Technology

Master of Science in Informatics

The Master of Science in Informatics is a postgraduate programme that prepares professionals for advanced practice in informatics, information systems, data science, and information security. The programme combines computing theory with practical application in system design, data analytics, and research.

Core areas include informatics, information systems, data science, information security, artificial intelligence, machine learning, database systems, network security, research methods, and thesis. Students engage with both theoretical and practical work through coursework, laboratory sessions, projects, and research.

The programme is offered by Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology as MSc in Informatics through the School of Informatics and Innovative Systems. JOOUST is a public university offering the programme over two academic years through full-time and part-time modes of study.

Students develop competencies in system design, data analytics, information security, and intelligent systems. The programme includes specialisations in Informatics Security and Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, preparing graduates to address Kenya's growing demand for secure and intelligent computing systems.

JOOUST charges approximately KES 150,000/year (KES 300,000 total) for MSc in Informatics. Entry requires a Bachelor's degree with at least Upper Second Class Honours, or Lower Second with at least two years of relevant work experience, from a recognised institution.

Graduates pursue careers as informatics specialists, data scientists, information security analysts, systems analysts, AI engineers, and lecturers in informatics across technology companies, financial institutions, government agencies, research institutions, and universities.

Skills Required

Informatics and Information Systems Design
Data Science and Analytics
Information Security and Threat Assessment
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Database Systems and Management
Network Security and IoT Security
Business Process Automation
High-Performance Computing
Research Methods in Informatics
Academic Writing and Thesis Research

Key Subjects

Informatics and Information Systems Design
Data Science and Analytics
Information Security and Threat Assessment
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Database Systems and Management
Network Security and IoT Security
Business Process Automation
High-Performance Computing
Research Methods in Informatics
Thesis Research

Certifications

CSK Professional Certification
ACM Membership

Specializations

Informatics Security

Focuses on information security, covering threats, vulnerabilities, security strategies, IoT security, and managing secure systems.

Artificial Intelligence and Data Science

Examines AI and data science, covering machine learning, data analytics, data mining, information retrieval, and managing intelligent systems.

Information Systems

Covers information systems, covering design, development, management, integration, and managing information systems.

Database Systems

Focuses on database systems, covering design, management, optimisation, big data, and managing databases.

Network Security

Examines network security, covering protocols, firewalls, intrusion detection, VPN, and managing network security.

Business Process Automation

Covers automation, covering processes, workflows, systems, integration, and managing business automation.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 150,000
Job market: High

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Part-time
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 20 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Informatics and Information Systems Design
Data Science and Analytics
Information Security and Threat Assessment
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Database Systems and Management
Network Security and IoT Security
Business Process Automation
High-Performance Computing
Research Methods in Informatics
Thesis Research

Modules

12 in the programme

Foundations of Informatics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines systems, design, integration, automation, theory, and managing informatics.
Information Systems Design and Development
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers design, development, management, databases, architecture, and managing information systems.
Research Methods in Informatics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research design, data collection, analysis, informatics research methods, and conducting research, preparing students for their thesis.
Database Systems and Big Data
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines design, management, optimisation, big data, NoSQL, and managing databases.
Information Security and Threat Management
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers threats, vulnerabilities, strategies, IoT, cryptography, and managing information security.
Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines machine learning, models, algorithms, applications, training, and managing AI systems.
Data Analytics and Visualisation
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers analytics, mining, visualisation, statistics, tools, and managing data analytics.
Network Security and IoT Security
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines protocols, firewalls, intrusion, VPN, IoT, and managing network security.
Business Process Automation and Integration
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers processes, workflows, systems, integration, RPA, and managing business automation.
High-Performance Computing
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines parallel, distributed, cloud, GPU, optimisation, and managing high-performance computing.
Emerging Technologies in Informatics
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers blockchain, IoT, edge computing, quantum, ethics, and managing emerging technologies.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 29 creditsCore
Original supervised research thesis on an informatics topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and informatics knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Informatics Security
Focuses on information security, covering threats, vulnerabilities, security strategies, IoT security, and managing secure systems.
Artificial Intelligence and Data Science
Examines AI and data science, covering machine learning, data analytics, data mining, information retrieval, and managing intelligent systems.
Information Systems
Covers information systems, covering design, development, management, integration, and managing information systems.
Database Systems
Focuses on database systems, covering design, management, optimisation, big data, and managing databases.
Network Security
Examines network security, covering protocols, firewalls, intrusion detection, VPN, and managing network security.
Business Process Automation
Covers automation, covering processes, workflows, systems, integration, and managing business automation.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc in Informatics programme combines lectures, laboratory sessions, project work, seminars, and independent study. Sessions cover informatics, information systems, data science, information security, and artificial intelligence. Informatics sessions examine systems, design, integration, automation, and managing informatics. Information systems sessions cover design, development, management, databases, and managing information systems. Data science sessions cover analytics, mining, visualisation, statistics, and managing data science. Information security sessions cover threats, vulnerabilities, strategies, IoT, and managing security. AI sessions cover machine learning, models, algorithms, applications, and managing AI systems. Database sessions cover design, management, optimisation, big data, and managing databases. Network security sessions cover protocols, firewalls, intrusion, VPN, and managing network security. Research methods sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering research design, data collection, and analysis. Laboratory sessions provide hands-on experience with programming, database development, security tools, and data analytics. Project work provides hands-on experience with system design, security implementation, and AI model development. Seminars provide opportunities for presenting research findings and debating current issues in informatics. Guest lectures from experienced informatics professionals, security experts, and data scientists provide practical insights. The programme culminates in a supervised research thesis on an informatics topic.

