Master of Science in Production Engineering
<p>The Master of Science in Production Engineering is a postgraduate programme that trains graduates in production engineering, manufacturing systems, production management, and industrial process optimisation. The programme prepares graduates for advanced careers in manufacturing, production management, industrial engineering, and engineering consultancy.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 260,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 520,000 for the whole course.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of N/A (Postgraduate) or above. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 2 years, full-time, part-time, with 0 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 7 institutions.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Early Childhood Strategist, at 10 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
Core areas include production engineering, manufacturing processes, production planning and control, quality management, automation, CNC machining, lean manufacturing, production management, industrial robotics, and research methods. Students engage with theoretical foundations and practical production engineering applications.
The programme is offered by Turkana University College, Kabarak University, and Technical University of Kenya, with Moi University as a college. Moi University offers MSc Production Engineering, CUE-accredited since 2013, through its School of Engineering. JKUAT offers MSc Mechanical Engineering with Design and Production Engineering option at KES 362,000 total. Moi University also offers MPhil in Production Engineering.
Students develop competencies in production planning, process optimisation, quality control, manufacturing system design, automation, and research. The programme includes coursework, laboratory practicals, design projects, examinations, supervised research, and thesis.
The programme is delivered over two years. JKUAT MSc Mechanical Engineering with Production Engineering option total fees are KES 362,000 (~KES 181,000/year). Moi University offers MSc Production Engineering through its School of Engineering. Entry requires Bachelor's degree in production engineering, mechanical engineering, or related fields with Upper Second or Lower with experience.
Graduates pursue careers as production engineers, manufacturing managers, quality engineers, industrial engineers, and lecturers in manufacturing companies, industrial organisations, consultancy, and universities.
Skills Required
- Production Planning and Control
- Manufacturing Processes and Technology
- Quality Management and Quality Control
- Lean Manufacturing and Process Optimisation
- Automation and Industrial Robotics
- CNC Machining and CAM Programming
- Production Management and Operations
- Manufacturing System Design and Layout
- Industrial Engineering and Work Study
- Production Engineering Research Methods
Key Subjects
- Production Engineering
- Manufacturing Processes
- Production Planning and Control
- Quality Management
- Automation and Robotics
- Lean Manufacturing
- CNC Machining and CAM
- Production Management
- Manufacturing System Design
- Production Engineering Research Methods
Certifications
- EBK Professional Engineer Registration
- SME Manufacturing Certification
Specializations
Manufacturing Processes
Focuses on manufacturing processes, machining, casting, forming, welding, additive manufacturing, and understanding and applying manufacturing processes.
Production Planning and Control
Examines production planning, scheduling, MRP, ERP, capacity planning, inventory management, and planning and controlling production operations.
Quality Management
Covers quality management, quality control, SPC, ISO 9001, TQM, Six Sigma, quality assurance, and managing and ensuring quality in production.
Automation and Robotics
Focuses on automation, industrial robotics, PLC, CNC, CIM, flexible manufacturing systems, and applying automation in production.
Lean Manufacturing
Examines lean manufacturing, lean principles, 5S, kaizen, value stream mapping, waste reduction, and applying lean manufacturing for process improvement.
Production Management
Covers production management, operations management, productivity, plant layout, materials management, and managing production operations and systems.
What you study
10 subjects- Production Engineering
- Manufacturing Processes
- Production Planning and Control
- Quality Management
- Automation and Robotics
- Lean Manufacturing
- CNC Machining and CAM
- Production Management
- Manufacturing System Design
- Production Engineering Research Methods
Modules
12 in the programmeAdvanced Manufacturing Processes
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines machining, casting, forming, welding, additive manufacturing, sheet metal, powder metallurgy, advanced machining, and understanding and applying manufacturing processes.
Production Planning and Control Systems
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers production planning, scheduling, MRP, ERP, capacity planning, inventory management, aggregate planning, and planning and controlling production operations.
Quality Management and Quality Control
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines quality control, SPC, ISO 9001, TQM, Six Sigma, quality assurance, inspection, acceptance sampling, and managing and ensuring quality in production.
Automation and Industrial Robotics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers automation, industrial robotics, PLC programming, CNC, CIM, flexible manufacturing systems, sensors, actuators, and applying automation in production.
CNC Machining and CAM Programming
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines CNC programming, CAM, tool path generation, CNC operations, multi-axis machining, CNC simulation, and programming and operating CNC machines.
Lean Manufacturing and Process Optimisation
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers lean principles, 5S, kaizen, value stream mapping, waste reduction, pull systems, kanban, OEE, and applying lean manufacturing for process improvement.
Production Management and Operations
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines operations management, productivity, plant layout, materials management, work study, ergonomics, supply chain, and managing production operations and systems.
Manufacturing System Design and Layout
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers manufacturing system design, facility layout, line balancing, group technology, cellular manufacturing, assembly lines, and designing manufacturing systems.
