Education

Master of Science (Health Promotion and Sports Science)

The Master of Science in Health Promotion and Sports Science is a postgraduate programme that prepares professionals for advanced practice in health promotion, exercise science, and sports performance. The programme combines health promotion theory with exercise physiology and sports science application.

Core areas include health promotion, exercise physiology, sports psychology, nutrition for exercise, therapeutic modalities, laboratory methods, chronic disease exercise, research methods, and thesis. Students engage with both health promotion theory and practical sports science application through coursework and research.

The programme is offered by Masinde Muliro University and Kenyatta University. Both are public universities offering the programme over two academic years through full-time and part-time modes of study.

Students develop competencies in health promotion, exercise physiology, sports psychology, nutrition for exercise, therapeutic modalities, laboratory methods, exercise in chronic diseases, and research methods. The programme includes coursework, laboratory practicals, field experiences, examinations, and a research thesis.

KU charges KES 295,800/year (East Africans) or KES 369,750/year (non-East Africans). MMUST fees not independently verified. Entry requires a Bachelor's degree with First Class or Second Class Honours Upper Division in physical education, exercise and sports science, health sciences, or related fields from a recognised university.

Graduates pursue careers as health promotion specialists, exercise physiologists, sports scientists, sports psychology consultants, fitness programme managers, and lecturers in health promotion and sports science across health institutions, sports organisations, and educational institutions.

Skills Required

Health Promotion Programme Design and Implementation
Exercise Physiology and Assessment
Sports Psychology and Mental Performance
Nutrition for Exercise and Sports
Therapeutic Modalities in Exercise and Sports
Laboratory Methods in Human Movement and Performance
Exercise Prescription for Chronic Diseases
Sports Performance Analysis
Research Methods in Sports Science
Academic Writing and Thesis Research

Key Subjects

Applied Exercise Physiology
Health Promotion and Physical Activity
Nutrition for Exercise and Sports
Applied Therapeutic Modalities in Exercise and Sports
Laboratory Methods in Human Movement and Performance
Exercise in Chronic Diseases
Advanced Sports and Exercise Psychology
Research Methods in Sports Science
Pharmacology in Sport and Exercise
Thesis Research

Certifications

KAS Professional Certification
ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist

Specializations

Exercise Physiology

Focuses on exercise physiology, covering exercise assessment, physiological testing, exercise prescription, and managing exercise physiology services.

Sports Psychology

Examines sports psychology, covering mental performance, motivation, anxiety management, and managing sports psychology services.

Health Promotion

Covers health promotion, covering health promotion programmes, physical activity promotion, health education, and managing health promotion initiatives.

Sports Nutrition

Focuses on sports nutrition, covering nutrition for exercise, dietary assessment, supplementation, and managing sports nutrition programmes.

Therapeutic Exercise

Examines therapeutic exercise, covering exercise therapy, rehabilitation, injury prevention, and managing therapeutic exercise programmes.

Exercise in Chronic Diseases

Covers exercise in chronic diseases, covering exercise prescription for chronic conditions, disease management, and managing exercise programmes for chronic disease patients.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 295,800
Private, up to: Ksh 191,050
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

Applied Exercise Physiology
Health Promotion and Physical Activity
Nutrition for Exercise and Sports
Applied Therapeutic Modalities in Exercise and Sports
Laboratory Methods in Human Movement and Performance
Exercise in Chronic Diseases
Advanced Sports and Exercise Psychology
Research Methods in Sports Science
Pharmacology in Sport and Exercise
Thesis Research

