Technology

Master of Science in Computing and Information Systems

The Master of Science in Computing and Information Systems is a postgraduate programme that prepares professionals for advanced practice in computing, information systems development, and IT management. The programme is a conversion course designed for candidates from various backgrounds wishing to build a career in information technology.

Core areas include programming, databases, mobile and web technologies, networks, security, data science, data analytics, emerging trends in computing, IT management, research methods, and project. Students engage with both computing theory and practical laboratory work through coursework and research.

The programme is offered by Strathmore University as MSc in Computing and Information Systems through the School of Computing and Engineering Sciences, JKUAT as MSc in Computer Systems and MSc in IT through the School of Computing and Information Technology, and Kenyatta University as MSc in Computer Science through the School of Pure and Applied Sciences. Private and public universities offer programmes over two academic years through full-time, evening, and weekend modes of study.

Students develop competencies in programming, database systems, web and mobile technologies, networks, security, data science, data analytics, and emerging computing trends. The programme includes coursework, examinations, laboratory work, and a supervised research project.

Strathmore charges KES 317,500/year (KES 952,500 total) for computing and information systems as a private university. JKUAT charges approximately KES 252,500/year (KES 505,000 total) for computer systems and IT. KU charges approximately KES 200,000/year for computer science. Entry requires a Bachelor's degree with Second Class Honours Upper Division or equivalent in any discipline with minimum KCSE C+ for Strathmore's conversion course, or in computer science, IT, or related fields for JKUAT and KU.

Graduates pursue careers as systems developers, IT consultants, database administrators, data analysts, software engineers, and lecturers in computing across technology companies, financial institutions, consulting firms, government agencies, and universities.

Skills Required

Programming and Software Development
Database Design and Management
Mobile and Web Application Development
Network Architecture and Security
Data Science and Analytics
Information Systems Analysis and Design
IT Project Management
Emerging Technologies and Innovation
Research Methods in Computing
Academic Writing and Project Research

Key Subjects

Programming and Software Development
Database Design and Management
Mobile and Web Application Development
Network Architecture and Security
Data Science and Analytics
Information Systems Analysis and Design
IT Project Management
Emerging Technologies and Innovation
Research Methods in Computing
Project Research

Certifications

Computer Society of Kenya (CSK) Membership
ACM Professional Membership

Specializations

Information Systems Security

Focuses on information systems security, covering security concepts, network forensics, web application security, disaster recovery, and managing IS security.

Information Systems Development

Examines IS development, covering architecture, human-computer interaction, e-governance, e-commerce, quality assurance, and managing IS development.

Data and Knowledge Management

Covers data and knowledge management, covering database systems, data mining, data warehousing, knowledge management, and managing data systems.

Business Intelligence and Data Analytics

Focuses on business intelligence, covering data analytics, artificial intelligence, robotics, IoT, and managing BI and analytics.

Systems Security and Forensics

Examines systems security and forensics, covering forensics, cloud security, enterprise security, cryptography, and managing security and forensics.

Telecommunication and Networks

Covers telecommunication and networks, covering enterprise networking, wireless networks, sensor networks, mobile networks, and managing network systems.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 367,200
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: 30 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Programming and Software Development
Database Design and Management
Mobile and Web Application Development
Network Architecture and Security
Data Science and Analytics
Information Systems Analysis and Design
IT Project Management
Emerging Technologies and Innovation
Research Methods in Computing
Project Research

Modules

12 in the programme

Information Systems Infrastructure and Foundations
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines IS infrastructure, computing foundations, hardware, software, networks, and managing information systems infrastructure.
Programming and Software Development
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers programming, algorithms, data structures, OOP, software development, and managing software development.
Research Methods in Computing
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research design, data collection, analysis, computing research methods, and conducting IS research, preparing students for their project.
Database Design and Management
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines database design, SQL, NoSQL, data warehousing, big data, and managing database systems.
Mobile and Web Application Development
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers web development, mobile apps, APIs, cloud computing, and managing web and mobile systems.
Network Architecture and Security
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines network design, protocols, routing, switching, cybersecurity, and managing network security.
Information Systems Analysis, Modelling and Design
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers requirements analysis, modelling, design, testing, quality assurance, and managing IS development.
Data Science and Analytics
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines data mining, machine learning, visualisation, business intelligence, and managing data analytics.
Enterprise Models and IT Strategy
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers enterprise architecture, IT strategy, governance, enterprise systems, ERP, and managing enterprise IT.
Emerging Trends in Computing
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines AI, IoT, blockchain, fintech, cloud, emerging technologies, and managing technology innovation.
Project and Change Management
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers IT project planning, agile, risk, quality, change management, and managing IT projects and change.
Research Project
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original supervised research project on a computing and information systems topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and computing knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Information Systems Security
Focuses on information systems security, covering security concepts, network forensics, web application security, disaster recovery, and managing IS security.
Information Systems Development
Examines IS development, covering architecture, human-computer interaction, e-governance, e-commerce, quality assurance, and managing IS development.
Data and Knowledge Management
Covers data and knowledge management, covering database systems, data mining, data warehousing, knowledge management, and managing data systems.
Business Intelligence and Data Analytics
Focuses on business intelligence, covering data analytics, artificial intelligence, robotics, IoT, and managing BI and analytics.
Systems Security and Forensics
Examines systems security and forensics, covering forensics, cloud security, enterprise security, cryptography, and managing security and forensics.
Telecommunication and Networks
Covers telecommunication and networks, covering enterprise networking, wireless networks, sensor networks, mobile networks, and managing network systems.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc in Computing and Information Systems programme combines lectures, laboratory sessions, practical workshops, seminars, and independent study. Sessions cover programming, databases, web and mobile technologies, networks, security, and data science. Programming sessions examine software development, algorithms, data structures, OOP, and managing software development. Database sessions cover database design, SQL, NoSQL, data warehousing, big data, and managing database systems. Web and mobile sessions cover web development, mobile apps, APIs, cloud computing, and managing web and mobile systems. Networks sessions cover network design, protocols, routing, switching, and managing networks. Security sessions cover cybersecurity, firewalls, encryption, access control, and managing information security. Data science sessions cover data mining, machine learning, visualisation, business intelligence, and managing data analytics. IS analysis and design sessions cover requirements analysis, modelling, design, testing, and managing IS development. IT project management sessions cover project planning, agile, risk, quality, and managing IT projects. Emerging technologies sessions cover AI, IoT, blockchain, fintech, and managing technology innovation. Research methods sessions prepare students for their project, covering research design, data collection, and analysis. Laboratory sessions provide hands-on experience with programming, database management, web development, and network configuration. Practical workshops provide hands-on experience with software development tools, database systems, cloud platforms, and security tools. Seminars and discussion groups provide opportunities for debating current issues in computing and information systems. Guest lectures from experienced IT professionals, software engineers, and technology entrepreneurs provide practical insights. The programme culminates in a supervised research project on a computing and information systems topic.

