Inside Machakos University| Courses, Entry Criteria & Tuition

Machakos University (MKsU), List of courses, faculties, study options, admission requirements, learning modes, and what prospective students should know before applying.

Machakos University (MKsU) offers diverse programmes across certificates, diplomas, undergraduate degrees, and postgraduate study, with a practical approach that supports career growth. If you are choosing a course, focus on fit, your strengths, and the long-term pathway you want.

A well-chosen programme can open doors, but your discipline, skills development, and willingness to learn beyond the classroom are what turn a course into a real career advantage.

Overview of Machakos University Programmes

MKsU offers programmes that generally fall into four broad levels:

Certificate programmes
Diploma programmes
Undergraduate degree programmes
Postgraduate programmes, including postgraduate diplomas, master’s, and doctoral studies

Courses are typically delivered through different study modes depending on the programme and intake. Many Kenyan universities operate intakes such as September and January, with some programmes also available through parallel, part-time, evening, weekend, or school-based arrangements where applicable.

At MKsU, your chosen course, your availability, and the mode of study will often determine how flexible your timetable is.

In general, MKSUs aim to build knowledge plus employable skills. That means a good number of courses include practical sessions, projects, fieldwork, attachments, industrial training, teaching practice, laboratory work, and research components where relevant.

Schools and Academic Areas at MKsU

When people look up Machakos University course details, what they often want is to know which school offers what. While the exact naming of schools can differ depending on university organisation updates, MKsU typically groups programmes into major academic areas such as:

Engineering and technology-related programmes
Computing and information technology programmes
Business and economics programmes
Social sciences, humanities, and education programmes
Natural and applied sciences programmes
Agriculture, environment, and related fields
Built environment, planning, and technical programmes
Postgraduate research and professional development programmes

If you are choosing a course, the school matters because it affects facilities, practical exposure, professional networks, industrial partnerships, and the overall learning experience.

Certificate Programmes at Machakos University

Certificate courses are ideal if you want a shorter route into skills training, or if you do not yet meet diploma or degree entry requirements. They can also work well as a stepping stone to a diploma, especially for technical and vocational-minded learners.

Common certificate course features include:

Duration often ranges from a few months to one year
Strong focus on hands-on skills and foundational knowledge
Suitable for learners preparing to progress to diploma level
Useful for entry-level employment in support roles, depending on the field

Areas where certificate-level training is commonly found include business basics, ICT fundamentals, technical skills, and selected community-focused disciplines. If you plan to use a certificate to progress, check the progression pathway early so you pick a certificate aligned with your future diploma or degree.

Diploma Programmes at MKsU

Diploma programmes are popular for students who want practical qualifications and quicker entry to the job market, or those planning to bridge into a degree later. Diploma courses at MKsU usually balance theory with applied coursework, attachments, and competency-focused training.

Typical diploma programme characteristics:

Usually takes about two to three years, depending onthe structure
Include practical modules and often an industrial attachment
Can provide pathways into degree programmes where credit transfer or progression is allowed
Suit students aiming for middle-level technical and administrative roles

Diploma-level areas commonly include business and management, ICT, engineering and technology-related disciplines, applied sciences, and selected social development programmes.

If you are choosing a diploma, pay attention to whether the programme aligns with professional certification routes and whether it includes adequate industrial exposure.

Undergraduate Degree Programmes at Machakos University

Degree programmes are among the most searched Machakos University course details because students want to know what they can study after KCSE and what careers those degrees can lead to. Undergraduate programmes at MKsU typically include bachelor’s degrees in a wide range of disciplines.

Popular Degree Categories

Below are the broad degree categories students commonly look for at MKsU.

Engineering and Technology

Engineering and technology programmes generally target students interested in design, innovation, industrial problem-solving, infrastructure, manufacturing, energy, and technical systems. These programmes often include laboratories, workshops, design projects, and industrial attachments.

Students considering engineering should be prepared for mathematics, physics, technical drawing or design thinking, and long practical hours. Engineering also rewards consistency, because concepts build on each other from the first year to the final year.

Computing, Informatics, and ICT

Computing-related programmes are among the most in-demand because of career opportunities in software development, networks, cybersecurity, data, and digital transformation. A computing degree may cover programming, databases, systems analysis, web technologies, networking, and emerging fields like AI concepts, depending on the curriculum structure.

