Overview
Philosophy
The philosophy of the programme is to foster excellence and professionalism in design through intellectual development, creativity and innovation, academic freedom, good governance, integrity and inclusiveness with quality customer service to foster national development.
Rationale
The programme answers specifically to the question of the relevance and responsiveness of the degree to market, societal, economic and environmental demands. The rationale for the programme arises from the demand for:
- A more holistic curriculum that considers and integrates new technological and digital developments.
- A better curriculum that is more responsive to global trends of sustainable design, universal design and environmental design.
- A centre of quality and competitive design research, and training of design professionals in Kenya, the Eastern African region and the world. Providing modern facilities, ICT and digital technology that enhance innovation and value addition.
- A research-informed design process that contributes practically to national development and creates employment opportunities in line with industrialization goals.
- Training that is professional and recognized by the government and employers.
- Engaging stakeholders in the process of considering the needs, understanding opportunities, designing a strategy, implementing and measuring progress to make requisite continual adjustments.
The goal of the programme is to provide quality design education and training that will enable graduates to exploit talent and creativity in solving local and global problems socially and economically.
Objectives
At the end of this programme the learner should be able to:
- Demonstrate theoretical knowledge, creativity and technical skills in solving design problems.
- Use relevant scientific writing, logical reasoning and communication skills.
- Provide alternative perspectives by analyzing, evaluating and synthesizing ideas and information gathered through applied research grounded in information literacy.
- Demonstrate a variety of experiences designed to help students develop as practitioners in their fields, such as teaching or research assistant ships, internships, or other employment that utilizes or improves on professional skills.
- Apply acquired knowledge, creativity and technical skills to understand and solve problems that contribute to design science, as well as emerging societal issues in industry and academia.
Schedule of Intakes
The Department admits new students at the beginning of every academic calendar year (which is usually September)
Application Information
You will be required to enter some basic information, including your email address and to choose a password. We will then send you an email to the address you entered, so that we can validate your account. When you have clicked on the validation link (sent to you in the email), you will be able to log in to the application system using the "Login" box below
For instructions on how to apply click here
To apply online here
Mode of Delivery
- Face-to-Face Mode
This is through lectures and tutorials using notes, electronic presentations, instruction manuals, group discussions, practical laboratory demonstrations and fieldwork.
- Open, Distance Learning and e-Learning
In case of delivery through ODeL, special arrangements shall be made for the practical laboratory, field work and computing sessions. Where not feasible alternative arrangements will be made to do them on campus.
- Blended Learning
This is a hybrid of face to face with Open, Distance Learning and e-learning.
Contact of Support Persons
Phone: (+254) 020-4913505
Email : stad@uonbi.ac.ke
Notable Alumni
Structure
|
YEAR 1 |
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|
