Agriculture

Master of Science in Leather Science

The Master of Science in Leather Science is a postgraduate programme that trains graduates in leather science, leather technology, protein chemistry, and materials science. The programme prepares graduates for advanced careers in leather processing, leather research, quality assurance, and leather industry management.

Core areas include leather science, leather technology, structural protein chemistry, clean technology, materials science, pigment and dyestuff application, biostatistics, and scientific communication. Students engage with theoretical foundations and practical leather science applications.

The programme is offered by Turkana University College, Kabarak University, and Technical University of Kenya, with University of Nairobi as a college. UoN offers MSc Leather Science under its Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. DeKUT offers related MSc Leather Technology. UoN also offers BSc in Leather and Technology.

Students develop competencies in leather processing, protein chemistry, leather testing, clean technology, materials analysis, and research. The programme includes coursework, laboratory practicals, examinations, supervised research, and thesis. Year 1 covers 8 taught modules, Year 2 is dedicated to thesis research.

The programme is delivered over two years. UoN BSc Leather and Technology annual fees are KES 84,000, with postgraduate fees estimated higher. Kabarak on-campus postgraduate fees are KES 80,000 per semester. UoN requires Upper Second in Leather Science, Chemistry, Biology, or related fields, or Lower with 2 years experience.

Graduates pursue careers as leather technologists, leather scientists, quality assurance managers, leather industry consultants, and lecturers in tanneries, leather goods manufacturers, research institutions, and universities.

Skills Required

Leather Science and Leather Chemistry
Leather Technology and Leather Processing
Structural Protein Chemistry and Collagen Science
Clean Technology and Environmental Compliance
Materials Science and Leather Materials
Pigment and Dyestuff Application
Leather Quality Testing and Standards
Leather Manufacturing and Production
Biostatistics and Data Analysis
Leather Science Research Methods

Key Subjects

Leather Science
Leather Technology
Structural Protein Chemistry
Clean Technology
Materials Science
Pigment and Dyestuff Application
Biostatistics
Scientific Communication
Leather Quality Testing
Leather Science Research Methods

Certifications

KEBS Leather Quality Certification
IULTCS Leather Technology Certification

Specializations

Leather Technology

Focuses on leather technology, leather processing, tanning, finishing, leather manufacturing, and understanding and applying leather technology in production.

Protein Chemistry

Examines structural protein chemistry, collagen, keratin, protein structure, protein modification, and understanding the chemistry of leather proteins.

Clean Technology

Covers clean technology, environmental compliance, waste management, effluent treatment, sustainable leather processing, and applying clean technology in leather industry.

Materials Science

Focuses on materials science, leather materials, material properties, material testing, and understanding and analysing leather as a material.

Pigment and Dyestuff Application

Examines pigments, dyestuffs, dyeing, colouring, finishing chemicals, and applying pigments and dyestuffs in leather processing.

Leather Quality Assurance

Covers leather quality, quality testing, leather standards, physical testing, chemical testing, and ensuring quality in leather products.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 202,000
Job market: Low

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: 10 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Leather Science
Leather Technology
Structural Protein Chemistry
Clean Technology
Materials Science
Pigment and Dyestuff Application
Biostatistics
Scientific Communication
Leather Quality Testing
Leather Science Research Methods