If you want to succeed in computing, build strong habits early, practise coding regularly, and work on small projects beyond class assignments. Practical proof of skills matters a lot in tech careers.

Business, Economics, and Management

Business programmes suit students interested in entrepreneurship, finance, accounting, procurement, marketing, human resource management, and organisational leadership. Many business degrees include research methods, business law basics, and applied projects that test real-world decision-making.

This is a strong option if you want versatility, because business skills apply in many sectors, from private companies and NGOs to public administration and personal ventures.

Education Programmes

Education degrees are designed for students who want to become teachers, education administrators, curriculum specialists, or education-focused professionals. Education programmes typically blend subject content with teaching methods, psychology, assessment, and teaching practice.

If you choose education, your passion for working with learners and your commitment to consistent practice during teaching placement can strongly shape your success.

Social Sciences and Humanities

These programmes are ideal for students interested in society, governance, communication, community development, languages, sociology, psychology, and related fields. Social sciences often develop strong analytical writing, critical thinking, research, communication, and policy interpretation skills.

These are valuable for careers in public service, NGOs, research, media support roles, community programmes, and policy-related work, depending on specialisation.

Science and Applied Sciences

Science programmes often involve laboratory work, experiments, data analysis, field sampling, and research projects. Students in science-related degrees should expect practical lessons and a strong foundation in scientific methods.

These programmes can lead to careers in laboratory services, research institutions, industry quality assurance, education, environmental work, and other science-driven sectors.

Environment, Agriculture, and Natural Resources

Students who care about climate, sustainability, land use, food systems, natural resource management, and environmental planning often explore these courses. The learning usually blends science with practical fieldwork and community or industry exposure.

If you want a course linked to sustainability and real-world impact, these fields are worth exploring.

Postgraduate Programmes at MKsU

Postgraduate programmes are ideal for graduates who want deeper specialisation, career advancement, research skills, or professional credibility. At MKsU, postgraduate study may include:

Postgraduate diplomas for professional enhancement
Master’s programmes, either coursework-based, research-based, or blended
Doctoral programmes focused on advanced research and academic contribution

What Postgraduate Students Should Expect

More independent learning and deeper reading
Research methods and academic writing are often mandatory
Supervisor-guided research for dissertations or theses
Seminars, presentations, and publication-oriented outcomes in some fields

Before you apply, confirm whether your programme is coursework-heavy or research-heavy, because that affects time demands, assessment style, and your weekly schedule.

General Entry Requirements at Machakos University

Entry requirements depend on the level of study and the specific course. Still, there are common patterns.

Certificate Entry Requirements

Often require KCSE completion with minimum grade requirements that vary by programme
Some certificates may require specific subject grades depending on the field

Diploma Entry Requirements

Commonly require KCSE mean grade of around C minus, depending on the programme
Some diplomas require specific cluster subjects or stronger grades in relevant subjects

Undergraduate Degree Entry Requirements

Often require a KCSE mean grade of C+ or above, or equivalent qualifications
Many degree courses also require minimum subject grades in key subjects, for example, maths and sciences, for engineering or computing-focused programmes
Applicants may qualify through different routes, such as direct entry, diploma progression, or recognised equivalent qualifications

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Master’s programmes typically require a relevant undergraduate degree
Doctoral programmes usually require a relevant master’s degree or equivalent research preparation
Some programmes may require work experience, a concept note, or a research proposal, depending on the discipline

Always remember that competitive programmes may have higher practical cut-offs than the basic minimum. Even if you meet the minimum grade, selection can depend on capacity, demand, and programme-specific rules.

Understanding Course Duration and Structure

Most MKsU programmes follow a semester system. You can expect coursework, continuous assessment tests, assignments, presentations, practicals, and end-of-semester examinations. The duration varies:

Certificates, often one to one year
Diplomas, typically two to three years
Degrees, often four years, sometimes longer for certain technical fields
Master’s, commonly one and a half to two years, sometimes longer, depending on research progress
PhD, typically several years, depending on research complexity and pace

Programme structure matters because it affects your planning. If a course has heavy practicals, you need time for labs and project work. If a course is research-heavy, you must plan for reading, proposal development, and steady writing progress.

