Science

Master of Science in Wood Science and Technology

The Master of Science in Wood Science and Technology is a postgraduate programme that trains graduates in wood science, wood technology, timber processing, and forest products utilisation. The programme prepares graduates for advanced careers in wood processing, timber industry, pulp and paper, bio-energy, and forest products research.

Core areas include wood science, wood anatomy, wood properties, wood processing, saw milling, wood composites, wood preservation, pulp and paper science, bio-energy, wood bio-deterioration, and research methods. Students engage with theoretical foundations and practical wood science and technology applications.

The programme is offered by Kirinyaga University, Strathmore University, and Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, with University of Eldoret as a college. University of Eldoret offers MSc Wood Science and Technology (also called Wood Science and Industrial Processes) with options in Pulp and Paper Science, Saw Milling, Bio-Energy, Wood Composites, Wood Bio-deterioration, and Wood Preservation.

Students develop competencies in wood analysis, processing technologies, quality control, preservation, composite manufacturing, and research. The programme includes coursework, laboratory practicals, industry visits, examinations, supervised research, and thesis.

The programme is delivered over two years. University of Eldoret postgraduate fees are estimated at KES 150,000/year. Entry requires BSc in Wood Science and Technology or related field with Upper Second, or Lower Second with 2 years experience.

Graduates pursue careers as wood technologists, timber processing managers, pulp and paper technologists, wood scientists, and researchers in timber companies, pulp and paper mills, furniture manufacturers, research institutions, and government forestry departments.

Skills Required

Wood Anatomy and Properties Analysis
Wood Processing and Saw Milling Technology
Wood Composites and Panel Products Manufacturing
Wood Preservation and Treatment Technology
Pulp and Paper Science and Manufacturing
Bio-Energy and Biomass Conversion
Wood Bio-deterioration and Pest Management
Timber Quality Control and Standards
Wood Product Design and Development
Wood Science and Technology Research Methods

Key Subjects

Wood Science and Anatomy
Wood Processing and Saw Milling
Wood Composites and Panel Products
Wood Preservation and Treatment
Pulp and Paper Science
Bio-Energy and Biomass
Wood Bio-deterioration
Timber Quality and Standards
Wood Product Development
Wood Science Research Methods

Certifications

KEBS Wood Products Standards Certification
IUFRO Wood Science Certification

Specializations

Pulp and Paper Science

Focuses on pulp and paper science, pulping processes, paper making, paper properties, recycling, and manufacturing pulp and paper products.

Saw Milling

Examines saw milling, sawmill operations, lumber processing, sawing technology, optimisation, and processing timber in sawmills.

Bio-Energy

Covers bio-energy, biomass conversion, wood energy, charcoal, briquettes, biofuels, and converting wood and biomass to energy.

Wood Composites

Focuses on wood composites, plywood, MDF, particleboard, OSB, glulam, adhesives, and manufacturing wood composite products.

Wood Bio-deterioration

Examines wood bio-deterioration, wood decay, fungi, termites, borers, marine borers, and understanding and preventing wood bio-deterioration.

Wood Preservation

Covers wood preservation, treatment processes, preservatives, CCA, boron, thermal modification, and preserving and treating wood for durability.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 162,600
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
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 12 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Wood Science and Anatomy
Wood Processing and Saw Milling
Wood Composites and Panel Products
Wood Preservation and Treatment
Pulp and Paper Science
Bio-Energy and Biomass
Wood Bio-deterioration
Timber Quality and Standards
Wood Product Development
Wood Science Research Methods

