Bachelor of Environmental Studies (Community Development)

Introduction:

The department was established to develop and strengthen capacity of professionals who would be capable of solving challenges posed by environmental and development changes globally, nationally and at the community level. The programme therefore, meets a key training gap for professionals who are capable of making decisions and providing interventions that cuts across environmental, social and sustainable development challenges facing society. The goals of the programme is to equip Bachelor students with practical knowledge, skills and attitudes for devising and implementing new strategies that address emerging and persisting community development and environmental challenges.

Programme Objectives

i). To equip students with the necessary tools and techniques of investigating and understanding the relationships between environment and development so as to contribute to informed decision-making towards sustainable community livelihoods.
ii). To generate the necessary knowledge on the impacts of development on the environment and vice versa so as to encourage harmonious interactions between humans and their environment.
ii). To produce professionals and technocrats capable of spearheading sustainable development by focusing on communities and the environment as critical national resources.

Justification /Rationale

With the increasing environmental and developmental challenges facing the world today, there is need to train the required human resource with the right skills, competences and knowledge base at the Bachelor’s level. This Bachelors programme is therefore designed to address the national, regional and global environmental and developmental challenges.

Entry Requirements

The following criteria will apply for admission for to Bachelor of Environmental Studies and Community Development.  Applicants must have a mean grade of (C+) in KCSE or its equivalent with at least a C+ in any one subject in at least three of the following Clusters: (1). English, Kiswahili, or other languages (French and Germany) (2). Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics (3). History and Government, Geography or Religious Studies. (4). Home science, Agriculture, Business Studies, Woodwork, Building and construction, Art and Design, Drawing and Design, Mental work, Electrical and Aviation Studies.

Candidates with C Plain must have a Diploma of at least Credit Pass in a field of study related to the Environment and Community Development. They must also have attained at least (C+) in two of the above cluster subjects. A-level candidates must have at least 2 Principles in relevant cluster subjects above.

Mode and structure of Delivery

Through in-person, online, or blended learning.

Programme Duration

Fifty-three (53) units are required for graduation each taking a duration of 39 contact hours, inclusive of a mandatory practicum at the end of third year and individual research project in the fourth year. Each academic year is organized into two semesters. The first semester takes place between September-December and the second semester takes place between January-April. In between the two semesters in the University’s holiday vacation for regular studies.  In level 100, students shall take the required three (3) University common units, seven (7) units from Environmental Studies and Community Development (ECD), one (1) unit from Environmental Education (EED), one (1) unit from Environmental Sciences (ENS) and one (1) unit from Environmental Planning and Management (EPM). In level 200, students must take ten (10) units from ECD, one (1) from EED, one from ERC/ENS, and one (1) from EPM. At level 300 and level 400, students will take 12 core units and select one (1) elective from the two electives offered. Note that Research Project which runs for two semester is weighted as two units.

Pattern: 13:13:14:13 = 53 units in total

Curriculum Highlights:

The course content will cover the following areas:   

 The expected learning outcomes will be:

2.5 Expected Learning Outcomes of the Programme

Up on completion of the Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies and Community Development, the graduates will:

• Have specialized knowledge and skills in the areas of environment studies with capabilities to create the nexus between environmental questions and local community development challenges;
• Develop insights of national and international issues in relation to environmental and socio-economic dynamics;
• Have technical knowledge and research skills aimed at developing solutions on development challenges and environmental impacts at the local, national and national levels;
• Enhance their management and leadership capabilities to facilitate organizational change towards environmentally sustainable processes, products and procedures;
• Enrich environmental and community development knowledge, standards and policies which impact on industry and business sectors at various levels-local, national and global.

Career Opportunities

Upon completion of the degree progamme, the graduates will work in, National Government and its agencies, County Governments, UN Agencies, CSOs (International and local NGOs, Faith Based Organisations (FBOs), Community Based Orgaisations (CBOs), Private sector, industry, research institutions and Academia.

Tuition and fees structure

Fees: Kshs. 122,400 per semester

Why choose this programme in Ku.

Kenyatta University delivers academic programmes ranging from certificate to doctoral level programmes across diverse fields and disciplines. There are 422 academic programmes at bachelors, masters and doctoral levels. The mode of delivery of the programmes include face to face (full time and part time), blended learning modes.  Kenyatta university is centre of excellence in teaching, learning and research, the university has over years invested in facilities and equipment, academic and non-academic staff.  The university has sufficient resource materials to facilitate and enhance the quality of teaching, learning and research in tandem with the university vision and mission and inline with global demands. Kenyatta university is also ranked highly in Kenya.