Master of Science in Applied and Theoretical Physics
The Master of Science in Applied and Theoretical Physics is a postgraduate programme that trains graduates in advanced physics, combining theoretical foundations with practical applications. The programme prepares graduates for careers in research, education, and technology development.
Core areas include theoretical physics, materials science, environmental physics, geophysics, nuclear and radiation physics, electronics and instrumentation, solid state physics, quantum mechanics, and research methods. Students engage with theoretical foundations and practical laboratory applications.
The programme is offered by Kirinyaga University, Strathmore University, and Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, with Kenyatta University as a college. KU offers MSc in Physics with specialisations in Materials Science, Environmental Physics, Theoretical Atomic Collisions Physics, Geophysics, and Polymer Physics. MMUST offers MSc in Physics through its School of Science.
Students develop competencies in theoretical analysis, experimental physics, computational physics, materials characterisation, instrumentation, data analysis, and research. The programme includes coursework, laboratory sessions, examinations, and a research thesis. KU's programme is full-time with two years of study.
The programme is delivered over two years with full-time and part-time study modes. MMUST offers full-time and part-time modes at KES 62,000 per semester. The programme accommodates physics and mathematics graduates.
Graduates pursue careers as physicists, materials scientists, researchers, geophysicists, instrumentation specialists, and lecturers in research institutions, universities, technology companies, and industrial organisations.
Skills Required
- Theoretical Physics and Mathematical Modelling
- Experimental Physics and Laboratory Techniques
- Materials Science and Characterisation
- Computational Physics and Simulation
- Quantum Mechanics and Statistical Physics
- Electronics and Instrumentation
- Environmental Physics and Monitoring
- Geophysics and Remote Sensing
- Nuclear and Radiation Physics
- Research Methods and Data Analysis
Key Subjects
- Theoretical Physics
- Quantum Mechanics
- Statistical Physics
- Materials Science
- Environmental Physics
- Geophysics
- Nuclear and Radiation Physics
- Electronics and Instrumentation
- Computational Physics
- Research Methods in Physics
Certifications
- KEBS Metrology Certification
- KNRA Radiation Safety Certification
Specializations
Theoretical Physics
Focuses on theoretical physics, mathematical physics, quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, and developing theoretical models for physical phenomena.
Materials Science
Examines materials science, material properties, material characterisation, developing new materials, and understanding material behaviour at atomic and molecular level.
Environmental Physics
Covers environmental physics, atmospheric physics, climate physics, environmental monitoring, and applying physics to environmental challenges.
Geophysics
Focuses on geophysics, earth physics, seismic methods, gravity and magnetic methods, and applying physics to earth science and resource exploration.
Electronics and Instrumentation
Examines electronics and instrumentation, electronic devices, sensors, measurement systems, and designing and building physics instrumentation.
Nuclear and Radiation Physics
Covers nuclear and radiation physics, nuclear reactions, radioactivity, radiation detection, and applying nuclear physics in research and industry.
- Duration
- 2 years
- Public, up to
- Ksh 295,800
- 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- Theoretical Physics
- Quantum Mechanics
- Statistical Physics
- Materials Science
- Environmental Physics
- Geophysics
- Nuclear and Radiation Physics
- Electronics and Instrumentation
- Computational Physics
- Research Methods in Physics
Modules
12 in the programmeQuantum Mechanics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines quantum mechanics, quantum theory, wave mechanics, quantum states, and understanding quantum phenomena in physical systems.
Statistical Physics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers statistical physics, statistical mechanics, thermodynamics, ensemble theory, and understanding statistical behaviour of physical systems.
Theoretical Physics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines theoretical physics, mathematical physics, classical mechanics, field theory, and developing theoretical models for physical phenomena.
Materials Science
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers materials science, material properties, material characterisation, crystallography, and understanding material behaviour at atomic and molecular level.
Computational Physics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines computational physics, numerical methods, computer simulation, computational modelling, and using computers to solve physics problems.
Electronics and Instrumentation
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers electronics and instrumentation, electronic devices, sensors, measurement systems, and designing and building physics instrumentation.
Environmental Physics
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines environmental physics, atmospheric physics, climate physics, environmental monitoring, and applying physics to environmental challenges.
Geophysics
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers geophysics, earth physics, seismic methods, gravity and magnetic methods, and applying physics to earth science and resource exploration.
