Science

Master of Science in Physics

The Master of Science in Physics is a postgraduate programme that prepares professionals for advanced practice in theoretical physics, applied physics, and interdisciplinary research. The programme provides specialised training in classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, electrodynamics, statistical mechanics, solid state physics, and computational techniques.

Core areas include classical mechanics, classical electrodynamics, quantum mechanics, solid state physics, statistical mechanics, mathematical methods for physics, research methodology, and thesis. Students engage with both theoretical and practical work through coursework, laboratory sessions, computational exercises, and research.

The programme is offered by the University of Nairobi, the Technical University of Kenya, Maseno University, and Kibabii University as public institutions, and Kabarak University as a private institution. Multiple study modes are available including full-time and part-time over two years, combining coursework with research.

Students develop competencies in theoretical physics, computational physics, experimental techniques, mathematical methods, research methodology, and specialised areas such as condensed matter, electronics, geophysics, space science, and acoustics. The programme includes coursework, examinations, laboratory work, and a supervised research thesis, preparing graduates for research, academic, and applied physics roles.

UoN charges approximately KES 364,500 per year while TUK charges approximately KES 231,600 per year. Kabarak University (private) charges approximately KES 130,000 per year. Entry requires at least an Upper Second Class Honours degree in Physics or a related field from a recognised institution.

Graduates pursue careers as physicists, research scientists, lecturers, data analysts, instrumentation specialists, and consultants across universities, research institutions, government agencies, telecommunications, energy, and technology companies.

Skills Required

Classical Mechanics and Advanced Dynamics
Quantum Mechanics and Quantum Theory
Classical Electrodynamics and Electromagnetic Theory
Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics
Solid State Physics and Condensed Matter
Mathematical Methods for Physics
Computational Physics and Numerical Methods
Experimental Physics and Laboratory Techniques
Research Methodology in Physics
Academic Writing and Thesis Research

Key Subjects

Classical Mechanics and Advanced Dynamics
Classical Electrodynamics and Electromagnetic Theory
Quantum Mechanics and Quantum Theory
Solid State Physics and Condensed Matter
Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics
Mathematical Methods for Physics
Computational Physics and Numerical Methods
Research Methodology in Physics
Experimental Physics and Laboratory Techniques
Thesis Research

Certifications

IUPAP Professional Membership
IOP Professional Membership

Specializations

Theoretical Physics

Focuses on theoretical physics, covering theory, mechanics, quantum, fields, and managing theoretical physics research.

Condensed Matter Physics

Examines condensed matter physics, covering solids, materials, thin films, polymers, and managing condensed matter physics.

Applied Physics

Covers applied physics, covering applications, energy, biomedical, radiation, and managing applied physics.

Electronics

Focuses on electronics, covering circuits, digital, communication, microprocessors, and managing electronics physics.

Geophysics

Examines geophysics, covering geophysics, seismology, gravity, electromagnetic, and managing geophysics.

Space Science

Covers space science, covering aeronomy, ionosphere, plasma, space, and managing space science.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 418,400
Private, up to: Ksh 165,200
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: 20 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Classical Mechanics and Advanced Dynamics
Classical Electrodynamics and Electromagnetic Theory
Quantum Mechanics and Quantum Theory
Solid State Physics and Condensed Matter
Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics
Mathematical Methods for Physics
Computational Physics and Numerical Methods
Research Methodology in Physics
Experimental Physics and Laboratory Techniques
Thesis Research

Modules

12 in the programme

Classical Mechanics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines mechanics, dynamics, Lagrangian, Hamiltonian, and managing classical mechanics and advanced dynamics.
Classical Electrodynamics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers electrodynamics, electromagnetic, fields, Maxwell, and managing classical electrodynamics and electromagnetic theory.
Quantum Mechanics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines quantum, mechanics, wavefunctions, operators, and managing quantum mechanics and quantum theory.
Solid State Physics I
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers solids, crystals, bands, semiconductors, and managing solid state physics and condensed matter.
Statistical Mechanics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines statistical, mechanics, thermodynamics, ensembles, and managing statistical mechanics and thermodynamics.
Research Methodology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers research, design, methods, ethics, and conducting research in physics, preparing students for their thesis.
Advanced Laboratory and Computational Techniques
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines laboratory, computational, techniques, simulation, and managing advanced laboratory and computational techniques.
Mathematical Methods for Physics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers mathematics, methods, differential, equations, and managing mathematical methods for physics.
Proposal Writing
Year 1Semester 21 creditsCore
Covers proposal, writing, research, design, and managing research proposal development for the thesis.
Specialised Elective Modules
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines specialised topics in theoretical physics, condensed matter, applied physics, electronics, geophysics, space science, or acoustics based on chosen specialisation.
Advanced Topics in Physics
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers current research, emerging topics, interdisciplinary applications, and managing advanced topics in physics.
Research and Thesis
Year 2Semester 212 creditsCore
Original supervised research thesis on a physics topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and physics knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Theoretical Physics
Focuses on theoretical physics, covering theory, mechanics, quantum, fields, and managing theoretical physics research.
Condensed Matter Physics
Examines condensed matter physics, covering solids, materials, thin films, polymers, and managing condensed matter physics.
Applied Physics
Covers applied physics, covering applications, energy, biomedical, radiation, and managing applied physics.
Electronics
Focuses on electronics, covering circuits, digital, communication, microprocessors, and managing electronics physics.
Geophysics
Examines geophysics, covering geophysics, seismology, gravity, electromagnetic, and managing geophysics.
Space Science
Covers space science, covering aeronomy, ionosphere, plasma, space, and managing space science.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc in Physics programme combines lectures, laboratory sessions, computational exercises, seminars, group discussions, and independent study. Sessions cover classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, electrodynamics, and statistical mechanics. Classical mechanics sessions examine mechanics, dynamics, Lagrangian, Hamiltonian, and managing classical mechanics. Quantum mechanics sessions cover quantum, mechanics, wavefunctions, operators, and managing quantum mechanics. Electrodynamics sessions cover electrodynamics, electromagnetic, fields, Maxwell, and managing electrodynamics. Statistical mechanics sessions cover statistical, mechanics, thermodynamics, ensembles, and managing statistical mechanics. Solid state physics sessions cover solids, crystals, bands, semiconductors, and managing solid state physics. Mathematical methods sessions cover mathematics, methods, differential, equations, and managing mathematical methods for physics. Computational physics sessions cover computational, numerical, methods, simulation, and managing computational physics. Research methodology sessions cover research, design, methods, ethics, and conducting research in physics. Laboratory sessions provide practical experience in experimental physics, instrumentation, and measurement techniques. Computational sessions provide practical experience in numerical methods, simulation, and data analysis. Seminars provide opportunities for presenting research findings and discussing current issues in physics. The programme culminates in a supervised research thesis on a physics topic.

