Science

Master of Science in Aquatic Sciences

The Master of Science in Aquatic Sciences is a postgraduate programme that trains graduates in the study of aquatic environments, including freshwater and marine systems. The programme prepares graduates for careers in aquatic resource management, fisheries, and environmental conservation.

Core areas include limnology, oceanography, freshwater fisheries biology, marine ecology, aquaculture, marine fisheries, environmental pollution, marine resources, fish handling and processing, law of the sea, and research methods. Students engage with theoretical foundations and practical field and laboratory applications.

The programme is offered by Kirinyaga University, Strathmore University, and Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, with Maseno University as a college. Maseno offers MSc in Aquatic Resources Conservation and Fisheries Development through its School of Biological and Physical Sciences. UoN also offers MSc in Aquatic Sciences through its School of Biological Sciences.

Students develop competencies in aquatic ecosystem analysis, fisheries management, aquaculture, water quality monitoring, marine resource assessment, environmental impact assessment, and research. The programme includes coursework, field courses, laboratory sessions, examinations, and a research thesis. Maseno's programme spans four semesters with coursework, examination, and thesis.

The programme is delivered over two years with full-time and part-time study modes. Maseno's programme includes a field course component and research project spanning two semesters. The programme accommodates biological science and zoology graduates.

Graduates pursue careers as aquatic scientists, fisheries managers, aquaculture specialists, marine researchers, environmental consultants, and lecturers in fisheries departments, research institutions, environmental organisations, and universities.

Skills Required

Limnology and Freshwater Ecology
Oceanography and Marine Ecology
Fisheries Biology and Management
Aquaculture and Fish Production
Water Quality Monitoring and Analysis
Marine Resource Assessment
Environmental Impact Assessment
Fish Handling and Processing
Aquatic Research Methods
Environmental Pollution Monitoring

Key Subjects

Limnology
Oceanography
Freshwater Fisheries Biology
Marine Ecology
Aquaculture
Marine Fisheries
Environmental Pollution
Marine Resources
Fish Handling and Processing
Aquatic Research Methods

Certifications

KMFRI Research Certification
WIOMSA Marine Science Certification

Specializations

Freshwater Fisheries

Focuses on freshwater fisheries, lake and river ecosystems, fish biology, fisheries management, and sustainable exploitation of freshwater fisheries resources.

Marine Fisheries

Examines marine fisheries, ocean ecosystems, marine fish biology, marine fisheries management, and sustainable exploitation of marine fisheries resources.

Aquaculture

Covers aquaculture, fish farming, hatchery management, fish nutrition, and developing and managing aquaculture production systems.

Marine Ecology

Focuses on marine ecology, marine ecosystems, coral reefs, marine biodiversity, and understanding and conserving marine environments.

Aquatic Environmental Conservation

Examines aquatic environmental conservation, pollution monitoring, habitat protection, and managing and conserving aquatic ecosystems.

Limnology

Covers limnology, freshwater ecosystems, lake and river ecology, water quality, and understanding physical, chemical, and biological processes in freshwater.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 162,900
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

Limnology
Oceanography
Freshwater Fisheries Biology
Marine Ecology
Aquaculture
Marine Fisheries
Environmental Pollution
Marine Resources
Fish Handling and Processing
Aquatic Research Methods

