Bachelor of Public Administration
Duration
4 Years (8 Semesters)
Mode of study
{Fully Online}
Academic school
School of Business & EconomicsProgramme overview
The Bachelor of Public Administration (BPA) is a flexible, technology‑driven programme designed to prepare learners for leadership, governance, policy, and administrative roles across public, private, non‑governmental, and international sectors.
Learners gain strong foundations in:
- Public administration and governance
- Political science and constitutional processes
- Public finance and county governance
- Diplomacy, digital government, and ethics
- Conflict management and sustainable development
The programme blends independent study, live virtual sessions, collaborative discussions, case studies, practical assignments, e‑portfolios, industrial attachment, and a capstone project to connect theory with practice
Entry requirements
Applicants must meet general OUK undergraduate admission criteria plus any of the following:
- KCSE mean grade of C+ or equivalent, with at least C in English/Kiswahili and a Humanities/Social Sciences subject, or the approved KUCCPS cluster cut-off for OUK.
- Relevant diploma or professional qualification in Social Sciences from an accredited institution.
- Kenya Advanced Certificate of Education with one principal pass and subsidiary passes
- KCSE or equivalent supported by Recognition of Prior Learning portfolio
- Any other qualification recognised by Senate
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
Programme structure
The BPA follows a progressive four-year pathway;
- Year One introduces core foundations in politics, public administration, conflict management, international relations, constitutional processes, African political thought, critical thinking, and IT and entrepreneurship.
- Year Two develops intermediate knowledge in administrative practice, law, gender and development, devolution, labour laws, security studies, and political economy.
- Year Three advances learners into development theory, research methods, international organizations, African politics, foreign policy, environmental politics, comparative public administration, and industrial attachment.
- Year Four focuses on public policy analysis, project planning, public finance management, public international law, digital government, human rights, contemporary political theory, diplomacy, and the capstone project.
Progressive Certification and Awards
The Bachelor of Public Administration programme allows learners to earn progressive awards upon successful completion of the prescribed requirements at each stage.
- After Year Two, a learner may qualify for a Certificate in Public Administration upon meeting all approved academic and University requirements.
- After Year Three, a learner may qualify for a Diploma in Public Administration upon meeting all approved academic, credit, assessment, and practical requirements.
- After Year Four, a learner who successfully completes all prescribed courses, industrial attachment, capstone/project requirements, and all University graduation requirements shall qualify for the award of the Bachelor of Public Administration degree.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the programme, learners will be able to:
- Analyse the operations of public administration at micro and macro levels.
- Demonstrate ethical values that govern the conduct of public affairs.
- Integrate knowledge and essential skills to address the challenges of a fast-changing public sector.
- Apply professionalism in performing public administration responsibilities.
Assessment methods
Learners will be assessed through content-embedded quizzes, online practical work, open-book tests, project reports, e-portfolios, oral presentation of projects where applicable, and end-of-course online examinations
- Continuous Assessment: Coursework, assignments, practical activities, forum discussions, session reflections, and continuous assessment tasks: 50%
- End-of-Course Examination: End of course examination or approved final project/practical assessment: 50%
- Academic Integrity: All student submissions are subject to plagiarism checks and authentication through University-provided credentials.
Global careers
Career Prospects in Public Administration
Graduates may pursue or advance careers in areas such as:
- Public administration and sector management
- County, federal, and national government administration
- Policy analysis, planning, and development practice
- Public finance, accountability, and governance support
- Diplomacy, foreign service, and international relations
- NGOs, civil society, and development organizations
- Research institutions, think tanks, and consultancy
- Programme and project management
Application hub
Typical duration
Delivery mode
{Fully Online}
Accreditation info
Fully accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and recognised globally for digital-first excellence.
School of Business & Economics
Related programmes
Ready to study Bachelor of Public Administration?
Apply online in a few steps, or check the fees and talk to our admissions team about entry requirements and start dates.
Location
Nairobi, Kenya