Technology

Master of Science (Computer Science)

The Master of Science in Computer Science is a postgraduate programme that prepares professionals for advanced practice in computer science, software engineering, and computational systems. The programme combines computer science theory with software development and systems design application.

Core areas include algorithms, software engineering, distributed systems, artificial intelligence, data science, computer networks, database systems, machine learning, research methods, and project or thesis. Students engage with both computer science theory and practical software development through coursework and research.

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

Students develop competencies in algorithms, software engineering, distributed systems, artificial intelligence, data science, database systems, computer networks, and research methods. The programme includes coursework, laboratory sessions, examinations, and a research project or thesis.

UoN charges approximately KES 485,000/year (total KES 970,000). JKUAT charges approximately KES 252,500/year (total KES 505,000). Entry requires a Bachelor's degree with Second Class Honours in computer science, software engineering, computer engineering, or related fields from a recognised university.

Graduates pursue careers as software engineers, systems architects, data scientists, AI specialists, database administrators, and lecturers in computer science across technology companies, financial institutions, research organisations, and universities.

Skills Required

Algorithm Design and Analysis
Software Engineering and Development
Distributed Systems and Cloud Computing
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Database Systems and Data Management
Computer Networks and Security
Data Science and Analytics
Programming and Software Development
Research Methods in Computer Science
Academic Writing and Thesis Research

Key Subjects

Advanced Algorithms and Data Structures
Software Engineering and Design
Distributed Systems and Cloud Computing
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Database Systems and Management
Computer Networks and Security
Data Science and Analytics
Research Methods in Computer Science
Operating Systems
Project or Thesis Research

Certifications

ACM Professional Membership
IEEE Computer Society Membership

Specializations

Software Engineering

Focuses on software engineering, covering software design, development methodologies, software architecture, and managing software engineering projects.

Artificial Intelligence

Examines artificial intelligence, covering machine learning, neural networks, natural language processing, and managing AI systems.

Distributed Systems

Covers distributed systems, covering cloud computing, distributed computing, parallel processing, and managing distributed systems.

Data Science

Focuses on data science, covering data analytics, big data, statistical modelling, and managing data science projects.

Computer Networks

Examines computer networks, covering network design, protocols, network security, and managing computer networks.

Database Systems

Covers database systems, covering database design, query optimisation, data warehousing, and managing database systems.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 485,000
Private, up to: Ksh 476,250
Job market: Very high

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Evening, Weekend
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 25 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Advanced Algorithms and Data Structures
Software Engineering and Design
Distributed Systems and Cloud Computing
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Database Systems and Management
Computer Networks and Security
Data Science and Analytics
Research Methods in Computer Science
Operating Systems
Project or Thesis Research

Modules

12 in the programme

Advanced Algorithms and Data Structures
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines algorithm design, complexity analysis, advanced data structures, graph algorithms, and managing algorithm development.
Software Engineering and Design
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers software design, development methodologies, software architecture, testing, and managing software engineering projects.
Database Systems and Management
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines database design, query optimisation, data warehousing, NoSQL databases, and managing database systems.
Research Methods in Computer Science
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers research design, data collection, analysis, ethical issues, and conducting computer science research, preparing students for their project or thesis.
Distributed Systems and Cloud Computing
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers cloud computing, distributed computing, parallel processing, microservices, and managing distributed systems.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines machine learning, neural networks, natural language processing, deep learning, and managing AI systems.
Computer Networks and Security
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers network design, protocols, network security, cryptography, and managing computer networks.
Data Science and Analytics
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines data analytics, big data, statistical modelling, data visualisation, and managing data science projects.
Operating Systems and Systems Programming
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers operating system design, process management, memory management, systems programming, and managing operating systems.
Human-Computer Interaction
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines HCI principles, user interface design, usability evaluation, user experience, and managing HCI in software development.
Mobile and Web Application Development
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers mobile application development, web frameworks, API design, cross-platform development, and managing application development.
Research Project or Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research project or thesis on a computer science topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and computer science knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Software Engineering
Focuses on software engineering, covering software design, development methodologies, software architecture, and managing software engineering projects.
Artificial Intelligence
Examines artificial intelligence, covering machine learning, neural networks, natural language processing, and managing AI systems.
Distributed Systems
Covers distributed systems, covering cloud computing, distributed computing, parallel processing, and managing distributed systems.
Data Science
Focuses on data science, covering data analytics, big data, statistical modelling, and managing data science projects.
Computer Networks
Examines computer networks, covering network design, protocols, network security, and managing computer networks.
Database Systems
Covers database systems, covering database design, query optimisation, data warehousing, and managing database systems.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc in Computer Science programme combines lectures, programming laboratory sessions, seminars, project work, and independent study. Sessions cover algorithms, software engineering, distributed systems, artificial intelligence, and data science. Algorithms sessions examine algorithm design, complexity analysis, data structures, optimisation, and managing algorithm development. Software engineering sessions cover software design, development methodologies, software architecture, testing, and managing software engineering. Distributed systems sessions cover cloud computing, distributed computing, parallel processing, and managing distributed systems. Artificial intelligence sessions cover machine learning, neural networks, natural language processing, and managing AI systems. Data science sessions cover data analytics, big data, statistical modelling, and managing data science projects. Database systems sessions cover database design, query optimisation, data warehousing, and managing database systems. Computer networks sessions cover network design, protocols, network security, and managing computer networks. Research methods sessions prepare students for their project or thesis, covering research design, data collection, and analysis. Programming laboratory sessions provide hands-on experience with programming languages, development tools, software development, and computational methods. Project work provides practical experience with software development projects, system design, and implementation. Seminars and discussion groups provide opportunities for debating current issues in computer science. Guest lectures from experienced software engineers, data scientists, and technology leaders provide practical insights. The programme culminates in a research project or thesis on a computer science topic.

