Master of Science in Industrial Chemistry
<p>The Master of Science in Industrial Chemistry is a postgraduate programme that prepares professionals for advanced practice in industrial chemistry, chemical processing, materials science, and quality control. The programme combines chemical theory with practical laboratory work, industrial processes, and research application.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 397,500 a year at a public institution, Ksh 795,000 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 295,500 a year at a private one.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, with 0 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 6 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 industrial chemistry, chemical processing, polymer chemistry, materials science, quality control, environmental chemistry, chemical engineering principles, research methods, and thesis. Students engage with both theoretical and practical work through coursework, laboratory sessions, industrial visits, and research.
The programme is offered by the University of Nairobi as MSc in Industrial Chemistry through the Department of Chemistry. UoN is a public university offering the programme over two academic years through full-time mode of study.
Students develop competencies in industrial chemical processes, quality control, materials analysis, and chemical plant operations. The programme includes coursework, examinations, laboratory sessions, and a supervised research thesis, preparing graduates for roles in manufacturing, quality assurance, and chemical research.
The University of Nairobi charges approximately KES 397,500/year (KES 795,000 total) for MSc in Industrial Chemistry. Entry requires a Bachelor's degree with at least Upper Second Class Honours in Chemistry, Industrial Chemistry, or related fields from a recognised institution.
Graduates pursue careers as industrial chemists, quality control managers, process chemists, materials scientists, chemical analysts, and lecturers in industrial chemistry across manufacturing companies, pharmaceutical firms, research institutions, government laboratories, and universities.
Skills Required
- Industrial Chemistry and Chemical Processing
- Polymer Chemistry and Materials Science
- Quality Control and Assurance
- Chemical Analysis and Instrumentation
- Environmental Chemistry and Safety
- Chemical Plant Operations and Management
- Catalysis and Reaction Engineering
- Product Development and Formulation
- Research Methods in Industrial Chemistry
- Academic Writing and Thesis Research
Key Subjects
- Industrial Chemistry and Chemical Processing
- Polymer Chemistry and Materials Science
- Quality Control and Assurance
- Chemical Analysis and Instrumentation
- Environmental Chemistry and Safety
- Chemical Plant Operations and Management
- Catalysis and Reaction Engineering
- Product Development and Formulation
- Research Methods in Industrial Chemistry
- Thesis Research
Certifications
- KEBS Quality Certification
- IUPAC Chemistry Certification
Specializations
Industrial Chemical Processing
Focuses on chemical processing, covering processes, reactions, optimisation, scale-up, and managing industrial chemical processes.
Polymer Chemistry
Examines polymer chemistry, covering synthesis, properties, processing, applications, and managing polymer chemistry.
Materials Science
Covers materials science, covering properties, characterisation, development, applications, and managing materials science.
Quality Control
Focuses on quality control, covering analysis, standards, assurance, testing, and managing quality control.
Environmental Chemistry
Examines environmental chemistry, covering pollution, monitoring, remediation, safety, and managing environmental chemistry.
Catalysis and Reaction Engineering
Covers catalysis, covering reactions, kinetics, catalysts, design, and managing catalysis and reactions.
What you study
10 subjects- Industrial Chemistry and Chemical Processing
- Polymer Chemistry and Materials Science
- Quality Control and Assurance
- Chemical Analysis and Instrumentation
- Environmental Chemistry and Safety
- Chemical Plant Operations and Management
- Catalysis and Reaction Engineering
- Product Development and Formulation
- Research Methods in Industrial Chemistry
- Thesis Research
Modules
12 in the programmeAdvanced Industrial Chemistry
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines processes, reactions, optimisation, scale-up, and managing industrial chemistry.
Chemical Processing and Unit Operations
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers processes, reactions, kinetics, design, operations, and managing chemical processing.
Research Methods in Industrial Chemistry
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research design, data collection, analysis, industrial chemistry research methods, and conducting research, preparing students for their thesis.
Polymer Chemistry and Technology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines synthesis, properties, processing, applications, and managing polymer chemistry.