Industrial Engineering and Work Study
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines work study, time study, method study, ergonomics, productivity improvement, motion economy, and applying industrial engineering techniques.
Production Engineering Research Methods
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research methods for production engineering, experimental design, industrial research methods, data analysis, statistical methods, and conducting production engineering research, preparing students for their thesis.
Advanced Topics in Production Engineering
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines advanced topics including Industry 4.0, smart manufacturing, digital twins, IoT in manufacturing, sustainable manufacturing, and emerging production engineering technologies.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research thesis on a production engineering topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and production engineering knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.
Specialisations
Manufacturing Processes
Focuses on manufacturing processes, machining, casting, forming, welding, additive manufacturing, and understanding and applying manufacturing processes.
Production Planning and Control
Examines production planning, scheduling, MRP, ERP, capacity planning, inventory management, and planning and controlling production operations.
Quality Management
Covers quality management, quality control, SPC, ISO 9001, TQM, Six Sigma, quality assurance, and managing and ensuring quality in production.
Automation and Robotics
Focuses on automation, industrial robotics, PLC, CNC, CIM, flexible manufacturing systems, and applying automation in production.
Lean Manufacturing
Examines lean manufacturing, lean principles, 5S, kaizen, value stream mapping, waste reduction, and applying lean manufacturing for process improvement.
Production Management
Covers production management, operations management, productivity, plant layout, materials management, and managing production operations and systems.
A day as a student
A typical day during the MSc Production Engineering programme begins with morning lectures on manufacturing processes, production planning, or quality management. Students engage in theoretical discussions on production principles, manufacturing systems, and process optimisation. Manufacturing processes sessions cover machining, casting, forming, welding, additive manufacturing, sheet metal, powder metallurgy, and understanding and applying manufacturing processes. Production planning sessions examine production planning, scheduling, MRP, ERP, capacity planning, inventory management, aggregate planning, and planning and controlling production operations. Quality management sessions cover quality control, SPC, ISO 9001, TQM, Six Sigma, quality assurance, inspection, and managing and ensuring quality in production. Automation sessions examine automation, industrial robotics, PLC programming, CNC, CIM, flexible manufacturing systems, sensors, actuators, and applying automation in production. CNC machining sessions cover CNC programming, CAM, tool path generation, CNC operations, multi-axis machining, and programming and operating CNC machines. Lean manufacturing sessions examine lean principles, 5S, kaizen, value stream mapping, waste reduction, pull systems, kanban, and applying lean manufacturing for process improvement. Production management sessions cover operations management, productivity, plant layout, materials management, work study, ergonomics, and managing production operations and systems. Manufacturing system design sessions examine manufacturing system design, facility layout, line balancing, group technology, cellular manufacturing, and designing manufacturing systems. Industrial engineering sessions cover work study, time study, method study, ergonomics, productivity improvement, and applying industrial engineering techniques. Laboratory sessions provide hands-on experience with CNC machines, manufacturing equipment, robotics, PLCs, and measurement techniques. Design projects provide hands-on experience with production system design, process planning, facility layout, and production optimisation. Research methodology sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering production engineering research methods, experimental design, and data analysis. Guest lectures from Moi University faculty, EBK officials, KAM representatives, industry engineers, and international production engineering experts provide real-world insights. The two-year programme culminates in a research thesis.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Kenya's growing manufacturing sector, industrialisation, Made in Kenya initiative, and quality standards create high demand for qualified production engineering professionals. | Programme requires engineering background, which excludes non-engineering graduates. |
| Moi University offers MSc Production Engineering, CUE-accredited since 2013, and JKUAT offers MSc Mechanical Engineering with Production Engineering option at KES 362,000. | Laboratory work requires access to CNC machines, robotics, manufacturing equipment, and CAM software, which may be limited. |
| Career opportunities with manufacturing companies, KAM members, KEBS, industrial organisations, consultancy, and international bodies like ASME and SME. | Kabarak University (private) fees at KES 250,000/year are relatively expensive compared to public universities. |
| Programme addresses Kenya's industrialisation, manufacturing competitiveness, quality improvement, and productivity enhancement needs. | Programme involves both technical and management components, which may be challenging for students without management background. |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 332 engineering coursesAnnual 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 I Eng 260K/yr (eafinder.com). Turkana doesn't offer. Private unverified.
HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. EBK supports engineering training and professional development. KAM supports industrial training. ASME and SME support mechanical and manufacturing engineering professional development. The programme's production engineering focus attracts industrial, manufacturing, and international funding.
Funding options
HELB Postgraduate Loan
EBK Engineering Training Fund
KAM Industrial Training Fund
Scholarships
3 recordedHELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate production engineering studies at recognised universities.
EBK Engineering Training Fund
GrantKsh 200,000Kenyan
EBK supports engineering training and professional development in Kenya, providing funding for postgraduate engineering studies.
KAM Industrial Training Fund
GrantKsh 200,000Kenyan
KAM supports industrial training and manufacturing development in Kenya, providing funding for postgraduate study in production engineering.
