Technology

Master of Science in Computer Systems

The Master of Science in Computer Systems is a postgraduate programme that trains graduates in computer systems engineering, focusing on computer architecture, systems design, and computing infrastructure. The programme prepares graduates for advanced careers in computer systems design, network systems, and computing technology.

Core areas include computer architecture, operating systems, computer networks, distributed systems, database systems, software systems, system security, cloud computing, embedded systems, and research methods. Students engage with theoretical foundations and practical applications in computer systems engineering.

The programme is offered by University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, and Moi University, with Taita Taveta University and JKUAT as colleges. UoN offers the programme through its School of Computing and Informatics. JKUAT offers the programme through its School of Computing and Information Technology at multiple campuses including Nairobi CBD, Nakuru, Mombasa, and Westlands.

Students develop competencies in computer systems design, network engineering, distributed systems, database management, system security, cloud infrastructure, and research. The programme includes coursework, laboratory practicals, examinations, supervised research, and thesis.

The programme is delivered over two years with full-time, evening, and weekend study modes. JKUAT requires a Bachelor's degree in a computer-related discipline with at least Second Class Honours Upper Division, or Lower Division with three years work experience. JKUAT fees are KES 505,000 total for the programme.

Graduates pursue careers as systems engineers, network architects, database administrators, cloud systems engineers, systems security specialists, and lecturers in technology companies, financial institutions, government agencies, research institutions, and universities.

Skills Required

Computer Systems Design and Architecture
Operating Systems Administration
Computer Network Engineering
Distributed Systems Development
Database Systems Management
Systems Security Engineering
Cloud Computing Infrastructure
Embedded Systems Design
Software Systems Engineering
Computer Systems Research Methods

Key Subjects

Computer Architecture
Operating Systems
Computer Networks
Distributed Systems
Database Systems
Systems Security
Cloud Computing
Embedded Systems
Software Systems
Computer Systems Research Methods

Certifications

CSK Professional Membership
IEEE Computer Society Membership

Specializations

Computer Architecture

Focuses on computer architecture, processor design, memory systems, hardware-software interface, and designing and analysing computer system architectures.

Network Systems

Examines computer networks, network architecture, network protocols, network security, and designing and managing computer network systems.

Distributed Systems

Covers distributed systems, distributed computing, cloud systems, parallel computing, and designing and managing distributed computer systems.

Database Systems

Focuses on database systems, database design, data management, big data systems, and designing and managing database systems.

Systems Security

Examines systems security, cybersecurity, network security, threat analysis, and securing computer systems and networks against threats.

Cloud Computing

Covers cloud computing, cloud infrastructure, cloud services, virtualisation, and designing and managing cloud computing systems.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 254,100
Private, up to: Ksh 476,250
Job market: High

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Evening, Weekend
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 25 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Computer Architecture
Operating Systems
Computer Networks
Distributed Systems
Database Systems
Systems Security
Cloud Computing
Embedded Systems
Software Systems
Computer Systems Research Methods

