Every programme, with the real numbers.
Tuition, duration and study mode as each institution publishes them, next to how the job market is currently treating graduates of the course.
Bachelor of Animation and Graphics Design
The Bachelor of Animation and Graphics Design is a creative technology programme that equips students with skills in 2D and 3D animation, motion graphics, graphic design, visual storytelling, and digital media production. Students study core modules including principles of animation, 2D and 3D animation, motion graphics, graphic design fundamentals, digital illustration, character design, storyboarding, visual effects, and UI/UX design. The programme also covers media law, intellectual property, project management, and portfolio development. Kenya's creative economy is growing rapidly, with increasing demand for animation and graphics content in advertising, film, television, gaming, e-learning, and digital media. The rise of streaming platforms, mobile gaming, and social media content creation has expanded opportunities for animation graduates. The programme is delivered over eight semesters with a practical project or industrial attachment in the third year. Students build a professional portfolio throughout the programme, culminating in a final-year project that showcases their specialisation. Graduates work as graphic designers, animators, motion graphics designers, UI/UX designers, character designers, illustrators, and art directors. This programme is ideal for creative students with strong visual imagination, attention to detail, and passion for digital media. Proficiency in drawing and computers is advantageous. The ability to work under deadlines, accept constructive feedback, and continuously learn new software tools is essential for success in this rapidly evolving field.
Bachelor of Arts in Animation
The Bachelor of Arts in Animation is a 3. 5-year degree programme that develops creative talent for producing animated content across film, television, gaming, and digital platforms. Students study animation theory, character design, storyboarding, 2D and 3D animation, game design, cinematography, screenwriting, sound design, and the business of animation. The programme is offered at USIU-Africa, a dual-accredited university with both CUE (Kenya) and WSCUC (United States) accreditation. This dual accreditation ensures degrees are globally recognised, enabling graduates to pursue further studies or careers internationally. Graduates pursue careers in animation for film and television, gaming, mobile device animation, screenwriting, corporate media production, and content creation for digital platforms. The programme is delivered on campus at USIU-Africa in Nairobi, with intake available in all semesters. Teaching methods include studio-based practical sessions, lectures, project work, and industry engagement. Entry-level salaries for animation graduates in Kenya range from KES 45,000–90,000/month depending on the role and sector, with opportunities in animation studios, media houses, advertising agencies, game development companies, and freelance work. The programme suits students with passion for visual arts, drawing, storytelling, and digital creativity. Skills Required2D and 3D Animation TechniquesCharacter Design and DevelopmentStoryboarding and Animatic DesignGame Design and ProgrammingScreenwriting and StorytellingDigital Art and IllustrationCinematography and Camera LanguageSound Design and CompositionAnimation Business and Project ManagementIndustry-Standard Animation SoftwareKey SubjectsFundamentals of AnimationCharacter DesignStoryboard and Animatic DesignIntroduction to 2D and 3D AnimationActing for AnimatorsCamera Language and Cinematography3D Modelling and Design MethodsGame Programming and Environment DesignAdvanced 3D AnimationThe Business of Animation ContentCertificationsAutodesk Maya Certified ProfessionalAdobe Certified Professional in Visual Effects and Motion GraphicsToon Boom Harmony CertificationSpecializationsFilm and Television AnimationFocus on creating animated content for film and television — covering 2D and 3D animation techniques, character animation, visual effects, and production pipelines for broadcast and cinematic release. Game Design and AnimationFocus on game design, game programming, and interactive animation — covering game environment design, character animation for games, game mechanics, and mobile game development.
Certificate in Graphic Design
The Certificate in Graphic Design provides foundational skills in visual communication, digital design, and creative media production. Students learn design principles, typography, digital illustration, image editing, and layout design using industry-standard software. The programme is designed for individuals seeking entry-level positions in design studios, advertising agencies, publishing houses, or as freelance graphic designers. Students develop competencies in design fundamentals, vector graphics, raster image editing, typography, layout design, branding basics, and digital content creation. The curriculum covers design theory, colour theory, Adobe Creative Suite applications, logo design, print design, digital media design, and portfolio development. Practical design skills are emphasised through project-based studio work. Kenya's creative and digital economy has grown significantly, with businesses increasingly requiring professional visual content for marketing, branding, and digital presence. The expansion of advertising agencies, digital marketing, publishing, and corporate communications creates demand for trained graphic design personnel. Social media, content creation, and the gig economy also provide opportunities for freelance graphic designers. The programme combines classroom lectures with intensive computer laboratory sessions. Students work on design projects including logos, posters, brochures, social media graphics, and brand identities using industry-standard software. Teaching methods include practical demonstrations, design exercises, project-based assignments, and portfolio development. The programme is delivered on a full-time and virtual basis at Lukenya University. Graduates find employment as graphic design assistants, junior designers, layout assistants, or digital content creators in design studios, advertising agencies, publishing houses, and corporate communications departments. The certificate also provides a pathway to diploma programmes in graphic design. Many graduates establish freelance design businesses serving small businesses, events, and digital content needs. This programme is ideal for KCSE graduates with a creative interest in visual design, as well as individuals already creating digital content who seek formal design training. The accessible entry requirements make it suitable for those exploring graphic design as a career before committing to diploma or degree-level studies.
