Science

Master of Science in Inorganic Chemistry

The Master of Science in Inorganic Chemistry is a postgraduate programme that trains graduates in inorganic chemistry, coordination chemistry, organometallic chemistry, and materials chemistry. The programme prepares graduates for advanced careers in chemical research, materials science, industrial chemistry, and academia.

Core areas include inorganic chemistry, coordination chemistry, organometallic chemistry, theoretical inorganic chemistry, crystal chemistry, magneto-chemistry, bioinorganic chemistry, inorganic polymers, analytical techniques, and research methods. Students engage with theoretical foundations and practical inorganic chemistry applications.

The programme is offered by Kirinyaga University, Strathmore University, and Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, with University of Nairobi, Kisii University, and Maseno University as colleges. UoN offers MSc Chemistry with inorganic specialisation through its Department of Chemistry. Moi University offers MSc in Inorganic Chemistry through its Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

Students develop competencies in inorganic synthesis, coordination chemistry, characterisation techniques, crystallography, materials analysis, and research. The programme includes coursework, laboratory practicals, examinations, supervised research, and thesis. UoN structure: 10 course units in year 1, thesis in year 2.

The programme is delivered over two years with full-time and part-time study modes. UoN tuition is KES 156,000 per semester, total KES 723,000. MMUST tuition is KES 62,000 per semester. UoN requires Upper Second in Chemistry or Lower with 2 years experience.

Graduates pursue careers as inorganic chemists, materials scientists, industrial chemists, quality control analysts, and lecturers in chemical industry, mining, materials companies, research institutions, and universities.

Skills Required

Inorganic Chemistry and Coordination Chemistry
Organometallic Chemistry and Catalysis
Theoretical Inorganic Chemistry and Bonding
Crystal Chemistry and X-ray Crystallography
Magneto-Chemistry and Spectroscopy
Bioinorganic Chemistry and Metalloproteins
Inorganic Synthesis and Materials Chemistry
Analytical Techniques and Instrumentation
Inorganic Polymers and Advanced Materials
Inorganic Chemistry Research Methods

Key Subjects

Inorganic Chemistry
Coordination Chemistry
Organometallic Chemistry
Theoretical Inorganic Chemistry
Crystal Chemistry
Magneto-Chemistry
Bioinorganic Chemistry
Inorganic Polymers
Analytical Techniques
Inorganic Chemistry Research Methods

Certifications

RSC Professional Chemistry Certification
IUPAC Chemistry Certification

Specializations

Coordination Chemistry

Focuses on coordination chemistry, coordination compounds, ligand chemistry, metal complexes, coordination theory, and understanding and working with coordination compounds.

Organometallic Chemistry

Examines organometallic chemistry, organometallic compounds, metal-carbon bonds, organometallic catalysis, and understanding and working with organometallic compounds.

Crystal Chemistry

Covers crystal chemistry, crystal structures, X-ray crystallography, solid-state chemistry, and understanding and analysing crystal structures and solid-state materials.

Bioinorganic Chemistry

Focuses on bioinorganic chemistry, metalloproteins, metalloenzymes, biological metal chemistry, and understanding the role of metals in biological systems.

Materials Chemistry

Examines materials chemistry, inorganic materials, nanomaterials, semiconductors, catalysts, and designing and characterising inorganic materials.

Magneto-Chemistry

Covers magneto-chemistry, magnetic properties, magnetic materials, spin chemistry, and understanding and studying magnetic properties of inorganic compounds.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 361,500
Private, up to: Ksh 300,000
Job market: Moderate

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: 15 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Inorganic Chemistry
Coordination Chemistry
Organometallic Chemistry
Theoretical Inorganic Chemistry
Crystal Chemistry
Magneto-Chemistry
Bioinorganic Chemistry
Inorganic Polymers
Analytical Techniques
Inorganic Chemistry Research Methods