The trade offs

In its favour

Programme offered at multiple public and private universities providing choice and flexibility.
Programme offers diverse specialisations including theoretical, condensed matter, applied, electronics, geophysics, and space science.
Graduates are eligible for IUPAP and IOP professional membership.
Physics skills are transferable to data science, finance, technology, and engineering beyond traditional physics roles.

Against it

Programme requires strong mathematical and analytical skills for entry.
Fees vary significantly between institutions, from KES 130,000/year at Kabarak to KES 364,500/year at UoN.
Limited awareness of physics career opportunities among prospective students in Kenya.
Some specialisations may have limited laboratory and computational resources at certain institutions.

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 418k

201k at Technical University of Kenya418k at University of Nairobi

Private165k to 165k

165k at Kabarak University165k at Kabarak 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 ~418K/yr (uonbi.ac.ke). TUK unverified. Kabarak ~165K/yr

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. Universities may offer scholarships for eligible students. IUPAP may offer grants for physics research. Some employers and international organisations may sponsor staff for postgraduate study.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
University Scholarship
IUPAP Grant

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities.
University Scholarship
ScholarshipKsh 200,000Kenyan
Universities may offer scholarships for eligible postgraduate physics students.
IUPAP Grant
ScholarshipKsh 150,000
IUPAP may offer grants for physics research and conference attendance.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: Most universities require at least an Upper Second Class Honours degree in Physics. Lower Second Class may be considered with at least two years of relevant experience. Contact respective 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, laboratory reports, seminar presentations, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination70% of the mark
Written examinations covering classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, electrodynamics, statistical mechanics, and solid state physics.
Laboratory and Computational Assessment
Project40% of the mark
Practical assessment through laboratory sessions and computational exercises, demonstrating experimental techniques, measurement, and computational methods.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original supervised research thesis on a physics topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and physics knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). University of Nairobi, Technical University of Kenya, Maseno University, and Kibabii University (public) and Kabarak University (private) offer MSc in Physics. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate training in physics. Graduates are eligible for IUPAP and IOP professional membership. The programme aligns with international physics standards.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. University of Nairobi, Technical University of Kenya, Maseno University, and Kibabii University (public) and Kabarak University (private) offer MSc in Physics. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate training in physics. Graduates are eligible for IUPAP and IOP professional membership. The programme aligns with international physics standards.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Physicist
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 400,000
Conducts physics research, overseeing experiments, analysis, theory, and managing physics research.
Research Scientist
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 450,000
Conducts scientific research, overseeing studies, experiments, publications, and managing scientific research.
Physics Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 400,000
Teaches physics at university or college level, overseeing instruction, research, and academic supervision.
Data Analyst
High demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 400,000
Analyses data using statistical and computational methods, overseeing data, analysis, modelling, and managing data analysis.
Instrumentation Specialist
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 400,000
Manages instrumentation and measurement systems, overseeing instruments, calibration, testing, and managing instrumentation.
Technical Consultant
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 500,000
Provides technical consulting services, overseeing analysis, advisory, solutions, and managing technical consulting.

Graduate outcomes

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

MATLAB
SoftwarePrimary
MATLAB for computational physics and numerical analysis, covering computation, simulation, analysis, and managing computational physics.
Python
Software
Python for data analysis and computational physics, covering analysis, simulation, modelling, and managing physics data.
Laboratory Instruments
Equipment
Laboratory instruments for experimental physics, covering measurement, calibration, testing, and managing experimental physics.
SPSS
Software
SPSS for statistical analysis of research data, covering statistics, analysis, research, and managing research data.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Physics is just about theory with no practical applications.
Physics has extensive practical applications in electronics, materials, energy, medical physics, geophysics, and technology beyond just theory.
This programme is only for those who want to be lecturers.
Physics graduates work in research, data analysis, instrumentation, telecommunications, energy, finance, and consulting beyond just academia.
Physics has limited career opportunities in Kenya.
Physics skills are in demand across KEBS, telecommunications, energy sector, research institutions, and technology companies in Kenya.
Physics is too abstract and disconnected from real-world problems.
Physics research addresses real-world challenges in energy, materials, climate, health, and technology, connecting theory to practical solutions.
You need to be a genius to study physics at postgraduate level.
Postgraduate physics requires dedication, analytical thinking, and hard work, not exceptional genius. A solid undergraduate foundation is sufficient.
Physics is outdated in the age of computing.
Physics underpins modern computing, quantum technologies, semiconductor devices, and data science, making it more relevant than ever.