Science

Master of Science in Advanced Materials Science and Nanotechnology

The Master of Science in Advanced Materials Science and Nanotechnology is a postgraduate programme that prepares professionals for advanced practice in materials science, nanotechnology, and advanced materials engineering. The programme combines materials science theory with practical nanotechnology and materials characterisation application.

Core areas include materials science, nanotechnology, materials characterisation, nanomaterials, thin films, semiconductor materials, composite materials, materials processing, research methods, and thesis. Students engage with both materials theory and practical laboratory work through coursework and research.

The programme is offered by JKUAT through the Department of Physics and the Institute of Biotechnology Research. It is a public university offering the programme over two academic years through full-time and part-time modes of study.

Students develop competencies in materials science, nanotechnology, materials characterisation, nanomaterials synthesis, thin film deposition, semiconductor materials, composite materials, materials processing, and research methods. The programme includes coursework, examinations, laboratory work, and a research thesis.

JKUAT charges approximately KES 178,500/year (KES 357,000 total) based on similar science and engineering master's programmes. Entry requires a Bachelor's degree with Second Class Honours Upper Division in physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering, or related fields from a recognised university.

Graduates pursue careers as materials scientists, nanotechnology specialists, research scientists, quality control specialists, semiconductor engineers, and lecturers in materials science across research institutions, manufacturing industry, semiconductor companies, and universities.

Skills Required

Materials Science and Characterisation Techniques
Nanotechnology and Nanomaterials Synthesis
Thin Film Deposition and Surface Analysis
Semiconductor Materials and Device Fabrication
Composite Materials and Polymer Science
Materials Processing and Manufacturing
X-ray Diffraction and Electron Microscopy
Spectroscopy and Materials Testing
Research Methods in Materials Science
Academic Writing and Thesis Research

Key Subjects

Materials Science and Characterisation Techniques
Nanotechnology and Nanomaterials Synthesis
Thin Film Deposition and Surface Analysis
Semiconductor Materials and Device Fabrication
Composite Materials and Polymer Science
Materials Processing and Manufacturing
X-ray Diffraction and Electron Microscopy
Spectroscopy and Materials Testing
Research Methods in Materials Science
Thesis Research

Certifications

KEBS Materials Testing Certification
IUMRS Materials Science Certification

Specializations

Nanomaterials

Focuses on nanomaterials, covering nanoparticle synthesis, nanocomposites, nanocharacterisation, nanosafety, and managing nanomaterials research.

Thin Films and Coatings

Examines thin films and coatings, covering deposition techniques, surface engineering, film characterisation, and managing thin film research.

Semiconductor Materials

Covers semiconductor materials, covering semiconductor physics, device fabrication, electronic properties, and managing semiconductor research.

Composite Materials

Focuses on composite materials, covering polymer composites, ceramic composites, metal matrix composites, and managing composite materials research.

Biomaterials

Examines biomaterials, covering biocompatibility, biomedical implants, tissue engineering materials, and managing biomaterials research.

Energy Materials

Covers energy materials, covering solar cells, batteries, fuel cells, energy storage, and managing energy materials research.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 178,750
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: 15 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Materials Science and Characterisation Techniques
Nanotechnology and Nanomaterials Synthesis
Thin Film Deposition and Surface Analysis
Semiconductor Materials and Device Fabrication
Composite Materials and Polymer Science
Materials Processing and Manufacturing
X-ray Diffraction and Electron Microscopy
Spectroscopy and Materials Testing
Research Methods in Materials Science
Thesis Research

