Master of Science in Experimental Physics
<p>The Master of Science in Experimental Physics is a postgraduate programme that trains graduates in experimental physics methods, instrumentation, and materials characterisation. The programme prepares graduates for advanced careers in experimental physics research, materials science, instrumentation development, and applied physics.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 163,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 326,000 for the whole course.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of N/A (Postgraduate) or above. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 2 years, full-time, part-time, with 0 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 10 institutions.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Early Childhood Strategist, at 10 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
Core areas include experimental physics, materials science, solid state physics, electronics and instrumentation, nuclear and radiation physics, geo and space physics, laser physics, computational physics, nanotechnology, and research methods. Students engage with theoretical foundations and extensive laboratory and experimental work.
The programme is offered by Kirinyaga University, Strathmore University, and Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, with Maseno University as a college. MMUST offers MSc in Physics through its School of Natural Sciences. Murang'a University of Technology offers MSc Physics with explicit Experimental Physics category.
Students develop competencies in experimental design, materials characterisation, instrumentation, radiation detection, laser systems, computational modelling, data analysis, and research. The programme includes coursework, laboratory practicals, seminars, examinations, supervised research, publications, and thesis.
The programme is delivered over two years (24–48 months full-time, up to 60 months part-time) with full-time and part-time study modes. MMUST requires Second Class Upper or Lower with 2 years experience. MMUST fees are KES 62,000 per semester. JKUAT fees are KES 140,000 per year. Students must publish at least one research paper before thesis submission.
Graduates pursue careers as experimental physicists, materials scientists, instrumentation specialists, radiation safety officers, researchers, and lecturers in research institutions, manufacturing companies, nuclear agencies, hospitals, and universities.
Skills Required
- Experimental Physics Methods and Design
- Materials Characterisation and Analysis
- Solid State Physics and Analysis
- Electronics and Instrumentation Design
- Nuclear and Radiation Physics
- Laser Physics and Optics
- Computational Physics and Modelling
- Nanotechnology and Nanomaterials
- Experimental Data Analysis and Statistics
- Experimental Physics Research Methods
Key Subjects
- Experimental Physics
- Materials Science
- Solid State Physics
- Electronics and Instrumentation
- Nuclear and Radiation Physics
- Geo and Space Physics
- Laser Physics
- Computational Physics
- Nanotechnology
- Experimental Physics Research Methods
Certifications
- RPB Radiation Safety Certification
- IOP Professional Membership
Specializations
Materials Science
Focuses on materials science, material properties, material characterisation, material synthesis, and studying and developing materials for applications.
Solid State Physics
Examines solid state physics, crystal structures, electronic properties, thermal properties, and understanding physical properties of solid materials.
Electronics and Instrumentation
Covers electronics and instrumentation, electronic devices, sensors, measurement systems, and designing and building experimental instruments and electronics.
Nuclear and Radiation Physics
Focuses on nuclear physics, radiation physics, radiation detection, nuclear instrumentation, and understanding and applying nuclear and radiation physics.
Geo and Space Physics
Examines geo and space physics, geophysics, atmospheric physics, space physics, and understanding physical processes in earth and space environments.
Laser Physics and Optics
Covers laser physics, optics, photonics, laser systems, optical measurement, and understanding and applying laser and optical physics.
What you study
10 subjects- Experimental Physics
- Materials Science
- Solid State Physics
- Electronics and Instrumentation
- Nuclear and Radiation Physics
- Geo and Space Physics
- Laser Physics
- Computational Physics
- Nanotechnology
- Experimental Physics Research Methods
Modules
12 in the programmeExperimental Physics Methods
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines experimental methods, experimental design, measurement techniques, error analysis, data acquisition, and designing and conducting physics experiments.
Materials Science and Characterisation
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers materials science, material properties, material characterisation, material synthesis, crystal structures, and studying and developing materials.
Solid State Physics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines solid state physics, crystal structures, electronic properties, band theory, thermal properties, semiconductors, and understanding physical properties of solids.
Electronics and Instrumentation
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers electronics and instrumentation, electronic devices, sensors, amplifiers, data acquisition, microcontrollers, and designing and building experimental instruments.
Nuclear and Radiation Physics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines nuclear physics, nuclear structure, radioactive decay, radiation detection, nuclear instrumentation, radiation safety, and understanding and applying nuclear physics.
Geo and Space Physics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers geo and space physics, geophysics, atmospheric physics, space physics, geomagnetism, and understanding physical processes in earth and space environments.
Laser Physics and Optics
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines laser physics, laser principles, laser types, laser systems, optics, photonics, optical measurement, and applying laser physics in experiments.
Computational Physics
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers computational physics, computational methods, numerical analysis, simulation, modelling, and using computation for physics problems and experiments.
