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 Sharia and Law
The Bachelor of Sharia and Law is a programme that provides comprehensive training in Islamic jurisprudence and Kenyan law. Offered at the University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, Moi University and other select institutions, the programme prepares graduates for careers in legal practice with expertise in both Sharia and secular law. The curriculum covers Sharia law, Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh), Quranic studies, Hadith, comparative law, Kenyan constitutional law, criminal law, civil law, commercial law, family law, Islamic finance and banking, inheritance law, property law, legal ethics, legal research, moot court, research methods and a dissertation. Students develop legal reasoning and analytical skills in both legal systems. Kenya's legal system, which recognises Kadhi courts for Muslim personal law, creates demand for graduates with dual expertise in Sharia and Kenyan law. The programme is offered through lectures, seminars, moot courts, legal aid clinics and research projects. Graduates are prepared for careers as advocates, Kadhi court officers, legal advisors, Sharia consultants, Islamic finance lawyers, family law practitioners, legal researchers, judicial officers and legal educators. They work in law firms, Kadhi courts, judiciary, government, Islamic financial institutions, NGOs, universities and as consultants. The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and the Council of Legal Education (CLE). Admission requires KCSE mean grade C+ with B- in English or Kiswahili. KUCCPS Cluster 1. Prospective students should have strong analytical skills, a commitment to continuous learning, and an interest in contributing to Kenya's socio-economic development. The programme provides a solid foundation for further postgraduate study and professional advancement in related fields.
Diploma in Law (Paralegal Studies)
The Diploma in Law, also known as Paralegal Studies, is offered by the Kenya School of Law and, as of the 2026 intake, is processed through KUCCPS for the first time, opening national access to this previously direct-application programme. Students study legal knowledge foundations, professional legal ethics, and practical paralegal skills, preparing them to support advocates, judicial officers, and other legal practitioners across various fields of law. Skills RequiredLegal Research BasicsLegal DocumentationProfessional Legal EthicsCase Preparation SupportClient Service in Legal SettingsKey SubjectsIntroduction to LawLegal EthicsLegal Documentation and DraftingCivil and Criminal Procedure BasicsParalegal PracticeCertificationsCouncil of Legal Education recognitionSpecializationsCorporate Legal SupportFocus on supporting corporate legal departments and business law matters. Litigation SupportFocus on supporting advocates with case preparation and court documentation. Skills RequiredCase Preparation SupportClient Service in Legal SettingsLegal DocumentationLegal Research BasicsProfessional Legal EthicsKey SubjectsIntroduction to LawLegal EthicsLegal Documentation and DraftingCivil and Criminal Procedure BasicsParalegal PracticeResearch MethodsCertificationsKenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) CertificationSpecializationsCorporate Legal SupportFocus on supporting corporate legal departments and business law matters. Litigation SupportFocus on supporting advocates with case preparation and court documentation. Kenya's law firms, corporate legal departments, and courts rely on trained paralegals to support case preparation, documentation, and client services, complementing the work of qualified advocates. Training is offered through day classes at Karen Campus or Town Campus, or via evening virtual courses, combining legal theory with practical skills training. Graduates work as paralegals in law firms, corporate legal departments, and courts, with the diploma also serving as a foundation for further legal studies. The programme suits KCSE graduates with a C plain mean grade and strong English or Kiswahili who want a structured, professionally recognised entry point into legal support work.
Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Law
The Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Law is a postgraduate research programme offered at the University of Nairobi through the Centre for Advanced Studies in Environmental Law and Policy (CASELAP). The programme trains scholars to conduct advanced research on environmental law, policy, and governance, contributing to environmental regulation, natural resource management, and sustainable development in Kenya and globally. Students engage with advanced environmental law, international environmental law, climate change law, natural resource law, environmental governance, and research methodology. The programme combines coursework with thesis research, requiring candidates to develop a research proposal, conduct independent legal and field research, and produce a doctoral dissertation that makes an original contribution to environmental law. Kenya has a comprehensive environmental legal framework including the Constitution, EMCA, and the Climate Change Act, but faces implementation challenges including enforcement gaps, land use conflicts, and natural resource degradation. The programme addresses national priorities under Vision 2030 by training researchers who can strengthen environmental governance, inform policy reform, and contribute to environmental justice. Teaching methods include lectures, legal research seminars, case analysis, field research on environmental compliance, and supervised thesis work. Students have access to CASELAP's environmental law resources and collaborate with NEMA, the Judiciary, and the Ministry of Environment. Graduates pursue careers as university lecturers, environmental law researchers, environmental lawyers, legal advisors, and policy analysts in universities, law firms, government, NEMA, UNEP, and international environmental organisations. This programme is ideal for holders of a Master's degree in environmental law, law, environmental policy, or related fields who are committed to advancing knowledge in environmental law and governance.