Modules

12 in the programme

Topics in Inorganic Chemistry
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines advanced topics in inorganic chemistry, periodic trends, descriptive inorganic chemistry, inorganic reactions, and understanding inorganic elements and compounds.
Research Methods in Chemistry
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research methods for chemistry, experimental design, laboratory methods, data analysis, scientific writing, and conducting chemistry research, preparing students for their thesis.
Topics in Instrumental Methods
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines instrumental methods, spectroscopy, NMR, ESR, UV-Vis, IR, X-ray diffraction, mass spectrometry, and analytical instrumentation for inorganic chemistry.
Graduate Seminar
Year 1Semester 11 creditsCore
Covers graduate seminar presentations, literature review, research presentations, scientific communication, and presenting and discussing inorganic chemistry research.
Modern Inorganic Chemistry
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers modern inorganic chemistry, contemporary developments, advanced inorganic synthesis, modern characterisation techniques, and understanding modern inorganic chemistry.
Theoretical Inorganic Chemistry
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines theoretical inorganic chemistry, molecular orbital theory, symmetry, group theory, bonding models, crystal field theory, ligand field theory, and theoretical aspects of inorganic chemistry.
Bioinorganic Chemistry
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines bioinorganic chemistry, metalloproteins, metalloenzymes, biological metal chemistry, nitrogen fixation, electron transfer proteins, and understanding the role of metals in biological systems.
Inorganic Polymers and Materials
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers inorganic polymers, silicone polymers, phosphazene polymers, inorganic materials, nanomaterials, semiconductors, catalysts, and designing and characterising inorganic materials.
Inorganic Crystal Chemistry
Year 2Semester 22 creditsCore
Examines inorganic crystal chemistry, crystal structures, X-ray crystallography, solid-state chemistry, unit cells, crystal systems, and understanding and analysing crystal structures.
Organometallic Chemistry
Year 2Semester 22 creditsCore
Covers organometallic chemistry, organometallic compounds, metal-carbon bonds, organometallic catalysis, organometallic synthesis, and understanding and working with organometallic compounds.
Magneto-Chemistry
Year 2Semester 22 creditsCore
Examines magneto-chemistry, magnetic properties, magnetic susceptibility, magnetic materials, spin states, paramagnetism, diamagnetism, and understanding magnetic properties of inorganic compounds.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 216 creditsCore
Original research thesis on an inorganic chemistry topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and inorganic chemistry knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Coordination Chemistry
Focuses on coordination chemistry, coordination compounds, ligand chemistry, metal complexes, coordination theory, and understanding and working with coordination compounds.
Organometallic Chemistry
Examines organometallic chemistry, organometallic compounds, metal-carbon bonds, organometallic catalysis, and understanding and working with organometallic compounds.
Crystal Chemistry
Covers crystal chemistry, crystal structures, X-ray crystallography, solid-state chemistry, and understanding and analysing crystal structures and solid-state materials.
Bioinorganic Chemistry
Focuses on bioinorganic chemistry, metalloproteins, metalloenzymes, biological metal chemistry, and understanding the role of metals in biological systems.
Materials Chemistry
Examines materials chemistry, inorganic materials, nanomaterials, semiconductors, catalysts, and designing and characterising inorganic materials.
Magneto-Chemistry
Covers magneto-chemistry, magnetic properties, magnetic materials, spin chemistry, and understanding and studying magnetic properties of inorganic compounds.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc Inorganic Chemistry programme begins with morning lectures on inorganic chemistry, coordination chemistry, or organometallic chemistry. Students engage in theoretical discussions on bonding, structure, and reactivity of inorganic compounds. Inorganic chemistry sessions cover inorganic chemistry principles, descriptive inorganic chemistry, periodic trends, and understanding inorganic elements and compounds. Coordination chemistry sessions examine coordination compounds, ligands, coordination theory, crystal field theory, ligand field theory, and understanding and working with coordination compounds. Organometallic chemistry sessions cover organometallic compounds, metal-carbon bonds, organometallic catalysis, and understanding and working with organometallic compounds. Theoretical inorganic chemistry sessions examine molecular orbital theory, symmetry, group theory, bonding models, and understanding theoretical aspects of inorganic chemistry. Crystal chemistry sessions cover crystal structures, X-ray crystallography, solid-state chemistry, unit cells, and understanding and analysing crystal structures. Magneto-chemistry sessions examine magnetic properties, magnetic susceptibility, magnetic materials, spin states, and understanding magnetic properties of inorganic compounds. Bioinorganic chemistry sessions cover metalloproteins, metalloenzymes, biological metal chemistry, nitrogen fixation, and understanding the role of metals in biological systems. Inorganic polymers sessions examine inorganic polymers, silicone polymers, phosphazene polymers, and understanding and working with inorganic polymeric materials. Analytical techniques sessions cover spectroscopy, NMR, ESR, UV-Vis, IR, X-ray diffraction, mass spectrometry, and analytical methods for inorganic chemistry. Laboratory sessions provide extensive hands-on experience with inorganic synthesis, coordination compound preparation, characterisation techniques, spectroscopic analysis, and crystallographic analysis. Research methodology sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering inorganic chemistry research methods, experimental design, and data analysis. Guest lectures from KIRDI researchers, KEBS officials, IUPAC fellows, and industry chemists provide real-world insights. The two-year programme culminates in a research thesis.