Industrial Attachment and Practical Training

For many programmes at MKsU, industrial attachment or practicum is not optional; it is part of the training. Attachment helps you:

Gain workplace experience
Understand real-world expectations
Build professional networks
Improve employability after graduation
Discover what you enjoy in your field

Students should begin thinking about attachment early, build a good CV, and use holidays or designated attachment periods to secure placements.

Fees, Funding, and Financial Planning

Fees vary depending on course level, mode of study, and whether a student is government-sponsored or self-sponsored. In addition to tuition, you should budget for:

Registration and student services charges
Accommodation if you live on or near campus
Transport and personal upkeep
Books, printing, and learning materials
Laboratory and practical fees in some programmes
Project or research costs, especially at final year and postgraduate level

A smart approach is to plan one academic year at a time and keep a small emergency buffer for unexpected costs like extra printing, field trips, or project materials.

Students may also explore scholarships, bursaries, and financial aid options where available, plus family or community support. If you are a working student, consider flexible study modes, but be realistic about workload.

How to Choose the Right MKsU Course

Choosing a course is not only about popularity. Use a simple decision framework:

Interest, do you actually like the subject area
Ability, do you have the subject strengths to handle the course content
Career direction: what jobs or pathways can the programme support
Practical exposure, does it include skills training, projects, and attachment
Progression options: Can you upgrade from a certificate to a diploma or a diploma to a degree
Cost and time, can you commit financially and consistently until completion

If a course is technical, do not choose it only because friends are choosing it. Technical fields require steady practice and patience. If a course is reading and writing intensive, choose it because you enjoy analysis and communication.

Career Opportunities After Studying at Machakos University

Career outcomes depend on your programme and how you build skills outside the classroom. In general, MKsU graduates may pursue:

Employment in public and private sector roles is linked to their discipline
Entrepreneurship and small business growth, especially for business and tech students
Professional certification routes in areas like accounting, procurement, engineering, ICT, and project work
Postgraduate study and research careers for academically inclined graduates
NGO and community development work for social science-oriented programmes
Technical roles in industries for engineering, applied sciences, and ICT graduates

The biggest advantage you can give yourself is to combine your academic learning with practical proof of skill, projects, volunteering, internships, and consistent improvement.

How to Apply to Machakos University

The application process can vary depending on whether you are applying for a certificate, diploma, degree, or postgraduate study, and whether you are applying through national placement systems or direct university application routes.

A strong general application approach includes:

Identify your preferred course and confirm the minimum entry requirements
Prepare academic documents, ID documents, and any required certificates
Apply within the stated intake deadlines
Double-check the programme name, campus details if applicable, and mode of study
Keep copies of every document you submit
Follow up for admission communication, reporting dates, and fee payment instructions

For postgraduate applicants, additional steps may include submitting a concept note, a research proposal, a CV, and evidence of previous academic performance. Research-based programmes often require you to clearly show your intended area of study.

Tips to Succeed After Admission

Getting admitted is only the beginning. These habits make a big difference:

Attend lectures consistently and keep weekly study routines
Form a focused study group for difficult units
Use library resources and practise past papers where available
Build skills through projects, not only exams
Take attachments seriously, it can become your first job connection
Develop communication skills, writing, presentations, and teamwork
Seek guidance early if you are struggling; do not wait until final exams

Frequently Asked Questions About MKsU Courses

Which are the most marketable courses at Machakos University?

Marketability changes based on industry shifts, but programmes that build strong practical skills, for example, computing, engineering-related disciplines, business specialisations, and applied sciences, often offer broad opportunities. Your personal skills, experience, and portfolio can be more important than the course title alone.

Can I upgrade from a diploma to a degree at MKsU?

In many cases, yes, especially if your diploma is relevant to the degree. Requirements can include minimum diploma grades and curriculum alignment. Always plan your diploma with progression in mind if you want to upgrade later.

Does MKsU offer part-time or evening programmes?

Some programmes may be available in flexible modes depending on demand and structure. Flexible study is more common for working students and postgraduate learners. The best strategy is to choose a programme that matches your schedule and commitment level.

What documents are commonly needed for the application?

You will usually need academic certificates and results slips, identification documents, passport photos, and any additional documents required for your programme level. Postgraduate applicants often need more, such as transcripts and proposals.

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