Modules

12 in the programme

Materials Science and Crystallography
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines crystal structures, phase diagrams, mechanical properties, thermal properties, electrical properties, defects, and managing materials science.
Nanotechnology and Nanomaterials
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers nanoparticle synthesis, nanocomposites, nanocharacterisation, nanosafety, nanodevices, quantum effects, and managing nanotechnology.
Research Methods in Materials Science
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research design, data collection, analysis, experimental techniques, and conducting materials research, preparing students for their thesis.
Materials Characterisation Techniques
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, spectroscopy, thermal analysis, mechanical testing, surface analysis, and managing materials characterisation.
Thin Film Deposition and Surface Engineering
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers deposition techniques, sputtering, evaporation, CVD, sol-gel, film characterisation, surface modification, and managing thin film research.
Semiconductor Materials and Devices
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines semiconductor physics, band theory, doping, device fabrication, electronic properties, optoelectronics, and managing semiconductor research.
Composite Materials and Polymer Science
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers polymer composites, ceramic composites, metal matrix composites, fibre reinforcement, polymer processing, and managing composite materials.
Materials Processing and Manufacturing
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines casting, forging, machining, welding, powder metallurgy, additive manufacturing, and managing materials processing.
Biomaterials and Biomedical Applications
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers biocompatibility, biomedical implants, tissue engineering, drug delivery, dental materials, and managing biomaterials research.
Energy Materials and Storage
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines solar cells, batteries, fuel cells, supercapacitors, energy storage, thermoelectric materials, and managing energy materials.
Computational Materials Science
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers molecular dynamics, density functional theory, materials modelling, simulation, computational design, and managing computational materials science.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 29 creditsCore
Original research thesis on a materials science or nanotechnology topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and materials knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Nanomaterials
Focuses on nanomaterials, covering nanoparticle synthesis, nanocomposites, nanocharacterisation, nanosafety, and managing nanomaterials research.
Thin Films and Coatings
Examines thin films and coatings, covering deposition techniques, surface engineering, film characterisation, and managing thin film research.
Semiconductor Materials
Covers semiconductor materials, covering semiconductor physics, device fabrication, electronic properties, and managing semiconductor research.
Composite Materials
Focuses on composite materials, covering polymer composites, ceramic composites, metal matrix composites, and managing composite materials research.
Biomaterials
Examines biomaterials, covering biocompatibility, biomedical implants, tissue engineering materials, and managing biomaterials research.
Energy Materials
Covers energy materials, covering solar cells, batteries, fuel cells, energy storage, and managing energy materials research.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc in Advanced Materials Science and Nanotechnology programme combines lectures, laboratory sessions, practical workshops, seminars, and independent study. Sessions cover materials science, nanotechnology, materials characterisation, thin films, and semiconductor materials. Materials science sessions examine crystal structures, phase diagrams, mechanical properties, thermal properties, electrical properties, and managing materials science. Nanotechnology sessions cover nanoparticle synthesis, nanocomposites, nanocharacterisation, nanosafety, nanodevices, and managing nanotechnology. Materials characterisation sessions cover X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, spectroscopy, thermal analysis, mechanical testing, and managing materials characterisation. Thin film sessions cover deposition techniques, sputtering, evaporation, CVD, sol-gel, film characterisation, and managing thin film research. Semiconductor materials sessions cover semiconductor physics, band theory, doping, device fabrication, electronic properties, and managing semiconductor research. Composite materials sessions cover polymer composites, ceramic composites, metal matrix composites, fibre reinforcement, and managing composite materials. Materials processing sessions cover casting, forging, machining, welding, powder metallurgy, and managing materials processing. Biomaterials sessions cover biocompatibility, biomedical implants, tissue engineering, drug delivery, and managing biomaterials. Energy materials sessions cover solar cells, batteries, fuel cells, supercapacitors, energy storage, and managing energy materials. Research methods sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering research design, data collection, and analysis. Laboratory sessions provide hands-on experience with X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, spectroscopy, thin film deposition, and materials testing. Seminars and discussion groups provide opportunities for debating current issues in materials science. Guest lectures from experienced materials scientists, nanotechnologists, and industry professionals provide practical insights. The programme culminates in a research thesis on a materials science or nanotechnology topic.

The trade offs

In its favour

Steady demand for materials science professionals with growing manufacturing, semiconductor industry, construction, energy, and biomedical sectors in Kenya.
Programme covers cutting-edge nanotechnology with applications in electronics, medicine, energy, and manufacturing.
JKUAT offers competitive fees at approximately KES 178,500/year for science and engineering master's programmes.
Strong industry links with KEBS, KIRDI, and manufacturing sector providing collaboration and career opportunities.