Modules

12 in the programme

Wood Science and Anatomy
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines wood anatomy, wood properties, wood structure, wood identification, wood moisture, wood drying, thermal properties, and understanding wood science.
Wood Processing and Saw Milling
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers saw milling, sawmill operations, lumber processing, sawing technology, optimisation, wood machining, cutting tools, and processing timber.
Wood Composites and Panel Products
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines plywood, MDF, particleboard, OSB, glulam, LVL, adhesives, pressing, bonding, and manufacturing wood composite and panel products.
Wood Preservation and Treatment
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers treatment processes, preservatives, CCA, boron, thermal modification, creosote, vacuum pressure, double diffusion, and preserving and treating wood.
Pulp and Paper Science
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines pulping processes, Kraft, sulphite, mechanical pulping, paper making, paper properties, recycling, bleaching, and manufacturing pulp and paper.
Bio-Energy and Biomass Conversion
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers biomass conversion, wood energy, charcoal, briquettes, pellets, gasification, combustion, pyrolysis, and converting wood and biomass to energy.
Wood Bio-deterioration and Pest Management
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines wood decay, fungi, rot, brown rot, white rot, soft rot, termites, borers, marine borers, staining, and understanding and preventing wood bio-deterioration.
Timber Quality Control and Standards
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers timber grading, quality control, standards, KEBS, testing, strength grading, moisture content, and ensuring timber quality and standards.
Wood Product Design and Development
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines product design, furniture, doors, flooring, value addition, innovation, CNC, mass customisation, and developing wood products.
Wood Science Research Methods
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research methods for wood science, experimental design, laboratory methods, data analysis, statistical methods, and conducting wood science research, preparing students for their thesis.
Advanced Topics in Wood Science
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines advanced topics including nanocellulose, wood modification, smart wood materials, 3D printing wood, biorefinery, and emerging wood science topics.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research thesis on a wood science and technology topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Pulp and Paper Science
Focuses on pulp and paper science, pulping processes, paper making, paper properties, recycling, and manufacturing pulp and paper products.
Saw Milling
Examines saw milling, sawmill operations, lumber processing, sawing technology, optimisation, and processing timber in sawmills.
Bio-Energy
Covers bio-energy, biomass conversion, wood energy, charcoal, briquettes, biofuels, and converting wood and biomass to energy.
Wood Composites
Focuses on wood composites, plywood, MDF, particleboard, OSB, glulam, adhesives, and manufacturing wood composite products.
Wood Bio-deterioration
Examines wood bio-deterioration, wood decay, fungi, termites, borers, marine borers, and understanding and preventing wood bio-deterioration.
Wood Preservation
Covers wood preservation, treatment processes, preservatives, CCA, boron, thermal modification, and preserving and treating wood for durability.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc Wood Science and Technology programme begins with morning lectures on wood science, wood processing, or wood composites. Students engage with theoretical foundations and practical wood science and technology applications. Wood science sessions cover wood anatomy, wood properties, wood structure, wood identification, wood moisture, wood drying, and understanding wood science. Wood processing sessions examine saw milling, sawmill operations, lumber processing, sawing technology, optimisation, wood machining, and processing timber. Wood composites sessions cover plywood, MDF, particleboard, OSB, glulam, adhesives, pressing, and manufacturing wood composite products. Wood preservation sessions examine treatment processes, preservatives, CCA, boron, thermal modification, creosote, vacuum pressure, and preserving and treating wood. Pulp and paper sessions cover pulping processes, Kraft, sulphite, mechanical pulping, paper making, paper properties, recycling, and manufacturing pulp and paper. Bio-energy sessions examine biomass conversion, wood energy, charcoal, briquettes, pellets, gasification, combustion, and converting wood and biomass to energy. Wood bio-deterioration sessions cover wood decay, fungi, rot, termites, borers, marine borers, staining, and understanding and preventing wood bio-deterioration. Timber quality sessions examine timber grading, quality control, standards, KEBS, testing, and ensuring timber quality and standards. Wood product development sessions cover product design, furniture, doors, flooring, value addition, innovation, and developing wood products. Laboratory sessions provide hands-on experience with wood testing, microscopy, mechanical testing, moisture analysis, preservation treatment, and pulp and paper analysis. Industry visits provide hands-on experience with sawmills, furniture factories, pulp and paper mills, wood treatment plants, and bio-energy facilities. Research methodology sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering wood science research methods, experimental design, and data analysis. Guest lectures from UoE faculty, KEFRI researchers, KFS officers, KEBS experts, and industry professionals provide real-world insights. The two-year programme culminates in a research thesis.

The trade offs

In its favour

Kenya's timber industry, construction sector, furniture manufacturing, pulp and paper, bio-energy, and forest products create moderate demand for qualified wood science professionals.
University of Eldoret offers MSc Wood Science and Technology with six specialisation options including Pulp and Paper, Saw Milling, Bio-Energy, Wood Composites, Bio-deterioration, and Preservation.
Career opportunities with timber companies, pulp and paper mills, furniture manufacturers, KEFRI, KFS, KEBS, and international organisations like IUFRO and FAO.
Programme addresses Kenya's timber processing, value addition, bio-energy, forest products utilisation, and sustainable forestry needs.

