Master of Science in Applied Ecology and Environmental Management
The Master of Science in Applied Ecology and Environmental Management provides advanced training in ecological science, environmental management, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable resource use. Students learn applied ecology, ecosystem management, environmental impact assessment, biodiversity monitoring, and conservation planning. The programme is designed for environmental science and biology graduates seeking advanced ecological and environmental management qualifications.
Students develop advanced competencies in applied ecology, ecosystem assessment, environmental impact assessment, biodiversity conservation, pollution management, and environmental policy. The curriculum covers ecological theory, environmental management tools, conservation biology, research methods, and a research thesis. Practical skills are developed through field work, laboratory sessions, and environmental projects.
Ecological and environmental management expertise is critical for Kenya's environmental sector. Environmental agencies, conservation organisations, research institutions, and government departments require trained ecologists and environmental managers. Kenya's biodiversity challenges, pollution concerns, and climate change impacts create demand for applied ecology expertise. The programme addresses the demand for advanced environmental management training.
The programme combines classroom lectures with field work, laboratory sessions, and research. Students study ecological concepts, conduct environmental assessments, monitor biodiversity, and perform research. Teaching methods include lectures, field practicals, laboratory sessions, and research supervision. The programme is offered in full-time and part-time modes.
Graduates find employment as ecologists, environmental managers, conservation officers, or environmental consultants in government, NGOs, research institutions, and environmental agencies. The master's degree supports careers in applied ecology, environmental management, and biodiversity conservation.
This programme is ideal for environmental science and biology graduates seeking advanced ecological and environmental management qualifications. The programme provides advanced skills for ecosystem management, conservation planning, and environmental sustainability.
- Duration
- 2 years
- Public, up to
- Ksh 295,800
- Private, up to
- Ksh 249,800
- 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
- Master
What you study
10 subjects- Applied Ecology
- Ecosystem Management
- Environmental Impact Assessment
- Biodiversity Conservation
- Pollution and Environmental Quality
- Environmental Policy and Governance
- Conservation Biology
- Research Methods
- Geographic Information Systems
- Thesis Research
Modules
8 in the programmeApplied Ecology and Ecosystem Management
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Applied ecology covering population ecology, community ecology, ecosystem ecology, and ecosystem management principles and practices.
Environmental Impact Assessment
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Environmental impact assessment covering EIA principles, methodologies, environmental auditing, and environmental regulations in Kenya.
Biodiversity Conservation
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Biodiversity conservation covering biodiversity assessment, conservation planning, protected area management, and threatened species management.
Research Methods and Statistics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Research methods covering research design, statistical analysis, ecological research methods, and research ethics.
Pollution and Environmental Quality
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Pollution covering air, water, and soil pollution, environmental quality monitoring, pollution control, and waste management.
Environmental Policy and Governance
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Environmental policy covering environmental law, governance frameworks, international environmental conventions, and environmental policy in Kenya.
GIS for Environmental Management
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Geographic Information Systems covering spatial analysis, remote sensing, GIS applications in environmental management, and environmental mapping.
Thesis Research and Defence
Year 2Semester 16 creditsCore
A research thesis on an applied ecology or environmental management topic, demonstrating research competence and contributing to ecological knowledge.
Specialisations
Biodiversity Conservation
Focus on biodiversity assessment, conservation planning, protected area management, and threatened species conservation.
Environmental Impact Assessment
Focus on EIA methodologies, environmental auditing, and environmental compliance for development projects.
Ecosystem Management
Focus on ecosystem ecology, habitat restoration, and sustainable ecosystem management practices.
A day as a student
A typical day combines morning lectures on ecological theory or environmental management with afternoon field practicals and laboratory sessions. Students study ecological concepts, conduct environmental assessments, monitor biodiversity, and perform research. Field practicals provide hands-on experience with ecological survey methods, environmental sampling, and biodiversity monitoring. Research projects connect students with real environmental challenges. The programme emphasises ecological competence, environmental management skills, and research capabilities.
The trade offs
In its favour
- Environmental management is a growing field in Kenya with increasing demand for qualified professionals.
- Combines ecological science with practical environmental management skills, providing versatile career options.
- Kenya's rich biodiversity and environmental challenges provide excellent research and field opportunities.
Against it
- The programme is offered at only one university, limiting accessibility.
- Specific fee data is not publicly available; estimate based on comparable programmes.
- Field work may be physically demanding and require travel to remote areas.
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 181 environmental 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 295,800/yr (ku.ac.ke). Moi 187K. Daystar 250K, MKU 131K/yr.
HELB loans are available for eligible Kenyan students. Conservation organisations may offer research grants and scholarships for ecology and environmental management students.
Funding options
HELB Loan
Scholarships
1 recordedHELB Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in master's programmes at chartered universities
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
- Alternative entry
- BSc with at least Second Class Honours (Upper Division) in Environmental Science, Biology, Ecology, or related field from a recognised university. Lower Second Class Honours with relevant work experience may be considered.
How you are assessed
3 componentsCoursework and Examinations
Written examination40% of the mark
Coursework assessments, written examinations, and assignments evaluating understanding of ecology and environmental management concepts.
Field Practicals and Laboratory Work
Practical30% of the mark
Field practical assessments, laboratory evaluations, and project assignments evaluating practical ecological and environmental skills.
Thesis Defence
Project30% of the mark
A research thesis demonstrating research competence in applied ecology or environmental management, defended before an examination panel.
Accreditation
MUT is chartered by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The MSc programme is accredited by CUE. Environmental impact assessment work may require NEMA certification.
Accredited by
Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
MUT is chartered by CUE. MSc programme accredited by CUE.
National Environment Management Authority
Professional
Environmental impact assessment work may require NEMA certification as an EIA/EA lead expert.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesEcologist
Moderate demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 250,000
Conducts ecological research and assessments in research institutions, conservation organisations, or environmental agencies, studying ecosystems and biodiversity.
Environmental Manager
Moderate demand
Manages environmental programmes and compliance in government, private sector, or NGOs, ensuring sustainable environmental practices.
Conservation Officer
Moderate demand
Manages conservation programmes in wildlife agencies, NGOs, or protected areas, implementing biodiversity conservation and habitat management.
Environmental Consultant
Moderate demand
Provides consulting on environmental impact assessment, environmental compliance, and conservation planning for government and private sector.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates find employment as ecologists, environmental managers, and conservation officers in government, NGOs, research institutions, and environmental agencies, with opportunities for environmental consulting and biodiversity conservation.
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Ecology is just about studying plants and animals.
Applied ecology covers ecosystem management, environmental impact assessment, conservation planning, and sustainable resource management, integrating science with policy and practice.
Environmental management has few career opportunities in Kenya.
Kenya's environmental challenges including pollution, deforestation, and climate change create growing demand for environmental managers in government, NGOs, and private sector.
Applied ecology is the same as environmental science.
Applied ecology focuses specifically on ecological principles and their application to environmental management, while environmental science is broader, covering physical, chemical, and biological aspects of the environment.
Conservation is only about protecting wildlife.
Conservation includes ecosystem management, biodiversity monitoring, habitat restoration, and balancing human needs with environmental protection.
Related courses
Further reading
Fees and entry marks for Master of Science in Applied Ecology and Environmental Management are restated every intake. Save it and the app keeps this version, so you can see what changed when it does.