Nanotechnology and Nanomaterials
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines nanotechnology, nanomaterials, nanofabrication, nanoscale characterisation, nanoscale physics, and understanding and applying nanoscale physics.
Experimental Physics Research Methods
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research methods for experimental physics, experimental design, data analysis, scientific writing, publication, and conducting experimental physics research, preparing students for their thesis.
Advanced Experimental Techniques
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines advanced experimental techniques, advanced instrumentation, advanced measurement, vacuum technology, cryogenics, spectroscopy, and advanced experimental methods.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research thesis on an experimental physics topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and experimental physics knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence. At least one published research paper required before submission.
Specialisations
Materials Science
Focuses on materials science, material properties, material characterisation, material synthesis, and studying and developing materials for applications.
Solid State Physics
Examines solid state physics, crystal structures, electronic properties, thermal properties, and understanding physical properties of solid materials.
Electronics and Instrumentation
Covers electronics and instrumentation, electronic devices, sensors, measurement systems, and designing and building experimental instruments and electronics.
Nuclear and Radiation Physics
Focuses on nuclear physics, radiation physics, radiation detection, nuclear instrumentation, and understanding and applying nuclear and radiation physics.
Geo and Space Physics
Examines geo and space physics, geophysics, atmospheric physics, space physics, and understanding physical processes in earth and space environments.
Laser Physics and Optics
Covers laser physics, optics, photonics, laser systems, optical measurement, and understanding and applying laser and optical physics.
A day as a student
A typical day during the MSc Experimental Physics programme begins with morning lectures on solid state physics, materials science, or nuclear physics. Students engage in theoretical discussions on experimental methods, physical properties, and instrumentation design. Experimental methods sessions cover experimental design, measurement techniques, error analysis, data acquisition, and designing and conducting physics experiments. Materials science sessions examine material properties, material characterisation, material synthesis, crystal structures, and studying and developing materials. Solid state physics sessions cover crystal structures, electronic properties, band theory, thermal properties, semiconductors, and understanding physical properties of solids. Electronics and instrumentation sessions involve electronic devices, sensors, amplifiers, data acquisition, microcontrollers, and designing and building experimental instruments. Nuclear and radiation physics sessions cover nuclear structure, radioactive decay, radiation detection, nuclear instrumentation, radiation safety, and understanding and applying nuclear physics. Geo and space physics sessions examine geophysics, atmospheric physics, space physics, geomagnetism, and understanding physical processes in earth and space. Laser physics sessions cover laser principles, laser types, laser systems, optics, photonics, and applying laser physics in experiments. Computational physics sessions involve computational methods, numerical analysis, simulation, modelling, and using computation for physics problems. Nanotechnology sessions cover nanomaterials, nanofabrication, nanoscale characterisation, and understanding and applying nanoscale physics. Laboratory sessions provide extensive hands-on experience with experimental setups, materials characterisation, radiation detection, laser systems, and electronic instrumentation. Seminar sessions involve research presentations, conference presentations, and progress reports. Research methodology sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering experimental physics research methods, experimental design, and data analysis. Students must publish at least one research paper in peer-reviewed journals before thesis submission. Guest lectures from IAEA specialists, KEBS scientists, RPB officials, and university researchers provide real-world insights. The two-year programme culminates in a research thesis with oral defence.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| MMUST MSc Physics fees are verified at KES 62,000 per semester (~KES 124,000/year), making it one of the most affordable postgraduate physics programmes. | Programme requires physics or strong physical science background, which may exclude many graduates. |
| MUT offers explicit Experimental Physics category with specialisations in materials, solid state, electronics, nuclear, and geo/space physics. | Programme involves rigorous mathematical, computational, and experimental content, which may be challenging for some students. |
| Programme requires publication of at least one research paper in peer-reviewed journals before thesis submission, ensuring research output. | Limited number of institutions offering the programme may restrict geographic access for prospective students. |
| Career opportunities with KEBS, RPB, IAEA, research institutions, manufacturing companies, hospitals, and universities. | Experimental physics is a niche field with limited awareness among prospective students and some employers. |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 243 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
MMUST ~131K/yr (mmust.ac.ke). Kirinyaga ~163K/yr (kyu.ac.ke). Private: unverified.
HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. IAEA supports nuclear and radiation physics research. AAS provides research grants for African scientists. IOP supports physics education and research. The programme's experimental and applied physics focus attracts research and international organisation funding.
Funding options
HELB Postgraduate Loan
IAEA Research Funding
AAS Research Grants
Scholarships
3 recordedHELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate experimental physics studies at recognised universities.
IAEA Research Funding
GrantKsh 400,000
IAEA supports nuclear and radiation physics research, providing funding for training and research in nuclear science and materials research.
AAS Research Grants
GrantKsh 300,000
African Academy of Sciences provides research grants for African scientists, supporting research in physics and materials science.
