OUK

OPEN UNIVERSITY OF KENYA

The innovative university for inclusive prosperity

Shule ya Sayansi na Teknolojia

Bachelor of Data Science

BDS
Online
4 YearsProgramme Duration
Annual Fee: KES 79,000. Fee Structure: <a href="/admissions/fee-structure">View full fee structure</a>Fees per Year
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@OpenUniKenya

OPEN UNIVERSITY OF KENYA

Bachelor of Data Science

Online

Overview

The Bachelor of Data Science programme is designed to facilitate learners with the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to address requirements and problems requiring Data Science expertise and to advise businesses, industry, academic institutions and government organs on planning and making smart, well-informed investments. The emerging tools and trends in Big Data analysis and Artificial Intelligence continuously inform curriculum development, implementation and knowledge dissemination within the philosophy of openness and breaking down boundaries and barriers to learning in all their forms. Data science skills qualify one to work as a data scientist within a wide array of fields, from investigative journalism where the learner can analyse data to find stories, to financial modelling, financial fraud prediction, urban planning, forensics, agriculture, social media analysis, remote sensing, international development, speech recognition, cybersecurity and many others. The programme is rigorous and designed to train high quality graduates with requisite professional and technical skills to effectively handle problems of data science, equipping learners with knowledge and skills on big data analytics, data mining, computational intelligence, machine learning, statistical learning, algorithms at scale and large scale databases optimisation.

Career Prospects

  • Data Scientist
  • Data Analyst
  • Machine Learning Scientist
  • Machine Learning Engineer
  • Business Intelligence Scientist
  • Market Research Analyst

Learning Outcomes

  • Describe the applications of data science in a wide range of data-related fields.
  • Analyse and adapt the latest data science technologies to solve real-world problems in a broad range of sectors.
  • Formulate appropriate models of data analysis and undertake a project in an independent or collaborative environment.
  • Exhibit an in-depth understanding of the codes of ethics and conduct of data science professions.
PROGRAMME DURATION4 Years
FEE PER YEARAnnual Fee: KES 79,000. Fee Structure: <a href="/admissions/fee-structure">View full fee structure</a>
APPLICATION STATUSOpen

INTAKE

2026 — Ongoing

Admission Requirements

  • Satisfy the general University admission criteria for undergraduate programmes.
  • A mean grade of C+ and above at KCSE or its equivalent. In addition, a candidate must have a minimum grade of C+ or its equivalent in the following subjects: Mathematics, (physics or chemistry or biology) and a language.
  • A holder of a diploma or professional qualification in the areas of computer science or their equivalents.
  • KCSE certificate or equivalent and a certificate of foundation or bridging courses from recognised institutions.
  • Kenya Advanced Certificate of Education with a minimum of 1 principal and subsidiary passes.
  • Recognition of prior learning, including 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, as determined by Senate.

Government Funding

KUCCPS-placed students are eligible for government scholarships and HELB loans under the new funding model.

Flexibility

Customise your learning pace and choose courses that fit your commitments.

Inclusivity

Diversity is celebrated — all students have access to support services.

Openness

Open admissions, affordable tuition, and online delivery remove barriers.

Certification

Progressive: Certificate → Diploma → Degree as you complete credit hours.