Master of Science (Chemistry)
<p>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.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 361,500 a year at a public institution, Ksh 723,000 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 205,200 a year at a private one.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of N/A (Postgraduate) or above. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 2 years, full-time, part-time, with 0 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 17 institutions.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Early Childhood Strategist, at 10 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
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.
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 programmeAdvanced 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 | Against it |
|---|---|
| Growing demand for chemistry professionals in Kenya's expanding industrial, environmental, and quality control sectors. | UoN fees are relatively high at approximately KES 361,500/year (total KES 723,000). |
| Programme is offered by multiple universities (UoN, JKUAT, Egerton, Kabianga, MMUST), providing institutional choice. | No private university confirmed offering this exact programme, limiting options for private institution preference. |
| Programme offers diverse specialisations (analytical, organic, inorganic, physical, environmental, industrial, natural products). | Programme requires strong mathematics and physics background, which may be challenging for some students. |
| MMUST offers affordable fees at approximately KES 124,000/year. | 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 coursesAnnual 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 recordedHELB 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.
Scholarships you could apply for
3 usable where it is taught- Chevening Scholarships Kenya
Closes 30 November 2026FullUK Government
Full masters in UK
- AfDB Japan Scholarship Program
Closes 28 February 2027FullAfrican Development Bank
Full graduate study abroad
- DAAD In Country and In Region Scholarship
Closes 31 August 2027FullGerman Academic Exchange Service
Full masters/PhD + stipend
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
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.
When it next starts
Taught at 17 institutionsIncluding Pwani University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Moi University.
Including Pwani University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Moi University.
Including Pwani University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Moi University.
How you are assessed
4 componentsCoursework 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
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.
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.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
6 rolesAnalytical 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- Early Childhood StrategistEducation10Low exposure
- Special Needs EducatorEducation10Low exposure
- Career Guidance CounselorEducation11Low exposure
- Cloud Security EngineerTechnology14Low exposure
- Early Literacy SpecialistEducation14Low exposure
- Industrial Robotics ProgrammerTechnology14Low exposure
- STEM Laboratory EducatorEducation14Low exposure
- TVET Competency AssessorEducation14Low exposure
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.