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Master of Science in Mathematics

The Master of Science in Mathematics is a postgraduate programme that prepares professionals for advanced practice in pure and applied mathematics, mathematical research, and quantitative problem-solving. The programme combines mathematical theory with computational methods, abstract algebra, analysis, and applications across science and industry.

Core areas include pure mathematics, applied mathematics, abstract algebra, real and complex analysis, topology, differential equations, numerical analysis, research methods, and thesis. Students engage with both theoretical and practical work through coursework, problem-solving, and research.

The programme is offered by the University of Nairobi through the Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science and Technology, and by the Technical University of Kenya through the School of Mathematics and Actuarial Science. Both are public universities offering the programme over a minimum of four semesters.

Students develop competencies in mathematical reasoning, abstract algebra, analysis, differential equations, numerical methods, and computational mathematics. The programme includes coursework, examinations, and a supervised research thesis, preparing graduates for analytical and research roles across multiple sectors.

UoN charges KES 725,000 total for the programme (~KES 362,500/year), while TUK charges approximately KES 202,000/year under Group II (Pure and Applied Science). Entry requires at least a Second Class Honours (Upper Division) Bachelor's degree in Mathematics or a related field from a recognised institution.

Graduates pursue careers as mathematicians, data scientists, quantitative analysts, operations research analysts, research scientists, and lecturers in mathematics across research institutions, government agencies, financial institutions, technology firms, and universities.

Skills Required

  • Pure Mathematics and Abstract Algebra
  • Real and Complex Analysis
  • Applied Mathematics and Differential Equations
  • Numerical Analysis and Computational Methods
  • Topology and Geometry
  • Mathematical Reasoning and Proof
  • Statistical Methods and Probability
  • Research Methods in Mathematics
  • Programming for Mathematical Computing
  • Academic Writing and Thesis Research

Key Subjects

  • Abstract Algebra
  • Real Analysis
  • Complex Analysis
  • Topology
  • Differential Equations
  • Numerical Analysis
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Mathematical Modelling
  • Research Methods in Mathematics
  • Thesis Research

Certifications

  • SIAM Professional Membership
  • AMU Professional Membership

Specializations

Pure Mathematics

Focuses on pure mathematics, covering algebra, analysis, topology, geometry, and managing pure mathematics.

Applied Mathematics

Examines applied mathematics, covering differential equations, modelling, computation, optimisation, and managing applied mathematics.

Abstract Algebra

Covers abstract algebra, covering groups, rings, fields, modules, and managing abstract algebra.

Real and Complex Analysis

Focuses on real and complex analysis, covering functions, limits, continuity, integration, and managing analysis.

Numerical Analysis

Examines numerical analysis, covering methods, errors, convergence, stability, and managing numerical methods.

Topology and Geometry

Covers topology and geometry, covering spaces, manifolds, surfaces, structures, and managing topology and geometry.

Duration
2 years
Public, up to
Ksh 362,500
Private, up to
Ksh 295,500
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
  • Abstract Algebra
  • Real Analysis
  • Complex Analysis
  • Topology
  • Differential Equations
  • Numerical Analysis
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Mathematical Modelling
  • Research Methods in Mathematics
  • Thesis Research

Modules

12 in the programme

  • Abstract Algebra

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Examines groups, rings, fields, modules, and managing abstract algebra structures.

  • Real Analysis

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Covers functions, limits, continuity, integration, measure theory, and managing real analysis.

  • Complex Analysis

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Examines complex functions, contour integration, residues, conformal mapping, and managing complex analysis.

  • Research Methods in Mathematics

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Covers research design, mathematical writing, proof techniques, and conducting research, preparing students for their thesis.

  • Topology

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Examines topological spaces, manifolds, surfaces, structures, continuity, and managing topology.

  • Differential Equations

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Covers ODEs, PDEs, dynamical systems, stability, and solving differential equations.

  • Numerical Analysis

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Examines numerical methods, errors, convergence, stability, and managing numerical analysis.

  • Applied Mathematics

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Covers modelling, computation, optimisation, simulation, and managing applied mathematics.

