Science

Master of Science (Chemistry)

The Master of Science in Chemistry is a postgraduate programme that prepares professionals for advanced practice in chemical science, analytical chemistry, and industrial chemistry. The programme combines theoretical chemistry with practical laboratory skills and research methodology.

Core areas include organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, analytical chemistry, environmental chemistry, industrial chemistry, natural products chemistry, spectroscopy, research methods, and thesis. Students engage with both chemical theory and practical laboratory application across diverse chemical disciplines.

The programme is offered by the University of Nairobi, JKUAT, Egerton University, University of Kabianga, and Masinde Muliro University. All are public universities offering the programme over two academic years through full-time and part-time modes of study.

Students develop competencies in chemical analysis, spectroscopy, chromatography, organic synthesis, environmental monitoring, quality control, industrial processes, and research methods. The programme includes coursework, laboratory practicals, examinations, and a research thesis.

UoN charges approximately KES 361,500/year (total KES 723,000). JKUAT charges KES 140,000/year. MMUST charges KES 62,000/semester (approximately KES 124,000/year). Entry requires a Bachelor's degree in chemistry or related fields with at least Second Class Honours Upper Division from a recognised university.

Graduates pursue careers as analytical chemists, quality control managers, industrial chemists, research officers, environmental chemists, and lecturers in chemistry and chemical sciences across academia, industry, and government.

Skills Required

Analytical Chemistry and Instrumentation
Organic Synthesis and Reaction Mechanisms
Spectroscopy and Structural Analysis
Chromatography and Separation Techniques
Environmental Chemistry and Monitoring
Industrial Chemistry and Process Control
Natural Products Chemistry
Quality Control and Quality Assurance
Research Methods in Chemistry
Academic Writing and Thesis Research

Key Subjects

Advanced Organic Chemistry
Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
Advanced Physical Chemistry
Analytical Chemistry and Instrumentation
Environmental Chemistry
Industrial Chemistry
Natural Products Chemistry
Spectroscopy and Structural Analysis
Research Methods in Chemistry
Thesis Research

Certifications

KCS Professional Membership
KEBS Laboratory Certification

Specializations

Analytical Chemistry

Focuses on analytical chemistry, covering instrumental analysis, spectroscopy, chromatography, and managing analytical chemistry services.

Organic Chemistry

Examines organic chemistry, covering organic synthesis, reaction mechanisms, natural products, and managing organic chemistry research.

Physical Chemistry

Covers physical chemistry, covering thermodynamics, kinetics, quantum chemistry, and managing physical chemistry research.

Environmental Chemistry

Focuses on environmental chemistry, covering environmental monitoring, pollution analysis, environmental remediation, and managing environmental chemistry.

Industrial Chemistry

Examines industrial chemistry, covering chemical processes, industrial production, process optimisation, and managing industrial chemistry operations.

Natural Products Chemistry

Covers natural products chemistry, covering natural product isolation, characterisation, bioactive compounds, and managing natural products research.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 361,500
Private, up to: Ksh 205,200
Job market: Moderate

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 Organic Chemistry
Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
Advanced Physical Chemistry
Analytical Chemistry and Instrumentation
Environmental Chemistry
Industrial Chemistry
Natural Products Chemistry
Spectroscopy and Structural Analysis
Research Methods in Chemistry
Thesis Research

Modules

12 in the programme

Advanced Organic Chemistry
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines organic synthesis, reaction mechanisms, natural products, stereochemistry, and managing organic chemistry research.
Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers coordination chemistry, organometallic chemistry, inorganic synthesis, solid-state chemistry, and managing inorganic chemistry.
Advanced Physical Chemistry
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines thermodynamics, kinetics, quantum chemistry, surface chemistry, and managing physical chemistry research.
Analytical Chemistry and Instrumentation
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers instrumental analysis, spectroscopy, chromatography, electroanalytical methods, and managing analytical chemistry services.
Research Methods in Chemistry
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers research design, data collection, analysis, and conducting chemistry research, preparing students for their thesis.
Environmental Chemistry
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines environmental monitoring, pollution analysis, environmental remediation, water chemistry, and managing environmental chemistry.
Industrial Chemistry
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers chemical processes, industrial production, process optimisation, chemical engineering, and managing industrial chemistry operations.
Natural Products Chemistry
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines natural product isolation, characterisation, bioactive compounds, medicinal chemistry, and managing natural products research.
Spectroscopy and Structural Analysis
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, IR spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and managing structural analysis.
Quality Control and Quality Assurance
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines quality control, quality assurance, GMP, ISO standards, and managing quality systems in chemical industries.
Research Seminar
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Preparation of research proposal and thesis, including research design, literature review, methodology, and presentation.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research thesis on a chemistry topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and chemical knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Analytical Chemistry
Focuses on analytical chemistry, covering instrumental analysis, spectroscopy, chromatography, and managing analytical chemistry services.
Organic Chemistry
Examines organic chemistry, covering organic synthesis, reaction mechanisms, natural products, and managing organic chemistry research.
Physical Chemistry
Covers physical chemistry, covering thermodynamics, kinetics, quantum chemistry, and managing physical chemistry research.
Environmental Chemistry
Focuses on environmental chemistry, covering environmental monitoring, pollution analysis, environmental remediation, and managing environmental chemistry.
Industrial Chemistry
Examines industrial chemistry, covering chemical processes, industrial production, process optimisation, and managing industrial chemistry operations.
Natural Products Chemistry
Covers natural products chemistry, covering natural product isolation, characterisation, bioactive compounds, and managing natural products research.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc in Chemistry programme combines lectures, laboratory practicals, seminars, and independent study. Sessions cover organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, analytical chemistry, and environmental chemistry. Organic chemistry sessions examine organic synthesis, reaction mechanisms, natural products, and managing organic chemistry research. Inorganic chemistry sessions cover coordination chemistry, organometallic chemistry, inorganic synthesis, and managing inorganic chemistry. Physical chemistry sessions cover thermodynamics, kinetics, quantum chemistry, and managing physical chemistry. Analytical chemistry sessions cover instrumental analysis, spectroscopy, chromatography, and managing analytical chemistry. Environmental chemistry sessions cover environmental monitoring, pollution analysis, environmental remediation, and managing environmental chemistry. Industrial chemistry sessions cover chemical processes, industrial production, process optimisation, and managing industrial chemistry. Natural products sessions cover natural product isolation, characterisation, bioactive compounds, and managing natural products 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, synthesis, spectroscopy, and laboratory techniques. Seminars and discussion groups provide opportunities for debating current issues in chemistry. Guest lectures from experienced chemists, industrial chemists, and researchers provide practical insights. The programme culminates in a research thesis on a chemistry topic.