The trade offs

In its favour

UoN offers comprehensive MSc Chemistry with inorganic specialisation, covering organic, inorganic, physical, analytical, and industrial chemistry with verified fees.
MMUST offers at KES 62,000/semester, making it relatively affordable for a postgraduate chemistry programme.
Programme covers diverse inorganic chemistry areas including coordination, organometallic, crystal, magneto-, and bioinorganic chemistry.
Career opportunities with mining companies, materials industry, chemical manufacturing, KIRDI, KEBS, research institutions, and universities.

Against it

Job market demand is moderate compared to more applied chemistry fields like analytical or industrial chemistry.
Programme requires chemistry or related science background, which excludes non-science graduates.
Laboratory work requires access to advanced instrumentation including NMR, X-ray diffraction, and spectroscopy equipment, which may vary across institutions.
UoN total fees of KES 723,000 may be relatively expensive for some students compared to MMUST at KES 62,000/semester.

What it costs

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

What it costs, and where

Against 243 science courses

Public151k to 362k

151k at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology362k at University of Nairobi

Private300k to 300k

300k at Strathmore University300k 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

UoN MSc Chemistry ~361K/yr (chemistry.uonbi.ac.ke). MMUST ~151K/yr. Strathmore unverified.

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. KIRDI supports industrial chemistry research. IUPAC supports chemistry research and capacity building. RSC supports chemistry professional development. The programme's inorganic chemistry focus attracts research and professional body funding.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
KIRDI Research Funding
IUPAC Research Grants

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate inorganic chemistry studies at recognised universities.
KIRDI Research Funding
GrantKsh 300,000Kenyan
KIRDI supports industrial research including chemical processing and materials development, providing funding for postgraduate research.
IUPAC Research Grants
GrantKsh 400,000
IUPAC supports chemistry research and capacity building, providing funding for research and training in chemistry globally.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: The programme accepts graduates from chemistry, industrial chemistry, chemical engineering, and related fields including BEd with Chemistry major. Two-year programme with full-time and part-time modes. UoN requires Upper Second in Chemistry or Lower with 2 years experience or Pass with 5 years experience. MMUST requires Upper Second or Lower with 2 years experience. UoN tuition KES 156,000/semester, total KES 723,000. MMUST tuition KES 62,000/semester.

