Science

Master of Science (Applied Mathematics)

The Master of Science in Applied Mathematics is a postgraduate programme that prepares professionals for advanced practice in mathematical modelling, computational mathematics, and quantitative analysis. The programme combines mathematical theory with computational methods and industrial application.

Core areas include numerical analysis, differential equations, mathematical modelling, optimisation, computational mathematics, fluid dynamics, statistics, research methods, and thesis. Students engage with both mathematical theory and practical computational application through coursework and research.

The programme is offered by Kenyatta University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Moi University, Multimedia University of Kenya, Masinde Muliro University, and Technical 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 numerical analysis, differential equations, mathematical modelling, optimisation, computational mathematics, fluid dynamics, and research methods. The programme includes coursework, computer laboratory sessions, examinations, and a research thesis.

JKUAT charges approximately KES 140,000/year. MMUST charges approximately KES 124,000/year (KES 62,000/semester). TUK charges approximately KES 231,600/year (total KES 463,200). Entry requires a Bachelor's degree with Second Class Honours Upper Division in mathematics or related fields from a recognised university.

Graduates pursue careers as applied mathematicians, quantitative analysts, data scientists, operations research analysts, mathematical modellers, and lecturers in mathematics across financial institutions, research organisations, technology companies, and universities.

Skills Required

Numerical Analysis and Computational Methods
Differential Equations and Mathematical Modelling
Optimisation and Operations Research
Fluid Dynamics and Continuum Mechanics
Mathematical Programming and Algorithms
Statistical Analysis and Data Modelling
Mathematical Software and Programming
Quantitative Analysis and Problem Solving
Research Methods in Mathematics
Academic Writing and Thesis Research

Key Subjects

Numerical Analysis
Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations
Mathematical Modelling and Simulation
Optimisation and Operations Research
Computational Mathematics
Fluid Dynamics and Continuum Mechanics
Analytical Applied Mathematics
Research Methods in Mathematics
Statistical Analysis
Thesis Research

Certifications

Kenya Mathematical Society Membership
SIAM Professional Membership

Specializations

Numerical Analysis

Focuses on numerical analysis, covering numerical methods, computational techniques, error analysis, and managing numerical computation.

Mathematical Modelling

Examines mathematical modelling, covering model development, simulation, model validation, and managing mathematical modelling.

Optimisation

Covers optimisation, covering linear programming, nonlinear optimisation, integer programming, and managing optimisation problems.

Fluid Dynamics

Focuses on fluid dynamics, covering fluid mechanics, Navier-Stokes equations, computational fluid dynamics, and managing fluid dynamics research.

Computational Mathematics

Examines computational mathematics, covering algorithms, computational methods, scientific computing, and managing computational mathematics.

Financial Mathematics

Covers financial mathematics, covering financial models, risk analysis, derivative pricing, and managing financial mathematics applications.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 231,600
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

Numerical Analysis
Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations
Mathematical Modelling and Simulation
Optimisation and Operations Research
Computational Mathematics
Fluid Dynamics and Continuum Mechanics
Analytical Applied Mathematics
Research Methods in Mathematics
Statistical Analysis
Thesis Research

Modules

12 in the programme

Numerical Analysis I
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines numerical methods, computational techniques, error analysis, interpolation, numerical integration, and managing numerical computation.
Ordinary Differential Equations I
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers ordinary differential equations, initial value problems, boundary value problems, stability analysis, and managing differential equation analysis.
Analytical Applied Mathematics I
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines analytical methods, complex analysis, integral transforms, special functions, and managing analytical mathematics.
Research Methods in Mathematics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers research design, data collection, analysis, ethical issues, and conducting mathematics research, preparing students for their thesis.
Partial Differential Equations I
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers partial differential equations, classification, boundary value problems, separation of variables, and managing PDE analysis.
Mathematical Modelling and Simulation
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines model development, simulation, model validation, parameter estimation, and managing mathematical modelling.
Optimisation and Operations Research
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers linear programming, nonlinear optimisation, integer programming, network optimisation, and managing optimisation problems.
Computational Mathematics
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines algorithms, computational methods, scientific computing, programming, and managing computational mathematics.
Fluid Dynamics and Continuum Mechanics
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers fluid mechanics, Navier-Stokes equations, computational fluid dynamics, continuum mechanics, and managing fluid dynamics research.
Numerical Analysis II
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines advanced numerical methods, finite difference methods, finite element methods, eigenvalue problems, and managing advanced numerical computation.
Statistical Analysis and Data Modelling
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers statistical methods, data analysis, stochastic processes, statistical modelling, and managing statistical analysis in mathematics.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research thesis on an applied mathematics topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and mathematical knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Numerical Analysis
Focuses on numerical analysis, covering numerical methods, computational techniques, error analysis, and managing numerical computation.
Mathematical Modelling
Examines mathematical modelling, covering model development, simulation, model validation, and managing mathematical modelling.
Optimisation
Covers optimisation, covering linear programming, nonlinear optimisation, integer programming, and managing optimisation problems.
Fluid Dynamics
Focuses on fluid dynamics, covering fluid mechanics, Navier-Stokes equations, computational fluid dynamics, and managing fluid dynamics research.
Computational Mathematics
Examines computational mathematics, covering algorithms, computational methods, scientific computing, and managing computational mathematics.
Financial Mathematics
Covers financial mathematics, covering financial models, risk analysis, derivative pricing, and managing financial mathematics applications.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc in Applied Mathematics programme combines lectures, computer laboratory sessions, seminars, and independent study. Sessions cover numerical analysis, differential equations, mathematical modelling, optimisation, and computational mathematics. Numerical analysis sessions examine numerical methods, computational techniques, error analysis, interpolation, and managing numerical computation. Differential equations sessions cover ordinary differential equations, partial differential equations, boundary value problems, and managing differential equation analysis. Mathematical modelling sessions cover model development, simulation, model validation, parameter estimation, and managing mathematical modelling. Optimisation sessions cover linear programming, nonlinear optimisation, integer programming, and managing optimisation problems. Computational mathematics sessions cover algorithms, computational methods, scientific computing, programming, and managing computational mathematics. Fluid dynamics sessions cover fluid mechanics, Navier-Stokes equations, computational fluid dynamics, and managing fluid dynamics research. Research methods sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering research design, data collection, and analysis. Computer laboratory sessions provide hands-on experience with mathematical software, programming, computational methods, and numerical analysis tools. Seminars and discussion groups provide opportunities for debating current issues in applied mathematics. Guest lectures from experienced mathematicians, data scientists, and industry professionals provide practical insights. The programme culminates in a research thesis on an applied mathematics topic.

