The Open University of Kenya (OUK) has expanded its academic offering with a new range of degree programmes, postgraduate diplomas, masters and PhD options, alongside professional development short courses and ICT certifications.
At undergraduate level, the university has introduced nine new degrees. These are Bachelor of Data Science, Bachelor of Cyber Security and Digital Forensics, Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Computing, Bachelor of Science in Interactive Media Technologies, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Bachelor of Agri-Technology and Food Systems, Bachelor of Business and Entrepreneurship, Bachelor of Economics and Data Science, and Bachelor of Commerce.
For postgraduate studies, three diplomas have been launched. They include Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership and Accountability, Postgraduate Diploma in Education and Postgraduate Diploma in Learning Design and Technology.
OUK has also added eight masters programmes. They are Master of Data Science, Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence, Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics, Master of Science in Digital Services Management, Master of Business Administration, Master in Learning Design and Technology, Master of Education in Technology Education, and Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy.
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Two doctoral programmes have been introduced. These are PhD in Business Management and PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy.
The professional development section has been widened with courses in Business Modelling for Entrepreneurs, Mental Health Awareness, Accountability Fundamentals, Corporate Governance, E-learning Essentials for Online Engagement, Emotional Intelligence for Professionals, Gender and Diversity, Online Assessment, Risk Management, Ethics of Digital Engagement, Research Management and Policy, Online Facilitation Pedagogy, and Communication and Collaboration Skills.
In addition, the university has rolled out ICT short courses and certifications. These cover Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, Cyber Security, Business Analytics and Business Intelligence, Web Development, Cloud Computing and DevOps, Robotics and Automation, MATLAB, Essential Techniques in Machine Learning, Responsible Artificial Intelligence, as well as ICDL and other professional certifications.
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The entry routes available are four. These are direct entry for school leavers, recognition of prior learning, credit transfer for those with relevant qualifications and mature entry for experienced applicants.
The university has confirmed that it is accepting applicants from the year 2000 up to 2024. This widens access by allowing individuals who completed their secondary education or qualifications within this period to apply.
Applications are accepted throughout the year, with admission dates and intakes communicated through the portal. Applicants are advised to carefully follow the step-by-step guidance provided online and ensure that all documents are uploaded correctly.
Through this expansion, the Open University of Kenya aims to give learners flexible opportunities by combining academic degrees with professional short courses and ICT certifications. This approach is designed to make higher education more accessible, practical, and responsive to emerging skills needs.
By Benedict Aoya
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