Against it

Programme requires wood science, forestry, or related background, which may exclude some graduates.
Niche field with fewer positions compared to broader science or engineering programmes.
Laboratory and industry work requires access to wood science laboratories, sawmills, and processing facilities, which may be limited.
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

Public131k to 163k

131k at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology163k at University of Eldoret

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

UoE 163K/yr uoeld.ac.ke; MMUST 131K/yr. Private unverified.

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. KEFRI supports forestry and wood science research. FAO supports forestry capacity building. IUFRO supports forest research professional development. The programme's wood science and technology focus attracts forestry, timber, and research funding.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
KEFRI Research Funding
FAO Forestry Funding

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate wood science and technology studies at recognised universities.
KEFRI Research Funding
GrantKsh 200,000Kenyan
KEFRI supports forestry and wood science research in Kenya, providing funding for postgraduate research in wood science and technology.
FAO Forestry Funding
GrantKsh 300,000
FAO supports forestry and forest products globally, providing funding for postgraduate research in wood science and forest products.

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 wood science, forestry, chemistry, engineering, and related fields. University of Eldoret requires Upper Second in Wood Science or related discipline, or Lower Second with 2 years experience or research publication. Two-year full-time programme with laboratory practicals and industry visits.

How you are assessed

4 components

Coursework and Continuous Assessment
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, laboratory reports, process analysis, product reports, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination40% of the mark
Written examinations covering wood science, processing, composites, preservation, pulp and paper, and bio-energy, conducted at end of each semester.
Laboratory and Industry Assessment
Practical30% of the mark
Assessment of laboratory work, wood testing, industry visits, processing exercises, and practical reports.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on a wood science and technology topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). University of Eldoret offers MSc Wood Science and Technology (Wood Science and Industrial Processes) with specialisation options. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate wood science and technology training. KFS manages forests in Kenya, KEFRI conducts forestry research, and IUFRO and FAO support wood science and forestry internationally.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. University of Eldoret offers MSc Wood Science and Technology (Wood Science and Industrial Processes) with six specialisation options. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate wood science and technology training.
Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS)
Professional accreditation
KEBS sets standards for wood products in Kenya. Graduates working in timber quality or wood product manufacturing may benefit from KEBS standards knowledge.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Wood Technologist
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Applies wood science knowledge, overseeing wood processing, quality control, product development, and supporting wood technology operations.
Timber Processing Manager
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Manages timber processing operations, overseeing sawmill operations, production, quality, and supporting timber processing and production.
Pulp and Paper Technologist
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Works in pulp and paper mills, overseeing pulping, paper making, quality control, and supporting pulp and paper manufacturing.
Wood Scientist
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Conducts wood science research, overseeing research projects, wood testing, product development, and supporting wood science research.
Bio-Energy Specialist
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Develops bio-energy solutions, overseeing biomass conversion, briquettes, pellets, and supporting bio-energy from wood and biomass.
University Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches wood science and technology in universities, conducting research and training future wood science professionals.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as wood technologists, timber processing managers, and pulp and paper technologists in timber companies, pulp mills, and research institutions.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

MATLAB
SoftwarePrimary
Numerical computing software for wood science data analysis, modelling, mechanical testing, statistical analysis, and research data analysis.
Python
SoftwarePrimary
Programming language for wood science data analysis, process modelling, automation, SciPy, NumPy, and scientific computing in wood science.
AutoCAD
Software
CAD software for wood product design, furniture design, manufacturing drawings, and creating wood product designs and plans.
SPSS
Software
Statistical software for wood science research, experimental data analysis, quality control data, and research data analysis.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Wood science is just about cutting trees.
The programme involves wood anatomy, processing, composites, preservation, pulp and paper, bio-energy, bio-deterioration, and research, covering comprehensive wood science and technology.
This programme is only for forestry graduates.
The programme accepts graduates from wood science, forestry, chemistry, engineering, and related fields with relevant experience.
There is limited demand for wood science professionals in Kenya.
Kenya's timber industry, construction sector, furniture manufacturing, pulp and paper, bio-energy, and forest products create moderate demand for qualified wood science professionals.
Wood science is a low-tech field.
Wood science involves advanced materials, composites, nanotechnology, bio-energy, and modern processing technologies, making it a high-tech field.
Wood preservation is just about applying chemicals.
Wood preservation involves treatment processes, preservative chemistry, thermal modification, environmental considerations, and standards, not just chemical application.
A master's in wood science is redundant after a forestry degree.
The master's provides specialised wood science skills, processing technology expertise, research capability, and career progression to senior wood science and technology positions.