Master of Science in Weapon Engineering
The Master of Science in Weapon Engineering provides advanced training in weapon systems design, ballistics, propulsion, guidance systems, and weapons technology. Students learn weapon engineering, ballistics, propulsion systems, guidance and control, and weapons systems integration. The programme is designed for military engineering and technical officers seeking advanced weapon engineering qualifications.
The short answer
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of Bachelor's Degree (Postgraduate) or above. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 2 years, full-time, with 0 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 1 institution.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Overhead Transmission Technician, at 10 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
Students develop advanced competencies in weapon systems design, ballistics, propulsion, guidance systems, weapons integration, and weapons technology. The curriculum covers weapon engineering, ballistics, research methods, and a research thesis. Practical skills are developed through laboratory work and technical projects.
Weapon engineering expertise is critical for Kenya's defence sector. The Kenya Defence Forces require trained weapon engineers for maintenance, design, and development of weapon systems. Kenya's defence modernisation and security challenges create demand for weapon engineering expertise. The programme addresses the demand for advanced weapon engineering training.
The programme combines classroom lectures with laboratory work, technical projects, and research. Students study weapon engineering concepts, analyse weapon systems, conduct ballistic experiments, and perform research. Teaching methods include lectures, laboratory sessions, and research supervision. The programme is offered at the Defence Forces Technical College (DEFTEC).
Graduates serve as weapon engineers, technical officers, or defence researchers in the Kenya Defence Forces, defence research institutions, or defence contractors. The master's degree supports careers in weapon engineering, defence technology, and military technical services.
This programme is ideal for military engineering and technical officers seeking advanced weapon engineering qualifications. The programme provides advanced skills for weapon systems design, ballistics, and defence technology.
What you study
10 subjects- Weapon Systems Design
- Ballistics and Terminal Effects
- Propulsion Systems
- Guidance and Control Systems
- Weapons Integration
- Explosives and Pyrotechnics
- Armour and Penetration Mechanics
- Research Methods
- Defence Technology
- Thesis Research
Modules
8 in the programmeWeapon Systems Design and Analysis
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Weapon systems design covering system requirements, design principles, weapon architecture, and systems analysis for defence applications.
Ballistics and Terminal Effects
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Ballistics covering internal, external, and terminal ballistics, projectile dynamics, and terminal effects on targets.
Propulsion Systems
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Propulsion systems covering rocket propulsion, gas dynamics, solid and liquid propellants, and propulsion system design for weapons.
Research Methods and Statistics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Research methods covering research design, statistical analysis, engineering research, and research ethics.
Guidance and Control Systems
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Guidance and control covering guidance laws, control systems, navigation, and guidance system design for guided weapons.
Explosives and Armour Penetration
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Explosives covering explosive chemistry, detonation theory, warhead design, and armour penetration mechanics.
Weapons Integration and Testing
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Weapons integration covering system integration, platform integration, testing and evaluation, and weapons system certification.
Thesis Research and Defence
Year 2Semester 16 creditsCore
A research thesis on a weapon engineering topic, demonstrating research competence and contributing to defence engineering knowledge.
Specialisations
Ballistics and Terminal Effects
Focus on projectile dynamics, terminal ballistics, warhead design, and penetration mechanics.
Guidance and Control
Focus on guidance systems, control theory, navigation, and guidance system design for guided weapons.
Propulsion Systems
Focus on rocket propulsion, propellant chemistry, gas dynamics, and propulsion system design.
A day as a student
A typical day combines morning lectures on weapon systems design or ballistics with afternoon laboratory sessions and technical projects. Students study weapon engineering concepts, analyse weapon systems, conduct ballistic experiments, and perform research. Laboratory work provides hands-on experience with weapon components, ballistic testing, and systems analysis. Technical projects connect students with real defence engineering challenges. The programme emphasises engineering competence, technical skills, and defence technology knowledge.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Unique programme in East Africa, offering specialised defence engineering qualifications. | The programme is primarily for military personnel, limiting civilian access. |
| Offered at NDU-K's DEFTEC with direct connection to Kenya Defence Forces operations and equipment. | Specific fee data is not publicly available; military institution with restricted information. |
| Weapon engineering skills are transferable to aerospace, automotive, and industrial engineering sectors. | Career opportunities are primarily within the defence sector, which is a niche market. |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
The fine print
Military institution (NDU-K/DEFTEC); fees not publicly available for civilian enrollment.
Military students are typically funded by the Kenya Defence Forces. HELB loans may be available for eligible civilian students. Defence research grants may be available.
Funding options
HELB Loan
Scholarships
1 recordedHELB Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in master's programmes at chartered universities
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
Entry requirements are determined by NDU-K and the Kenya Defence Forces. Typically requires a BSc in Engineering or related technical field and military officer status. Civilian applicants should contact NDU-K for eligibility.
When it next starts
Taught at 1 institutionIncluding National Defence University - Kenya.
Including National Defence University - Kenya.
How you are assessed
3 componentsCoursework and Examinations
Written examination40% of the mark
Coursework assessments, written examinations, and assignments evaluating understanding of weapon engineering concepts.
Laboratory Work and Technical Projects
Practical30% of the mark
Laboratory assessments, technical project evaluations, and practical assignments evaluating weapon engineering skills.
Thesis Defence
Project30% of the mark
A research thesis demonstrating research competence in weapon engineering, defended before an examination panel.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
NDU-K is chartered by CUE. MSc programme accredited by CUE. Offered at DEFTEC.
NDU-K is chartered by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The MSc programme is accredited by CUE. The programme is offered at the Defence Forces Technical College (DEFTEC).
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
3 rolesWeapon Engineer
Low demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 400,000
Designs, maintains, and tests weapon systems in the Kenya Defence Forces or defence contractors, ensuring weapon reliability and performance.
Technical Officer
Moderate demand
Serves as a technical officer in the Kenya Defence Forces, managing weapon systems maintenance, procurement, and technical operations.
Defence Researcher
Low demand
Conducts defence research in military research institutions, developing weapon technologies and defence systems.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates serve as weapon engineers and technical officers in the Kenya Defence Forces, defence research institutions, or defence contractors, with opportunities for weapon systems design, maintenance, and defence technology.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Overhead Transmission TechnicianEngineering10Low exposure
- Desalination Systems EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- District Cooling EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- HighVoltage Substation EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- Hydrogen Systems EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- Microgrid Control EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- Subsea Cable EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- Traction Power EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Weapon engineering is about creating weapons for destruction.
Weapon engineering covers design, maintenance, safety, and technical aspects of weapon systems, with emphasis on reliability, precision, and responsible use.
Weapon engineering is only for military personnel.
While primarily for military officers, some programmes may accept civilian defence personnel and government agency staff.
Weapon engineering has no civilian applications.
Weapon engineering skills including ballistics, propulsion, and guidance systems have applications in aerospace, automotive, and industrial engineering.
Studying weapon engineering is controversial.
Weapon engineering is a legitimate engineering discipline focused on national defence, equipment reliability, and technical safety, essential for any sovereign nation.