The trade offs

In its favour

High demand for applied mathematicians with growing data science, financial technology, and computational needs in Kenya.
Programme is offered by multiple universities (KU, JKUAT, Moi, MMU, TUK, MMUST), providing institutional choice.
MMUST offers affordable fees at approximately KES 124,000/year.
Programme provides versatile skills applicable to finance, technology, engineering, research, and academia.

Against it

TUK fees are relatively high at approximately KES 231,600/year (total KES 463,200).
Some university fees not independently verified, limiting fee comparison.
No private university confirmed offering this exact programme, limiting options.
Programme requires strong background in mathematics and programming, 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

Public131k to 232k

131k at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology232k at Technical University of Kenya

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

MMUST 130.9K/yr (MMUST PDF). TUK ~231.6K/yr (intake.tukenya.ac.ke). Private null.

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. Kenya Mathematical Society may provide training support for mathematics professionals. SIAM may provide training support for applied mathematics professionals. Some financial institutions and technology companies may sponsor staff for postgraduate study.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
KMS Training Support
SIAM Training Support

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities.
KMS Training Support
ScholarshipKsh 100,000Kenyan
Kenya Mathematical Society supports training for mathematics professionals.
SIAM Training Support
GrantKsh 200,000
Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics provides training support for applied mathematics professionals.

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 mathematics or related field. Lower Second Division holders with relevant experience or research evidence 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, problem sets, computer laboratory exercises, seminar presentations, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination40% of the mark
Written examinations covering numerical analysis, differential equations, mathematical modelling, optimisation, and computational mathematics.
Practical and Computational Assessment
Practical40% of the mark
Practical assessment through computer laboratory exercises, programming projects, computational methods, mathematical modelling projects, and demonstrating computational skills.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on an applied mathematics topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and mathematical knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Kenyatta University, JKUAT, Moi University, Multimedia University of Kenya, MMUST, and Technical University of Kenya (all public) offer MSc in Applied Mathematics. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate training in applied mathematics. Graduates are eligible for Kenya Mathematical Society membership and SIAM professional membership.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. Kenyatta University, JKUAT, Moi University, Multimedia University of Kenya, MMUST, and Technical University of Kenya (all public) offer MSc in Applied Mathematics. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate training in applied mathematics. Graduates are eligible for Kenya Mathematical Society membership and SIAM professional membership.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Applied Mathematician
High demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 600,000
Applies mathematical methods to real-world problems, overseeing modelling, analysis, computation, and managing mathematical applications.
Quantitative Analyst
High demandKsh 180,000 to Ksh 700,000
Conducts quantitative analysis, overseeing financial modelling, risk analysis, data analysis, and managing quantitative research.
Data Scientist
High demandKsh 180,000 to Ksh 700,000
Applies mathematical and statistical methods to data analysis, overseeing machine learning, statistical modelling, and managing data science projects.
Operations Research Analyst
Moderate demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 600,000
Conducts operations research, overseeing optimisation, simulation, decision analysis, and managing operations research.
Mathematical Modeller
Moderate demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 600,000
Develops mathematical models, overseeing model development, simulation, validation, and managing mathematical modelling.
Mathematics Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches mathematics at university or college level, overseeing instruction, research, computer laboratory supervision, and academic supervision.

Graduate outcomes

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

MATLAB
SoftwarePrimary
MATLAB for mathematical computation, covering numerical analysis, simulation, modelling, and managing mathematical computation.
Python
Software
Python programming for computational mathematics, covering scientific computing, data analysis, and managing computational methods.
R
Software
R statistical software for data analysis, covering statistical modelling, data visualisation, and managing statistical analysis.
Mathematica
Software
Mathematica for symbolic computation, covering algebraic computation, calculus, visualisation, and managing symbolic mathematics.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Applied mathematics is just about solving equations.
Applied mathematics covers comprehensive mathematical science including numerical analysis, modelling, optimisation, computational methods, and fluid dynamics.
This programme is only for those who want to teach.
Applied mathematics skills are valuable in finance, technology, data science, engineering, research, and any organisation dealing with quantitative analysis.
Applied mathematics has limited career prospects in Kenya.
With growing data science, financial technology, and computational needs, demand for applied mathematicians is increasing in Kenya.
This programme is the same as pure mathematics.
Applied mathematics focuses on practical applications of mathematics, while pure mathematics focuses on abstract mathematical theory.
Mathematical modelling is just about creating formulas.
Mathematical modelling involves model development, simulation, validation, parameter estimation, and practical application to real-world problems.
Computational mathematics is just about using calculators.
Computational mathematics involves algorithms, scientific computing, programming, and advanced computational methods for solving complex mathematical problems.