UndergraduateCode: BCM
Bachelor of Commerce
Duration
4 years (8 semesters) plus at least 8 weeks of industrial attachment
Mode of study
Online
Academic school
School of Business & EconomicsJoin a world-class institutional environment designed for the digital age. This programme offers a direct pathway to global career outcomes through technology-enabled learning.
Accredited academic pathway
Academic overview
2.2. Philosophy of the Programme The program emphasizes the development of professionals proficient in various facets of commerce and management. This program gears towards imparting essential technical skills, competencies, attitudes, tools and techniques for careers in Human Resource Management, Strategic Management, Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Supply Chain Management, Project Planning & Management, Banking & Cooperative Management, and Risk & Insurance. The program also fosters a comprehensive understanding of the influence of these specializations on economic growth, as well as societal development and ecological sustainability. The program equips learners to be pioneers who utilize their knowledge, competencies, and skills to foster innovation, sustainable growth, and strategic decision-making in the dynamic world of commerce and management. The curriculum is dynamic, integrating the latest advancements in business strategies, financial technologies, and management theories. The program is delivered with a commitment to openness, flexibility, and accessibility in education, allowing learners to balance their studies with other life commitments and learn at their own pace in a virtual learning environment. It is designed to make quality education accessible to all individuals, regardless of geographical location, financial capacity, age, or prior academic achievements. The Bachelor of Commerce & Management program is designed to provide a comprehensive, innovative, and practical learning experience that prepares students for success in the dynamic field of commerce and management, equipping them to drive economic growth and development in Kenya and beyond. thereby creating jobs and contributing to economic growth. Furthermore, the emphasis on ethical business practices in the program ensures that graduates will be responsible business leaders who contribute positively to society. Therefore, the Bachelor of Commerce & Management program at the Open University of Kenya is a compelling and convincing response to the current and future needs of the business sector in Kenya and beyond. It is not only comprehensive and relevant but also deeply aligned with the needs of the modern economy and society. It underscores the university's commitment to shaping future leaders in commerce and management who are equipped to drive economic growth and development in Kenya and beyond. 2.4 Goal of The Programme The overarching goal of the Bachelor of Commerce & Management program at the Open University of Kenya is to equip students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in commerce and management, enabling them to contribute effectively to the business sector and drive economic growth. The program aims to foster a deep understanding of business principles, cultivate critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and instil a spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation. It is designed to prepare students for a wide range of career opportunities in the dynamic field of commerce and management and to empower them to become leaders and change-makers in their chosen fields. The program also emphasizes ethical business practices and social responsibility, preparing graduates to make a positive impact on society. Ultimately, the purpose of the program is to contribute to the development of a skilled and knowledgeable workforce that can drive economic growth and development in Kenya BACHELOR OF COMMERCE & MANAGEMENT January 2025 Page 19 of 628
Expected outcomes
- The students will be able to classify, compare, and explain key concepts, theories and practices in Commerce & Management.
- The students will be able to apply, construct, and develop effective strategies for solving complex business problems.
- The students will be able to analyse, examine, and infer business scenarios, and utilize the knowledge and skills to make informed and data driven decisions.
- The students will be able to evaluate, judge, and justify ethical considerations in commerce and management, demonstrating a positive attitude towards creation and management of businesses.
Entry requirements
- A mean grade of C+ and above at KCSE where applicable or its equivalent using a criterion that OUK senate may determine.
- Diplomas or professional qualifications including CPA/CPS credentials from an institution recognised by Senate.
- KCSE certificate or equivalent and a certificate of foundation or bridging courses from an institution recognised by OUK Senate.
- Kenya Advanced Certificate of Education with a minimum of 1 principal and subsidiary passes.
- Evidence of KCSE certificate or equivalent and a portfolio for purposes of recognition of prior learning determination with respect to: workplace training of 2 years, work experience in a relevant field of 2 years, or two short courses lasting at least 3 months each in relevant fields.
- A Bachelor's degree from an institution recognised by Senate.
- Any other qualifications that may be determined by Senate recognising prior learning leading to equivalents of the identified criteria, experience and skills of learners.
Credit and Entry pathways
Explore how your previous studies or professional experience can be credited towards this qualification through our RPL framework.
Programme structure
The programme shall be offered in 8 semesters and at least 8 weeks of industrial attachment after semester 6 (Year 3 Semester 2), comprising four academic years. The minimum total courses for the programme are 41. The minimum total credit hours and course instructional hours required for graduation are 141 and 2,595 hours respectively. Year one introduces core commerce and management courses alongside University Common Courses (UCU). Year two is common to all students covering marketing, human resource, supply chain, finance and entrepreneurship foundations. From Year three, students select one of nine specialisations: Human Resource Management, Strategic Management, Supply Chain Management, Project Planning & Management, Marketing, Accounting, Finance, Risk & Insurance, or Banking & Cooperative Management. Year three carries an industrial attachment (BCM 304) in Semester 2, and Year four concludes with a Capstone Project (BCM 404) in Semester 2.
Assessment methods
The programme will be assessed through:
- content-embedded quizzes
- online practical work
- open book tests
- project reports, and
- end of course online examination. Continuous/progressive course assessment is graded at a maximum score of 50% each semester, while the end of semester exam is graded at a maximum score of 50%, except the research project report and industrial attachment which carry no coursework and are graded at 100%. The project is assessed through e-portfolios and oral presentation to an evaluation panel. All students' work is checked for plagiarism before final grading.
Global careers
Graduates of the Bachelor of Commerce & Management programme are prepared for a wide range of career opportunities in the business sector including: Human Resource Management, Strategic Management, Supply Chain and Logistics, Project Planning & Management, Marketing, Accounting and Auditing, Finance and Banking, Risk & Insurance Management, Cooperative Management, entrepreneurship and business leadership.
Application hub
Typical duration
4 years (8 semesters) plus at least 8 weeks of industrial attachment
Delivery mode
Online
Accreditation info
Fully accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and recognised globally for digital-first excellence.
School of Business & Economics