Master of Arts in Criminal and Transitional Justice
The Master of Arts in Criminal and Transitional Justice provides advanced training in criminal justice, transitional justice, criminology, human rights, and post-conflict justice mechanisms. Students learn criminal justice theory, transitional justice frameworks, post-conflict reconciliation, human rights, and justice policy analysis. The programme is designed for criminal justice professionals, lawyers, human rights advocates, and post-conflict justice practitioners seeking advanced qualifications. Students develop advanced competencies in criminal justice, transitional justice, criminology, human rights, post-conflict justice, and policy analysis. The curriculum covers criminal justice theory, transitional justice frameworks, criminology, human rights and international law, post-conflict justice mechanisms, research methods, policy analysis, and a research dissertation. Practical skills are developed through case studies and applied research. Criminal and transitional justice expertise is important for Kenya and the East African region, which has experienced conflict and post-conflict transitions. Justice institutions, human rights organisations, international criminal justice bodies, NGOs, and government require trained personnel for criminal and transitional justice. Kenya's role as a regional hub for international justice creates demand for expertise. The programme addresses the demand for advanced criminal and transitional justice training. The programme combines classroom lectures with case studies, discussions, and research. Students study justice concepts, analyse transitional justice mechanisms, examine criminal justice systems, and conduct research. Teaching methods include lectures, case studies, group discussions, and research-based work. The programme is offered on campus with intake in September (Fall). Graduates find employment as criminal justice analysts, transitional justice officers, human rights advocates, policy analysts, or researchers in justice institutions, human rights organisations, international criminal justice bodies, NGOs, and government. The master's degree supports careers in justice policy, human rights advocacy, and post-conflict justice. This programme is ideal for criminal justice professionals, lawyers, human rights advocates, and individuals seeking advanced qualifications in criminal and transitional justice. The programme provides advanced skills for justice sector leadership and post-conflict justice roles.
Master of Arts in Environmental Law
<p>The Master of Arts in Environmental Law at the University of Nairobi is a two-year postgraduate programme offered by the Faculty of Law through the Centre for Advanced Studies in Environmental Law and Policy (CASELAP). It provides specialised training in environmental law, equipping graduates with expertise to address complex environmental legal challenges in Kenya and globally. The programme covers environmental jurisprudence, international environmental law, land use law, and tools and procedures in environmental assessment. Students engage with the legal frameworks governing natural resource management, pollution control, and environmental governance at national and international levels. The first year is dedicated to coursework, with students taking ten units comprising seven core modules and three electives. Elective options include energy law, water resources law, mineral resources law, human rights and the environment, and legal issues in disaster management, allowing specialisation in areas of professional interest. The second year focuses on proposal development, research, thesis writing, and examination. Students conduct original research contributing to the advancement of environmental legal scholarship, addressing real-world environmental governance challenges in the African context. The programme is delivered through face-to-face, e-learning, and blended learning modes, with virtual lectures accommodating working professionals. Teaching methods include seminars, case studies, and independent research, fostering analytical and critical engagement with environmental legal issues. Graduates are prepared for roles as environmental lawyers, legal advisers, policy analysts, corporate compliance officers, and academics. The programme's accreditation by the Commission for University Education ensures professional recognition across Kenya and the wider East African region.</p><h3>Skills Required</h3><ul><li>Environmental Jurisprudence</li><li>International Environmental Law</li><li>Land Use Law</li><li>Environmental Impact Assessment</li><li>Legal Research Methods</li><li>Natural Resource Management Law</li><li>Energy and Mineral Law</li><li>Environmental Compliance and Enforcement</li><li>Climate Change Law</li><li>Environmental Policy Analysis</li></ul><h3>Key Subjects</h3><ul><li>Environmental Jurisprudence</li><li>International Environmental Law</li><li>Land Use Law</li><li>Research Methods in Environmental Law</li><li>Tools and Procedures in Environmental Assessment</li><li>Energy Law</li><li>Water Resources Law</li><li>Mineral Resources Law</li><li>Human Rights and the Environment</li><li>Environmental Law in Conflict Situations</li></ul><h3>Certifications</h3><ul><li>NEMA Registered Environmental Lead Expert</li><li>Law Society of Kenya Membership</li></ul><h3>Specializations</h3><h4>International Environmental Law</h4><p>Focuses on international legal frameworks governing environmental protection, including treaties, conventions, and cross-border environmental governance.</p><h4>Land Use and Planning Law</h4><p>Examines legal frameworks governing land use, spatial planning, and environmental considerations in land development decisions.</p><h4>Energy and Mineral Resources Law</h4><p>Covers legal frameworks for energy production, mineral extraction, and natural resource exploitation, including environmental compliance requirements.</p><h4>Water Resources Law</h4><p>Focuses on legal frameworks governing water resource management, allocation, and protection under Kenyan and international law.</p><h4>Human Rights and the Environment</h4><p>Explores the intersection of human rights and environmental protection, including environmental justice and community rights.</p><h4>Environmental Liability and Responsibility</h4><p>Examines legal frameworks for environmental damage liability, responsibility, and remediation under domestic and international law.</p><h4>Disaster Management Law</h4><p>Covers legal issues in disaster management, including regulatory frameworks for prevention, response, and recovery.</p><h4>Technology and Environmental Law</h4><p>Explores the legal implications of technology in environmental contexts, including environmental monitoring, compliance technologies, and digital governance.</p>
