Inside Riara University| Courses, Costs & How to Apply

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

Riara University course details make the most sense when you view them as a pathway, entry requirements tell you whether you qualify, course structure tells you what you will study, duration tells you how long it takes, and learning mode tells you how it will fit your life.

Whether you choose business, technology, law, or social sciences and education-related options, the best results come from pairing the programme with consistent effort, practical projects, and real-world exposure.

Quick overview of Riara University programmes

Riara University programmes generally fall into these levels:

Certificate level, where available, is often skills-focused and shorter-term
Diploma pathways, depending on the department and intake
Undergraduate degree programmes, the most common option for school leavers
Postgraduate programmes, including master’s level study for career growth

Programmes are commonly grouped into schools or departments such as Business, Computing and Information Technology, Social Sciences and Education related fields, and Law-related programmes. Exact programme availability can vary by intake, so it’s smart to confirm what is open in the season you want to join.

Undergraduate degree programmes at Riara University

Undergraduate programmes are usually structured to build foundations first, then delve into specialisations and practical application. Most degrees follow a semester system and include core units, electives, projects, and, in some cases, an internship or practicum requirements.

Business and Management programmes

Business programmes are popular for students interested in entrepreneurship, corporate careers, banking, marketing, human resources, or management. Typical areas you should expect within a business curriculum include:

Principles of management and organisational behaviour
Financial accounting and management accounting
Business mathematics and quantitative methods
Economics, microeconomics and macroeconomics
Marketing principles, consumer behaviour, digital marketing basics
Business law, ethics, and governance
Strategic management, business research, and a final year project
Entrepreneurship, innovation, and small business management

Who it fits best
Students who want flexible career options across industries, those planning to run businesses, and those aiming for roles in administration, sales, finance support, HR, or operations.

Typical duration
Most bachelor’s level business programmes run for about 4 academic years for direct entry students. Credit transfers can shorten this for qualified diploma holders.

Computing, IT, and Technology programmes

Technology programmes focus on practical skills and industry-relevant tools. You may find specialisations such as software development, networks, cybersecurity fundamentals, data-related pathways, and information systems. A typical computing curriculum includes:

Programming fundamentals, object-oriented programming, and web development
Database design and management
Computer networks, operating systems, and system administration basics
Software engineering methods, testing, and project management
Human-computer interaction and user-centred design
Information security concepts and secure computing practices
Capstone project, applied research, and sometimes an industrial attachment

Who it fits best
Students who enjoy problem solving, building systems, and working with computers, plus those aiming for software, IT support, networking, product, or data adjacent roles.

Typical duration
Often about 4 years for a full bachelor’s programme. Students entering with relevant diplomas may qualify for credit transfer depending on unit mapping.

Law-related programmes

If Riara University offers a law degree intake in your year, law is typically structured around foundational legal knowledge, legal research and writing, and core Kenyan law subjects. Law course content commonly includes:

Legal methods, legal writing, and legal research
Constitutional law and administrative law
Criminal law and criminal procedure
Law of contract, tort, and property
Commercial law, company law, and labour law
Jurisprudence, ethics, and professional responsibility
Clinical practice elements, mooting, and internships, where applicable

Who it fits best
Students who like reading, argumentation, research, and structured thinking, and those considering legal practice, compliance, governance, policy, or corporate advisory tracks.

Typical duration
A Bachelor of Laws degree commonly runs about 4 years for the academic portion, with professional training requirements depending on national regulations and the path you choose after graduation.

Social Sciences and Education-related programmes

In many universities, social sciences and education-linked degrees build skills in communication, human behaviour, research, teaching and learning, leadership, and community development. Depending on availability, programmes may cover:

Psychology, counselling basics, and human development
Sociology, community engagement, and social research methods
Communication skills, media literacy, and professional writing
Education foundations, curriculum studies, and teaching practice, where applicable
Leadership, public speaking, and project management for social impact

Who it fits best
Students interested in people-facing careers, education environments, development work, communication, or organisational roles that require strong interpersonal skills.

Typical duration
Commonly, about 4 years for direct entry.

Postgraduate programmes at Riara University

Postgraduate study is designed for deeper expertise, leadership growth, and stronger research capability. A master’s programme typically includes advanced coursework, research methods, and either a thesis, a project, or coursework plus a capstone structure.

Master’s programme formats you may encounter

Coursework plus project, strong for working professionals who want applied learning
Coursework plus thesis, strong for those interested in research and academia
Modular or blended delivery is useful if you need flexibility while working

Common postgraduate themes include leadership and management, education leadership, and technology-related specialisations, depending on current departmental offerings.

Typical duration
A master’s programme often takes 1.5 to 2 years, depending on your study pace and whether it includes a thesis.

Certificate and diploma options

Some applicants prefer a step-by-step route, starting with a certificate or diploma and then upgrading to a degree. Where available, these programmes are usually skills-focused and can be ideal for:

Students who want a faster entry into the job market
Learners who did not meet direct degree entry requirements
Working learners who want incremental progression

If you choose this pathway, ask about progression policies, credit transfer, and how your completed units can reduce time in the degree stage.

Riara University entry requirements

Entry requirements can differ by programme, but these are common patterns applicants should understand.

Undergraduate direct entry, KCSE route

A typical requirement for direct entry into a bachelor’s programme in Kenya is:

KCSE mean grade of C+ or its equivalent

Some programmes may also require specific cluster subjects or minimum grades in certain subjects. For example, computing programmes may look more closely at mathematics, while other programmes may prefer languages or social science performance, depending on the course.