Scholarships you could apply for
2 usable where it is taught- Chevening Scholarships Kenya
Closes 30 November 2026FullUK Government
Full masters in UK
- AfDB Japan Scholarship Program
Closes 28 February 2027FullAfrican Development Bank
Full graduate study abroad
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
The programme accepts physics, engineering, applied mathematics, and related physical science graduates. Two-year programme (24–48 months full-time, up to 60 months part-time) with full-time and part-time options. MMUST requires Second Class Upper or Lower with 2 years experience. MMUST fees KES 62,000 per semester. Students must publish at least one research paper before thesis submission.
When it next starts
Taught at 10 institutionsIncluding Maseno University, Kirinyaga University, Kenyatta University.
Including Maseno University, Kirinyaga University, Kenyatta University.
Including Maseno University, Kirinyaga University, Kenyatta University.
How you are assessed
4 componentsCoursework and Assignments
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, problem sets, laboratory reports, experimental design projects, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination30% of the mark
Written examinations covering experimental physics, materials science, solid state physics, and nuclear physics, conducted at end of each semester.
Laboratory and Experimental Assessment
Practical40% of the mark
Assessment of laboratory work, experimental design, instrument building, data acquisition, materials characterisation, and experimental reports.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on an experimental physics topic, requiring at least one published research paper in peer-reviewed journals, assessed through written submission and oral defence.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. MMUST offers MSc in Physics through its School of Natural Sciences. MUT offers MSc Physics with explicit Experimental Physics category. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate experimental physics training.
Radiation Protection Board (RPB)
Professional accreditation
RPB regulates radiation safety in Kenya. Graduates working with radiation and nuclear materials may require RPB certification and radiation safety training.
The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). MMUST offers MSc in Physics through its School of Natural Sciences. MUT offers MSc Physics with explicit Experimental Physics category. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate experimental physics training. RPB regulates radiation safety in Kenya.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
6 rolesExperimental Physicist
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Designs and conducts physics experiments, studying materials, radiation, or optical systems, and contributing to physics knowledge and applications.
Materials Scientist
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Studies and develops materials, characterising material properties, synthesising new materials, and supporting materials development for industry.
Instrumentation Specialist
Moderate demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 450,000
Designs and builds experimental instruments and electronics, overseeing measurement systems, sensors, and ensuring accurate measurement and data acquisition.
Radiation Safety Officer
Moderate demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 450,000
Manages radiation safety, overseeing radiation protection, monitoring, and ensuring compliance with radiation safety standards in hospitals, research, and industry.
Research Scientist
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Conducts experimental physics research, studying materials, radiation, or optical systems, and contributing to physics knowledge and innovation.
University Lecturer
High demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches experimental physics and physics in universities, conducting research and training future physics professionals.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates pursue careers as experimental physicists, materials scientists, and instrumentation specialists in research institutions, manufacturing companies, and nuclear agencies.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Early Childhood StrategistEducation10Low exposure
- Special Needs EducatorEducation10Low exposure
- Career Guidance CounselorEducation11Low exposure
- Cloud Security EngineerTechnology14Low exposure
- Early Literacy SpecialistEducation14Low exposure
- Industrial Robotics ProgrammerTechnology14Low exposure
- STEM Laboratory EducatorEducation14Low exposure
- TVET Competency AssessorEducation14Low exposure
Tools you will learn
MATLAB
SoftwarePrimary
Technical computing software for experimental data analysis, signal processing, modelling, simulation, and numerical methods in experimental physics.
LabVIEW
SoftwarePrimary
Laboratory virtual instrumentation software for data acquisition, instrument control, automated measurement, and experimental automation.
Python
Software
Programming language for scientific computing, data analysis, experimental data processing, and computational physics modelling.
Origin
Software
Data analysis and graphing software for experimental physics data analysis, curve fitting, peak analysis, and scientific plotting.
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Experimental physics is just about doing experiments in a lab.
The programme involves complex experimental design, materials science, instrumentation development, computational modelling, and research publication, far beyond simple lab work.
Physics has limited career opportunities in Kenya.
Kenya's manufacturing sector, radiation safety needs, materials testing, nuclear interests, and education sector create moderate demand for qualified experimental physics professionals.
There is limited demand for experimental physicists in Kenya.
Kenya's industrial development, materials testing, radiation safety, instrumentation needs, and scientific research create moderate demand for qualified experimental physics professionals.
This programme is only for physics graduates.
The programme accepts graduates from physics, engineering, applied mathematics, and related physical science fields with physics background.
Experimental physics is outdated with no modern applications.
Modern experimental physics involves nanotechnology, laser systems, advanced materials, computational modelling, and cutting-edge instrumentation with wide industrial applications.
A master's in experimental physics is redundant after a bachelor's in physics.
The master's provides specialised experimental skills, instrumentation expertise, research capability, and career progression to senior research and applied physics positions.