Modules

12 in the programme

Advanced Computer Architecture
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines advanced computer architecture, processor design, memory systems, instruction sets, and designing and analysing computer system architectures.
Advanced Operating Systems
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers advanced operating systems, OS design, process management, memory management, file systems, and understanding and designing operating systems.
Computer Networks and Protocols
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines computer networks, network architecture, protocols, routing, switching, and designing and managing computer networks.
Distributed Systems
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers distributed systems, distributed computing, distributed algorithms, consistency models, and designing and managing distributed systems.
Advanced Database Systems
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines advanced database systems, database design, query optimisation, transaction management, big data, and designing and managing database systems.
Systems Security
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers systems security, cybersecurity, network security, threat analysis, cryptography, and securing computer systems and networks.
Cloud Computing Infrastructure
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines cloud computing, cloud infrastructure, virtualisation, cloud services, containerisation, and designing and managing cloud systems.
Embedded Systems Design
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers embedded systems, embedded system design, real-time systems, IoT devices, and designing embedded computer systems.
Software Systems Engineering
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines software systems, software architecture, system software, middleware, and designing and building software systems.
Computer Systems Research Methods
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research methods for computer systems, experimental design, data analysis, and conducting systems research, preparing students for their thesis.
Emerging Computing Technologies
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines emerging computing technologies, edge computing, IoT systems, quantum computing, and next-generation computer systems and technologies.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research thesis on a computer systems topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and computer systems knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Computer Architecture
Focuses on computer architecture, processor design, memory systems, hardware-software interface, and designing and analysing computer system architectures.
Network Systems
Examines computer networks, network architecture, network protocols, network security, and designing and managing computer network systems.
Distributed Systems
Covers distributed systems, distributed computing, cloud systems, parallel computing, and designing and managing distributed computer systems.
Database Systems
Focuses on database systems, database design, data management, big data systems, and designing and managing database systems.
Systems Security
Examines systems security, cybersecurity, network security, threat analysis, and securing computer systems and networks against threats.
Cloud Computing
Covers cloud computing, cloud infrastructure, cloud services, virtualisation, and designing and managing cloud computing systems.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc Computer Systems programme begins with morning lectures on computer architecture, operating systems, or computer networks. Students engage in theoretical discussions on system design, performance optimisation, and emerging computing technologies. Computer architecture sessions cover processor design, memory systems, instruction sets, and designing and analysing computer system architectures. Operating systems sessions examine OS design, process management, memory management, file systems, and understanding and designing operating systems. Computer networks sessions cover network architecture, protocols, routing, switching, and designing and managing computer networks. Distributed systems sessions involve distributed computing, distributed algorithms, consistency models, and designing and managing distributed systems. Database systems sessions cover database design, query optimisation, transaction management, big data, and designing and managing database systems. Systems security sessions examine cybersecurity, network security, threat analysis, cryptography, and securing computer systems and networks. Cloud computing sessions cover cloud infrastructure, virtualisation, cloud services, containerisation, and designing and managing cloud systems. Embedded systems sessions involve embedded system design, real-time systems, IoT devices, and designing embedded computer systems. Software systems sessions cover software architecture, system software, middleware, and designing and building software systems. Laboratory sessions provide hands-on experience with system configuration, network setup, database management, and security tools. Research methodology sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering computer systems research methods, experimental design, and data analysis. JKUAT offers multiple campus options and flexible study modes including evening and weekend. Guest lectures from industry professionals, ICT Authority officials, and IEEE members provide real-world insights. The two-year programme culminates in a research thesis.

The trade offs

In its favour

JKUAT offers the programme at KES 505,000 total with multiple campus options including Nairobi CBD, Nakuru, Mombasa, and Westlands, providing geographic flexibility.
Kenya's growing ICT sector, digital transformation, cloud adoption, and cybersecurity needs create strong demand for qualified computer systems professionals.
Programme offers flexible study modes including full-time, evening, and weekend, accommodating working professionals.
Strong career opportunities with technology companies, financial institutions, government agencies, ICT Authority, and international tech organisations.

Against it

JKUAT's programme fees of KES 505,000 total may be relatively high compared to other public university postgraduate programmes.
Programme requires computer-related degree with strong technical background, which may exclude some graduates.
Rapidly evolving technology may require frequent curriculum updates to remain current with industry needs.
Programme requires access to well-equipped computing laboratories and network infrastructure, which may vary across institutions.

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

Public254k to 254k

254k at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology254k at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

Private476k to 476k

476k at Strathmore University476k at Strathmore 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

JKUAT ~254K/yr (jkuat.ac.ke). TTU: unverified. Strathmore MSc CIS 476K/yr (kenyaeducationguide).