FIRST SEMESTER |
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|
UNIT CODE |
UNIT NAME |
SEMESTER HRS |
EXAM HRS |
|
CCS 001 |
Communication Skills |
45 |
1x2 hours |
|
BDS 101 |
History of Art and Design I |
45 |
1x2 hours |
|
BDS 103 |
Design Theory |
45 |
1x2 hours |
|
BDS 105 |
Materials & Processes I |
45 |
1x2 hours |
|
BDS 107 |
Freehand Drawing I |
60 |
Portfolio |
|
BDS 109 |
Instrumental Drawing I |
60 |
Portfolio |
|
BDS 111 |
Two Dimensional Studies I |
60 |
Portfolio |
|
BDS 113 |
Colour Theory & Practice |
60 |
Portfolio |
|
Total |
420 |
||
|
SECOND SEMESTER |
|||
|
CCS 010 |
HIV/AIDS |
45 |
1x2 hours |
|
CCS 002 |
Fundamentals of Dev. and their Application in Kenya |
45 |
1x2 hours |
|
BDS 102 |
African Art and Design I |
45 |
1x2 hours |
|
BDS 104 |
Computer Studies |
60 |
Portfolio |
|
BDS 106 |
Freehand Drawing II |
60 |
Portfolio |
|
BDS 108 |
Print Techniques I |
60 |
Portfolio |
|
BDS 110 |
Three Dimensional Studies I |
60 |
Portfolio |
|
Total |
375 |
||
|
YEAR 2 |
|||||
|
FIRST SEMESTER |
|||||
|
UNIT CODE |
UNIT NAME |
SEMESTER HRS |
EXAM HRS |
||
|
BDS 201 |
Social and Cultural Studies I |
45 |
1x2 hours |
||
|
BDS 203 |
Elements of Economics |
45 |
1x2 hours |
||
|
BDS 205 |
Basic Statistics |
45 |
1x2 hours |
||
|
BDS 207 |
Materials & Processes II |
45 |
1x2 hours |
||
|
BDS 209 |
Advanced Freehand Drawing |
60 |
Portfolio |
||
|
BDS 211 |
Photography |
60 |
Portfolio |
||
|
BDS 213 |
Two-Dimensional Studies II |
60 |
Portfolio |
||
|
BDS 215 |
Instrumental Drawing II |
60 |
Portfolio |
||
|
Total |
420 |
||||
|
SECOND SEMESTER |
|||||
|
BDS 200 |
History of Art and Design II |
45 |
1x2 hours |
||
|
BDS 202 |
Ergonomics |
45 |
1x2 hours |
||
|
BDS 204 |
Form & Content Appreciation |
45 |
1x2 hours |
||
|
BDS 206 |
Structures |
45 |
1x2 hours |
||
|
BDS 208 |
Computer Aided Design |
60 |
Portfolio |
||
|
BDS 210 |
Typography |
60 |
Portfolio |
||
|
BDS 212 |
Three-Dimensional Studies II |
60 |
Portfolio |
||
|
Total |
360 |
||||
|
YEAR 3 |
|||
|
FIRTS SEMESTER (Compulsory Theory) |
|||
|
UNIT CODE |
UNIT NAME |
SEMESTER HRS |
EXAM HRS |
|
BDS 301 |
African Art and Design II |
45 |
1x2 hours |
|
BDS 303 |
Design Communication |
45 |
1x2 hours |
|
BDS 305 |
Entrepreneurship |
45 |
1x2 hours |
|
BDS 307 |
Technology and Innovation |
45 |
1x2 hours |
|
Total |
225 |
||
|
BDS 309 |
Advertising |
90 |
|
|
BDS 311 |
Advanced Photography |
90 |
|
|
Total |
180 |
||
|
Illustration Option |
|||
|
BDS 311 |
Advanced Photography |
90 |
Portfolio |
|
BDS 313 |
Visual Rendering |
90 |
Portfolio |
|
Total |
180 |
||
|
BDS 315 |
Jewellery Design |
90 |
Portfolio |
|
BDS 317 |
Leather Products |
90 |
Portfolio |
|
Total |
180 |
||
|
BDS 323 |
Furniture |
90 |
Portfolio |
|
BDS 325 |
Interior Architecture |
90 |
Portfolio |
|
Total |
180 |
||
|
BDS 319 |
Fashion Design and Development |
90 |
Portfolio |
|
BDS 321 |
Printing and Weaving |
90 |
Portfolio |
|
Total |
180 |
||
|
SECOND SEMESTER (Compulsory Theory) |
|||
|
BDS 300 |
Design Management |
45 |
1x2 hours |
|
BDS 302 |
Social and Cultural Studies II |
45 |
1x2 hours |
|
BDS 304 |
Design Marketing |
45 |
1x2 hours |
|
BDS 306 |
Design Research Methodology |
45 |
1x2 hours |
|
Total |
225 |
||
|
Graphics Design Option |
|||
|
BDS 308 |
Corporate Identity |
90 |
Portfolio |
|
BDS 310 |
Packaging |
90 |
Portfolio |
|
Total |
180 |
||
|
Illustration Options |
|||
|
BDS 312 |
Digital Illustration |
90 |
Portfolio |
|
BDS 314 |
Painting |
90 |
Portfolio |
|
Total |
180 |
||
|
Product Design Option |
|||
|
BDS 316 |
Sculpture |
90 |
Portfolio |
|
BDS 318 |
Pottery and Ceramics |
90 |
Portfolio |
|
Total |
180 |
||
|
Interior Design Option |
|||
|
BDS 324 |
Landscaping |
90 |
Portfolio |
|
BDS 326 |
Exhibition and Display |
90 |
Portfolio |
|
Total |
180 |
