Technology

Master of Science in Applied Computer Science

The Master of Science in Applied Computer Science is a postgraduate programme that prepares professionals for advanced practice in computer science, cybersecurity, and systems administration. The programme combines computing theory with practical application in security, digital transformation, and systems integration.

Core areas include advanced database systems, cybersecurity, network and systems administration, software engineering, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, research methods, and thesis. Students engage with both computing theory and practical technology application through coursework and research.

The programme is offered by the Adventist University of Africa (private), with related programmes at the University of Nairobi and JKUAT (public). AUA offers the programme over two academic years full-time or three years part-time.

Students develop competencies in database systems, cybersecurity, network administration, software engineering, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, blockchain, and research methods. The programme includes coursework, examinations, and a research thesis or project.

AUA charges approximately KES 310,375/year (USD 4,775 total programme). UoN charges approximately KES 485,000/year (KES 970,000 total) for MSc Computer Science. JKUAT charges approximately KES 252,500/year (KES 505,000 total) for MSc Computer Systems. Entry requires a Bachelor's degree with Second Class Honours Upper Division in computer science, software engineering, or related fields from a recognised university.

Graduates pursue careers as cybersecurity specialists, systems administrators, database administrators, software engineers, cloud architects, and lecturers in computer science across technology companies, financial institutions, government, and academic institutions.

Skills Required

Advanced Database Systems and Database Security
Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
Network and Systems Administration
Software Engineering and Development
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Cloud Computing and Virtualisation
Blockchain and Distributed Systems
Digital Transformation and Systems Integration
Research Methods in Computing
Academic Writing and Thesis Research

Key Subjects

Advanced Database Systems and Database Security
Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
Network and Systems Administration
Software Engineering and Development
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Cloud Computing and Virtualisation
Blockchain and Distributed Systems
Research Methods in Computing
Digital Transformation and Systems Integration
Thesis Research

Certifications

IEEE Computer Society Certification
Cisco CCNA/CCNP Certification

Specializations

Cybersecurity

Focuses on cybersecurity, covering threat analysis, security architecture, cryptography, penetration testing, and managing cybersecurity.

Network and Systems Administration

Examines network and systems administration, covering server management, network design, system security, infrastructure, and managing systems administration.

Database Systems

Covers database systems, covering advanced SQL, distributed databases, data warehousing, NoSQL, database security, and managing database systems.

Cloud Computing

Focuses on cloud computing, covering cloud architecture, virtualisation, cloud services, deployment models, and managing cloud systems.

Artificial Intelligence

Examines artificial intelligence, covering machine learning, deep learning, NLP, computer vision, and managing AI systems.

Software Engineering

Covers software engineering, covering software design, development methodologies, testing, DevOps, and managing software engineering.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 485,000
Private, up to: Ksh 310,375
Job market: High

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

Advanced Database Systems and Database Security
Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
Network and Systems Administration
Software Engineering and Development
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Cloud Computing and Virtualisation
Blockchain and Distributed Systems
Research Methods in Computing
Digital Transformation and Systems Integration
Thesis Research

Modules

12 in the programme

Advanced Database Systems and Database Security
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines advanced SQL, query optimisation, database transactions, distributed databases, database security, data warehousing, NoSQL, and managing database systems.
Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers threat analysis, security architecture, cryptography, penetration testing, security policies, risk management, and managing cybersecurity.
Research Methods in Computing
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research design, data collection, analysis, ethical issues, and conducting computing research, preparing students for their thesis.
Network and Systems Administration
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines server management, network design, system security, infrastructure management, protocols, and managing systems administration.
Software Engineering and Development
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers software design, development methodologies, testing, DevOps, agile, software architecture, and managing software engineering.
Cloud Computing and Virtualisation
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines cloud architecture, virtualisation, cloud services, deployment models, containers, serverless computing, and managing cloud systems.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers machine learning, deep learning, NLP, computer vision, neural networks, and managing AI systems.
Blockchain and Distributed Systems
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines distributed ledgers, smart contracts, consensus algorithms, cryptocurrency, blockchain applications, and managing blockchain systems.
Seminars in Trends in Computing and Technology
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers current trends in computing and technology, industry practices, research trends, emerging technologies, and managing technology awareness.
Digital Transformation and Systems Integration
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines systems integration, digital strategy, enterprise architecture, transformation management, and managing digital transformation.
E-Services and Web Technologies
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers e-services, web technologies, API design, microservices, web security, and managing e-services.
Research Thesis or Project
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research thesis or project on an applied computer science topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and computing knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Cybersecurity
Focuses on cybersecurity, covering threat analysis, security architecture, cryptography, penetration testing, and managing cybersecurity.
Network and Systems Administration
Examines network and systems administration, covering server management, network design, system security, infrastructure, and managing systems administration.
Database Systems
Covers database systems, covering advanced SQL, distributed databases, data warehousing, NoSQL, database security, and managing database systems.
Cloud Computing
Focuses on cloud computing, covering cloud architecture, virtualisation, cloud services, deployment models, and managing cloud systems.
Artificial Intelligence
Examines artificial intelligence, covering machine learning, deep learning, NLP, computer vision, and managing AI systems.
Software Engineering
Covers software engineering, covering software design, development methodologies, testing, DevOps, and managing software engineering.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc in Applied Computer Science programme combines lectures, laboratory sessions, practical workshops, seminars, and independent study. Sessions cover database systems, cybersecurity, network administration, software engineering, and AI. Database systems sessions examine advanced SQL, query optimisation, distributed databases, database security, data warehousing, NoSQL, and managing database systems. Cybersecurity sessions cover threat analysis, security architecture, cryptography, penetration testing, security policies, and managing cybersecurity. Network administration sessions cover server management, network design, system security, infrastructure management, protocols, and managing systems administration. Software engineering sessions cover software design, development methodologies, testing, DevOps, agile, and managing software engineering. AI sessions cover machine learning, deep learning, NLP, computer vision, neural networks, and managing AI systems. Cloud computing sessions cover cloud architecture, virtualisation, cloud services, deployment models, containers, and managing cloud systems. Blockchain sessions cover distributed ledgers, smart contracts, consensus algorithms, cryptocurrency, and managing blockchain systems. Digital transformation sessions cover systems integration, digital strategy, enterprise architecture, transformation management, and managing digital transformation. Research methods sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering research design, data collection, and analysis. Laboratory sessions provide hands-on experience with database management, security tools, network configuration, software development, and cloud deployment. Seminars and discussion groups provide opportunities for debating current trends in computing and technology. Guest lectures from experienced IT professionals, security experts, and industry leaders provide practical insights. The programme culminates in a research thesis or project on an applied computer science topic.