Modules

12 in the programme

Limnology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines limnology, freshwater ecosystems, lake and river ecology, physical and chemical processes in freshwater, and water quality monitoring.
Freshwater Fisheries Biology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers freshwater fisheries biology, fish population dynamics, stock assessment, fish ecology, and managing freshwater fisheries resources.
Aquaculture
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines aquaculture, fish farming, hatchery management, fish nutrition, and developing and managing aquaculture production systems.
Environmental Pollution
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers environmental pollution, water pollution, contaminant monitoring, impact on aquatic ecosystems, and pollution control strategies.
Oceanography
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines oceanography, marine physical processes, ocean currents, marine chemistry, and understanding physical and chemical processes in marine environments.
Marine Ecology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers marine ecology, marine ecosystems, coral reefs, marine biodiversity, and understanding and conserving marine environments.
Marine Fisheries
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines marine fisheries, marine fish biology, marine fisheries management, and sustainable exploitation of marine fisheries resources.
Law of the Sea and Marine Resources
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers law of the sea, international maritime law, fisheries regulations, marine resource governance, and managing marine resources.
Fish Handling and Processing
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines fish handling and processing, post-harvest handling, fish processing technology, quality assurance, and ensuring fish product quality.
Aquatic Research Project Methodology
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research methods for aquatic science, experimental design, data analysis, field sampling, and conducting aquatic research, preparing students for their thesis.
Field Course
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Practical field course involving field sampling, water quality measurements, fisheries surveys, and hands-on aquatic science field work at aquatic research sites.
Research Project
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research project on an aquatic sciences topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and aquatic science knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Freshwater Fisheries
Focuses on freshwater fisheries, lake and river ecosystems, fish biology, fisheries management, and sustainable exploitation of freshwater fisheries resources.
Marine Fisheries
Examines marine fisheries, ocean ecosystems, marine fish biology, marine fisheries management, and sustainable exploitation of marine fisheries resources.
Aquaculture
Covers aquaculture, fish farming, hatchery management, fish nutrition, and developing and managing aquaculture production systems.
Marine Ecology
Focuses on marine ecology, marine ecosystems, coral reefs, marine biodiversity, and understanding and conserving marine environments.
Aquatic Environmental Conservation
Examines aquatic environmental conservation, pollution monitoring, habitat protection, and managing and conserving aquatic ecosystems.
Limnology
Covers limnology, freshwater ecosystems, lake and river ecology, water quality, and understanding physical, chemical, and biological processes in freshwater.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc Aquatic Sciences programme begins with morning lectures on limnology, oceanography, or fisheries biology. Students engage in theoretical discussions on aquatic ecosystems, fish biology, and marine ecology. Laboratory sessions involve water quality analysis, plankton identification, fish biology practicals, and aquatic organism identification. Limnology sessions cover freshwater ecosystems, lake and river ecology, physical and chemical processes in freshwater, and water quality monitoring. Oceanography sessions examine marine physical processes, ocean currents, and marine chemistry. Fisheries biology sessions cover fish population dynamics, stock assessment, and fisheries management. Aquaculture sessions involve fish farming techniques, hatchery management, fish nutrition, and aquaculture production systems. Marine ecology sessions examine marine ecosystems, coral reefs, marine biodiversity, and marine conservation. Environmental pollution sessions cover water pollution, contaminant monitoring, and impact on aquatic ecosystems. Fish handling and processing sessions examine post-harvest handling, fish processing, and quality assurance. Field courses take students to lakes, rivers, coastal areas, and research stations where they conduct field sampling, water quality measurements, and fisheries surveys. Law of the sea sessions cover international maritime law, fisheries regulations, and marine resource governance. Research methodology sessions prepare students for their thesis. Guest lectures from KMFRI researchers, Kenya Fisheries Service officers, and marine scientists provide real-world insights. Maseno's programme includes a field course and research project spanning two semesters. The two-year programme culminates in a research thesis.

The trade offs

In its favour

Kenya's blue economy strategy and fisheries development create growing demand for qualified aquatic scientists.
Maseno University offers a well-structured programme with detailed curriculum covering both freshwater and marine systems.
Programme includes field courses and practical training at aquatic research sites, providing hands-on experience.
Strong career opportunities with KMFRI, Kenya Fisheries Service, NEMA, FAO, and marine research organisations.

Against it

Career demand is moderate compared to other science fields, with fewer direct employment opportunities.
Field work requires travel to aquatic research sites, which may add to programme costs and time.
Programme requires background in biological sciences or zoology, which may exclude some science graduates.
Limited number of universities offer this specific programme, with most offering related fisheries or marine science degrees.

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

Public118k to 163k

118k at Maseno University163k at Kirinyaga University

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

Maseno ~118.4K/yr (yumpu). Kirinyaga ~162.9K/yr (kyu.ac.ke). Private null.

