Science

Master of Science in Analytical Chemistry

The Master of Science in Analytical Chemistry is a postgraduate programme that prepares professionals for advanced practice in analytical chemistry, chemical analysis, and quality assurance. The programme combines chemical theory with analytical methodology and instrumentation.

Core areas include analytical chemistry, instrumental analysis, spectroscopy, chromatography, environmental analysis, food chemistry, water quality, nanomaterials, research methods, and thesis. Students engage with both chemical theory and practical analytical application through coursework and research.

The programme is offered by the University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, JKUAT, and Multimedia University of Kenya. All are public universities offering the programme over two academic years through full-time modes of study.

Students develop competencies in analytical methods, instrumental analysis, spectroscopy, chromatography, environmental analysis, quality assurance, and research methods. The programme includes coursework, examinations, and a research thesis.

JKUAT charges approximately KES 140,000/year. UoN charges approximately KES 397,500/year (KES 795,000 total). KU charges KES 326,400/year. Entry requires a Bachelor's degree with Second Class Honours Upper Division in Chemistry or related fields from a recognised university.

Graduates pursue careers as analytical chemists, quality assurance officers, research chemists, environmental analysts, food analysts, and lecturers in analytical chemistry across laboratories, research institutions, manufacturing, and regulatory bodies.

Skills Required

Analytical Chemistry and Chemical Analysis
Instrumental Analysis and Spectroscopy
Chromatography and Separation Techniques
Environmental Analysis and Monitoring
Quality Assurance and Quality Control
Food Chemistry and Analysis
Water Quality Analysis
Nanomaterials and Advanced Materials
Research Methods in Chemistry
Academic Writing and Thesis Research

Key Subjects

Analytical Chemistry and Chemical Analysis
Instrumental Analysis and Spectroscopy
Chromatography and Separation Techniques
Environmental Analysis and Monitoring
Food Chemistry and Analysis
Water Quality Analysis
Quality Assurance and Quality Control
Research Methods in Chemistry
Nanomaterials and Advanced Materials
Thesis Research

Certifications

KEBS Laboratory Certification
RSC Analytical Chemistry Certification

Specializations

Environmental Analysis

Focuses on environmental analysis, covering environmental monitoring, pollutant analysis, water quality, soil analysis, and managing environmental analysis.

Food Chemistry

Examines food chemistry, covering food analysis, food safety, nutritional analysis, food additives, and managing food chemistry.

Instrumental Analysis

Covers instrumental analysis, covering spectroscopy, chromatography, mass spectrometry, electrochemistry, and managing instrumental analysis.

Water Quality

Focuses on water quality analysis, covering water testing, water monitoring, contamination analysis, treatment, and managing water quality.

Nanomaterials

Examines nanomaterials, covering nanoparticle synthesis, characterisation, nanomaterial analysis, applications, and managing nanomaterial research.

Quality Assurance

Covers quality assurance, covering QA/QC, method validation, laboratory accreditation, standards, and managing quality assurance.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 397,500
Job market: High

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 15 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Analytical Chemistry and Chemical Analysis
Instrumental Analysis and Spectroscopy
Chromatography and Separation Techniques
Environmental Analysis and Monitoring
Food Chemistry and Analysis
Water Quality Analysis
Quality Assurance and Quality Control
Research Methods in Chemistry
Nanomaterials and Advanced Materials
Thesis Research