Certificate in Hairdressing
The Certificate in Hairdressing provides foundational skills in hair care, styling, chemical treatments, and salon management. Students learn shampooing, conditioning, hair cutting, braiding, weaving, colouring, perming, and thermal styling. The programme is designed for individuals seeking entry-level positions in salons, barbershops, or as independent hairdressing service providers. Students develop competencies in hair and scalp care, chemical hair treatments (relaxing, perming, colouring), braiding and weaving, thermal styling, haircutting techniques for men and women, client care, and basic salon management. The curriculum covers hair and scalp physiology, hygiene and safety, hair treatment products, salon operations, and entrepreneurship basics. Practical skills are emphasised through salon laboratory sessions. Kenya's beauty and personal care industry has grown significantly, with hairdressing being one of the most accessible entrepreneurial sectors. Salons and barbershops are ubiquitous across urban and rural areas, and the demand for trained hairdressing personnel continues to grow. The industry offers relatively low barriers to entry, making it attractive for entrepreneurship and self-employment. The programme combines classroom lectures with intensive salon practical sessions. Students practise hair treatments, styling, cutting, colouring, and braiding on mannequins and real clients in training salon environments. Teaching methods include practical demonstrations, supervised practice, client service simulations, and project-based assignments. Graduates find employment as hair stylists, salon assistants, or barbers in salons, barbershops, hotels, and beauty parlours. The certificate also provides a pathway to diploma programmes in hairdressing and beauty therapy. Many graduates establish their own salon businesses or offer mobile hairdressing services, making this one of the most entrepreneurial certificate programmes. This programme is ideal for KCSE graduates with an interest in the beauty industry, as well as individuals already working in salons who seek formal qualification. The accessible entry requirements make it suitable for those exploring hairdressing as a career or business opportunity.
Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Design
The Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Design is a doctoral programme offered at the University of Nairobi through the Department of Urban and Regional Planning. It is designed to produce scholars capable of advancing research in urban design, urban morphology and public space design. The programme addresses Kenya's urban design research and urban development needs. Students engage with advanced topics in urban design theory, urban morphology, public space design, urban regeneration, sustainable urbanism, urban aesthetics, placemaking, urban heritage, smart cities, urban density, mixed-use development and research methods. The curriculum emphasises original research that develops urban design insights for Kenya's urbanisation challenges. Kenya's rapid urbanisation, Nairobi metropolitan growth, urban sprawl, informal settlements, public space deficit, urban regeneration, smart cities, urban heritage conservation, sustainable urban development, Vision 2030 urbanisation and the demand for urban design research create demand for doctoral-level urban design expertise. The programme supports Kenya's urban development and planning goals. Teaching is delivered through coursework, studio sessions and supervised research. At UoN, the Department of Urban and Regional Planning offers PhD in Urban Design. Tuition approximately KSh 480,000/year based on similar built environment PhD programmes. Application fee KSh 4,000. Graduates pursue careers as university professors, urban design researchers, urban planners, city designers and urban development consultants. They work in universities, Ministry of Transport, Nairobi City County, UN-Habitat and urban planning firms.
Master of Spatial Planning and Design
<p>The Master of Spatial Planning and Design is a postgraduate programme that prepares professionals for advanced practice in urban and regional planning, spatial design, and sustainable development. The programme provides specialised training in spatial planning, urban design, regional planning, environmental planning, and planning policy. Core areas include spatial planning theory, urban design, regional planning, environmental planning, GIS for planning, planning studio, research methods, and thesis. Students engage with both theoretical and practical work through coursework, studio projects, fieldwork, and research. The programme is offered by Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology as a public institution through the School of Built Environment. The University of Nairobi offers a related MA in Planning through the Department of Urban and Regional Planning. Both programmes are available over two years. Students develop competencies in spatial planning, urban design, regional analysis, environmental planning, and research. The programme includes coursework, examinations, studio projects, fieldwork, and a supervised research thesis, preparing graduates for planning and design roles. JOOUST charges approximately KES 120,000 per year while the University of Nairobi charges approximately KES 299,000 per year. No private university confirmed offering this exact programme. Entry requires at least an Upper Second Class Honours degree in Spatial Planning, Architecture, Geography, or a related field from a recognised institution. Graduates pursue careers as spatial planners, urban designers, regional planners, environmental planners, planning consultants, and lecturers across government agencies, planning firms, research institutions, and universities.