Environmental Science

Master of Science Renewable Energy Physics

The Master of Science in Renewable Energy Physics is a postgraduate programme that trains graduates to become specialists in renewable energy systems, energy physics, and sustainable energy technologies. The programme prepares graduates to design, implement, and manage renewable energy systems and contribute to Kenya's transition to clean energy.

Core areas of study include solar energy physics, wind energy, biomass energy, hydropower, energy conversion, thermodynamics, energy storage, energy systems design, energy auditing, renewable energy policy, and research methods. Students engage with both theoretical foundations and practical applications in renewable energy physics and technology.

The programme is offered by Kirinyaga University, Strathmore University, and Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, with Kisii University as a college. Strathmore University offers MSc in Sustainable Energy Transitions, a multi-disciplinary programme combining technical energy skills with policy, economics, and project management. MMUST offers renewable energy programmes through its School of Natural Sciences. Kirinyaga University offers energy technology programmes.

Students develop competencies in renewable energy system design, solar panel installation, wind turbine design, energy auditing, energy storage, thermodynamic analysis, energy modelling, energy policy analysis, and renewable energy research. The programme includes coursework, laboratory sessions, field visits, research projects, examinations, and a research thesis.

The programme is delivered over two years with part-time and full-time study modes. Strathmore's programme runs over six semesters on a part-time basis (5:30–8:30 PM), allowing working professionals to study while employed. The programme is designed for engineering, science, and technology graduates seeking to advance their expertise in renewable energy.

Graduates pursue careers as renewable energy engineers, energy consultants, energy auditors, solar energy specialists, wind energy engineers, energy project managers, and renewable energy researchers in energy companies, government, NGOs, consulting firms, and research institutions.

Skills Required

Renewable Energy System Design and Implementation
Solar Energy Technology and Photovoltaic Systems
Wind Energy Systems and Turbine Design
Energy Auditing and Efficiency Analysis
Thermodynamics and Energy Conversion
Energy Storage Systems and Battery Technology
Energy Systems Modelling and Simulation
Renewable Energy Policy and Economics
Energy Project Management
Renewable Energy Research and Data Analysis

Key Subjects

Solar Energy Physics and Photovoltaic Systems
Wind Energy Systems
Biomass and Bioenergy
Thermodynamics and Energy Conversion
Energy Storage Systems
Energy Systems Design and Modelling
Energy Auditing and Efficiency
Renewable Energy Policy and Economics
Hydropower and Geothermal Energy
Research Methods in Energy Science

Certifications

EPRA Energy Professional Certification
IRENA Renewable Energy Certification

Specializations

Solar Energy Physics

Focuses on solar energy, photovoltaic systems, solar thermal energy, solar panel design, and implementing solar energy systems for electricity and heating.

Wind Energy Systems

Examines wind energy, wind turbine design, wind farm planning, aerodynamics of wind turbines, and implementing wind energy systems.

Biomass and Bioenergy

Covers biomass energy, biofuel production, biogas systems, waste-to-energy conversion, and developing biomass energy technologies.

Energy Storage and Conversion

Focuses on energy storage, battery technology, fuel cells, energy conversion systems, and developing efficient energy storage solutions.

Energy Systems and Policy

Examines energy systems design, energy policy, energy economics, renewable energy regulation, and designing effective energy policies and systems.

Energy Auditing and Efficiency

Covers energy auditing, energy efficiency analysis, building energy management, industrial energy optimisation, and reducing energy consumption.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 120,000
Job market: Very high

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

Solar Energy Physics and Photovoltaic Systems
Wind Energy Systems
Biomass and Bioenergy
Thermodynamics and Energy Conversion
Energy Storage Systems
Energy Systems Design and Modelling
Energy Auditing and Efficiency
Renewable Energy Policy and Economics
Hydropower and Geothermal Energy
Research Methods in Energy Science

