting options.
Programme requires strong background in chemistry and mathematics, which may be challenging for some 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

Public179k to 326k

179k at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology326k 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 326.4K/yr (spas.ku.ac.ke). JKUAT 178.75K/yr (kenyaeducationguide). Private null.

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. KU may offer postgraduate bursaries for eligible students. Royal Society of Chemistry may provide training support for chemistry professionals. Some pharmaceutical companies and research institutions may sponsor staff for postgraduate study.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
KU Postgraduate Bursary
RSC Training Support

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities.
KU Postgraduate Bursary
ScholarshipKsh 100,000Kenyan
Kenyatta University offers postgraduate bursaries for eligible students.
RSC Training Support
GrantKsh 200,000
Royal Society of Chemistry provides training support for chemistry professionals in developing countries.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: Most universities require Upper Second Class Honours in chemistry or related field. Lower Second Division holders with relevant experience are considered. Contact respective universities for specific admission requirements.

How you are assessed

4 components

Coursework and Continuous Assessment
Coursework20% of the mark
Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, laboratory reports, seminar presentations, problem sets, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination40% of the mark
Written examinations covering analytical chemistry, instrumental analysis, chromatography, spectroscopy, and environmental analysis.
Practical and Laboratory Assessment
Practical40% of the mark
Practical assessment through laboratory exercises, instrument operation, analytical techniques, sample analysis, and demonstrating analytical chemistry skills.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on an analytical chemistry topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and analytical chemistry knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Kenyatta University, University of Nairobi, JKUAT, and Multimedia University of Kenya (all public) offer MSc in Analytical Chemistry or Applied Analytical Chemistry. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate training in analytical chemistry. Graduates are eligible for KEBS laboratory certification and Royal Society of Chemistry membership.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. Kenyatta University, University of Nairobi, JKUAT, and Multimedia University of Kenya (all public) offer MSc in Analytical Chemistry or Applied Analytical Chemistry. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate training in analytical chemistry. Graduates are eligible for KEBS laboratory certification and Royal Society of Chemistry membership.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Analytical Chemist
High demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Conducts chemical analysis, overseeing analytical methods, instrument operation, sample analysis, and managing analytical chemistry services.
Quality Assurance Manager
High demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 600,000
Manages quality assurance, overseeing QA systems, QC methods, accreditation, validation, and managing quality assurance operations.
Environmental Analyst
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Conducts environmental analysis, overseeing water quality, air analysis, soil analysis, pollution monitoring, and managing environmental analysis.
Research Chemist
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 600,000
Conducts chemistry research, overseeing research design, data collection, analysis, and managing chemical research.
Laboratory Manager
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Manages chemistry laboratory, overseeing laboratory operations, quality control, staff supervision, and managing laboratory services.
Chemistry Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches analytical chemistry at university or college level, overseeing instruction, research, laboratory supervision, and academic supervision.

Graduate outcomes

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

HPLC
EquipmentPrimary
HPLC for chromatographic analysis, covering separation, identification, quantification, and managing chromatographic analysis.
Mass Spectrometer
Equipment
Mass spectrometer for molecular analysis, covering molecular identification, structural analysis, and managing mass spectrometric analysis.
AAS
Equipment
Atomic absorption spectrometer for elemental analysis, covering metal analysis, trace elements, and managing atomic spectroscopic analysis.
SPSS
Software
SPSS statistical software for chemistry research, covering data analysis, statistical tests, and managing research data.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Analytical chemistry is just about titrations.
Analytical chemistry covers comprehensive chemical analysis including instrumental techniques, chromatography, spectroscopy, and environmental monitoring.
This programme is only for those working in laboratories.
Analytical chemistry skills are valuable in pharmaceuticals, environmental monitoring, food safety, mining, and any organisation dealing with chemical analysis.
Analytical chemistry has limited career prospects in Kenya.
With growing pharmaceutical industry, environmental regulation, and quality assurance needs, demand for analytical chemists is increasing in Kenya.
This programme is the same as general chemistry.
Applied analytical chemistry focuses specifically on chemical analysis and measurement, while general chemistry covers broader chemical principles.
Quality assurance is just about following procedures.
Quality assurance covers comprehensive quality systems including method validation, accreditation, statistical process control, and regulatory compliance.
Environmental analysis is not relevant to Kenya.
Environmental analysis is critical to Kenya's environmental challenges including water quality, air pollution, soil contamination, and industrial emissions.