Overview

The world is faced with complex challenges such as climate change, loss of biodiversity, natural resource depletion and widening inequality. The African continent is particularly affected by these global challenges due to the continent’s slow pace of development.

The philosophy of the Design programme rationale offered by the University of Nairobi arises from the need to have an industry-focused programme that prepares design professionals to participate in design process in communities and organizations as well as to be a premier center for design exellence through quality design research and technological innovation.

The goal of the programme is to prepare:

A competent design professional who can consider and integrate technological and social innovations to solve complex challenges.

A design researcher who is responsive to global trends of environmental sustainability, economic viability and social responsibility.

A design entrepreneur who can create product solutions that have both local and global appeal.

Career Prospects

Furniture Designer, Set Designer, Interior Designer, User Experience, Interactive Designer, Prototyper, ModelMaker,Production Manager, Ideation Lead, etc

Freelance Designers, Advertising Agencies, Design Studios, etc

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

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

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, Marketer and Suppliers, Construction Project Managers, etc

Attachment Opportunities

The Interior Design major focuses on residential and commercial design. Residential interior designers are responsible for the layout and design of spaces where clients live while commercial designers specialize in designing spaces for businesses such as offices, restaurants, stores, and more. Interior Designers are needed in many areas such as:

Health Care

Hospitality

Facility Space Planning

Retail Design

Consulting Services

Lighting Design

Exhibit Design

Sustainable Design

Programme Structure

Courses included:

Research Methodology

Design Management

History of Design

East African Design

Computer Aided Design

Design Materials & Process

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

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

Language

English

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

Admission to the M.A. degree in Design is open to holders of Bachelor’s degrees in:

Design, of at least Upper Second Class Honours, of the University of Nairobi or an equivalent qualification recognized by Senate;

Any discipline related to Design, of at least Upper Second Class Honours from the University of Nairobi or other Universities recognized by the Senate;

Design or a discipline related to Design of at least Lower Second Class Honours with at least three years of professional experience and a certified portfolio O Level Division III or equivalent plus a Certificate and Diploma in a relevant discipline

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.

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

Studyportals partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of Nairobi and/or in Kenya, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

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

432000 KES / year

≈ 432000 KES / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

432000 KES / year

≈ 432000 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

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master'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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