The trade offs

In its favour

Very high demand for applied computer science professionals with growing digital transformation, cybersecurity threats, cloud adoption, and technology industry expansion in Kenya.
Programme is offered by private (AUA) and public universities (UoN, KU), providing institutional choice.
KU offers competitive fees at KES 295,800/year for related MSc Computer Science.
Programme covers cutting-edge areas including cybersecurity, AI, cloud computing, and blockchain, providing versatile skills.

Against it

UoN fees are high at approximately KES 485,000/year (KES 970,000 total) for MSc Computer Science.
AUA fees are in USD, making them subject to exchange rate fluctuations.
Programme requires computer science or related background, which may limit access for non-related graduates.
Rapidly evolving field requires continuous self-learning beyond the programme curriculum.

What it costs

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

What it costs, and where

Against 191 technology courses

Public367k to 485k

367k at Kenyatta University485k at University of Nairobi

Private310k to 310k

310k at Adventist University of Africa310k at Adventist University of Africa

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 ~485K/yr (uonbi.ac.ke). KU MSc CS ~367K/yr (mawese). AUA MSc App CS ~310K/yr (aua.ac.ke).

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. KU may offer postgraduate bursaries for eligible students. AUA may provide financial aid for eligible students. Some technology companies may sponsor staff for postgraduate study.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
KU Postgraduate Bursary
AUA Financial Aid

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.
AUA Financial Aid
ScholarshipKsh 200,000Kenyan
Adventist University of Africa provides financial aid for eligible students based on need and academic merit.

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 or equivalent in computer science or related field. Lower Second Division holders with relevant experience may be considered. AUA accepts CGPA of 2.5 on probation. 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, programming projects, laboratory reports, seminar presentations, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination40% of the mark
Written examinations covering database systems, cybersecurity, network administration, software engineering, and AI.
Laboratory and Project Assessment
Practical30% of the mark
Practical assessment through laboratory exercises, programming projects, system configuration, security testing, and demonstrating computing skills.
Research Thesis or Project
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis or project on an applied computer science topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and computing knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Adventist University of Africa (private) offers MSc in Applied Computer Science, while University of Nairobi and Kenyatta University (public) offer related MSc in Computer Science programmes. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate training in computer science. Graduates are eligible for IEEE Computer Society certification and Cisco CCNA/CCNP certification.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. Adventist University of Africa (private) offers MSc in Applied Computer Science, while University of Nairobi and Kenyatta University (public) offer related MSc in Computer Science programmes. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate training in computer science. Graduates are eligible for IEEE Computer Society certification and Cisco CCNA/CCNP certification.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Cybersecurity Specialist
High demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 600,000
Manages cybersecurity, overseeing threat analysis, security architecture, penetration testing, risk management, and managing cybersecurity.
Systems Administrator
High demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Manages computer systems, overseeing server management, network design, system security, infrastructure, and managing systems administration.
Database Administrator
High demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Manages database systems, overseeing database design, security, performance, backup, and managing database administration.
Software Engineer
High demandKsh 140,000 to Ksh 600,000
Develops software systems, overseeing software design, development, testing, deployment, and managing software engineering.
Cloud Architect
High demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 650,000
Designs cloud systems, overseeing cloud architecture, virtualisation, deployment, migration, and managing cloud infrastructure.
Computer Science Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches computer 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

Python
SoftwarePrimary
Python programming for computing, covering data analysis, machine learning, scripting, automation, and managing computing projects.
Docker
Software
Docker for containerisation, covering container management, deployment, orchestration, microservices, and managing containerised applications.
AWS
Platform
Amazon Web Services for cloud computing, covering cloud services, deployment, storage, computing, and managing cloud infrastructure.
Kali Linux
Software
Kali Linux for cybersecurity, covering penetration testing, security analysis, vulnerability assessment, and managing security testing.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Applied computer science is just about programming.
Applied computer science covers comprehensive computing including cybersecurity, database systems, network administration, AI, cloud computing, and digital transformation beyond just programming.
This programme is only for those who want to be developers.
Applied computer science skills are valuable for cybersecurity, systems administration, database management, cloud architecture, research, and consulting beyond just development.
Applied computer science has limited career prospects in Kenya.
With growing digital transformation, cybersecurity threats, cloud adoption, and technology industry expansion, demand for applied computer science professionals is very high in Kenya.
Cybersecurity is just about antivirus software.
Cybersecurity covers comprehensive threat analysis, security architecture, cryptography, penetration testing, policies, governance, and risk management.
Cloud computing is just about storing data online.
Cloud computing covers comprehensive architecture, virtualisation, services, deployment models, containers, serverless computing, and cloud-native development.
AI is just about chatbots.
AI covers comprehensive machine learning, deep learning, NLP, computer vision, neural networks, and intelligent systems beyond just chatbots.