Science

Master of Science in Physical Chemistry

The Master of Science in Physical Chemistry is a postgraduate programme that trains graduates in physical chemistry, thermodynamics, quantum chemistry, chemical kinetics, and molecular spectroscopy. The programme prepares graduates for advanced careers in chemical research, materials science, industrial chemistry, and academic teaching.

Core areas include physical chemistry, thermodynamics, quantum chemistry, statistical mechanics, chemical kinetics, molecular spectroscopy, electrochemistry, surface chemistry, computational chemistry, and research methods. Students engage with theoretical foundations and practical physical chemistry applications.

The programme is offered by Kirinyaga University, Strathmore University, and Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, with Kisii University and Maseno University as colleges. UoN offers MSc Chemistry with physical chemistry as a specialisation at KES 723,000 total. JKUAT offers MSc Chemistry at KES 140,000 per year. MMUST offers MSc Chemistry at KES 62,000 per semester. University of Eldoret offers MSc Chemistry with physical chemistry specialisation.

Students develop competencies in thermodynamic analysis, quantum mechanical calculations, kinetic studies, spectroscopic analysis, computational modelling, and research. The programme includes coursework, laboratory practicals, examinations, supervised research, and thesis.

The programme is delivered over two years. UoN MSc Chemistry total fees are KES 723,000 (~KES 361,500/year). JKUAT MSc Chemistry fees are KES 140,000 per year. MMUST MSc Chemistry fees are KES 62,000 per semester. Entry requires Bachelor's degree in chemistry or related fields with Upper Second or Lower with experience.

Graduates pursue careers as physical chemists, research scientists, materials scientists, analytical chemists, and lecturers in research institutions, industry, government, and universities.

Skills Required

Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
Quantum Chemistry and Computational Chemistry
Chemical Kinetics and Reaction Dynamics
Molecular Spectroscopy and Spectroscopic Analysis
Electrochemistry and Electroanalytical Methods
Surface Chemistry and Colloid Science
Computational Chemistry and Molecular Modelling
Physical Chemistry Laboratory Techniques
Materials Chemistry and Characterisation
Physical Chemistry Research Methods

Key Subjects

Physical Chemistry
Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
Quantum Chemistry
Chemical Kinetics
Molecular Spectroscopy
Electrochemistry
Surface Chemistry
Computational Chemistry
Materials Chemistry
Physical Chemistry Research Methods

Certifications

RSC Chartered Chemist (CChem)
ACS Physical Chemistry Certification

Specializations

Thermodynamics

Focuses on thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, phase equilibria, solution thermodynamics, thermodynamic properties, and understanding energy and entropy in chemical systems.

Quantum Chemistry

Examines quantum chemistry, quantum mechanics, molecular orbital theory, electronic structure, computational methods, and understanding molecular systems using quantum mechanics.

Chemical Kinetics

Covers chemical kinetics, reaction rates, reaction mechanisms, catalysis, reaction dynamics, and understanding and analysing chemical reaction rates and mechanisms.

Molecular Spectroscopy

Focuses on molecular spectroscopy, UV-Vis, IR, Raman, NMR, ESR, mass spectrometry, and using spectroscopic techniques to study molecular structure and dynamics.

Electrochemistry

Examines electrochemistry, electroanalytical methods, corrosion, batteries, fuel cells, electroplating, and understanding and applying electrochemical principles.

Computational Chemistry

Covers computational chemistry, molecular modelling, DFT, molecular dynamics, computational methods, software, and using computational approaches in physical chemistry.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 130,900
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

Physical Chemistry
Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
Quantum Chemistry
Chemical Kinetics
Molecular Spectroscopy
Electrochemistry
Surface Chemistry
Computational Chemistry
Materials Chemistry
Physical Chemistry Research Methods

