Master of Science in Advanced Manufacturing and Automation Engineering
The Master of Science in Advanced Manufacturing and Automation Engineering provides advanced training in manufacturing systems, automation, robotics, and smart manufacturing technologies. Students learn advanced manufacturing processes, automation systems, robotics, computer-aided manufacturing, and Industry 4.0 technologies. The programme is designed for engineering graduates seeking advanced manufacturing and automation qualifications.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 200,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 400,000 for the whole course.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of Bachelor's Degree (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 1 institution.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Overhead Transmission Technician, at 10 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
Students develop advanced competencies in advanced manufacturing processes, automation systems design, robotics, computer-aided manufacturing, industrial IoT, and smart manufacturing. The curriculum covers advanced manufacturing, automation engineering, robotics, CNC machining, additive manufacturing, research methods, and a research thesis. Practical skills are developed through laboratory work and industry projects.
Advanced manufacturing expertise is critical for Kenya's industrialisation agenda. Manufacturing companies, technology firms, and industrial enterprises require trained engineers with advanced manufacturing and automation skills. Kenya's push for industrialisation and technology adoption creates demand for manufacturing engineering expertise. The programme addresses the demand for advanced manufacturing training.
The programme combines classroom lectures with laboratory work, industry projects, and research. Students study manufacturing concepts, design automation systems, programme robots, and conduct research. Teaching methods include lectures, laboratory sessions, industry projects, and research supervision. The programme is offered in full-time and part-time modes.
Graduates find employment as manufacturing engineers, automation engineers, robotics engineers, or production managers in manufacturing companies, technology firms, and industrial enterprises. The master's degree supports careers in advanced manufacturing, automation, and industrial engineering.
This programme is ideal for mechanical and mechatronics engineering graduates seeking advanced manufacturing and automation qualifications. The programme provides advanced skills for manufacturing systems, automation, and smart manufacturing.
What you study
10 subjects- Advanced Manufacturing Processes
- Automation Systems Design
- Robotics and Robot Programming
- Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM)
- Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing
- Industrial IoT and Industry 4.0
- CNC Machining and Programming
- Manufacturing Systems Engineering
- Research Methods
- Thesis Research
Modules
8 in the programmeAdvanced Manufacturing Processes
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Advanced manufacturing processes covering machining, forming, joining, additive manufacturing, and advanced manufacturing technologies and techniques.
Automation Systems Design
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Automation systems design covering PLC programming, SCADA systems, industrial automation, and the design and implementation of automated manufacturing systems.
Robotics and Robot Programming
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Robotics covering robot kinematics, dynamics, control, robot programming, and industrial robot applications in manufacturing.
Research Methods and Statistics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Research methods covering research design, statistical analysis, engineering research, and research ethics.
Computer-Aided Manufacturing and CNC
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Computer-aided manufacturing covering CAM software, CNC programming, tool path generation, and CNC machining operations.
Industrial IoT and Industry 4.0
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Industrial IoT and Industry 4.0 covering smart manufacturing, connected factories, data analytics in manufacturing, and digital transformation of manufacturing.
Manufacturing Systems Engineering
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Manufacturing systems engineering covering production planning, lean manufacturing, quality systems, and manufacturing system design and optimisation.
Thesis Research and Defence
Year 2Semester 16 creditsCore
A research thesis on an advanced manufacturing or automation topic, demonstrating research competence and contributing to manufacturing engineering knowledge.
Specialisations
Robotics and Automation
Focus on industrial robotics, robot programming, and automation system design for manufacturing applications.
Additive Manufacturing
Focus on 3D printing, additive manufacturing processes, and design for additive manufacturing.
Smart Manufacturing and Industry 4.0
Focus on Industrial IoT, data analytics, smart factories, and digital transformation of manufacturing.