Modules

12 in the programme

Applied Exercise Physiology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines exercise assessment, physiological testing, exercise prescription, exercise response, and managing exercise physiology.
Nutrition for Exercise and Sports
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers nutrition for exercise, dietary assessment, supplementation, energy systems, and managing sports nutrition.
Laboratory Methods in Human Movement and Performance
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines physiological measurement, performance testing, data collection, laboratory techniques, and managing laboratory analysis.
Research Methods in Sports Science
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers research design, data collection, analysis, and conducting sports science research, preparing students for their thesis.
Applied Therapeutic Modalities in Exercise and Sports
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers exercise therapy, rehabilitation, injury prevention, therapeutic techniques, and managing therapeutic exercise.
Exercise in Chronic Diseases
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines exercise prescription for chronic conditions, disease management, cardiovascular exercise, and managing exercise programmes for chronic disease patients.
Advanced Sports and Exercise Psychology
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers mental performance, motivation, anxiety management, concentration, team dynamics, and managing sports psychology.
Health Promotion and Physical Activity
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines health promotion programmes, physical activity promotion, health education, behaviour change, and managing health promotion.
Pharmacology in Sport and Exercise
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers pharmacology in sport, performance-enhancing substances, drug testing, medication effects on exercise, and managing pharmacology in sport.
Exercise and Sports in Disability
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines adapted physical activity, exercise for disabilities, inclusive sports, and managing exercise programmes for persons with disabilities.
Statistics in Sports Science
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers statistical methods, data analysis, research statistics, and analysing and interpreting sports science research data.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research thesis on a health promotion or sports science topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and sports science knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Exercise Physiology
Focuses on exercise physiology, covering exercise assessment, physiological testing, exercise prescription, and managing exercise physiology services.
Sports Psychology
Examines sports psychology, covering mental performance, motivation, anxiety management, and managing sports psychology services.
Health Promotion
Covers health promotion, covering health promotion programmes, physical activity promotion, health education, and managing health promotion initiatives.
Sports Nutrition
Focuses on sports nutrition, covering nutrition for exercise, dietary assessment, supplementation, and managing sports nutrition programmes.
Therapeutic Exercise
Examines therapeutic exercise, covering exercise therapy, rehabilitation, injury prevention, and managing therapeutic exercise programmes.
Exercise in Chronic Diseases
Covers exercise in chronic diseases, covering exercise prescription for chronic conditions, disease management, and managing exercise programmes for chronic disease patients.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc in Health Promotion and Sports Science programme combines lectures, laboratory practicals, field experiences, seminars, and independent study. Sessions cover exercise physiology, health promotion, sports psychology, nutrition, and therapeutic modalities. Exercise physiology sessions examine exercise assessment, physiological testing, exercise prescription, and managing exercise physiology. Health promotion sessions cover health promotion programmes, physical activity promotion, health education, and managing health promotion. Sports psychology sessions cover mental performance, motivation, anxiety management, and managing sports psychology. Nutrition sessions cover nutrition for exercise, dietary assessment, supplementation, and managing sports nutrition. Therapeutic modalities sessions cover exercise therapy, rehabilitation, injury prevention, and managing therapeutic exercise. Laboratory methods sessions cover physiological measurement, performance testing, data collection, and managing laboratory analysis. Chronic disease sessions cover exercise prescription for chronic conditions, disease management, and managing exercise programmes for chronic disease patients. Research methods sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering research design, data collection, and analysis. Laboratory practicals provide hands-on experience with physiological testing, exercise assessment, and laboratory techniques. Field experiences provide practical experience with sports teams, health programmes, and field data collection. Seminars and discussion groups provide opportunities for debating current issues in health promotion and sports science. Guest lectures from experienced exercise physiologists, sports scientists, and health promotion specialists provide practical insights. The programme culminates in a research thesis on a health promotion or sports science topic.

The trade offs

In its favour

Growing demand for health promotion and sports science professionals with increasing non-communicable disease focus and sports development in Kenya.
Programme is offered by multiple universities (MMUST, KU), providing institutional choice.
Programme combines health promotion with sports science, providing versatile skills for both health and sports sectors.
KU offers competitive fees at KES 295,800/year with access to well-equipped laboratories.