Against it

Only one university (JKUAT) confirmed offering this programme, limiting institutional choice.
No private university confirmed offering this programme, limiting options.
Specific fees for this programme not independently verified, estimated based on similar JKUAT programmes.
Programme requires physics, chemistry, materials science, or engineering background, which limits access for non-related graduates.

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

Public179k to 179k

179k at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology179k at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

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

JKUAT 178.75K/yr (kenyaeducationguide COPAS). Private unverified.

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. JKUAT may offer postgraduate scholarships for eligible students in science programmes. KIRDI and industrial research organisations may provide research support for materials science professionals.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
JKUAT Postgraduate Scholarship
KIRDI Research Support

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities.
JKUAT Postgraduate Scholarship
ScholarshipKsh 150,000Kenyan
JKUAT offers postgraduate scholarships for eligible students in science programmes.
KIRDI Research Support
GrantKsh 200,000Kenyan
KIRDI and partner organisations may provide research support for materials science and industrial research 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 physics, chemistry, materials science, or engineering. 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
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, laboratory reports, problem sets, seminar presentations, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination70% of the mark
Written examinations covering materials science, nanotechnology, characterisation, thin films, and semiconductor materials.
Laboratory Assessment
Practical30% of the mark
Practical assessment through laboratory exercises, materials characterisation, thin film deposition, microscopy, and demonstrating materials science skills.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on a materials science or nanotechnology topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and materials knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). JKUAT (public) offers MSc in Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate training in materials science and nanotechnology. Graduates are eligible for KEBS materials testing certification and IUMRS materials science certification.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. JKUAT (public) offers MSc in Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate training in materials science and nanotechnology. Graduates are eligible for KEBS materials testing certification and IUMRS materials science certification.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Materials Scientist
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Conducts materials research, overseeing materials analysis, characterisation, development, testing, and managing materials science.
Nanotechnology Specialist
Moderate demandKsh 140,000 to Ksh 600,000
Develops nanotechnology solutions, overseeing nanoparticle synthesis, nanocomposite development, nanocharacterisation, and managing nanotechnology.
Research Scientist
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Conducts scientific research, overseeing research design, experimentation, analysis, publication, and managing scientific research.
Quality Control Specialist
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Manages quality control, overseeing materials testing, standards compliance, quality assurance, and managing quality control.
Semiconductor Engineer
Moderate demandKsh 140,000 to Ksh 600,000
Develops semiconductor devices, overseeing device fabrication, characterisation, process optimisation, and managing semiconductor engineering.
Materials Science Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches materials 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

OriginLab
SoftwarePrimary
OriginLab for data analysis and graphing, covering materials data analysis, curve fitting, statistical analysis, and managing research data.
VASP
Software
VASP for computational materials science, covering density functional theory, electronic structure, molecular dynamics, and managing computational modelling.
ImageJ
Software
ImageJ for microscopy image analysis, covering electron microscopy analysis, particle sizing, image processing, and managing microscopy data.
Python
Software
Python for data analysis and modelling, covering numpy, scipy, matplotlib, materials modelling, and managing research data.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Materials science is just about metals.
Materials science covers comprehensive polymers, ceramics, composites, semiconductors, biomaterials, nanomaterials, and thin films beyond just metals.
Nanotechnology is science fiction.
Nanotechnology is actively applied in electronics, medicine, energy, coatings, textiles, and manufacturing with real-world applications.
This programme has limited career prospects in Kenya.
With growing manufacturing, semiconductor industry, construction, energy, and biomedical sectors, demand for materials science professionals is steady in Kenya.
Nanomaterials are dangerous and should be avoided.
While nanosafety is important, nanomaterials are widely used safely in products with proper handling, regulation, and risk assessment.
Thin films are just about coatings.
Thin films cover comprehensive deposition techniques, surface engineering, electronic devices, optical coatings, and functional surfaces.
Semiconductor materials are only for electronics engineers.
Semiconductor materials are relevant for physicists, chemists, materials scientists, and energy professionals working in solar cells, sensors, and devices.