Modules

12 in the programme

Solar Energy Physics and Photovoltaic Systems
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines solar energy physics, photovoltaic cell design, solar panel systems, solar thermal energy, and designing and implementing solar energy systems.
Wind Energy Systems
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers wind energy physics, wind turbine design, aerodynamics, wind farm planning, and designing and implementing wind energy systems.
Thermodynamics and Energy Conversion
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines thermodynamics, energy conversion principles, heat engines, energy transformation processes, and applying thermodynamics to renewable energy systems.
Biomass and Bioenergy
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers biomass energy, biofuel production, biogas systems, waste-to-energy conversion, and developing biomass energy technologies and systems.
Energy Storage Systems
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines energy storage, battery technology, fuel cells, thermal energy storage, and developing efficient energy storage solutions for renewable energy systems.
Energy Systems Design and Modelling
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers energy systems design, computer modelling of energy systems, simulation software, and designing and optimising renewable energy systems.
Energy Auditing and Efficiency
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines energy auditing, energy efficiency analysis, building energy management, industrial energy optimisation, and reducing energy consumption in buildings and industry.
Renewable Energy Policy and Economics
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers renewable energy policy, energy economics, regulatory frameworks, energy markets, and designing effective renewable energy policies and incentives.
Hydropower and Geothermal Energy
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines hydropower systems, geothermal energy, small hydropower, geothermal power plant design, and implementing hydropower and geothermal energy in Kenya.
Research Methods in Energy Science
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research methods for energy science, experimental design, data analysis, energy modelling, and conducting renewable energy research.
Energy Project Management
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines project management for renewable energy projects, managing energy installations, project financing, and ensuring successful renewable energy project implementation.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research thesis on a renewable energy physics topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and energy science knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Solar Energy Physics
Focuses on solar energy, photovoltaic systems, solar thermal energy, solar panel design, and implementing solar energy systems for electricity and heating.
Wind Energy Systems
Examines wind energy, wind turbine design, wind farm planning, aerodynamics of wind turbines, and implementing wind energy systems.
Biomass and Bioenergy
Covers biomass energy, biofuel production, biogas systems, waste-to-energy conversion, and developing biomass energy technologies.
Energy Storage and Conversion
Focuses on energy storage, battery technology, fuel cells, energy conversion systems, and developing efficient energy storage solutions.
Energy Systems and Policy
Examines energy systems design, energy policy, energy economics, renewable energy regulation, and designing effective energy policies and systems.
Energy Auditing and Efficiency
Covers energy auditing, energy efficiency analysis, building energy management, industrial energy optimisation, and reducing energy consumption.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc Renewable Energy Physics programme begins with lectures on solar energy physics, wind energy systems, or thermodynamics. Students engage in theoretical discussions on energy conversion principles, renewable energy technologies, and energy system design. Laboratory sessions involve testing solar panels, measuring energy output, analysing wind turbine performance, and conducting energy audits. Computer modelling sessions use simulation software to design and analyse renewable energy systems, predict energy output, and optimise system performance. Energy policy sessions examine Kenya's energy policy, regulatory framework, and energy transition strategy. Strathmore's programme runs in the evening (5:30–8:30 PM) to accommodate working professionals, with a multi-disciplinary approach combining technical skills with policy, economics, and project management. Field visits to solar farms, wind farms, and energy installations provide practical exposure to renewable energy systems. Energy auditing sessions involve conducting energy audits of buildings, analysing energy consumption, and recommending efficiency improvements. Guest lectures from energy industry professionals, EPRA officials, and renewable energy entrepreneurs provide real-world insights. Research methodology sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering energy research methods and data analysis. Students develop their thesis proposals, conducting literature reviews and designing energy research experiments. The two-year programme culminates in a research thesis defence.

The trade offs

In its favour

Kenya's renewable energy sector is booming with wind, solar, geothermal, and hydropower projects creating very high demand for renewable energy professionals.
Strathmore University offers a multi-disciplinary MSc in Sustainable Energy Transitions combining technical skills with policy, economics, and project management.
Programme combines physics fundamentals with practical renewable energy applications, providing both theoretical depth and professional relevance.
Renewable energy skills are globally in demand, with career opportunities across Africa and internationally as countries transition to clean energy.

Against it

Strathmore University (private) fees are significantly higher than public universities, potentially limiting access for some students.
Specific fee structures for Kirinyaga University, MMUST, and Kisii University could not be independently verified.
Programme requires strong physics and mathematics background, which may exclude graduates without sufficient science foundation.
Programme name may vary between institutions, with some offering it as Sustainable Energy Transitions or Renewable Energy Technology rather than Renewable Energy Physics.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 181 environmental science courses

Public120k to 120k

120k at Kirinyaga University120k at Kirinyaga 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

Kirinyaga sole provider. Fee unverified—PDF at kyu.ac.ke inaccessible.