Nuclear and Radiation Physics
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines nuclear and radiation physics, nuclear reactions, radioactivity, radiation detection, and applying nuclear physics in research and industry.
Research Methods in Physics
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research methods for physics, experimental design, data analysis, computational methods, and conducting physics research, preparing students for their thesis.
Solid State Physics
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines solid state physics, crystal structures, electronic properties, semiconductors, and understanding physical properties of solid materials.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research thesis on an applied or theoretical physics topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and physics knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.
Specialisations
Theoretical Physics
Focuses on theoretical physics, mathematical physics, quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, and developing theoretical models for physical phenomena.
Materials Science
Examines materials science, material properties, material characterisation, developing new materials, and understanding material behaviour at atomic and molecular level.
Environmental Physics
Covers environmental physics, atmospheric physics, climate physics, environmental monitoring, and applying physics to environmental challenges.
Geophysics
Focuses on geophysics, earth physics, seismic methods, gravity and magnetic methods, and applying physics to earth science and resource exploration.
Electronics and Instrumentation
Examines electronics and instrumentation, electronic devices, sensors, measurement systems, and designing and building physics instrumentation.
Nuclear and Radiation Physics
Covers nuclear and radiation physics, nuclear reactions, radioactivity, radiation detection, and applying nuclear physics in research and industry.
A day as a student
A typical day during the MSc Applied and Theoretical Physics programme begins with morning lectures on quantum mechanics, statistical physics, or theoretical physics. Students engage in theoretical discussions on physical phenomena, mathematical modelling, and computational methods. Laboratory sessions involve experimental physics, materials characterisation, electronics, and instrumentation work. Theoretical physics sessions cover quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, mathematical physics, and developing theoretical models. Materials science sessions involve material characterisation, studying material properties, and understanding material behaviour. Computational physics sessions use computer simulations, numerical methods, and computational modelling to solve physics problems. Environmental physics sessions cover atmospheric physics, climate monitoring, and applying physics to environmental challenges. Geophysics sessions examine seismic methods, gravity and magnetic methods, and applying physics to earth science. Electronics and instrumentation sessions involve building electronic devices, sensors, and measurement systems. Nuclear physics sessions cover nuclear reactions, radioactivity, and radiation detection. Research methodology sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering experimental design, data analysis, and scientific writing. Guest lectures from KIRDI researchers, KEBS metrologists, and visiting physicists provide real-world insights. The programme combines theoretical rigour with practical applications, preparing graduates for diverse physics careers. The two-year programme culminates in a research thesis.
The trade offs
In its favour
- Programme combines theoretical physics with applied specialisations, providing versatile physics training for diverse career paths.
- KU offers five specialisation areas including Materials Science, Environmental Physics, Theoretical Atomic Collisions Physics, Geophysics, and Polymer Physics.
- Physics graduates possess versatile analytical and problem-solving skills valued across research, industry, and technology sectors.
- MMUST offers the programme at KES 62,000/semester, making it relatively affordable among Kenyan universities.
Against it
- Career demand for physicists in Kenya is moderate, with fewer direct employment opportunities compared to engineering or IT fields.
- Programme requires strong background in physics and mathematics, which may exclude some science graduates.
- Laboratory facilities and research equipment may vary across universities, affecting practical training quality.
- Limited number of universities offer this specific programme, with most offering general MSc Physics instead.
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 243 science 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
KU 295.8K/yr (mawese.com). Kirinyaga ~162.9K/yr (kyu.ac.ke). Private unverified.
HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. IUPAP provides research grants for physics research in developing countries. KIRDI supports industrial research including physics applications. The programme's scientific research focus attracts research council and international organisation funding.
Funding options
HELB Postgraduate Loan
IUPAP Research Grants
KIRDI Research Grants
Scholarships
3 recordedHELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate physics studies at recognised universities.
IUPAP Research Grants
GrantKsh 300,000
IUPAP provides research grants for physics research in developing countries, supporting postgraduate training and research in physics.
KIRDI Research Grants
GrantKsh 300,000Kenyan
KIRDI provides research grants for industrial research including physics applications, supporting postgraduate research in applied physics.
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
- KCSE mean grade
- N/A (Postgraduate)
- Alternative entry
- The programme is designed for physics and mathematics graduates. Two-year programme with full-time and part-time study modes. KU offers the programme full-time with specialisations in Materials Science, Environmental Physics, Theoretical Atomic Collisions Physics, Geophysics, and Polymer Physics. MMUST offers full-time and part-time modes at KES 62,000/semester. Application fee KES 3,000 at KU for East African applicants.