Against it

MMUST fees not independently verified, limiting fee comparison.
No private university confirmed offering this exact programme, limiting options.
Programme requires strong background in physical education or health sciences, which may limit access.
Career prospects may be concentrated in specific sectors (sports, health, education), limiting options in other sectors.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 243 education courses

Public94k to 296k

94k at The Open University of Kenya296k at Kenyatta University

Private165k to 191k

165k at Kabarak University191k at Africa International 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 MSc 296K/yr (joweri.com). OUK 94K/yr (ouk.ac.ke). Kabarak 165K/yr (KabU PDF), AIU 191K/yr (AIU site).

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. KAS may provide training support for sports professionals. WHO may provide training support for health promotion professionals. Some sports organisations and health institutions may sponsor staff for postgraduate study.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
KAS Training Support
WHO Training Support

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities.
KAS Training Support
ScholarshipKsh 150,000Kenyan
Kenya Academy of Sports supports training for sports professionals.
WHO Training Support
GrantKsh 250,000
World Health Organization provides training support for health promotion 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 First Class or Upper Second Class Honours in physical education, exercise science, health sciences, or related field. Lower Second Division holders with relevant experience are considered. Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Administration and Management may also be accepted. 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, practical demonstrations, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination40% of the mark
Written examinations covering exercise physiology, health promotion, sports psychology, nutrition, and therapeutic modalities.
Practical and Laboratory Assessment
Practical40% of the mark
Practical assessment through laboratory exercises, physiological testing, exercise prescription projects, field experiences, and demonstrating sports science skills.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on a health promotion or sports science topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and sports science knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Masinde Muliro University and Kenyatta University (both public) offer MSc in Health Promotion and Sports Science. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate training in health promotion and sports science. Graduates are eligible for KAS professional certification and ACSM certified exercise physiologist certification.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. Masinde Muliro University and Kenyatta University (both public) offer MSc in Health Promotion and Sports Science. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate training in health promotion and sports science. Graduates are eligible for KAS professional certification and ACSM certified exercise physiologist certification.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Health Promotion Specialist
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Manages health promotion programmes, overseeing physical activity promotion, health education, and managing health promotion initiatives.
Exercise Physiologist
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Manages exercise physiology services, overseeing exercise assessment, physiological testing, exercise prescription, and managing exercise physiology.
Sports Scientist
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 600,000
Conducts sports science research, overseeing performance analysis, physiological assessment, and managing sports science services.
Sports Psychology Consultant
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Consults on sports psychology, providing mental performance support, anxiety management, and managing sports psychology services.
Fitness Programme Manager
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Manages fitness programmes, overseeing programme design, implementation, staff management, and managing fitness operations.
Sports Science Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches health promotion and sports 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

Metabolic Cart
EquipmentPrimary
Metabolic cart for exercise physiology testing, covering VO2 max testing, metabolic assessment, and managing physiological measurement.
Heart Rate Monitors
Equipment
Heart rate monitors for exercise monitoring, covering heart rate assessment, exercise intensity, and managing exercise monitoring.
SPSS
Software
SPSS statistical software for sports science research, covering data analysis, statistical tests, and managing research data.
Motion Analysis Software
Software
Motion analysis software for biomechanics, covering movement analysis, performance assessment, and managing biomechanical data.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Sports science is just about coaching athletes.
Sports science covers comprehensive exercise science including physiology, psychology, nutrition, health promotion, and therapeutic exercise.
This programme is only for those working in sports.
Health promotion and sports science skills are valuable in healthcare, fitness industry, education, public health, and any organisation dealing with physical activity and health.
Health promotion is just about telling people to exercise.
Health promotion covers comprehensive programme design, behaviour change, policy development, and community engagement for physical activity and health.
Exercise physiology is just about fitness testing.
Exercise physiology covers comprehensive physiological assessment, exercise prescription, chronic disease management, and performance optimisation.
This programme has limited career prospects in Kenya.
With growing fitness industry, sports development, and non-communicable disease focus, demand for health promotion and sports science professionals is increasing in Kenya.
Sports psychology is just about motivation.
Sports psychology covers comprehensive mental performance including anxiety management, concentration, confidence, team dynamics, and mental health in sports.