The trade offs

In its favour

High demand for informatics professionals with Kenya's growing digital transformation and automation.
JOOUST offers competitive fees at approximately KES 150,000/year (KES 300,000 total).
Programme offers specialisations in Informatics Security and AI & Data Science, addressing market gaps.
Programme combines technical expertise with interdisciplinary problem-solving skills.

Against it

Only one university (JOOUST, public) confirmed offering this specific programme.
No private university confirmed offering this programme.
Programme requires computing or related background, limiting access for non-related graduates.
JOOUST is located in Bondo, which may be less accessible for some students.

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

Public150k to 150k

150k at JOOUST150k at JOOUST

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

JOOUST 150,000/yr (eafinder.com). Private unverified.

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. JOOUST may offer scholarships for eligible students. ACM may offer research grants for computing research. Some technology companies and government agencies may sponsor staff for postgraduate study.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
JOOUST Scholarship
ACM Research Grant

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities.
JOOUST Scholarship
ScholarshipKsh 150,000Kenyan
JOOUST offers scholarships for eligible postgraduate students.
ACM Research Grant
ScholarshipKsh 200,000
ACM provides research grants for computing and informatics research.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: JOOUST requires a minimum of Upper Second Honours degree, or Lower Second Class Honours with at least two years of working experience, with a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale from an accredited university. Contact the university for specific admission requirements.

How you are assessed

4 components

Coursework and Continuous Assessment
Coursework40% of the mark
Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, laboratory reports, project reports, seminar presentations, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination60% of the mark
Written examinations covering informatics, information systems, data science, and information security.
Practical and Project Assessment
Practical40% of the mark
Practical assessment through project work, programming, security implementation, data analytics, and demonstrating informatics skills.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original supervised research thesis on an informatics topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and informatics knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). JOOUST (public) offers MSc in Informatics through the School of Informatics and Innovative Systems. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate training in informatics. Graduates are eligible for CSK professional certification and ACM membership.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. JOOUST (public) offers MSc in Informatics through the School of Informatics and Innovative Systems. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate training in informatics. Graduates are eligible for CSK professional certification and ACM membership.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Informatics Specialist
High demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 450,000
Manages informatics systems, overseeing design, development, integration, and managing informatics.
Data Scientist
High demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Conducts data science, overseeing analytics, modelling, insights, and managing data science.
Information Security Analyst
High demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 450,000
Manages information security, overseeing threats, vulnerabilities, strategies, and managing security.
Systems Analyst
High demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 400,000
Analyses systems, overseeing design, evaluation, improvement, and managing systems analysis.
AI Engineer
High demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Develops AI systems, overseeing models, algorithms, training, deployment, and managing AI engineering.
Informatics Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 450,000
Teaches informatics at university or college level, overseeing instruction, research, and academic supervision.

Graduate outcomes

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Python
SoftwarePrimary
Python for data science and AI, covering analytics, machine learning, automation, and managing data and AI.
R Studio
Software
R Studio for statistical analysis, covering statistics, modelling, visualisation, and managing data analysis.
Wireshark
Software
Wireshark for network security analysis, covering monitoring, analysis, troubleshooting, and managing network security.
Tableau
Software
Tableau for data visualisation, covering dashboards, analytics, reporting, and managing data visualisation.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Informatics is just about IT support.
Informatics covers comprehensive systems, data science, security, AI, and automation beyond just IT support.
This programme is only for computer scientists.
Informatics skills are valuable for analysts, managers, researchers, and professionals across multiple sectors beyond just computer scientists.
Information security is just about passwords.
Information security covers comprehensive threats, vulnerabilities, strategies, IoT, and system security beyond just passwords.
Data science is just about spreadsheets.
Data science covers comprehensive analytics, mining, machine learning, visualisation, and big data beyond just spreadsheets.
AI is just about chatbots.
AI covers comprehensive machine learning, models, algorithms, applications, and high-performance computing beyond just chatbots.
This programme has limited career prospects in Kenya.
Informatics graduates are in high demand as Kenya adopts business process automation and digital transformation across sectors.