Scholarships you could apply for
2 usable where it is taught- Chevening Scholarships Kenya
Closes 30 November 2026FullUK Government
Full masters in UK
- AfDB Japan Scholarship Program
Closes 28 February 2027FullAfrican Development Bank
Full graduate study abroad
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
The programme accepts graduates from production engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, manufacturing engineering, and related engineering fields. Moi University requires Bachelor's degree in Production Engineering or any Engineering discipline from a recognised university. JKUAT requires Bachelor's in relevant discipline with Upper Second. Two-year programme with full-time and part-time modes.
When it next starts
Taught at 7 institutionsIncluding Turkana University College, Kenyatta University, Moi University.
Including Turkana University College, Kenyatta University, Moi University.
Including Turkana University College, Kenyatta University, Moi University.
How you are assessed
4 componentsCoursework and Continuous Assessment
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, design exercises, production planning projects, quality analysis, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination40% of the mark
Written examinations covering manufacturing processes, production planning, quality management, automation, and lean manufacturing, conducted at end of each semester.
Design Project and Laboratory Assessment
Practical30% of the mark
Assessment of design projects, CNC programming, production simulation, laboratory work, manufacturing exercises, and practical reports.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on a production engineering topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and production engineering knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. Moi University offers MSc Production Engineering, CUE-accredited since 2013. JKUAT offers MSc Mechanical Engineering with Design and Production Engineering option at KES 362,000. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate production engineering training.
Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK)
Professional accreditationRequired
EBK regulates engineering practice in Kenya. Graduates seeking professional engineer registration must meet EBK requirements. The programme supports EBK professional engineering standards.
The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Moi University offers MSc Production Engineering, CUE-accredited since 2013, through its School of Engineering. JKUAT offers MSc Mechanical Engineering with Design and Production Engineering option at KES 362,000. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate production engineering training. EBK regulates engineering practice in Kenya, and KAM supports manufacturing industry development.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
6 rolesProduction Engineer
High demandKsh 140,000 to Ksh 550,000
Designs and optimises production processes, overseeing process planning, equipment selection, production improvement, and supporting manufacturing operations.
Manufacturing Manager
Moderate demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 600,000
Manages manufacturing operations, overseeing production, quality, scheduling, workforce, and supporting manufacturing and production management.
Quality Engineer
High demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 500,000
Manages quality programmes, overseeing quality control, SPC, ISO compliance, quality improvement, and supporting quality assurance in production.
Industrial Engineer
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 500,000
Optimises industrial processes, overseeing work study, process improvement, layout design, productivity, and supporting industrial engineering and optimisation.
Automation Engineer
Moderate demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 600,000
Designs and implements automation systems, overseeing robotics, PLC, CNC, CIM, and supporting automation in manufacturing.
University Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches production engineering in universities, conducting research and training future production engineering professionals.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates pursue careers as production engineers, manufacturing managers, and quality engineers in manufacturing companies and industrial organisations.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Early Childhood StrategistEducation10Low exposure
- Special Needs EducatorEducation10Low exposure
- Career Guidance CounselorEducation11Low exposure
- Cloud Security EngineerTechnology14Low exposure
- Early Literacy SpecialistEducation14Low exposure
- Industrial Robotics ProgrammerTechnology14Low exposure
- STEM Laboratory EducatorEducation14Low exposure
- TVET Competency AssessorEducation14Low exposure
Tools you will learn
Mastercam
SoftwarePrimary
CAM software for CNC programming, tool path generation, CNC simulation, multi-axis machining, and programming CNC machines for production.
SolidWorks
SoftwarePrimary
3D CAD software for product design, manufacturing design, assembly modelling, and designing products and components for production.
Minitab
Software
Statistical software for quality control, SPC, Six Sigma analysis, process capability, and statistical analysis in production engineering.
Arena Simulation
Software
Simulation software for manufacturing system simulation, production line simulation, discrete event simulation, and modelling and analysing production systems.
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Production engineering is just about operating machines.
The programme involves production planning, quality management, automation, lean manufacturing, system design, and research, covering comprehensive production engineering.
This programme is only for mechanical engineering graduates.
The programme accepts graduates from production engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, manufacturing engineering, and related engineering fields.
There is limited demand for production engineers in Kenya.
Kenya's growing manufacturing sector, industrialisation, Made in Kenya initiative, and quality standards create high demand for qualified production engineering professionals.
Production engineering is outdated with modern automation.
Modern production engineering integrates automation, robotics, CNC, CIM, and digital manufacturing, making it more advanced and relevant than ever.
Lean manufacturing is just about cutting costs.
Lean manufacturing focuses on eliminating waste, improving quality, reducing lead times, and creating value for customers, not just cutting costs.
A master's in production engineering is redundant after a bachelor's in mechanical engineering.
The master's provides specialised production engineering skills, management expertise, research capability, and career progression to senior production and management positions.