The trade offs

In its favour

High demand for computing professionals with Kenya's growing tech ecosystem, digital transformation, fintech, and ICT adoption across sectors.
Strathmore's MSc CIS is a conversion course, enabling graduates from non-IT backgrounds to enter the IT field.
Programme offered by three universities (1 private, 2 public), providing institutional choice.
JKUAT offers competitive fees at approximately KES 252,500/year (KES 505,000 total) for computer systems and IT.

Against it

Strathmore (private) charges KES 952,500 total, which may be challenging for some students.
KU specific computing fees not independently verified.
Rapidly evolving technology landscape requires continuous self-learning beyond the curriculum.
Some universities require computer science, IT, or related background, which may limit access for non-related graduates.

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 367k

254k at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology367k at Kenyatta University

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). KU MSc CS ~367K/yr (mawese). Strathmore MSc CIS 476K/yr (kenyaeducationguide).

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. Strathmore University offers financial aid for eligible students. JKUAT may offer postgraduate bursaries. Some technology companies may sponsor staff for postgraduate study.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
Strathmore University Financial Aid
JKUAT Postgraduate Bursary

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities.
Strathmore University Financial Aid
ScholarshipKsh 200,000Kenyan
Strathmore University offers financial aid for eligible postgraduate students.
JKUAT Postgraduate Bursary
ScholarshipKsh 100,000Kenyan
JKUAT offers postgraduate bursaries for eligible students.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: Strathmore's MSc CIS is a conversion course accepting graduates from various backgrounds with minimum KCSE C+. JKUAT and KU require computer science, IT, or related background. Postgraduate diploma holders with relevant experience may also be considered. Some universities require a department-based entrance examination. 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, laboratory reports, programming projects, seminar presentations, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination70% of the mark
Written examinations covering programming, databases, networks, security, and data science.
Practical and Laboratory Assessment
Practical30% of the mark
Practical assessment through programming projects, database design, web development, network configuration, and demonstrating computing skills.
Research Project
Research100% of the mark
Original supervised research project on a computing and information systems 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). Strathmore University (private) offers MSc in Computing and Information Systems. JKUAT and Kenyatta University (public) offer related MSc in Computer Systems, IT, or Computer Science. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate training in computing and information systems. Graduates are eligible for CSK membership and ACM professional membership.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. Strathmore University (private) offers MSc in Computing and Information Systems. JKUAT and Kenyatta University (public) offer related MSc in Computer Systems, IT, or Computer Science. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate training in computing and information systems. Graduates are eligible for CSK membership and ACM professional membership.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Systems Developer
Very high demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 650,000
Develops information systems, overseeing design, coding, testing, deployment, and managing systems development.
IT Consultant
High demandKsh 140,000 to Ksh 600,000
Provides IT consulting, overseeing advisory, assessment, strategy, and managing IT consulting.
Database Administrator
High demandKsh 140,000 to Ksh 600,000
Manages database systems, overseeing design, performance, security, backup, and managing database operations.
Data Analyst
High demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Analyses data for insights, overseeing data collection, analysis, visualisation, and managing data analytics.
Software Engineer
Very high demandKsh 140,000 to Ksh 700,000
Engineers software solutions, overseeing architecture, development, testing, and managing software engineering.
Computing Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches computing at university or college level, overseeing instruction, research, and academic supervision.

Graduate outcomes

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Python
ProgrammingPrimary
Python for programming and data science, covering data analysis, machine learning, web development, and managing software development.
SQL
Database
SQL for database management, covering queries, design, optimisation, administration, and managing database systems.
AWS
Cloud
AWS for cloud computing, covering cloud services, deployment, scalability, and managing cloud infrastructure.
Git
Version control
Git for version control, covering code management, collaboration, branching, and managing software development.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Computing and information systems is just about programming.
Computing and information systems covers comprehensive databases, networks, security, data science, IT management, and emerging technologies beyond just programming.
This programme is only for computer science graduates.
Strathmore's MSc CIS is a conversion course designed for candidates from various backgrounds, not just computer science graduates.
IT is just about fixing technical problems.
IT covers comprehensive systems development, data management, security, analytics, project management, and strategic technology planning.
Data analytics is just about making spreadsheets.
Data analytics covers comprehensive data mining, machine learning, statistical modelling, visualisation, and business intelligence.
Network security is just about passwords.
Network security covers comprehensive firewalls, encryption, intrusion detection, access control, forensics, and risk management.
Emerging technologies is just about buzzwords.
Emerging technologies covers practical AI, IoT, blockchain, cloud computing, and fintech applications with real business impact.