Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies

Overview

Philosophy of Programme

Kenya has experienced social challenges such as negative ethnicity, lack of inclusivity, corruption, nepotism among others. This programme is motivated by the fact that teaching of Religious Studies is geared towards equipping learners with knowledge, ethical and religious values which are significant in promoting a society that is cohesive, moral and has concern for all.

Rationale of the Programme

The Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies was started in 1969. It is a four year programme in which in the first two years students are registered in three disciplines in the faculty of Arts. During the third and fourth years students are allowed to take one major specialization in Religious Studies or two majors in Religious Studies and another discipline. The programme is intended to develop human resources for academic and civil service in areas such as religion and human society, morality and ethics in society, religion and development, administration of religious organisations, religion and national cohesion among others. After graduation students serve in government, education, civil society and religious organizations.

Objectives of the Programme

The Objective of this programme is to provide learners with the opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills in religious studies with the aim of enabling them to critically analyze the role played by religion in positively equipping people with values and ideas which situate them in contemporary society.

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements

A candidate must satisfy the prescribed University of Nairobi and Faculty of Arts admission requirements, namely:

K.C.S.E. with a mean grade C+ or equivalent
K.C.S.E. with a mean grade C plain or equivalent Plus a Diploma or equivalent from a recognized post- secondary institution
K.C.S.E. with a mean grade C- or equivalent Plus a Certificate and a Diploma or equivalent from a recognized post- secondary institution
K.C.E./E.A.C.E Div. III/ Ordinary GCE or equivalent Plus a Diploma or equivalent from a recognized post- secondary institution
K.A.C.E. or E.A.A.C.E/ Advanced GCE Certificate with one principal pass Plus a Diploma or equivalent from a recognized post- secondary institution
K.A.C.E. or E.A.A.C.E. certificate with two principal passes or equivalent
Any other qualification deemed by the faculty to be equivalent to any of the above

A candidate shall be allowed to register only in those course units whose combinations are approved by the Faculty. Any modification of such combination(s) shall be allowed only after obtaining approval from the Dean.

Schedule of intakes

Programme intake is once every year in September with the course duration
taking four Academic Years

Mode of Delivery

The programme shall be offered through full-time and part-time using face to face, open, distance and electronic learning modes of study.

Face-Face Mode

Face to face mode of delivery will involve lectures, discussions, practical work/demonstrations, case studies, blended learning, experiential learning, & problem-based learning.

Open, Distance Learning, and e-learning (ODeL)

Open, distance and e-learning mode of delivery will involve modules and electronic/web-based learning materials.

Application Information

Application is done through the University of Nairobi online application platform where the necessary attachment is uploaded including a concept note on the research area.

Structure

Regulations for Credit Transfers

A candidate from a recognized university or any other equivalent institution recognized by the University of Nairobi Senate wishing to transfer to the B.A. programme at the University of Nairobi shall be allowed to transfer credits from his or her university if those credits are deemed to be relevant and meet the required minimum contact hours. A University of Nairobi student who obtains a credit or credits from a recognized university shall be allowed to transfer those credits to the University of Nairobi. The transferred credits shall not be more than a third (1/3) of the total prescribed credits and/or course units required for the award of the B.A. degree.

Exemptions

Those seeking exemptions shall pay an exemption fee approved by the University of Nairobi Senate.
A candidate seeking exemption shall be required to follow the Faculty approved procedure.

Students Obligations

A learner shall attend forty five (45) contact hours of lectures for each course unit registered in a semester.

The learner must attend at least 75% of the recommended lecture hours per course unit.

Careers

Attachment Opportunities

Non-governmental organizations; civil society organizations; international development agencies; academic and research institutions, Churches, Mosques and other religious institutions.

Careers Prospects

Religious Studies graduates are found working in various government departments, non-governmental organizations; civil society organizations; international development agencies; academic and research institutions, Churches, Mosques and other religious institutions.