Master of Science in Sustainable Energy Transitions (MSc. SET) – School of Computing and Engineering Sciences

Master of Science in Sustainable Energy Transitions
(MSc. SET)

About Course

Access to affordable and reliable energy is a requirement for socio-economic development. As such, universal energy access by the year 2030 has been prioritised globally through Sustainable Development Goal 7. To attain this goal, multilateral banks and development agencies such as The African Development Bank, World Bank and the United Nations have initiated various projects in developing countries with the aim of improving energy access by 2030.

These projects include Kenya Off-Grid Solar Access Project jointly implemented by the Kenyan Government and the World Bank and the Program for Infrastructure Development in Africa implemented by the African Union. Kenya has adopted this goal nationally through Vision 2030. Currently, Kenya reports that households particularly in rural areas are unable to afford the cost of grid connection despite heavy subsidies received through initiatives like the Last Mile Connectivity Project.

Further, despite numerous projects being implemented to promote a transition to clean cooking fuels and technologies, the Stockholm Environment Institute indicates that 67,000 people in Africa perish annually because of respiratory illnesses associated with indoor air pollution from ‘dirty’ fuels such as charcoal and firewood.

Multi-disciplinary education is therefore an opportunity to equip individuals with capacity to solve such complex problems. Strathmore University therefore introduces the MSc. in Sustainable Energy Transitions to equip students with key technical skills required to develop and implement energy systems as well as a clear understanding of the ecosystem in which they operate and understanding of key concepts from other academic disciplines which are important for the energy sector. Graduates from this program will be able to utilise their skills and collaborate with other professionals from different academic backgrounds to address complex societal challenges.

Why the MSc. SET Programme ?

1. MSc SET is the first multi-disciplinary program in the energy sector that seeks to equip students with technical skills such as energy systems design and implementation, research and data analytics, energy systems auditing, entrepreneurship and innovation, decentralization and digitalization of the energy systems, as well as the necessary skills in policy, project management, economics, ethics, communication and others that will contribute to their development as well-rounded professionals.

2. This program will also provide industry exposure through the internship and capstone project thereby exposing students to practical challenges and solutions existing in the sector.

3. This program will provide a solution for students seeking a program with strong multi-disciplinary elements by offering local presence and part-time nature thereby allowing students to work, reside in the country and pursue their Masters degrees without incurring additional costs and loosing preestablished networks.

4. The programme will also provide international exposure by allowing students to receive guest lectures from renown academics. Some of these academics are currently partners of the Strathmore Energy Research Centre who are working on research projects locally. Students may also therefore take advantage of the opportunity to undertake their Masters thesis from research projects jointly being undertaken by SERC and international partners.

Who Should Attend ?

This program should be attended by individuals seeking to work towards the development of the energy sector and implementation of relevant policies, technology systems and entrepreneurial solutions.

The course has been designed for students who have completed a degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, Environmental Science, or a science related discipline from recognized universities.

Entry Requirements

1. Holders of First Class (or GPA of 3.45 – 4) or Upper Second Class (or GPA of 2.85 – 3.44) degrees in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, Environmental Science, or a science related discipline from recognized universities; or

2. Holders of Lower Second Class degrees in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, Environmental Science, or a science related discipline from recognized universities or at least 2.5 GPA plus Postgraduate Diplomas or Certificates in relevant fields of study; or with at least two years working experience in the energy sector or research environment.

3. Holders of other related qualifications from recognized universities considered by the Academic Council as equivalent to the criteria in (i) or (ii).

Admission Process

Upon meeting the entry requirements above, applicants should begin the application process by sharing the documents outlined below to admissions@strathmore.edu

The applicant should upload the following documents:

I. Undergraduate degree certificate and transcript of records (TOR) in English giving full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained.

II. Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education-KCSE certificate (Secondary/High School Certificate or its equivalent).

III. An updated Curriculum Vitae. Please use the Europass CV template.

IV. Digital passport photo.

V. A copy of National Identity Card (ID) or a copy of Passport (bio-data page).

VI. Interview fee of Ksh 2,500 (payment details to be communicated after submission of documents).

NB: Upon acceptance into the programme, the above copies and transcripts should be certified by the awarding institution or by an advocate of the high court.

After submission of the application the candidate will be contacted by the University to take the Graduate Entrance Exam (GEE), which can be done in person or online.

The GEE consists of English comprehension and grammar, arithmetic as well as an essay.

Once the applicant has completed and passed the written exam they will be scheduled for an oral interview.

Admission Requirements

Duly filled in Graduate Application Form (Download the form here).

Two (2) completed Reference Forms from your professional background or from former professors particularly qualified to attest to the applicant’s qualification for graduate study (Download reference form here).

Certified copies of undergraduate degree certificate and transcript of records (TOR) in English giving full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained.

Certified copy of your Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education – KCSE certificate (Secondary/High School Certificate or its equivalent).

An updated Curriculum Vitae. Please use the Europass CV template (http://europass.cedefop.europa.eu).

Two (2) current passport size photos.

A copy of National Identity Card (ID) or a copy of Passport (bio-data page).

2,500 Interview fee payable on the interview day.

NB: Certified copies: Please note the copies of the certificates and transcripts should be certified by the awarding institution or by an advocate of the high court.

Duration

MSc. SET is a two (2) year program divided into six (6) semesters offered on a part-time basis (5.30 – 8.30 p.m. EAT).