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. WIOMSA provides marine research grants for aquatic science capacity building in the Western Indian Ocean region. FAO supports fisheries and aquaculture capacity building. The programme's environmental and fisheries focus attracts donor and international organisation funding.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
WIOMSA Marine Research Grants
FAO Fisheries Grants

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate aquatic science studies at recognised universities.
WIOMSA Marine Research Grants
GrantKsh 400,000
WIOMSA provides marine research grants for aquatic science capacity building in the Western Indian Ocean region, supporting postgraduate training and research.
FAO Fisheries Grants
GrantKsh 300,000
FAO supports fisheries and aquaculture capacity building, providing grants for postgraduate training and research in aquatic sciences and fisheries management.

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 biological science and zoology graduates. Two-year programme with full-time and part-time study modes at Maseno University. Four semesters of coursework, examination, and thesis. Part-time attendance shall not exceed four calendar years. Maseno's programme includes a field course component and research project spanning two semesters. Application fee KES 2,000 at Maseno University.

How you are assessed

4 components

Coursework and Assignments
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, laboratory reports, field reports, and class participation throughout the programme.
Written Examinations
Examination30% of the mark
Written examinations covering limnology, oceanography, fisheries biology, and aquaculture, conducted at end of each semester.
Field and Practical Assessment
Practical40% of the mark
Assessment of field and practical skills including water quality analysis, fish identification, field sampling, and field course reports.
Research Project
Research100% of the mark
Original research project on an aquatic sciences topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and aquatic science knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Maseno University offers MSc in Aquatic Resources Conservation and Fisheries Development through its School of Biological and Physical Sciences. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate aquatic science training.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. Maseno University offers MSc in Aquatic Resources Conservation and Fisheries Development through its School of Biological and Physical Sciences. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate aquatic science training.
National Environment Management Authority (NEMA)
Professional accreditation
NEMA regulates environmental management in Kenya. Graduates conducting environmental impact assessments for aquatic projects may require NEMA certification.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Aquatic Scientist
Moderate demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 450,000
Conducts aquatic science research, studying freshwater and marine ecosystems, water quality, and contributing to aquatic resource management.
Fisheries Manager
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Manages fisheries resources, conducting stock assessment, implementing fisheries regulations, and ensuring sustainable fisheries exploitation.
Aquaculture Specialist
Moderate demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 450,000
Manages aquaculture operations, overseeing fish farming, hatchery management, fish nutrition, and aquaculture production systems.
Marine Researcher
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Conducts marine research, studying marine ecosystems, marine biodiversity, and contributing to marine conservation and management.
Environmental Consultant
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Consults on aquatic environmental issues, conducting environmental impact assessments, water quality monitoring, and advising on aquatic conservation.
University Lecturer
High demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches aquatic sciences and fisheries in universities, conducting research and training future aquatic scientists and environmental professionals.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as aquatic scientists, fisheries managers, and aquaculture specialists in fisheries departments, research institutions, and environmental organisations.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Water Quality Analyser
EquipmentPrimary
Water quality analyser for measuring pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, conductivity, and other water quality parameters in aquatic ecosystems.
R Statistical Computing
SoftwarePrimary
Open-source statistical computing environment for aquatic science data analysis, fisheries stock assessment, and environmental data analysis.
GIS Software
Software
Geographic information systems for mapping aquatic habitats, analysing spatial distribution of fisheries, and managing aquatic resources.
Plankton Net and Microscope
Equipment
Plankton net for sampling aquatic organisms and microscope for identifying plankton, fish larvae, and aquatic invertebrates.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Aquatic sciences is just about fish.
Aquatic sciences covers freshwater and marine ecosystems, water quality, oceanography, marine ecology, aquaculture, pollution, and fisheries management, far beyond fish.
There is limited demand for aquatic scientists in Kenya.
Kenya's blue economy strategy, fisheries development, aquaculture growth, and environmental conservation create demand for qualified aquatic scientists.
This programme is only for those interested in marine biology.
The programme covers both freshwater and marine systems, with career paths in fisheries, aquaculture, water management, and environmental conservation.
Aquaculture is not viable in Kenya.
Kenya is actively developing aquaculture through government programmes and private investment, creating career opportunities in fish farming and aquaculture management.
Aquatic sciences has limited career prospects compared to other sciences.
Kenya's blue economy, fisheries sector, environmental management, and tourism create diverse career opportunities for aquatic science graduates.
This programme requires living near water bodies.
While field work involves aquatic sites, many career paths involve laboratory work, policy, management, and research that can be conducted from various locations.