Materials Science and Characterisation
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers properties, characterisation, development, applications, and managing materials science.
Quality Control and Assurance
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines analysis, standards, assurance, testing, systems, and managing quality control.
Environmental Chemistry and Safety
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers pollution, monitoring, remediation, safety, compliance, and managing environmental chemistry.
Catalysis and Reaction Engineering
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines reactions, kinetics, catalysts, design, mechanisms, and managing catalysis and reactions.
Chemical Plant Operations and Management
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers operations, management, safety, maintenance, economics, and managing chemical plants.
Product Development and Formulation
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines development, formulation, testing, scale-up, and managing product development.
Instrumental Analysis and Spectroscopy
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers instrumentation, spectroscopy, chromatography, analysis, and managing instrumental analysis.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 29 creditsCore
Original supervised research thesis on an industrial chemistry topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and industrial chemistry knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.
Specialisations
Industrial Chemical Processing
Focuses on chemical processing, covering processes, reactions, optimisation, scale-up, and managing industrial chemical processes.
Polymer Chemistry
Examines polymer chemistry, covering synthesis, properties, processing, applications, and managing polymer chemistry.
Materials Science
Covers materials science, covering properties, characterisation, development, applications, and managing materials science.
Quality Control
Focuses on quality control, covering analysis, standards, assurance, testing, and managing quality control.
Environmental Chemistry
Examines environmental chemistry, covering pollution, monitoring, remediation, safety, and managing environmental chemistry.
Catalysis and Reaction Engineering
Covers catalysis, covering reactions, kinetics, catalysts, design, and managing catalysis and reactions.
A day as a student
A typical day during the MSc in Industrial Chemistry programme combines lectures, laboratory sessions, industrial visits, seminars, and independent study. Sessions cover industrial chemistry, chemical processing, polymer chemistry, materials science, and quality control. Industrial chemistry sessions examine processes, reactions, optimisation, scale-up, and managing industrial chemistry. Chemical processing sessions cover processes, reactions, kinetics, design, and managing chemical processing. Polymer chemistry sessions cover synthesis, properties, processing, applications, and managing polymer chemistry. Materials science sessions cover properties, characterisation, development, applications, and managing materials science. Quality control sessions cover analysis, standards, assurance, testing, and managing quality control. Environmental chemistry sessions cover pollution, monitoring, remediation, safety, and managing environmental chemistry. Catalysis sessions cover reactions, kinetics, catalysts, design, and managing catalysis. Research methods sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering research design, data collection, and analysis. Laboratory sessions provide hands-on experience with chemical analysis, instrumentation, synthesis, and quality testing. Industrial visits provide exposure to chemical manufacturing plants, processes, and operations. Seminars provide opportunities for presenting research findings and debating current issues in industrial chemistry. Guest lectures from experienced industrial chemists, plant managers, and researchers provide practical insights. The programme culminates in a supervised research thesis on an industrial chemistry topic.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Programme provides specialised industrial chemistry knowledge essential for Kenya's manufacturing sector. | High fees at approximately KES 397,500/year (KES 795,000 total) may be prohibitive for some students. |
| UoN is a well-established institution with experienced faculty and dedicated chemistry laboratories. | Only one university (UoN, public) confirmed offering this specific programme. |
| Graduates are eligible for KEBS quality certification, enhancing career prospects in quality management. | No private university confirmed offering this programme. |
| Programme combines laboratory work with industrial visits, providing both theoretical and practical experience. | Programme requires chemistry or related background, limiting 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 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
UoN ~397K/yr (chemistry.uonbi.ac.ke). USIU ~295K/yr (usiu.ac.ke). Kabarak ~150K/yr.
HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. UoN may offer scholarships for eligible students. IUPAC may offer research grants for chemistry research. Some manufacturing companies and pharmaceutical firms may sponsor staff for postgraduate study.
Funding options
HELB Postgraduate Loan
UoN Scholarship
IUPAC Research Grant
Scholarships
3 recordedHELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities.