Diploma to degree entry

Diploma holders may qualify for advanced standing or credit transfer if:

The diploma is in a relevant discipline
The diploma is from a recognised institution
Your transcripts map well to the degree’s first and second year units

Credit transfer decisions are usually made after an academic review of your transcripts.

Postgraduate entry

For a master’s level programme, you typically need:

A recognised bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
Minimum grade requirements as set by the university
Supporting documents, transcripts, and sometimes a short statement of purpose

Some programmes may prefer or require work experience, especially management and leadership-oriented programmes.

Course duration and study load

Understanding study duration helps you plan finances, accommodation, and personal commitments.

Typical undergraduate duration

Most bachelor’s degrees require around 4 years for direct entry
Slightly shorter if you enter with a credit transfer from a diploma or equivalent

Typical postgraduate duration

Master’s degrees, around 18 to 24 months, depending on structure and pace

Study load basics

Most programmes use a semester structure, you take a set number of units per semester, progress through levels, and complete a final year project or capstone. Staying on track usually depends on unit completion, academic standing, and meeting any practicum requirements on time.

Learning modes and campus experience

Riara University learning often emphasises participation and applied skills. Depending on programme and intake, you may find:

Face-to-face lectures and tutorials
Practical lab sessions for computing and technology units
Group projects and presentations for business and social sciences
Research projects, case studies, and problem-based assignments
Internship or attachment support, where the programme includes it

If you are a working student, ask about class schedules, evening or weekend options, and any blended delivery arrangements that can reduce daily commuting.

Fees and other costs: what to budget for

University fees vary by programme, credit load, and intake, and they can change from year to year. Instead of relying on rumours, plan your budget around these categories:

Tuition fees per semester or per academic year
Registration and administration charges
Examination fees and student service fees
Learning materials, printing, software, and internet needs
Accommodation and transport if you commute or live near campus
Device costs for computing heavy programmes, a reliable laptop is often essential

For the most accurate plan, request the official fee structure for your specific programme and intake, then add a buffer for materials and personal expenses.

How to choose the right programme at Riara University

When students pick courses only because friends chose them, they often struggle later. Use these decision points instead:

Match your strengths to programme demands

If you like numbers, accounting, analytics, and structure, business and finance paths can fit
If you like building and troubleshooting, technology programmes fit well
If you like reading and argumentation, law oriented study may fit
If you like people-centred work and communication, social sciences and education-related fields may fit

Check career outcomes

Look beyond job titles, ask what skills the course builds and what entry-level roles it supports. A good programme produces clear skills, communication, teamwork, research, and practical competence.

Consider progression options

If you might pursue a master’s later, choose a bachelor’s programme with strong research and analytical components, as this makes postgraduate admission easier.

Consider your learning style

If you need flexibility, ask about scheduling, modular study, and whether some units have blended delivery.

Application process, step by step

While exact steps can vary, many applicants follow a standard process:

Choose your programme and intake
Prepare documents, typically a national ID or birth certificate, a KCSE certificate or results slip, transcripts for diploma or degree holders, and passport-style photos
Submit an application form through the university’s admissions process
Pay application or processing fees if required
Wait for admission feedback and respond with acceptance steps
Complete registration and sign up for units for the semester

Tip, apply early if you need time for accommodation planning or funding arrangements.

What you will study, typical course structure by year

A helpful way to picture “course details” is to see how learning progresses.

Foundations

Academic writing and communication skills
Introductory discipline units, for example, intro to business, intro to programming
Basic quantitative skills, depending onthe programme
General education units that support critical thinking

Core knowledge

Deeper discipline content, intermediate accounting, databases, and core legal subjects
More assessments based on applied tasks and case studies
Group projects and presentations become more frequent

Specialisation and practice

Advanced units, electives, and applied projects
Research methods and proposal development
Industrial attachment may occur in some programmes

Integration and capstone

Strategy-level units, advanced electives, and professional practice
Final year project, dissertation, or capstone system build
Career readiness, CV support, and interview prep sessions were available

Careers and employability: what graduates often pursue

Your degree is a platform, not a job guarantee. What matters is how you build skills and experience during study. Typical pathways include:

Business graduates, administration, sales, marketing, HR support, procurement support, entrepreneurship, operations
IT graduates, software development, QA testing, IT support, networking, systems admin, data-related junior roles
Law graduates, legal practice pathway subject to professional requirements, compliance, governance, and legal research support
Social sciences and education-related graduates, community programmes, organisational roles, education support services, communication and project coordination

To improve employability, focus on internships, portfolio projects, certifications where relevant, and strong communication skills.

Frequently asked questions about Riara University course details

Does Riara University offer credit transfer?

Many universities allow credit transfer for relevant diplomas and prior learning, subject to transcript review. If you have a diploma, prepare your transcripts and unit outlines to support mapping.

How many intakes are there in a year?

Intakes can vary. Some programmes have more than one intake annually. Confirm the intake months for your programme of interest.

Can I apply while waiting for results?

In many cases, applicants can begin the process with available documents and finalise after results are released. Ask admissions what they accept for provisional processing.

Are there attachments or internships?

Many programmes include practical exposure through attachments or projects. Even when not mandatory, students benefit a lot by pursuing internships during breaks.

What if I am not sure which course to choose?

Start by listing your best subjects, your interests, and three careers you would enjoy, then match those to the programme structures described above. You can also compare course unit lists, not just programme names, because unit content reveals what you will actually do every semester.

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