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. AfDB provides energy grants for renewable energy development in Africa. IRENA supports capacity building for renewable energy in developing countries. Kenya's focus on renewable energy transition attracts significant donor and international organisation funding.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
AfDB Energy Grants
IRENA Capacity Building Support

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate energy studies at recognised universities.
AfDB Energy Grants
GrantKsh 500,000
African Development Bank provides energy grants for renewable energy development in Africa, supporting postgraduate training and research in renewable energy.
IRENA Capacity Building Support
FellowshipKsh 400,000
IRENA supports capacity building for renewable energy in developing countries, providing fellowships and training support for renewable energy professionals.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: The programme is designed for engineering, science, and technology graduates seeking to advance their expertise in renewable energy. Two-year programme with part-time (evening) and full-time study modes. Strathmore's programme runs over six semesters on a part-time basis (5:30–8:30 PM) to accommodate working professionals. The programme is multi-disciplinary, combining technical energy skills with policy, economics, and project management.

How you are assessed

4 components

Coursework and Assignments
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, energy system design projects, modelling exercises, and class participation throughout the programme.
Written Examinations
Examination30% of the mark
Written examinations covering solar energy, wind energy, thermodynamics, energy storage, and renewable energy policy, conducted at end of each semester.
Practical and Field Assessment
Practical40% of the mark
Assessment of practical skills including energy system design, energy auditing, laboratory experiments, and field visit reports from renewable energy installations.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on a renewable energy physics topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and energy science knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Strathmore University's MSc in Sustainable Energy Transitions is offered through its Energy Research Centre. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate energy science and engineering training. EPRA provides additional professional regulation for energy sector practice in Kenya.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. Strathmore University's MSc in Sustainable Energy Transitions is offered through its Energy Research Centre. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate energy science training.
Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA)
Professional accreditation
EPRA regulates the energy sector in Kenya. Graduates working in energy installation, auditing, or consulting may require EPRA licensing or certification.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Renewable Energy Engineer
Very high demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 600,000
Designs and implements renewable energy systems including solar, wind, and biomass, working for energy companies, engineering firms, and renewable energy developers.
Energy Consultant
High demandKsh 140,000 to Ksh 600,000
Consults with organisations on energy systems, advising on renewable energy adoption, energy efficiency, system design, and energy management strategies.
Energy Auditor
High demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 450,000
Conducts energy audits of buildings and industrial facilities, analysing energy consumption, identifying efficiency opportunities, and recommending improvements.
Solar Energy Specialist
Very high demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 500,000
Specialises in solar energy systems, designing and installing solar PV and solar thermal systems, and managing solar energy projects for residential and commercial clients.
Energy Project Manager
High demandKsh 160,000 to Ksh 650,000
Manages renewable energy projects, overseeing project design, implementation, financing, stakeholder management, and ensuring successful project delivery.
Renewable Energy Researcher
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 500,000
Conducts research on renewable energy technologies, developing new energy solutions, improving existing technologies, and contributing to energy science knowledge.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as renewable energy engineers, energy consultants, energy auditors, and energy project managers in energy companies, government, and NGOs.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

HOMER Energy Modelling Software
SoftwarePrimary
Renewable energy system modelling software for designing and optimising hybrid renewable energy systems, microgrids, and off-grid power systems.
PVsyst Photovoltaic Software
SoftwarePrimary
Photovoltaic system design software for sizing, simulating, and analysing solar PV systems, predicting energy output, and optimising system performance.
MATLAB
Software
Numerical computing environment for energy system modelling, data analysis, simulation, and renewable energy system optimisation.
RETScreen Clean Energy Software
Software
Clean energy project analysis software for evaluating renewable energy, energy efficiency, and cogeneration project feasibility and performance.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Renewable energy physics is just about installing solar panels.
Renewable energy physics encompasses solar, wind, biomass, hydropower, geothermal, energy storage, thermodynamics, energy systems design, policy, and economics, far beyond solar panel installation.
Renewable energy has limited career prospects in Kenya.
Kenya's renewable energy sector is booming with wind, solar, geothermal, and hydropower projects creating very high demand for renewable energy professionals.
This programme is only for physics graduates.
The programme accepts graduates from engineering, computer science, environmental science, and other science disciplines, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of renewable energy.
Renewable energy is too expensive to be practical in Kenya.
Renewable energy costs have declined dramatically, with solar and wind now competitive with or cheaper than fossil fuels, making renewable energy increasingly viable in Kenya.
Kenya lacks the infrastructure for renewable energy.
Kenya is a leader in renewable energy in Africa, with significant geothermal, wind (Lake Turkana Wind Power), and solar installations, and ongoing expansion of renewable energy infrastructure.
This programme is the same as general energy engineering.
Renewable energy physics specifically focuses on the physics of renewable energy systems, energy conversion, and sustainable energy, while energy engineering covers broader energy systems including fossil fuels.