</p><h3>Skills Required</h3><ul><li>Spatial Planning Theory and Practice</li><li>Urban Design and Development</li><li>Regional Planning and Analysis</li><li>Environmental Planning and Assessment</li><li>GIS and Spatial Analysis for Planning</li><li>Planning Policy and Governance</li><li>Planning Studio and Project Design</li><li>Land Use Planning and Management</li><li>Research Methods in Spatial Planning</li><li>Academic Writing and Thesis Research</li></ul><h3>Key Subjects</h3><ul><li>Spatial Planning Theory and Practice</li><li>Urban Design and Development</li><li>Regional Planning and Analysis</li><li>Environmental Planning and Assessment</li><li>GIS and Spatial Analysis for Planning</li><li>Planning Policy and Governance</li><li>Planning Studio and Project Design</li><li>Land Use Planning and Management</li><li>Research Methods in Spatial Planning</li><li>Thesis Research</li></ul><h3>Certifications</h3><ul><li>ISOCARP Professional Membership</li><li>Kenya Institute of Planners (KIP) Registration</li></ul><h3>Specializations</h3><h4>Urban Planning and Design</h4><p>Focuses on urban planning, covering urban, planning, design, development, and managing urban planning and design.</p><h4>Regional Planning</h4><p>Examines regional planning, covering regional, planning, analysis, development, and managing regional planning and analysis.</p><h4>Environmental Planning</h4><p>Covers environmental planning, covering environmental, planning, assessment, sustainability, and managing environmental planning and assessment.</p><h4>Land Use Planning</h4><p>Focuses on land use planning, covering land, use, planning, management, and managing land use planning and management.</p><h4>Transport Planning</h4><p>Examines transport planning, covering transport, planning, mobility, infrastructure, and managing transport planning and mobility.</p><h4>Planning Policy and Governance</h4><p>Covers planning policy, covering planning, policy, governance, regulation, and managing planning policy and governance.</p>
Master of Urban Design
<p>The Master of Urban Design is a postgraduate programme that prepares professionals for advanced practice in urban design, spatial planning, and sustainable urban development. The programme provides specialised training in urban design theory, public space design, urban morphology, sustainable development, and urban regeneration. Core areas include urban design theory, public space design, urban morphology, sustainable urban development, urban regeneration, planning studio, research methods, and thesis. Students engage with both theoretical and practical work through coursework, studio projects, and research. The programme is offered by Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology as a public institution through the School of Architecture and Building Sciences. The University of Nairobi offers a related MA in Planning through the Department of Urban and Regional Planning. Both programmes are available over two years. Students develop competencies in urban design, spatial analysis, public space planning, sustainable development, and research. The programme includes coursework, examinations, studio projects, and a supervised research thesis, preparing graduates for urban design and planning roles. JKUAT charges approximately KES 178,500 per year while UoN charges approximately KES 299,000 per year for the related MA in Planning. No private university confirmed offering this exact programme. Entry requires at least an Upper Second Class Honours degree in Architecture, Urban Design, Landscape Architecture, Urban and Regional Planning, or a related field from a recognised institution. Graduates pursue careers as urban designers, urban planners, landscape architects, city planners, urban regeneration specialists, and lecturers across planning firms, government agencies, research institutions, and universities.</p><h3>Skills Required</h3><ul><li>Urban Design Theory and Practice</li><li>Public Space Design and Planning</li><li>Urban Morphology and Spatial Analysis</li><li>Sustainable Urban Development</li><li>Urban Regeneration and Renewal</li><li>Planning Studio and Project Design</li><li>GIS for Urban Design</li><li>Urban Planning Policy and Governance</li><li>Research Methods in Urban Design</li><li>Academic Writing and Thesis Research</li></ul><h3>Key Subjects</h3><ul><li>Urban Design Theory and Practice</li><li>Public Space Design and Planning</li><li>Urban Morphology and Spatial Analysis</li><li>Sustainable Urban Development</li><li>Urban Regeneration and Renewal</li><li>Planning Studio and Project Design</li><li>GIS for Urban Design</li><li>Urban Planning Policy and Governance</li><li>Research Methods in Urban Design</li><li>Thesis Research</li></ul><h3>Certifications</h3><ul><li>ISOCARP Professional Membership</li><li>Kenya Institute of Planners (KIP) Registration</li></ul><h3>Specializations</h3><h4>Urban Design and Public Space</h4><p>Focuses on urban design, covering urban, design, public, space, and managing urban design and public space planning.</p><h4>Sustainable Urban Development</h4><p>Examines sustainable urban development, covering sustainable, urban, development, environment, and managing sustainable urban development.</p><h4>Urban Regeneration</h4><p>Covers urban regeneration, covering urban, regeneration, renewal, revitalisation, and managing urban regeneration and renewal.</p><h4>Urban Planning and Policy</h4><p>Focuses on urban planning, covering urban, planning, policy, governance, and managing urban planning and policy.</p><h4>Landscape Design</h4><p>Examines landscape design, covering landscape, design, planning, environment, and managing landscape design and planning.</p><h4>Smart Cities and Technology</h4><p>Covers smart cities, covering smart, cities, technology, urban, and managing smart cities and urban technology.</p>