A day as a student
A typical day combines morning lectures on manufacturing processes or automation theory with afternoon laboratory sessions and industry project work. Students study manufacturing concepts, design automation systems, programme robots, operate CNC machines, and conduct research. Laboratory work provides hands-on experience with manufacturing equipment, robotics, and automation systems. Industry projects connect students with real manufacturing challenges. The programme emphasises manufacturing competence, automation skills, and research capabilities.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Advanced manufacturing and automation skills are increasingly in demand as Kenya industrialises. | The programme is offered at only one university, limiting accessibility. |
| Offered at DeKUT, a technology-focused university with a dedicated mechatronics department. | Specific fee data is not publicly available; estimate based on comparable programmes. |
| Covers cutting-edge Industry 4.0 technologies including IoT, robotics, and smart manufacturing. | Requires a strong background in mechanical or mechatronics engineering. |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 332 engineering 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
DeKUT, JKUAT fees unverified. Private unverified.
HELB loans are available for eligible Kenyan students. DeKUT may offer institutional scholarships for qualifying students. Government and industry scholarships may be available for engineering postgraduate study.
Funding options
HELB Loan
Scholarships
1 recordedHELB Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in master's programmes at chartered universities
Scholarships you could apply for
2 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
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
BSc in Mechanical or Mechatronics Engineering with Second Class Honours (Upper Division) from DeKUT or a recognised institution, or Second Class (Lower Division) with at least 2 years of relevant work experience.
When it next starts
Taught at 1 institutionIncluding Dedan Kimathi University of Technology.
Including Dedan Kimathi University of Technology.
Including Dedan Kimathi University of Technology.
How you are assessed
3 componentsCoursework and Examinations
Written examination40% of the mark
Coursework assessments, written examinations, and assignments evaluating understanding of manufacturing and automation concepts.
Laboratory Work and Industry Projects
Practical30% of the mark
Laboratory assessments, industry project evaluations, and practical assignments evaluating hands-on manufacturing and automation skills.
Thesis Defence
Project30% of the mark
A research thesis demonstrating research competence in advanced manufacturing or automation, defended before an examination panel.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
DeKUT is chartered by CUE. MSc programme accredited by CUE.
Engineers Board of Kenya
Professional
Engineering graduates may seek registration with EBK.
DeKUT is chartered by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The MSc programme is accredited by CUE. Engineering graduates may seek registration with the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK).
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesManufacturing Engineer
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 400,000
Designs and optimises manufacturing processes and systems in manufacturing companies, improving productivity, quality, and efficiency.
Automation Engineer
Moderate demand
Designs and implements automation systems in industrial settings, programming PLCs, integrating robotics, and optimising automated production lines.
Robotics Engineer
Moderate demand
Designs, programmes, and maintains robotic systems for manufacturing applications, integrating robots into production processes.
Production Manager
Moderate demand
Manages production operations in manufacturing companies, overseeing processes, quality, and production teams.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates find employment as manufacturing engineers, automation engineers, and robotics engineers in manufacturing companies, technology firms, and industrial enterprises, with opportunities for advanced manufacturing and Industry 4.0 roles.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Overhead Transmission TechnicianEngineering10Low exposure
- Desalination Systems EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- District Cooling EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- HighVoltage Substation EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- Hydrogen Systems EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- Microgrid Control EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- Subsea Cable EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- Traction Power EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Manufacturing engineering is just about running machines.
Advanced manufacturing engineering covers automation, robotics, smart manufacturing, Industry 4.0, and system design, not just operating machines.
Automation will replace manufacturing engineers.
Automation creates demand for engineers who can design, implement, and maintain automated systems, increasing the need for advanced manufacturing expertise.
Manufacturing is declining in Kenya.
Kenya's industrialisation agenda is expanding manufacturing, creating demand for advanced manufacturing engineers and automation specialists.
This programme is only for mechanical engineers.
While primarily for mechanical and mechatronics graduates, the programme is relevant to electrical, industrial, and production engineers working in manufacturing.