How you are assessed

4 components

Coursework and Continuous Assessment
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous assessment through tests, assignments, practical reports, term papers, and class participation as per UoN and MMUST programme structures.
Written Examinations
Examination40% of the mark
Written examinations covering inorganic chemistry, coordination chemistry, organometallic chemistry, and theoretical inorganic chemistry, conducted at end of each semester.
Laboratory Practical Assessment
Practical30% of the mark
Assessment of laboratory work, inorganic synthesis, characterisation, spectroscopic analysis, crystallographic analysis, and practical reports.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on an inorganic chemistry topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and inorganic chemistry knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). UoN offers MSc Chemistry with inorganic specialisation through its Department of Chemistry. Moi University offers MSc in Inorganic Chemistry through its Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. MMUST offers MSc Chemistry with inorganic specialisation. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate inorganic chemistry training. KEBS sets chemical standards and KIRDI supports industrial chemistry in Kenya.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. UoN offers MSc Chemistry with inorganic specialisation through its Department of Chemistry. Moi University offers MSc in Inorganic Chemistry through its Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. MMUST offers MSc Chemistry with inorganic specialisation. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate inorganic chemistry training.
Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS)
Professional accreditation
KEBS sets chemical and product quality standards in Kenya. Graduates working in chemical industry may require KEBS compliance and quality standards knowledge.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Inorganic Chemist
Moderate demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 450,000
Conducts inorganic chemistry research and analysis, overseeing inorganic synthesis, characterisation, and supporting chemical research and development.
Materials Scientist
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Develops and characterises inorganic materials, overseeing materials synthesis, analysis, and supporting materials development for industrial applications.
Industrial Chemist
Moderate demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 450,000
Applies inorganic chemistry in industrial processes, overseeing chemical production, quality control, and supporting industrial chemistry operations.
Quality Control Analyst
High demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 400,000
Performs chemical quality control, overseeing chemical analysis, product testing, standards compliance, and ensuring chemical product quality.
Mining Chemist
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Applies inorganic chemistry in mining, overseeing mineral analysis, extractive metallurgy, ore processing, and supporting mining operations.
University Lecturer
High demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches inorganic chemistry in universities, conducting research and training future chemistry professionals.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as inorganic chemists, materials scientists, and industrial chemists in chemical industry, mining, materials companies, and research institutions.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

OriginLab
SoftwarePrimary
Data analysis and graphing software for chemistry research data analysis, spectroscopic data analysis, and scientific plotting in inorganic chemistry research.
Mercury (CCDC)
SoftwarePrimary
Crystal structure visualisation software for crystallography, crystal structure analysis, molecular visualisation, and analysing crystal structures in inorganic chemistry.
ChemDraw
Software
Chemical drawing software for drawing chemical structures, molecular structures, reaction schemes, and creating chemical diagrams for inorganic chemistry.
SPSS
Software
Statistical software for chemistry research data analysis, experimental data analysis, and statistical modelling in inorganic chemistry research.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Inorganic chemistry is just about memorising the periodic table.
The programme involves coordination chemistry, organometallic chemistry, crystal chemistry, magneto-chemistry, bioinorganic chemistry, and research, covering advanced inorganic chemistry.
This programme is only for chemistry graduates.
The programme accepts graduates from chemistry, industrial chemistry, chemical engineering, and related science fields with chemistry background.
There is limited demand for inorganic chemists in Kenya.
Kenya's mining sector, materials industry, chemical manufacturing, and research institutions create moderate demand for qualified inorganic chemistry professionals.
Inorganic chemistry is less important than organic chemistry.
Inorganic chemistry is fundamental to materials science, catalysis, coordination chemistry, bioinorganic chemistry, and many industrial processes, making it equally important.
Inorganic chemistry has no practical applications.
Inorganic chemistry underpins mining, metallurgy, catalysis, materials, semiconductors, ceramics, glass, fertilisers, and many industrial processes.
A master's in inorganic chemistry is redundant after a bachelor's in chemistry.
The master's provides specialised inorganic chemistry skills, research capability, and career progression to senior chemistry and materials science positions.