Modules

12 in the programme

Advanced Leather Technology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines leather processing, tanning, finishing, leather manufacturing, beamhouse operations, tanyard operations, post-tanning, and understanding and applying leather technology in production.
Advanced Leather Science
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers leather structure, collagen, skin histology, leather formation, leather properties, leather types, and understanding the science of leather.
Structural Protein Chemistry
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines collagen structure, protein chemistry, amino acids, protein modification, cross-linking, keratin, and understanding the chemistry of leather proteins.
Biostatistics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers statistical methods, data analysis, experimental design, hypothesis testing, regression, and applying statistics in leather science research.
Advanced Clean Technology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines clean technology, environmental compliance, effluent treatment, waste management, chrome recovery, water conservation, and applying clean technology in leather processing.
Materials Science
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers material properties, material testing, leather materials, physical properties, mechanical properties, thermal properties, and understanding and analysing leather as a material.
Pigment and Dyestuff Application
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines pigments, dyestuffs, dyeing, colouring, finishing chemicals, colour fastness, colour matching, and applying pigments and dyestuffs in leather processing.
Principles of Scientific Communication
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers scientific writing, research presentation, literature review, publication, scientific communication, and communicating leather science research effectively.
Leather Quality Testing and Standards
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines leather quality, quality testing, leather standards, physical testing, chemical testing, ISO standards, and ensuring quality in leather products.
Leather Science Research Methods
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research methods for leather science, experimental design, laboratory methods, data analysis, and conducting leather science research, preparing students for their thesis.
Leather Industry and Value Chain Management
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines leather industry, leather value chain, hides and skins, tanning industry, leather goods, leather trade, and understanding and managing the leather value chain.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 212 creditsCore
Original research thesis on a leather science topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and leather science knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Leather Technology
Focuses on leather technology, leather processing, tanning, finishing, leather manufacturing, and understanding and applying leather technology in production.
Protein Chemistry
Examines structural protein chemistry, collagen, keratin, protein structure, protein modification, and understanding the chemistry of leather proteins.
Clean Technology
Covers clean technology, environmental compliance, waste management, effluent treatment, sustainable leather processing, and applying clean technology in leather industry.
Materials Science
Focuses on materials science, leather materials, material properties, material testing, and understanding and analysing leather as a material.
Pigment and Dyestuff Application
Examines pigments, dyestuffs, dyeing, colouring, finishing chemicals, and applying pigments and dyestuffs in leather processing.
Leather Quality Assurance
Covers leather quality, quality testing, leather standards, physical testing, chemical testing, and ensuring quality in leather products.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc Leather Science programme begins with morning lectures on leather science, protein chemistry, or leather technology. Students engage in theoretical discussions on leather structure, processing, and materials. Advanced leather technology sessions cover leather processing, tanning, finishing, leather manufacturing, beamhouse operations, tanyard operations, post-tanning, and understanding and applying leather technology. Advanced leather science sessions examine leather structure, collagen, skin histology, leather formation, leather properties, and understanding the science of leather. Structural protein chemistry sessions cover collagen structure, protein chemistry, amino acids, protein modification, cross-linking, and understanding the chemistry of leather proteins. Biostatistics sessions cover statistical methods, data analysis, experimental design, and applying statistics in leather science research. Clean technology sessions examine clean technology, environmental compliance, effluent treatment, waste management, chrome recovery, water conservation, and applying clean technology in leather processing. Materials science sessions cover material properties, material testing, leather materials, physical properties, mechanical properties, and understanding and analysing leather as a material. Pigment and dyestuff sessions examine pigments, dyestuffs, dyeing, colouring, finishing chemicals, colour fastness, and applying pigments and dyestuffs in leather. Scientific communication sessions cover scientific writing, research presentation, literature review, and communicating leather science research. Laboratory sessions provide hands-on experience with leather processing, leather testing, protein analysis, material testing, and chemical analysis. Tannery visits provide hands-on experience with industrial leather processing, quality control, and production operations. Research methodology sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering leather science research methods, experimental design, and data analysis. Guest lectures from KIRDI researchers, KLDC officials, KEBS standards officers, IULTCS fellows, and leather industry practitioners provide real-world insights. The two-year programme culminates in a research thesis in Year 2.

The trade offs

In its favour

Kenya's large livestock sector, leather industry potential, value addition push, and KLDC initiatives create niche demand for qualified leather science professionals.
UoN offers established MSc Leather Science under Faculty of Veterinary Medicine with comprehensive curriculum covering leather technology, protein chemistry, and clean technology.
Programme covers unique and specialised field with limited competition, providing niche career opportunities in leather industry.
Career opportunities with KIRDI, KLDC, KEBS, tanneries, leather goods manufacturers, and international organisations like UNIDO and IULTCS.

Against it

Job market demand is low compared to more mainstream fields, with fewer dedicated leather science positions in Kenya.
Leather industry in Kenya is relatively underdeveloped, limiting immediate career opportunities for graduates.
Programme requires chemistry, biology, leather science, or related background, which excludes many graduates.
Laboratory work requires access to tannery facilities, leather testing equipment, and chemical analysis instruments, which may vary across institutions.

What it costs

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

What it costs, and where

Against 303 agriculture courses

Public151k to 202k

151k at Turkana University College202k at Technical University of Kenya

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

TUK Group II ~202K/yr (eafinder.com), TUC ~151K/yr (turkanabasin.org). Leather Sci unverified.