  • Functional Analysis

    Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore

    Examines Banach spaces, Hilbert spaces, operators, spectral theory, and managing functional analysis.

  • Algebraic Geometry and Number Theory

    Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore

    Covers algebraic geometry, varieties, curves, number theory, and managing algebraic structures.

  • Computational Mathematics

    Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore

    Examines computing, programming, algorithms, simulation, and managing computational mathematics using MATLAB, Python, and Mathematica.

  • Research Thesis

    Year 2Semester 29 creditsCore

    Original supervised research thesis on a mathematics topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and mathematical knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

  • Pure Mathematics

    Focuses on pure mathematics, covering algebra, analysis, topology, geometry, and managing pure mathematics.

  • Applied Mathematics

    Examines applied mathematics, covering differential equations, modelling, computation, optimisation, and managing applied mathematics.

  • Abstract Algebra

    Covers abstract algebra, covering groups, rings, fields, modules, and managing abstract algebra.

  • Real and Complex Analysis

    Focuses on real and complex analysis, covering functions, limits, continuity, integration, and managing analysis.

  • Numerical Analysis

    Examines numerical analysis, covering methods, errors, convergence, stability, and managing numerical methods.

  • Topology and Geometry

    Covers topology and geometry, covering spaces, manifolds, surfaces, structures, and managing topology and geometry.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc in Mathematics programme combines lectures, problem-solving sessions, computational labs, seminars, and independent study. Sessions cover abstract algebra, real and complex analysis, topology, differential equations, and numerical analysis. Abstract algebra sessions examine groups, rings, fields, modules, and managing abstract algebra. Real analysis sessions cover functions, limits, continuity, integration, and managing real analysis. Complex analysis sessions cover functions, contour integration, residues, conformal mapping, and managing complex analysis. Topology sessions cover spaces, manifolds, surfaces, structures, and managing topology. Differential equations sessions cover ODEs, PDEs, dynamical systems, stability, and solving differential equations. Numerical analysis sessions cover methods, errors, convergence, stability, and managing numerical methods. Applied mathematics sessions cover modelling, computation, optimisation, simulation, and managing applied mathematics. Research methods sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering research design, mathematical writing, and proof techniques. Computational labs provide hands-on experience with MATLAB, Python, and Mathematica for mathematical computing. Problem-solving sessions provide opportunities to work through complex mathematical proofs and problems. Seminars provide opportunities for presenting research findings and debating current issues in mathematics. Guest lectures from experienced mathematicians and researchers provide practical insights. The programme culminates in a supervised research thesis on a mathematics topic.

The trade offs

In its favour

  • Programme offered at two public universities (UoN and TUK) providing options for students.
  • TUK offers competitive fees at approximately KES 202,000/year for Group II programmes.
  • Programme covers both pure and applied mathematics, providing broad career options.
  • Graduates are eligible for SIAM and AMU professional memberships.

Against it

  • UoN fees are relatively high at KES 362,500/year.
  • No private university confirmed offering this specific programme.
  • Programme requires strong mathematics background, limiting access for non-quantitative graduates.
  • Limited programme-specific career paths compared to applied specialisations like data science.

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
Public201k to 363k
201k at Technical University of Kenya363k at University of Nairobi
Private150k to 296k
150k at Kabarak University296k at USIU-Africa

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 Maths ~362K/yr (mathematics.uonbi.ac.ke). TUK ~201K/yr. USIU ~295K/yr.

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. UoN and TUK may offer scholarships for eligible students. AMU may offer grants for mathematics research. Some research institutions, government agencies, and industry bodies may sponsor staff for postgraduate study.

Funding options

  • HELB Postgraduate Loan

  • UoN Scholarship

  • TUK Scholarship

Scholarships

3 recorded

  • HELB Postgraduate Loan

    LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan

    Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities.

  • UoN Scholarship

    ScholarshipKsh 362,500Kenyan

    University of Nairobi offers scholarships for eligible postgraduate students.