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. IEEE Computer Society provides grants for research and professional development. Kenya ICT Authority supports ICT capacity building. The programme's technology focus attracts industry and government funding.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
IEEE Computer Society Grants
Kenya ICT Authority Funding

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate computer systems studies at recognised universities.
IEEE Computer Society Grants
GrantKsh 300,000
IEEE Computer Society provides grants for research, conference attendance, and professional development in computer systems and computing.
Kenya ICT Authority Funding
GrantKsh 400,000Kenyan
Kenya ICT Authority supports ICT capacity building, providing funding for computing training and research in Kenya.

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: The programme accepts computer science, IT, computer technology, electrical engineering, and related graduates. Two-year programme with full-time, evening, and weekend options at JKUAT. JKUAT offers at multiple campuses including Nairobi CBD, Nakuru, Mombasa, and Westlands. JKUAT fees KES 505,000 total. Application fee KES 2,000.

How you are assessed

4 components

Coursework and Assignments
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, laboratory reports, system design projects, programming exercises, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination30% of the mark
Written examinations covering computer architecture, operating systems, networks, and distributed systems, conducted at end of each semester.
Laboratory and Practical Assessment
Practical40% of the mark
Assessment of laboratory and practical skills including system configuration, network setup, database management, security implementation, and laboratory reports.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on a computer systems topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and systems knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). UoN offers the programme through its School of Computing and Informatics. JKUAT offers through SCIT at KES 505,000 total. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate computer systems training. Kenya ICT Authority promotes ICT standards in Kenya.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. UoN offers through School of Computing and Informatics. JKUAT offers through SCIT at KES 505,000 total. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate computer systems training.
Kenya ICT Authority
Professional accreditation
Kenya ICT Authority promotes ICT standards and development in Kenya. The programme aligns with national ICT capacity building goals.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Systems Engineer
High demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 600,000
Designs and manages computer systems, developing systems infrastructure, and ensuring reliable and efficient computing operations in technology companies.
Network Architect
High demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 600,000
Designs and implements computer networks, developing network architecture, and ensuring network performance, security, and reliability.
Database Administrator
High demandKsh 140,000 to Ksh 550,000
Manages database systems, designing database architecture, ensuring data integrity, performance, and security in organisations.
Cloud Systems Engineer
High demandKsh 160,000 to Ksh 650,000
Designs and manages cloud computing systems, developing cloud infrastructure, and ensuring cloud service performance and security.
Systems Security Specialist
High demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 600,000
Secures computer systems and networks, conducting threat analysis, implementing security measures, and managing cybersecurity in organisations.
University Lecturer
High demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches computer systems and computing in universities, conducting research and training future computer systems professionals.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as systems engineers, network architects, and cloud systems engineers in technology companies, financial institutions, and government agencies.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Linux/Unix
SoftwarePrimary
Linux/Unix operating system for systems administration, server management, network configuration, and hands-on systems engineering practice.
Docker/Kubernetes
SoftwarePrimary
Containerisation and orchestration tools for cloud computing, microservices, distributed systems, and modern cloud infrastructure management.
Wireshark
Software
Network protocol analyser for network troubleshooting, analysis, security assessment, and understanding network traffic and protocols.
Python
Software
Python programming language for systems scripting, automation, data analysis, and research prototyping in computer systems.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Computer systems is just about fixing computers.
Computer systems involves architecture design, distributed systems, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, and research, far beyond computer repair.
This programme is the same as computer science.
While related, computer systems focuses on systems architecture, networks, and infrastructure, while computer science covers broader computing theory, algorithms, and software.
There is limited demand for computer systems specialists in Kenya.
Kenya's growing ICT sector, digital transformation, cloud adoption, and cybersecurity needs create strong demand for qualified computer systems professionals.
This programme is only for computer science graduates.
The programme accepts graduates from computer-related disciplines including computer technology, information technology, electrical engineering, and related fields.
Computer systems is becoming obsolete with cloud computing.
Cloud computing is a core area of computer systems, and the field continues to evolve with edge computing, IoT, and distributed systems.
A master's in computer systems is redundant after a bachelor's in computer science.
The master's provides specialised systems knowledge, research capability, and career progression to senior systems engineering and architecture positions.