Modules

12 in the programme

Advanced Analytical Chemistry
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines chemical analysis, quantitative analysis, qualitative analysis, method development, analytical techniques, and managing analytical chemistry.
Instrumental Analysis and Spectroscopy
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers spectroscopy, UV-Vis, IR, NMR, AAS, ICP, mass spectrometry, and managing spectroscopic analysis.
Research Methods in Chemistry
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research design, data collection, analysis, ethical issues, and conducting chemistry research, preparing students for their thesis.
Chromatography and Separation Techniques
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines HPLC, GC, TLC, column chromatography, separation methods, and managing chromatographic analysis.
Environmental Analysis and Monitoring
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers environmental monitoring, pollutant analysis, water quality, soil analysis, air quality, and managing environmental analysis.
Food Chemistry and Analysis
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines food analysis, food safety, nutritional analysis, food additives, contaminants, and managing food chemistry.
Water Quality Analysis
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers water testing, water monitoring, contamination analysis, water treatment, drinking water, and managing water quality.
Quality Assurance and Quality Control
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines QA/QC, method validation, laboratory accreditation, standards, ISO, and managing quality assurance.
Nanomaterials and Advanced Materials
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers nanoparticle synthesis, characterisation, nanomaterial analysis, applications, nanotechnology, and managing nanomaterial research.
Electroanalytical Chemistry
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines electrochemistry, potentiometry, voltammetry, electrochemical sensors, and managing electroanalytical analysis.
Statistical Methods in Analytical Chemistry
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers statistical analysis, calibration, regression, uncertainty, method validation statistics, and managing analytical data.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research thesis on an analytical chemistry topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and analytical chemistry knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Environmental Analysis
Focuses on environmental analysis, covering environmental monitoring, pollutant analysis, water quality, soil analysis, and managing environmental analysis.
Food Chemistry
Examines food chemistry, covering food analysis, food safety, nutritional analysis, food additives, and managing food chemistry.
Instrumental Analysis
Covers instrumental analysis, covering spectroscopy, chromatography, mass spectrometry, electrochemistry, and managing instrumental analysis.
Water Quality
Focuses on water quality analysis, covering water testing, water monitoring, contamination analysis, treatment, and managing water quality.
Nanomaterials
Examines nanomaterials, covering nanoparticle synthesis, characterisation, nanomaterial analysis, applications, and managing nanomaterial research.
Quality Assurance
Covers quality assurance, covering QA/QC, method validation, laboratory accreditation, standards, and managing quality assurance.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc in Analytical Chemistry programme combines lectures, laboratory sessions, seminars, and independent study. Sessions cover analytical chemistry, instrumental analysis, spectroscopy, chromatography, and environmental analysis. Analytical chemistry sessions examine chemical analysis, quantitative analysis, qualitative analysis, method development, and managing analytical chemistry. Instrumental analysis sessions cover spectroscopy, chromatography, mass spectrometry, electrochemistry, and managing instrumental analysis. Spectroscopy sessions cover UV-Vis, IR, NMR, AAS, ICP, and managing spectroscopic analysis. Chromatography sessions cover HPLC, GC, TLC, column chromatography, and managing chromatographic analysis. Environmental analysis sessions cover environmental monitoring, pollutant analysis, water quality, soil analysis, and managing environmental analysis. Food chemistry sessions cover food analysis, food safety, nutritional analysis, food additives, and managing food chemistry. Water quality sessions cover water testing, water monitoring, contamination analysis, treatment, and managing water quality. Nanomaterials sessions cover nanoparticle synthesis, characterisation, nanomaterial analysis, applications, and managing nanomaterial research. Quality assurance sessions cover QA/QC, method validation, laboratory accreditation, standards, and managing quality assurance. Research methods sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering research design, data collection, and analysis. Laboratory sessions provide hands-on experience with analytical instruments, chemical analysis, method development, and quality control. Seminars and discussion groups provide opportunities for debating current issues in analytical chemistry. Guest lectures from experienced chemists, laboratory managers, and industry professionals provide practical insights. The programme culminates in a research thesis on an analytical chemistry topic.

The trade offs

In its favour

High demand for analytical chemistry professionals with growing manufacturing, environmental regulation, food safety, and quality standards in Kenya.
Programme is offered by four public universities (UoN, KU, JKUAT, MMU), providing wide institutional choice.
JKUAT offers very competitive fees at KES 140,000/year.
Programme combines chemical theory with practical analytical skills, providing versatile skills for laboratory, research, and industry.