UoN Scholarship
ScholarshipKsh 200,000Kenyan
University of Nairobi offers scholarships for eligible postgraduate students.
IUPAC Research Grant
ScholarshipKsh 300,000
IUPAC provides research grants for chemistry research and training.
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
UoN requires Bachelor's degree with at least Upper Second Class Honours in Chemistry, Industrial Chemistry, or related fields, or Lower Second with additional training or research experience. Contact the university for specific admission requirements.
When it next starts
Taught at 6 institutionsIncluding Moi University, University of Kabianga, Dedan Kimathi University of Technology.
Including Moi University, University of Kabianga, Dedan Kimathi University of Technology.
Including Moi University, University of Kabianga, Dedan Kimathi University of Technology.
How you are assessed
4 componentsCoursework and Continuous Assessment
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, laboratory reports, industrial visit reports, seminar presentations, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination70% of the mark
Written examinations covering industrial chemistry, chemical processing, polymer chemistry, and quality control.
Practical and Laboratory Assessment
Practical40% of the mark
Practical assessment through laboratory work, chemical analysis, instrumentation, and demonstrating industrial chemistry skills.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original supervised research thesis on an industrial chemistry topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and industrial chemistry knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. University of Nairobi (public) offers MSc in Industrial Chemistry through the Department of Chemistry. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate training in industrial chemistry. Graduates are eligible for KEBS quality certification and IUPAC chemistry certification.
The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). University of Nairobi (public) offers MSc in Industrial Chemistry through the Department of Chemistry. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate training in industrial chemistry. Graduates are eligible for KEBS quality certification and IUPAC chemistry certification.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
6 rolesIndustrial Chemist
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 450,000
Manages industrial chemical processes, overseeing processes, quality, safety, and managing industrial chemistry.
Quality Control Manager
High demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 450,000
Manages quality control, overseeing analysis, standards, assurance, and managing quality control.
Process Chemist
Moderate demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 400,000
Develops chemical processes, overseeing design, optimisation, scale-up, and managing chemical processes.
Materials Scientist
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 450,000
Develops materials, overseeing characterisation, development, testing, and managing materials science.
Chemical Analyst
Moderate demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 350,000
Analyses chemical samples, overseeing testing, instrumentation, reporting, and managing chemical analysis.
Industrial Chemistry Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 450,000
Teaches industrial chemistry at university or college level, overseeing instruction, research, and academic supervision.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates pursue careers as industrial chemists, quality control managers, process chemists, materials scientists, chemical analysts, and lecturers in industrial chemistry across manufacturing companies, pharmaceutical firms, research institutions, government laboratories, and universities.
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
SPSS
SoftwarePrimary
SPSS for statistical analysis, covering data, statistics, analysis, and managing industrial chemistry research data.
ChemDraw
Software
ChemDraw for chemical drawing, covering structures, reactions, molecules, and managing chemical drawings.
Origin
Software
Origin for data analysis and graphing, covering analysis, plotting, modelling, and managing scientific data.
LabVIEW
Software
LabVIEW for instrument control, covering automation, data acquisition, control, and managing laboratory instruments.
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Industrial chemistry is just about mixing chemicals.
Industrial chemistry covers comprehensive processes, reactions, optimisation, scale-up, and quality management beyond just mixing chemicals.
This programme is only for lab technicians.
Industrial chemistry skills are valuable for plant managers, quality controllers, researchers, and consultants beyond just lab technicians.
Polymer chemistry is just about plastics.
Polymer chemistry covers comprehensive synthesis, properties, processing, and applications across multiple industries beyond just plastics.
Quality control is just about testing products.
Quality control covers comprehensive analysis, standards, assurance, systems, and management beyond just testing products.
Industrial chemistry is dangerous work.
Industrial chemistry emphasises safety, environmental compliance, risk management, and sustainable practices alongside chemical processes.
This programme has limited career prospects.
Industrial chemistry graduates work in diverse sectors including manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, research, and government.