How you are assessed
4 componentsCoursework and Assignments
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, problem sets, laboratory reports, computational exercises, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination30% of the mark
Written examinations covering quantum mechanics, statistical physics, theoretical physics, and specialised topics, conducted at end of each semester.
Laboratory and Practical Assessment
Practical40% of the mark
Assessment of laboratory and practical skills including experimental techniques, instrumentation, computational work, and laboratory reports.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on an applied or theoretical physics topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and physics knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.
Accreditation
The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Kenyatta University offers MSc in Physics through its Department of Physics with specialisations in Materials Science, Environmental Physics, Theoretical Atomic Collisions Physics, Geophysics, and Polymer Physics. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate physics training.
Accredited by
Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. Kenyatta University offers MSc in Physics through its Department of Physics with specialisations in Materials Science, Environmental Physics, Theoretical Atomic Collisions Physics, Geophysics, and Polymer Physics. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate physics training.
Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority (KNRA)
Professional accreditation
KNRA regulates radiation and nuclear technology in Kenya. Graduates working with radiation or nuclear physics may require KNRA radiation safety certification.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
6 rolesPhysicist
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Conducts physics research, applying theoretical and experimental methods to understand physical phenomena and develop new technologies.
Materials Scientist
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 500,000
Researches and develops materials, characterising material properties, and applying materials science in industry and research institutions.
Geophysicist
Moderate demandKsh 140,000 to Ksh 550,000
Applies physics to earth science, conducting geological surveys, resource exploration, and environmental monitoring for mining and oil companies.
Research Scientist
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 450,000
Conducts scientific research in research institutions or universities, developing new knowledge and technologies in physics and related fields.
Instrumentation Specialist
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 500,000
Designs and builds physics instrumentation, developing measurement systems, sensors, and electronic devices for research and industry.
University Lecturer
High demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches physics in universities, conducting research and training future physicists, scientists, and science professionals.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates pursue careers as physicists, materials scientists, researchers, and lecturers in research institutions, universities, and technology companies.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Career Guidance & Labour Market Information CounselorEducation11Low exposure
- School Guidance CounselorEducation17Low exposure
- Motor Vehicle MechanicEducation21Low exposure
- School Counsellor / Guidance TeacherEducation23Low exposure
- AI Safety ResearcherTechnology25Low exposure
- Cyber Security AnalystTechnology26Low exposure
- AI Red TeamerTechnology28Low exposure
- Cybersecurity SpecialistTechnology30Low exposure
Tools you will learn
MATLAB
SoftwarePrimary
Numerical computing environment for data analysis, computational physics, simulation, and mathematical modelling in physics research.
Python (SciPy/NumPy)
SoftwarePrimary
Programming language with scientific computing libraries for computational physics, data analysis, simulation, and visualisation.
Oscilloscope
Equipment
Oscilloscope for electronics and instrumentation work, measuring electrical signals, and testing electronic circuits in physics laboratory.
Spectrometer
Equipment
Spectrometer for materials characterisation, measuring light spectra, and analysing material properties in physics research.
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Physics is purely theoretical with no practical applications.
Applied physics drives technology development including materials science, electronics, instrumentation, and environmental monitoring, with significant practical applications.
Physics graduates can only become teachers.
Physics graduates pursue diverse careers in research, materials science, geophysics, instrumentation, data analysis, technology development, and industry, not just teaching.
There is limited demand for physicists in Kenya.
Kenya's industrial development, mining sector, environmental monitoring, and technology growth create demand for qualified physicists.
Theoretical physics is irrelevant to developing countries.
Theoretical physics underpins many technologies and provides analytical skills valuable across multiple sectors, including in developing countries.
Physics is too difficult for a master's degree.
The programme builds on undergraduate physics knowledge, with supportive faculty and structured coursework making it accessible to qualified graduates.
A physics master's has limited career prospects compared to engineering.
Physics graduates possess versatile analytical and problem-solving skills valued across industries, often with broader career options than engineering graduates.
Related courses
Further reading
- Kenyatta University Department of Physics
- Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) — Metrology
- Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI)
- African Physical Society (AfPS)
- International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP)
- South African Institute of Physics (SAIP)
- Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority (KNRA)
Fees and entry marks for Master of Science in Applied and Theoretical Physics are restated every intake. Save it and the app keeps this version, so you can see what changed when it does.