Overview

The goal of the Design programme offered by the University of Nairobi is to provide quality design education and training that will enable graduates to exploit talent and creativity in solving local and global problems socially and economically.

Key Features

The programme answers specifically to the question of the relevance and responsiveness of the degree to market, societal, economic and environmental demands. The rationale for the programme arises from the demand for:

A more holistic curriculum that considers and integrates new technological and digital developments.

A better curriculum that is more responsive to global trends of sustainable design, universal design and environmental design.

A centre of quality and competitive design research, and training of design professionals in Kenya, the Eastern African region and the world. Providing modern facilities, ICT and digital technology that enhance innovation and value addition.

A research-informed design process that contributes practically to national development and creates employment opportunities in line with industrialization goals.

Training that is professional and recognized by the government and employers.

Engaging stakeholders in the process of considering the needs, understanding opportunities, designing a strategy, implementing and measuring progress to make requisite continual adjustments.

Career Prospects

Product Design Option: Furniture Designer, Set Designer, Interior Designer, User Experience, Interactive Designer, Prototyper, ModelMaker,Production Manager, Ideation Lead, etc

Graphic Design Option: Freelance Designers, Advertising Agencies, Design Studios, etc

Fashion and Textile Option: Fashion Designers, Fashion Stylist, Illustrator, Patterncutter, Machinist, Textile Surface Designer, Costume Designer, Samplemaker etc.

Illustration Design Option: Freelance Illustrators, Art Director, Illustration for Development, Animation, Art Tutors, Artists, Experiential Design, Publishers, Art Curators, Editorial Illustration, Web&Content Design, etc.

Interior Design Option: Interior Design Firms, Architecture Firms Freelance Designers, Interior Designers in Residential and Commercial Space, Indoor and Outdoor Landscape Designers, Exhibits and Display Designers for Expos, Furniture Designers , Marketer and Suppliers, Construction Project Managers, etc

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Communication Skills

History of Art and Design

Design Theory

Materials & Processes

Freehand Drawing

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-09-20 00:00:00

Language

English

Credits

420 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus, Blended, Online

Campus Location

Nairobi, Kenya

Disciplines

Design

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

We are not aware of any English requirements for this programme.

Other requirements

General requirements

KCSE mean grade C+ or equivalent and an overall mean grade of C+ in each of the 3 clusters below:

Mathematics /Business Studies

English/Swahili

Any cluster III (Art & Design, Home-science, Woodwork, Metalwork, Building and Construction, Drawing and Design, Agriculture) OR

Any cluster IV (History & Govt., Geography, C.R.E., Social Education & Ethics, Music, and French).

KCSE mean grade C- or equivalent plus a Certificate and Diploma in a relevant discipline.

O Level Division III or equivalent plus a Certificate and Diploma in a relevant discipline(Graphics, Fashion, FineArt, Interior Design, Information technology, Animation Visual rendering, e.t.c.)

Diploma from University of Nairobi or other recognized institutions and an aggregate of C in KCSE or equivalent.

A Level with two principal passes, IB or equivalent in relevant subjects.

Degree from a recognized University

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Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

240000 KES / year

≈ 240000 KES / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

240000 KES / year

≈ 240000 KES / year

Living costs

Nairobi

Kenya

49608 - 74988 KES / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Design.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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