Science

Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental and Social Sciences Research Methods

The Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental and Social Sciences Research Methods is a programme that equips students with advanced knowledge and practical skills in research methodologies applicable to environmental and social sciences. Offered at Egerton University through the Faculty of Environment and Resource Development, the programme prepares professionals to design, conduct and manage research in environmental and social contexts.

The curriculum covers research design, quantitative research methods, qualitative research methods, environmental research methods, social research methods, data collection techniques, statistical analysis, data management, research ethics, proposal writing, research project management and a research project. Students develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in research methodology.

The programme responds to the need for trained researchers who can conduct rigorous environmental and social research to inform policy, programmes and development interventions. It provides a solid foundation for professionals working in research institutions, government agencies, NGOs and academia.

The programme is delivered through full-time and part-time modes, with lectures, research seminars, data analysis workshops, field research exercises and a supervised research project. Students gain hands-on experience through field data collection, statistical analysis and a research project.

Graduates pursue careers as research officers, data analysts, monitoring and evaluation officers, research consultants and project coordinators in research institutions, government agencies, NGOs and international organisations. They can also progress to a Master's degree in environmental or social sciences.

Prospective students should have a background in environmental sciences, social sciences or a related field and interest in research methodology. The programme is suitable for professionals seeking to strengthen their research skills.

Duration: 1 year
Public, up to: Ksh 255,900
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: 3 months
Average class: 15 students
Award: Postgraduate Diploma

What you study

6 subjects

Research Design and Quantitative Research Methods
Qualitative Research Methods and Social Research Methods
Environmental Research Methods and Data Collection Techniques
Statistical Analysis and Data Management
Research Ethics and Proposal Writing
Research Project Management and Research Project

Modules

6 in the programme

Research Design and Quantitative Research Methods
Year 1Semester 15 creditsCore
Covers research design, research paradigms, hypothesis formulation, quantitative research methods, sampling techniques, survey design, experimental design and measurement.
Qualitative Research Methods and Social Research Methods
Year 1Semester 15 creditsCore
Covers qualitative research methods, ethnography, case studies, focus groups, interviews, social research methods, participatory research and mixed methods approaches.
Environmental Research Methods and Data Collection Techniques
Year 1Semester 15 creditsCore
Covers environmental research methods, ecological sampling, environmental monitoring, spatial analysis, GIS basics, field data collection, instruments and data collection techniques.
Statistical Analysis and Data Management
Year 1Semester 25 creditsCore
Covers statistical analysis, descriptive and inferential statistics, hypothesis testing, regression analysis, data management, statistical software (SPSS, R) and data visualisation.
Research Ethics and Proposal Writing
Year 1Semester 25 creditsCore
Covers research ethics, ethical principles, informed consent, institutional review boards, research integrity, proposal writing, literature review and research communication.
Research Project
Year 1Semester 25 creditsCore
A supervised research project involving research design, data collection, analysis and a written research report, assessed through a thesis and oral defence.

Specialisations

Environmental Research
Focuses on environmental research methods and ecological monitoring for careers in environmental research institutions.
Social Research
Specialises in social research methods and participatory research for careers in social research and development.
Data Analysis
Focuses on statistical analysis and data management for careers as data analysts.
Monitoring and Evaluation
Specialises in M&E methods for careers as monitoring and evaluation officers.

A day as a student

A typical day begins with a morning lecture on research design or statistical analysis, followed by a data analysis workshop using statistical software. Afternoon sessions may include a qualitative research seminar, a field research exercise, or work on the research project. Students also participate in research seminars and present their research findings.

The trade offs

In its favour

The programme covers both environmental and social research methods, providing versatile skills.
Graduates can progress to a Master's degree in environmental or social sciences.
Research skills are in demand across NGOs, government, private sector and academia.

Against it

The programme is offered at only one university, limiting study options.
The programme requires strong analytical and numerical skills.

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

Public256k to 256k

256k at Egerton University256k at Egerton 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

Egerton PGD 255.9K/yr (egerton.ac.ke PDF). Private: unverified.

Students can access HELB loans for postgraduate study. Egerton University may offer internal bursaries. Research grants and fellowships may be available through partner institutions.

Funding options

HELB Loan

Scholarships

1 recorded

HELB Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in accredited postgraduate programmes at recognised institutions

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+
Alternative entry: Bachelor's degree from a recognised university, preferably in environmental sciences, social sciences or a related field.

How you are assessed

3 components

Continuous Assessment
Written examination30% of the mark
Mid-semester and end-of-semester written tests covering research design, quantitative and qualitative methods, statistics and research ethics.
Research Assignments
Assignment30% of the mark
Assessment of research design assignments, data analysis exercises, literature reviews, proposal drafts and group presentations.
Research Project
Project40% of the mark
A supervised research project, assessed through a written research report and oral defence.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at Egerton University, Faculty of Environment and Resource Development.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at Egerton University, Faculty of Environment and Resource Development.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

Research Officer
Moderate demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 220,000
Designs and conducts research studies, collects and analyses data, writes research reports and supports evidence-based decision-making in research institutions and NGOs.
Data Analyst
High demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 250,000
Analyses quantitative and qualitative data, uses statistical software, produces data visualisations and supports research teams with data management and interpretation.
Monitoring and Evaluation Officer
Moderate demandKsh 52,000 to Ksh 230,000
Designs M&E frameworks, collects monitoring data, conducts evaluations, assesses programme impact and produces M&E reports in NGOs and development organisations.
Research Consultant
Moderate demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 280,000
Provides research consultancy services, designs research studies, conducts baseline surveys and evaluations and advises organisations on research methodology.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as research officers, data analysts, monitoring and evaluation officers and research consultants in research institutions, government agencies and NGOs.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

SPSS
ToolPrimary
R
Code
NVivo
Tool

Certifications

Commission for University Education (CUE) Accreditation

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Research methods is just about statistics.
Research methods covers both quantitative and qualitative approaches, research design, data collection, ethics, proposal writing and project management, in addition to statistical analysis.
A postgraduate diploma in research methods is only for academics.
Research skills are essential in NGOs, government agencies, private sector and consulting. The programme prepares professionals for evidence-based decision-making roles.
Environmental and social research methods are the same.
Environmental research involves ecological sampling, environmental monitoring and spatial analysis, while social research involves surveys, interviews and ethnographic methods. The programme covers both.
Research is only about collecting data.
Research involves design, ethics approval, data collection, analysis, interpretation, reporting and dissemination — a comprehensive process requiring diverse skills.