Engineering

Master of Science in Geothermal Energy Technology

The Master of Science in Geothermal Energy Technology provides advanced training in geothermal exploration, drilling, reservoir engineering, power plant design, and geothermal energy utilisation. Students learn geothermal geology, geophysics, drilling technology, reservoir engineering, and power plant operations. The programme is designed for geoscience and engineering graduates seeking advanced geothermal energy qualifications.

Students develop advanced competencies in geothermal exploration, drilling engineering, reservoir assessment, geothermal power plant design, and environmental impact assessment. The curriculum covers geothermal geology, geophysical exploration, drilling technology, reservoir engineering, research methods, and a research thesis. Practical skills are developed through industry attachment at KenGen or GDC.

Geothermal energy expertise is critical for Kenya's energy sector. Kenya is Africa's largest geothermal energy producer, with significant geothermal resources in the Rift Valley. Energy companies, government agencies, and research institutions require trained geothermal professionals. Kenya's renewable energy targets and geothermal expansion create demand for geothermal expertise. The programme addresses the demand for advanced geothermal training.

The programme combines classroom lectures with laboratory work, field trips to geothermal sites, and industry attachment. Students study geothermal concepts, analyse geothermal data, design drilling programmes, and conduct research. Teaching methods include lectures, laboratory sessions, field work, industry attachment, and research supervision. The programme is offered through the Geothermal Energy Training and Research Institute (GeTRI).

Graduates find employment as geothermal engineers, reservoir engineers, drilling engineers, or geothermal energy consultants in energy companies, government agencies, and research institutions. The master's degree supports careers in geothermal energy, renewable energy, and power engineering.

This programme is ideal for geoscience and engineering graduates seeking advanced geothermal energy qualifications. The programme provides advanced skills for geothermal exploration, drilling, and energy production.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 200,000
Job market: High

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 15 students
Award: Master

What you study

10 subjects

Geothermal Geology
Geophysical Exploration
Drilling Technology
Reservoir Engineering
Geothermal Power Plant Design
Environmental Impact Assessment
Geothermal Energy Utilisation
Research Methods
Well Testing and Analysis
Thesis Research

Modules

8 in the programme

Geothermal Geology and Geochemistry
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Geothermal geology covering volcanic geology, geothermal systems, hydrothermal alteration, and geothermal geochemistry including fluid sampling and analysis.
Geophysical Exploration for Geothermal Resources
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Geophysical exploration covering electrical, magnetic, gravity, and seismic methods for geothermal resource exploration and assessment.
Drilling Technology and Engineering
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Drilling technology covering drilling systems, well design, drilling fluids, casing and cementing, and geothermal well drilling operations.
Research Methods and Statistics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Research methods covering research design, statistical analysis, engineering research, and research ethics.
Geothermal Reservoir Engineering
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Reservoir engineering covering reservoir characterisation, well testing, reservoir modelling, reservoir simulation, and reservoir management.
Geothermal Power Plant Design and Operations
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Power plant design covering steam cycles, binary cycles, turbine selection, plant operations, and geothermal power plant engineering.
Environmental Impact and Energy Economics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Environmental impact assessment for geothermal projects, and energy economics covering project financing, cost analysis, and geothermal energy markets.
Thesis Research and Defence
Year 2Semester 16 creditsCore
A research thesis on a geothermal energy topic, demonstrating research competence and contributing to geothermal energy knowledge and practice.

Specialisations

Reservoir Engineering
Focus on geothermal reservoir characterisation, well testing, reservoir modelling, and reservoir management.
Drilling Engineering
Focus on geothermal drilling technology, well design, and drilling operations management.
Geothermal Power Plant Engineering
Focus on geothermal power plant design, operations, and energy conversion systems.

A day as a student

A typical day combines morning lectures on geothermal geology or reservoir engineering with afternoon laboratory sessions and field work. Students study geothermal concepts, analyse geophysical data, design drilling programmes, and conduct research. Field trips to geothermal sites at Olkaria or Menengai provide hands-on experience with geothermal operations. Industry attachment at KenGen or GDC provides real-world exposure to geothermal power production. Research projects connect students with real geothermal challenges. The programme emphasises geothermal competence, engineering skills, and research capabilities.

The trade offs

In its favour

Kenya is Africa's largest geothermal energy producer with ambitious expansion plans, creating strong career demand.
Offered at DeKUT's GeTRI, a dedicated geothermal institute with industry collaboration and hands-on attachment at KenGen or GDC.
Geothermal energy is clean, renewable, and reliable, making it a growth sector in the global energy transition.

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 at geothermal sites involves harsh conditions including high temperatures and remote locations.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 332 engineering courses

Public200k to 200k

200k at Dedan Kimathi University of Technology200k at University of Nairobi

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

All values unverified. No specific geothermal energy tech fees found online.

HELB loans are available for eligible Kenyan students. Geothermal industry partners (KenGen, GDC) may offer sponsorships for students. International geothermal organisations may offer scholarships for geothermal training.

Funding options

HELB Loan

Scholarships

1 recorded

HELB 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 in Physical Sciences, Geosciences, or Engineering with at least Second Class Honours (Upper Division) from a recognised university. Second Class (Lower Division) with relevant work experience may be considered.

How you are assessed

3 components

Coursework and Examinations
Written examination40% of the mark
Coursework assessments, written examinations, and assignments evaluating understanding of geothermal energy concepts.
Laboratory Work and Industry Attachment
Practical30% of the mark
Laboratory assessments, industry attachment evaluations, and practical assignments evaluating geothermal engineering skills.
Thesis Defence
Project30% of the mark
A research thesis demonstrating research competence in geothermal energy, defended before an examination panel.

Accreditation

DeKUT is chartered by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The MSc programme is accredited by CUE. The programme is developed in collaboration with the geothermal industry.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
DeKUT is chartered by CUE. MSc programme accredited by CUE. Developed in collaboration with the geothermal industry.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

Geothermal Engineer
High demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 500,000
Works on geothermal energy projects in energy companies like KenGen or GDC, managing geothermal operations, drilling, and power production.
Reservoir Engineer
High demand
Assesses and manages geothermal reservoirs in energy companies, conducting reservoir modelling, well testing, and production optimisation.
Drilling Engineer
Moderate demand
Plans and supervises geothermal drilling operations in energy companies or drilling contractors, managing well construction and drilling programmes.
Geothermal Energy Consultant
Moderate demand
Provides consulting on geothermal project development, feasibility studies, and technical advisory for energy companies and government.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates find employment as geothermal engineers, reservoir engineers, and drilling engineers in energy companies like KenGen and GDC, government agencies, and research institutions, with opportunities in Kenya's expanding geothermal sector.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Geothermal energy is a niche field with limited opportunities.
Kenya is Africa's largest geothermal producer with ambitious expansion plans, creating strong demand for geothermal professionals.
Geothermal technology is only about drilling holes.
Geothermal technology covers exploration, drilling, reservoir engineering, power plant design, environmental management, and energy economics.
Geothermal energy is only relevant in the Rift Valley.
While geothermal resources are concentrated in the Rift Valley, geothermal expertise is applicable globally, with opportunities in East Africa, Iceland, USA, and New Zealand.
You need to be a geologist to work in geothermal energy.
Geothermal energy requires diverse expertise including engineering, geophysics, environmental science, and project management.