Against it

UoN fees are relatively high at approximately KES 397,500/year (KES 795,000 total).
No private university confirmed offering this programme, limiting options.
Large fee gap between JKUAT (KES 140,000/year) and UoN (KES 397,500/year) may influence institutional choice.
Programme requires chemistry background, which may limit access for non-chemistry 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 398k

179k at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology398k at University of Nairobi

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 ~397.5K/yr (chemistry.uonbi.ac.ke). JKUAT 178.75K/yr. Private unverified.

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. KU may offer postgraduate bursaries for eligible students. RSC and other international organisations may provide training support for chemistry professionals. Some laboratories and manufacturing companies may sponsor staff for postgraduate study.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
KU Postgraduate Bursary
RSC 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.
RSC Training Support
GrantKsh 250,000
Royal Society of Chemistry provides training support for chemistry 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 Upper Second Class Honours in Chemistry or related field. 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, problem sets, laboratory reports, seminar presentations, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination40% of the mark
Written examinations covering analytical chemistry, instrumental analysis, spectroscopy, chromatography, and environmental analysis.
Laboratory Assessment
Practical30% of the mark
Practical assessment through laboratory exercises, instrument operation, method development, analytical procedures, and demonstrating analytical skills.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on an analytical chemistry topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and analytical chemistry 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, JKUAT, and Multimedia University of Kenya (all public) offer MSc in Analytical Chemistry. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate training in analytical chemistry. Graduates are eligible for KEBS laboratory certification and RSC analytical chemistry certification.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, JKUAT, and Multimedia University of Kenya (all public) offer MSc in Analytical Chemistry. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate training in analytical chemistry. Graduates are eligible for KEBS laboratory certification and RSC analytical chemistry certification.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Analytical Chemist
High demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Conducts chemical analysis, overseeing analytical methods, instrumentation, quality control, and managing analytical chemistry.
Quality Assurance Officer
High demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Manages quality assurance, overseeing QA/QC, method validation, laboratory accreditation, standards compliance, and managing quality assurance.
Research Chemist
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Conducts chemistry research, overseeing research design, method development, data analysis, publication, and managing chemical research.
Environmental Analyst
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Analyses environmental samples, overseeing environmental monitoring, pollutant analysis, water quality, and managing environmental analysis.
Food Analyst
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Analyses food samples, overseeing food analysis, food safety, nutritional analysis, contaminants, and managing food chemistry.
Chemistry Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches analytical chemistry 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

ChemStation
SoftwarePrimary
Agilent ChemStation for instrument control, covering chromatography data, spectroscopy data, instrument operation, and managing analytical data.
Origin
Software
Origin for data analysis and graphing, covering data visualisation, curve fitting, statistical analysis, and managing analytical data.
SPSS
Software
SPSS statistical software for chemistry research, covering data analysis, statistical tests, and managing research data.
Excel
Software
Excel for analytical data management, covering data entry, calibration, regression, quality control charts, and managing analytical data.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Analytical chemistry is just about titrations.
Analytical chemistry covers comprehensive analysis including instrumental methods, spectroscopy, chromatography, environmental monitoring, and quality assurance beyond just titrations.
This programme is only for those who want to work in laboratories.
Analytical chemistry skills are valuable for research, quality assurance, environmental monitoring, regulatory compliance, and consulting beyond just laboratory work.
Analytical chemistry has limited career prospects in Kenya.
With growing manufacturing, environmental regulation, food safety, and quality standards, demand for analytical chemistry professionals is increasing in Kenya.
Analytical chemistry is the same as general chemistry.
Analytical chemistry focuses specifically on chemical analysis, method development, instrumentation, and quality assurance, requiring specialised skills.
Instrumental analysis is just about operating machines.
Instrumental analysis covers comprehensive method development, instrument optimisation, data interpretation, troubleshooting, and quality control.
Quality assurance is just about following procedures.
Quality assurance covers comprehensive method validation, laboratory accreditation, standards compliance, system management, and continuous improvement.