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. KIRDI supports industrial research including leather. UNIDO supports leather sector development globally. KLDC supports leather industry development in Kenya. IULTCS supports leather technology professional development. The programme's leather science focus attracts industry and international organisation funding.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
KIRDI Research Funding
UNIDO Leather Sector Funding

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate leather science studies at recognised universities.
KIRDI Research Funding
GrantKsh 300,000Kenyan
KIRDI supports industrial research including leather processing and technology, providing funding for postgraduate research.
UNIDO Leather Sector Funding
GrantKsh 400,000
UNIDO supports leather sector development globally, providing funding for training and capacity building in leather science and technology.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: UoN accepts graduates from Leather Science, Chemistry, Biology, Animal Science, Biochemistry, Biomedical Technology, Animal Production, and Veterinary Medicine. Two-year programme. Year 1: 8 taught modules. Year 2: Research thesis. UoN BSc Leather and Technology annual fees KES 84,000. Kabarak on-campus postgraduate KES 80,000/semester.

How you are assessed

4 components

Coursework and Continuous Assessment
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, laboratory reports, case studies, leather analysis projects, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination40% of the mark
Written examinations covering leather science, leather technology, protein chemistry, and materials science, conducted at end of each semester.
Laboratory Practical Assessment
Practical30% of the mark
Assessment of laboratory work, leather processing, leather testing, protein analysis, material testing, and practical reports.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on a leather science topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and leather science knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). UoN offers MSc Leather Science under its Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. DeKUT offers related MSc Leather Technology. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate leather science training. KEBS sets leather product standards and KLDC promotes leather industry development in Kenya.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. UoN offers MSc Leather Science under its Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. DeKUT offers related MSc Leather Technology. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate leather science training.
Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS)
Professional accreditation
KEBS sets leather product standards in Kenya. Graduates working in leather industry may benefit from KEBS quality standards knowledge and compliance.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Leather Technologist
Low demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 400,000
Applies leather technology in tanneries, overseeing leather processing, tanning, finishing, quality, and supporting leather production operations.
Leather Scientist
Low demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 450,000
Conducts leather science research, overseeing leather analysis, protein chemistry, materials testing, and supporting leather research and development.
Quality Assurance Manager
Moderate demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 450,000
Manages quality in leather production, overseeing quality testing, standards compliance, product testing, and ensuring leather product quality.
Leather Industry Consultant
Low demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Provides consulting to leather industry, advising on processing, quality, clean technology, and supporting leather industry development.
Environmental Compliance Officer
Moderate demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 450,000
Manages environmental compliance in tanneries, overseeing effluent treatment, waste management, clean technology, and ensuring environmental compliance.
University Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches leather science and technology in universities, conducting research and training future leather science professionals.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as leather technologists, leather scientists, and quality assurance managers in tanneries, leather goods manufacturers, and research institutions.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

SPSS
SoftwarePrimary
Statistical software for leather science research data analysis, experimental data analysis, and statistical modelling in leather science research.
OriginLab
SoftwarePrimary
Data analysis and graphing software for leather science research, material testing data, and scientific plotting in leather science.
Microsoft Excel
Software
Spreadsheet software for leather testing data management, quality control data, and leather production data management.
AutoCAD
Software
Design software for leather product design, pattern making, and designing leather goods and products.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Leather science is just about making shoes.
The programme involves protein chemistry, materials science, clean technology, leather technology, quality assurance, and research, covering comprehensive leather science.
This programme is only for chemistry graduates.
UoN accepts graduates from Leather Science, Chemistry, Biology, Animal Science, Biochemistry, Biomedical Technology, Animal Production, and Veterinary Medicine.
There is no demand for leather science professionals in Kenya.
Kenya's livestock sector, leather industry potential, value addition push, and KLDC initiatives create some demand, though job market is smaller than other fields.
Leather science is an outdated field with no future.
Leather science is evolving with clean technology, sustainable processing, new materials, and value addition, making it relevant for the future.
Leather industry is environmentally damaging and not sustainable.
Modern leather science focuses on clean technology, effluent treatment, chrome recovery, and sustainable processing to minimise environmental impact.
A master's in leather science is redundant after a bachelor's in chemistry.
The master's provides specialised leather science and technology skills, research capability, and career progression to senior leather industry positions.