  • TUK Scholarship

    ScholarshipKsh 202,000Kenyan

    Technical University of Kenya offers scholarships for eligible postgraduate students.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade
N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry
UoN requires at least an Upper Second Class Bachelor's degree with Mathematics or Statistics as a major subject. TUK requires at least 12 units in Mathematics in the last two years of undergraduate studies with a minimum average of 58%. Lower Second Class may be considered with relevant work experience. Contact the universities for specific admission requirements.

How you are assessed

4 components

  • Coursework and Continuous Assessment

    Coursework30% of the mark

    Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, problem sets, seminar presentations, and class participation.

  • Written Examinations

    Examination70% of the mark

    Written examinations covering abstract algebra, real and complex analysis, topology, and differential equations.

  • Computational Project Assessment

    Project40% of the mark

    Practical assessment through computational projects, mathematical modelling, problem-solving, and demonstrating mathematical skills.

  • Research Thesis

    Research100% of the mark

    Original supervised research thesis on a mathematics topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and mathematical knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). University of Nairobi (public) offers MSc in Mathematics through the Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science and Technology. Technical University of Kenya (public) offers MSc in Mathematics (Pure and Applied) through the School of Mathematics and Actuarial Science. Both programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate training in mathematics. Graduates are eligible for SIAM and AMU professional memberships.

Accredited by

  • Commission for University Education (CUE)

    Academic accreditationRequired

    Programme accredited by CUE. University of Nairobi (public) offers MSc in Mathematics through the Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science and Technology. Technical University of Kenya (public) offers MSc in Mathematics (Pure and Applied) through the School of Mathematics and Actuarial Science. Both programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate training in mathematics. Graduates are eligible for SIAM and AMU professional memberships.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

  • Mathematician

    Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 450,000

    Conducts mathematical research and analysis, overseeing modelling, computation, proof, and managing mathematics.

  • Data Scientist

    High demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000

    Applies data science methods, overseeing analytics, ML, modelling, and managing data science.

  • Quantitative Analyst

    High demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000

    Develops quantitative models, overseeing modelling, analysis, analytics, and managing quantitative analysis.

  • Operations Research Analyst

    Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 450,000

    Conducts operations research, overseeing optimisation, modelling, analysis, and managing operations research.

  • Research Scientist

    Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 450,000

    Conducts mathematical research, overseeing research, modelling, analysis, and managing research.

  • Mathematics Lecturer

    Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 450,000

    Teaches mathematics at university or college level, overseeing instruction, research, and academic supervision.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as mathematicians, data scientists, quantitative analysts, operations research analysts, research scientists, and lecturers in mathematics across research institutions, government agencies, financial institutions, technology firms, and universities.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

  • MATLAB

    SoftwarePrimary

    MATLAB for mathematical computing and modelling, covering modelling, simulation, analysis, and managing computational mathematics.

  • Mathematica

    Software

    Mathematica for symbolic and numerical computation, covering computation, modelling, analysis, and managing mathematical computing.

  • Python

    Software

    Python for scientific computing and data analysis, covering data, modelling, analysis, and managing computational mathematics.

  • LaTeX

    Software

    LaTeX for mathematical typesetting and document preparation, covering writing, formatting, documentation, and managing mathematical writing.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

  • Mathematics is just about numbers and calculations.

    Mathematics covers comprehensive algebra, analysis, topology, geometry, and abstract reasoning beyond just numbers and calculations.

  • This programme is only for aspiring teachers.

    Mathematics skills are valuable for data scientists, analysts, researchers, and finance professionals beyond just teaching.

  • Pure mathematics has no real-world applications.

    Pure mathematics underpins cryptography, coding theory, quantum computing, and many other real-world applications.

  • Applied mathematics is just about solving equations.

    Applied mathematics covers comprehensive modelling, computation, optimisation, and simulation beyond just solving equations.

  • Mathematics careers are limited in Kenya.

    Kenya's growing data economy, financial sector, and technology industry create demand for mathematics professionals.

  • Topology is just about shapes.

    Topology covers comprehensive spaces, manifolds, structures, continuity, and properties beyond just shapes.

Related courses

Further reading

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