Modules

12 in the programme

Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines classical thermodynamics, laws of thermodynamics, phase equilibria, solution thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, partition functions, ensemble theory, and understanding energy and entropy in chemical systems.
Quantum Chemistry and Molecular Electronic Structure
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers quantum mechanics, Schrodinger equation, molecular orbital theory, electronic structure, approximation methods, variational principle, perturbation theory, and understanding molecular systems using quantum mechanics.
Chemical Kinetics and Reaction Dynamics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines reaction rates, rate laws, reaction mechanisms, catalysis, transition state theory, reaction dynamics, chain reactions, oscillating reactions, and understanding and analysing chemical reaction rates.
Molecular Spectroscopy
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers UV-Vis spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, NMR, ESR, mass spectrometry, rotational, vibrational, electronic spectroscopy, and using spectroscopic techniques to study molecular structure and dynamics.
Electrochemistry and Electroanalytical Methods
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines electrochemical cells, electrode potentials, Nernst equation, electroanalytical methods, cyclic voltammetry, corrosion, batteries, fuel cells, electroplating, and understanding and applying electrochemical principles.
Surface Chemistry and Colloid Science
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers surface tension, adsorption isotherms, colloids, emulsions, surfactants, micelles, catalysis, interfacial phenomena, and understanding surface and interfacial phenomena.
Computational Chemistry and Molecular Modelling
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines molecular modelling, DFT, ab initio methods, semi-empirical methods, molecular dynamics, force fields, computational software, and using computational approaches in physical chemistry.
Materials Chemistry and Characterisation
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers materials structure, materials properties, crystallography, XRD, SEM, TEM, thermal analysis, polymers, nanomaterials, and understanding and characterising materials.
Advanced Topics in Physical Chemistry
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines advanced topics including non-equilibrium thermodynamics, quantum dynamics, photochemistry, laser chemistry, molecular beams, and advanced physical chemistry topics.
Physical Chemistry Research Methods
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research methods for physical chemistry, experimental design, instrumentation, data analysis, error analysis, and conducting physical chemistry research, preparing students for their thesis.
Industrial Applications of Physical Chemistry
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines industrial applications of physical chemistry, catalysis, process chemistry, energy storage, corrosion control, materials development, and applying physical chemistry in industry.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research thesis on a physical chemistry topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and physical chemistry knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Thermodynamics
Focuses on thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, phase equilibria, solution thermodynamics, thermodynamic properties, and understanding energy and entropy in chemical systems.
Quantum Chemistry
Examines quantum chemistry, quantum mechanics, molecular orbital theory, electronic structure, computational methods, and understanding molecular systems using quantum mechanics.
Chemical Kinetics
Covers chemical kinetics, reaction rates, reaction mechanisms, catalysis, reaction dynamics, and understanding and analysing chemical reaction rates and mechanisms.
Molecular Spectroscopy
Focuses on molecular spectroscopy, UV-Vis, IR, Raman, NMR, ESR, mass spectrometry, and using spectroscopic techniques to study molecular structure and dynamics.
Electrochemistry
Examines electrochemistry, electroanalytical methods, corrosion, batteries, fuel cells, electroplating, and understanding and applying electrochemical principles.
Computational Chemistry
Covers computational chemistry, molecular modelling, DFT, molecular dynamics, computational methods, software, and using computational approaches in physical chemistry.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc Physical Chemistry programme begins with morning lectures on thermodynamics, quantum chemistry, or chemical kinetics. Students engage in theoretical discussions on molecular behaviour, energy transformations, and reaction dynamics. Thermodynamics sessions cover classical thermodynamics, laws of thermodynamics, phase equilibria, solution thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, partition functions, and understanding energy and entropy. Quantum chemistry sessions examine quantum mechanics, Schrodinger equation, molecular orbital theory, electronic structure, approximation methods, and understanding molecular systems using quantum mechanics. Chemical kinetics sessions cover reaction rates, rate laws, reaction mechanisms, catalysis, transition state theory, reaction dynamics, and understanding and analysing chemical reaction rates. Molecular spectroscopy sessions examine UV-Vis spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, NMR, ESR, mass spectrometry, and using spectroscopic techniques to study molecular structure. Electrochemistry sessions cover electrochemical cells, electrode potentials, electroanalytical methods, corrosion, batteries, fuel cells, and understanding and applying electrochemical principles. Surface chemistry sessions examine surface tension, adsorption, colloids, emulsions, surfactants, catalysis, and understanding surface and interfacial phenomena. Computational chemistry sessions cover molecular modelling, DFT, ab initio methods, molecular dynamics, force fields, computational software, and using computational approaches in physical chemistry. Materials chemistry sessions examine materials structure, materials properties, characterisation techniques, XRD, SEM, TEM, and understanding and characterising materials. Laboratory sessions provide hands-on experience with spectroscopic measurements, electrochemical experiments, kinetic studies, thermodynamic measurements, and computational modelling. Research methodology sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering physical chemistry research methods, experimental design, and data analysis. Guest lectures from UoN chemistry faculty, KIRDI researchers, KEBS officials, industry chemists, and international chemistry experts provide real-world insights. The two-year programme culminates in a research thesis.

The trade offs

In its favour

Kenya's industrial sector, materials development, energy sector, quality control, and research needs create moderate demand for qualified physical chemistry professionals.
UoN offers MSc Chemistry with physical chemistry specialisation at KES 723,000, and MMUST offers MSc Chemistry at KES 62,000/semester, providing established training options.
Career opportunities with research institutions, KIRDI, KEBS, industry, energy companies, materials companies, and international organisations like IUPAC, RSC, and ACS.
Programme provides strong foundation for PhD studies and academic careers in chemistry, materials science, and computational chemistry.

Against it

Job market demand is moderate, with fewer dedicated physical chemistry positions compared to analytical or organic chemistry.
Programme requires strong chemistry, physics, and mathematics background, which may exclude some graduates.
Programme involves advanced mathematics and quantum mechanics, which may be challenging for some students.
Strathmore fees at KES 150,000 per semester (~KES 300,000/year) are relatively expensive compared to public universities.