The trade offs

In its favour

Very high demand for computer science professionals with digital transformation, fintech, AI, and technology growth in Kenya.
Programme is offered by multiple universities (UoN, KU, JKUAT), providing institutional choice.
JKUAT offers competitive fees at approximately KES 252,500/year (total KES 505,000).
Programme provides versatile skills applicable to technology, finance, research, academia, and entrepreneurship.

Against it

UoN fees are relatively high at approximately KES 485,000/year (total KES 970,000).
KU fees not independently verified, limiting fee comparison.
No private university confirmed offering this exact programme name, though Strathmore offers related programmes.
Programme requires strong background in programming 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 191 technology courses

Public254k to 485k

254k at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology485k at University of Nairobi

Private476k to 476k

476k at Strathmore University476k at Strathmore 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 ~485K/yr (uonbi.ac.ke). JKUAT ~254K/yr (jkuat.ac.ke). Strathmore MSc CIS 476K/yr (kenyaeducationguide).

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. KU may offer postgraduate bursaries for eligible students. ACM may provide training support for computer science professionals. Some technology companies and financial institutions may sponsor staff for postgraduate study.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
KU Postgraduate Bursary
ACM 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.
ACM Training Support
GrantKsh 200,000
Association for Computing Machinery provides training support for computer science 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 computer science or related field. Lower Second Division holders and Postgraduate Diploma holders are also 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, programming exercises, laboratory reports, seminar presentations, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination40% of the mark
Written examinations covering algorithms, software engineering, distributed systems, AI, and database systems.
Practical and Laboratory Assessment
Practical40% of the mark
Practical assessment through programming projects, laboratory exercises, software development, system design, and demonstrating computer science skills.
Research Project or Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research project or thesis on a computer science topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and computer science knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, and JKUAT (all public) offer MSc in Computer Science. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate training in computer science. Graduates are eligible for ACM professional membership and IEEE Computer Society membership.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, and JKUAT (all public) offer MSc in Computer Science. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate training in computer science. Graduates are eligible for ACM professional membership and IEEE Computer Society membership.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Software Engineer
Very high demandKsh 200,000 to Ksh 800,000
Develops software systems, overseeing software design, development, testing, deployment, and managing software engineering projects.
Systems Architect
High demandKsh 250,000 to Ksh 900,000
Designs system architecture, overseeing architecture design, technology selection, system integration, and managing systems architecture.
Data Scientist
Very high demandKsh 200,000 to Ksh 800,000
Applies data science methods, overseeing data analysis, machine learning, statistical modelling, and managing data science projects.
AI Specialist
High demandKsh 250,000 to Ksh 900,000
Develops AI systems, overseeing machine learning, neural networks, NLP, and managing AI development.
Database Administrator
High demandKsh 180,000 to Ksh 700,000
Manages database systems, overseeing database design, performance tuning, security, and managing database operations.
Computer Science Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Teaches computer science 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

Python
SoftwarePrimary
Python programming for computer science, covering data science, machine learning, web development, and managing computational tasks.
Git
Software
Git version control for software development, covering version management, collaboration, code review, and managing software development.
Docker
Software
Docker for containerisation, covering container management, deployment, microservices, and managing containerised applications.
TensorFlow
Software
TensorFlow for machine learning, covering neural networks, deep learning, model training, and managing ML model development.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Computer science is just about programming.
Computer science covers comprehensive computational science including algorithms, software engineering, distributed systems, AI, and data science.
This programme is only for those who want to be developers.
Computer science skills are valuable in research, data science, AI, systems architecture, academia, and any organisation dealing with computational systems.
Computer science has limited career prospects in Kenya.
With digital transformation, fintech, AI, and technology growth, demand for computer science professionals is very high in Kenya.
This programme is the same as IT.
Computer science focuses on computational theory and software development, while IT focuses on information systems and technology management.
AI and machine learning are just buzzwords.
AI and machine learning are rigorous fields involving mathematical foundations, algorithm design, and practical applications across industries.
You need to be a genius to study computer science at master's level.
MSc Computer Science requires dedication and strong foundations, but is accessible to anyone with a relevant bachelor's degree and willingness to learn.