The trade offs

In its favour

Growing demand for chemistry professionals in Kenya's expanding industrial, environmental, and quality control sectors.
Programme is offered by multiple universities (UoN, JKUAT, Egerton, Kabianga, MMUST), providing institutional choice.
Programme offers diverse specialisations (analytical, organic, inorganic, physical, environmental, industrial, natural products).
MMUST offers affordable fees at approximately KES 124,000/year.

Against it

UoN fees are relatively high at approximately KES 361,500/year (total KES 723,000).
No private university confirmed offering this exact programme, limiting options for private institution preference.
Programme requires strong mathematics and physics background, which may be challenging for some students.
Laboratory work may involve handling hazardous chemicals, requiring strict safety protocols.

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 362k

131k at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology362k at University of Nairobi

Private205k to 205k

205k at Kabarak University205k at Kabarak 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 ~361.5K/yr (chemistry.uonbi.ac.ke). MMUST 130.9K/yr. Kabarak ~205.2K/yr (kabarak.ac.ke).

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. KEBS may provide training support for standards and quality professionals. IUPAC may provide training support for chemists in developing countries. Some chemical industry companies may sponsor staff for postgraduate study.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
KEBS Training Support
IUPAC Training Support

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities.
KEBS Training Support
ScholarshipKsh 150,000Kenyan
Kenya Bureau of Standards supports training for standards and quality professionals.
IUPAC Training Support
GrantKsh 200,000
International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry provides training support for chemists 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 BEd with chemistry major. 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 organic, inorganic, physical, analytical, environmental, and industrial chemistry.
Practical and Laboratory Assessment
Practical40% of the mark
Practical assessment through laboratory exercises, instrumental analysis, synthesis projects, and demonstrating chemistry practical skills.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on a chemistry topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and chemical knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). University of Nairobi, JKUAT, Egerton University, University of Kabianga, and Masinde Muliro University (all public) offer MSc in Chemistry. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate training in chemistry. Graduates are eligible for KCS professional membership and KEBS laboratory certification.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. University of Nairobi, JKUAT, Egerton University, University of Kabianga, and Masinde Muliro University (all public) offer MSc in Chemistry. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate training in chemistry. Graduates are eligible for KCS professional membership and KEBS laboratory certification.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Analytical Chemist
High demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Manages analytical chemistry in laboratories, overseeing chemical analysis, instrumental analysis, and managing analytical services.
Quality Control Manager
High demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 600,000
Manages quality control in chemical industries, overseeing quality testing, quality systems, and managing quality assurance.
Industrial Chemist
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Works in chemical manufacturing, overseeing chemical processes, production optimisation, and managing industrial chemistry operations.
Environmental Chemist
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Manages environmental chemistry programmes, overseeing environmental monitoring, pollution analysis, and managing environmental remediation.
Chemistry Research Officer
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Conducts chemistry research, overseeing research design, data collection, analysis, and managing research activities.
Chemistry Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches chemistry at university or college level, overseeing instruction, research, laboratory supervision, and academic supervision.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as analytical chemists, quality control managers, industrial chemists, research officers, environmental chemists, and lecturers in chemistry and chemical sciences.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

HPLC System
EquipmentPrimary
High-performance liquid chromatography system for analytical chemistry, covering chemical separation, analysis, and managing analytical testing.
GC-MS System
Equipment
Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry system for chemical analysis, covering compound identification, quantification, and managing analytical data.
AAS
Equipment
Atomic absorption spectrometer for metal analysis, covering elemental analysis, trace metal determination, and managing analytical testing.
SPSS
Software
Statistical analysis software for chemistry research, data analysis, and analysing and interpreting research data for thesis.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Chemistry is just about mixing chemicals.
Chemistry covers comprehensive molecular science including synthesis, analysis, thermodynamics, kinetics, and environmental monitoring with significant industrial and research applications.
This programme is only for those who want to teach.
Chemistry skills are valuable in industry, research, environmental management, quality control, and any organisation dealing with chemical analysis and processes.
Chemistry has limited career prospects in Kenya.
With growing industrial sector, environmental concerns, and quality standards, demand for qualified chemists is increasing in Kenya.
This programme is not relevant to modern challenges.
Chemistry is critical to addressing environmental pollution, industrial development, quality standards, and sustainable materials.
Analytical chemistry is just about titrations.
Modern analytical chemistry uses advanced instrumentation including HPLC, GC-MS, AAS, and spectroscopy for precise chemical analysis.
Chemistry is a narrow field with no specialisation options.
Chemistry offers diverse specialisations including analytical, organic, inorganic, physical, environmental, industrial, and natural products chemistry.