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

Public120k to 131k

120k at Kisii University131k at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology

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

MMUST ~131K/yr (mmust.ac.ke). Kisii ~120K/yr. Private unverified

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. KIRDI supports industrial research including chemistry. IUPAC supports chemistry research and education. RSC and ACS support chemistry professional development. The programme's physical chemistry focus attracts research, industrial, and international funding.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
KIRDI Research Funding
IUPAC Research Funding

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate physical chemistry studies at recognised universities.
KIRDI Research Funding
GrantKsh 300,000Kenyan
KIRDI supports industrial research including chemical processes and materials development, providing funding for postgraduate research in physical chemistry.
IUPAC Research Funding
GrantKsh 300,000
IUPAC supports chemistry research and education globally, providing funding for postgraduate study and research in chemistry.

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, chemical engineering, physics, materials science, and related fields. UoN requires Upper Second Class in Chemistry or equivalent. JKUAT requires Bachelor's in Chemistry or related with Upper Second. MMUST requires Upper Second or Lower with 2 years experience. Two-year programme with full-time and part-time modes.

How you are assessed

4 components

Coursework and Continuous Assessment
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, problem sets, laboratory reports, computational projects, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination40% of the mark
Written examinations covering thermodynamics, quantum chemistry, kinetics, spectroscopy, and electrochemistry, conducted at end of each semester.
Laboratory Practical Assessment
Practical30% of the mark
Assessment of laboratory work, spectroscopic measurements, electrochemical experiments, kinetic studies, computational projects, and practical reports.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on a physical chemistry topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and physical 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 physical chemistry specialisation at KES 723,000. JKUAT offers MSc Chemistry at KES 140,000/year. MMUST offers MSc Chemistry at KES 62,000/semester. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate physical chemistry training. KEBS supports chemical standards, and KIRDI supports industrial chemistry research in Kenya.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. UoN offers MSc Chemistry with physical chemistry specialisation at KES 723,000. JKUAT offers MSc Chemistry at KES 140,000/year. MMUST offers MSc Chemistry at KES 62,000/semester. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate physical chemistry training.
Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS)
Professional accreditation
KEBS regulates standards and quality in Kenya. Graduates working in quality control or chemical analysis may benefit from KEBS knowledge and standards compliance.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Physical Chemist
Moderate demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 450,000
Conducts physical chemistry research, overseeing thermodynamic studies, kinetic analysis, spectroscopic analysis, and supporting chemical research and development.
Research Scientist
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Conducts scientific research, overseeing research projects, experimental studies, data analysis, and supporting research and development in chemistry.
Materials Scientist
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Develops and characterises materials, overseeing materials analysis, properties testing, characterisation, and supporting materials development and research.
Analytical Chemist
High demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 450,000
Provides analytical chemistry services, overseeing chemical analysis, quality control, instrumental analysis, and supporting analytical chemistry services.
Computational Chemist
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Conducts computational chemistry research, overseeing molecular modelling, computational studies, simulation, and supporting computational chemistry research.
University Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches physical chemistry in universities, conducting research and training future chemistry professionals.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as physical chemists, research scientists, and materials scientists in research institutions, industry, and universities.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Gaussian
SoftwarePrimary
Computational chemistry software for quantum chemical calculations, DFT, ab initio methods, molecular orbital theory, and electronic structure calculations.
Origin
SoftwarePrimary
Data analysis and graphing software for physical chemistry data, spectroscopic data, kinetic data, thermodynamic data, and scientific data visualisation.
MATLAB
Software
Numerical computing software for physical chemistry calculations, data processing, signal processing, mathematical modelling, and scientific computing.
ChemDraw
Software
Chemical drawing software for molecular structures, reaction diagrams, chemical structures, and creating chemical illustrations and diagrams.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Physical chemistry is just about equations and calculations.
The programme involves thermodynamics, quantum chemistry, spectroscopy, electrochemistry, computational chemistry, materials science, and research, covering comprehensive physical chemistry.
This programme is only for chemistry graduates.
The programme accepts graduates from chemistry, chemical engineering, physics, materials science, and related fields with strong chemistry background.
There is limited demand for physical chemists in Kenya.
Kenya's industrial sector, materials development, energy sector, quality control, and research needs create moderate demand for qualified physical chemistry professionals.
Physical chemistry is purely theoretical with no practical applications.
Physical chemistry underpins industrial processes, materials development, energy storage, catalysis, and many practical applications in industry and research.
Computational chemistry is just about using software.
Computational chemistry requires understanding quantum mechanics, molecular modelling, force fields, and interpreting computational results, not just running software.
A master's in physical chemistry is redundant after a bachelor's in chemistry.
The master's provides specialised physical chemistry skills, research capability, computational expertise, and career progression to senior research and academic positions.