Master of Arts in Human Rights
<p>The Master of Arts in Human Rights at the University of Nairobi is a postgraduate programme that provides advanced study of human rights theory, law, and practice. The programme prepares graduates for careers in human rights advocacy, policy development, research, governance, and social justice across governmental and non-governmental sectors. The curriculum covers human rights theory, international human rights law, humanitarian law, human rights and development, gender and human rights, human rights in Africa, research methods, and specialised clusters in either human rights and governance or human rights and development. Students develop analytical skills for evaluating human rights frameworks, conducting rights-based research, and advocating for social justice. Admission requires at least an Upper Second Class Honours degree in any field from a recognised university. Applicants with a Lower Second Class Honours degree with additional relevant training or evidence of research or work experience may also be considered. Holders of a postgraduate diploma who satisfy minimum bachelor's degree requirements are also eligible. The programme is offered over a minimum of four semesters (two years). The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and delivered through the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies at the University of Nairobi, Kenya's oldest and largest public university. The programme offers two options: coursework with a research project, or coursework with a thesis. Career prospects include roles in human rights advocacy, policy analysis, research, governance, international organisations, civil society, legal aid, and academia. Graduates work in national human rights institutions, international NGOs, UN agencies, government ministries, research organisations, and universities requiring human rights expertise. The programme addresses Kenya's constitutional commitment to human rights and the growing demand for qualified human rights professionals in the East African region. With the expansion of human rights frameworks, devolved governance, and civil society engagement, demand for advanced human rights education continues to grow across governmental, non-governmental, and international sectors.</p><h3>Skills Required</h3><ul><li>Human rights theory and analysis</li><li>International human rights law</li><li>Human rights research methodology</li><li>Policy analysis and development</li><li>Human rights advocacy and campaigning</li><li>Humanitarian law and practice</li><li>Gender and human rights analysis</li><li>Human rights monitoring and reporting</li><li>Governance and democratic accountability</li><li>Academic writing and publication</li></ul><h3>Key Subjects</h3><ul><li>Human Rights Theory</li><li>International Human Rights Law</li><li>Humanitarian Law</li><li>Human Rights and Development</li><li>Gender and Human Rights</li><li>Human Rights in Africa</li><li>Research Methods in Human Rights</li><li>Governance and Human Rights</li><li>Human Rights Advocacy</li><li>Transitional Justice</li></ul><h3>Certifications</h3><ul><li>Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) Affiliation</li><li>International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) Membership</li><li>Amnesty International Membership</li><li>African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR) Observer Status</li></ul><h3>Specializations</h3><h4>Human Rights and Governance</h4><p>Focuses on the intersection of human rights and governance, including democratic accountability, constitutionalism, and institutional human rights frameworks.</p><h4>Human Rights and Development</h4><p>Examines the relationship between human rights and development, including rights-based approaches to development, social justice, and economic rights.</p><h4>International Human Rights Law</h4><p>Covers international and regional human rights instruments, mechanisms, and enforcement, including UN and African human rights systems.</p><h4>Gender and Human Rights</h4><p>Focuses on gender-based rights, women's rights, gender equality, and the intersection of gender with other human rights issues.</p><h4>Humanitarian Law and Conflict</h4><p>Examines international humanitarian law, rights in conflict situations, transitional justice, and post-conflict human rights challenges.</p><h4>Human Rights in Africa</h4><p>Studies the African human rights system, including the African Charter, regional mechanisms, and human rights challenges in the African context.</p>
Postgraduate Diploma in Law
The Postgraduate Diploma in Law is a programme that equips students with advanced knowledge of legal principles, practice and procedure in Kenyan and international law. Offered at Strathmore University through Strathmore Law School, the programme prepares professionals for legal practice and related careers. The curriculum covers constitutional law, criminal law, contract law, tort law, commercial law, international law, legal research and writing, alternative dispute resolution, corporate law, property law, family law, legal ethics and professional practice. Students develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in legal analysis and practice. The programme responds to the need for trained legal professionals who can navigate complex legal issues in Kenya and internationally. It provides a comprehensive foundation for those seeking legal expertise for professional practice, policy work or corporate legal roles. The programme is delivered through lectures, seminars, moot courts, legal research exercises, case analysis and guest lectures from practising advocates. Students gain practical experience through legal research projects and engagement with legal practitioners. Graduates pursue careers as legal officers, corporate counsel, legal consultants, policy analysts, compliance officers and legal researchers in law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies and NGOs. They can also progress to a Master of Laws (LLM) at Strathmore Law School. Prospective students should have a background in law or a related field. The programme is suitable for professionals seeking to strengthen their legal expertise for practice or policy work.