||
|
Fashion and Textile Design Option |
|||
|
BDS 320 |
Pattern Drafting |
90 |
Portfolio |
|
BDS 322 |
Garment Construction |
90 |
Portfolio |
|
Total |
180 |
||
|
BDS 328 |
Industrial Attachment |
360 |
|
|
YEAR 4 |
|||
|
FIRST SEMESTER |
|||
|
UNIT CODE |
UNIT NAME |
SEMESTER HRS |
EXAM HRS |
|
BDS 401 |
Design Practice |
45 |
1x2 hours |
|
BDS 403 |
Design Project Management |
45 |
1x2 hours |
|
BDS 405 |
Design Research Project Paper |
180 |
|
|
Total |
270 |
||
|
BDS 400 |
Design Seminar I |
90 |
1x20 minutes oral examination |
|
BDS 402 |
Design Seminar II |
90 |
1x20 minutes oral examination |
|
BDS 404 |
Portfolio I |
90 |
Portfolio |
|
BDS 406 |
Portfolio II |
90 |
Portfolio |
|
Total |
360 |
||
Note: In the fourth year of study, students shall undertake a research project that will form the basis for the final design project portfolio.
Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements
Admission to Bachelor of Arts in Design degree programme will be based on any one of the following minimum qualifications:
- KCSE mean grade C+ or equivalent and an overall mean grade of C+ in each of the 3 clusters below:
- Mathematics /Business Studies
- English/Swahili
- Any cluster III (Art & Design, Home-science, Woodwork, Metalwork, Building and Construction, Drawing and Design, Agriculture) OR
- Any cluster IV (History & Govt., Geography, C.R.E., Social Education & Ethics, Music, and French).
- KCSE mean grade C- or equivalent plus a Certificate and Diploma in a relevant discipline(Graphics, Fashion, FineArt, Interior Design, Information technology, Animation Visual rendering, e.t.c.).
- O Level Division III or equivalent plus a Certificate and Diploma in a relevant discipline(Graphics, Fashion, FineArt, Interior Design, Information technology, Animation Visual rendering, e.t.c.)
- 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
CREDIT TRANSFERS
- A candidate shall be required to send a formal application to the Academic Registrar, using prescribed forms and| attaching evidence of the credentials, which would support the request.
- A candidate may be required to sit the University ordinary examinations set and administered by the department under the authority of the Department of Art and Design and the results approved by senate.
- No credit transfer or exemption shall be allowed in studio courses.
- The courses in which transfer of credit is sought shall not exceed one-third (1/3) of the total units for the relevant degree programme.
EXEMPTION
Students may be exempted from some courses by Senate on recommendation of the Department Board provided that:
- Such candidates had successfully taken these courses in recognized University or equivalent institution.
- Such candidates apply for exemption in writing to the Chairperson, Department of Art and Design specifying for which first year course exemption is desired and attaching evidence that these courses or their equivalents were taken.
- A non-refundable course exemption fee as may be determined by the University be paid with each application for exemption.
- Candidates shall seek exemption for only first year courses. Candidates seeking exemption from first year courses shall be required to sit for examinations in such courses during the ordinary examinations preceding the year or semester of exemption. They shall be required to attain a pass mark in order to qualify for exemption.
- Such course shall not exceed one-third of the courses in the entire programme.
Schedule of intakes
September every year
Contact us for Support:
Phone: (+254) 020-4913505
Email : stad@uonbi.ac.ke
Careers
Attachment Opportunities
- Bachelor of Arts in Design is a unique programme that offers students the opportunity to specialize in one of the four areas of Graphic, Interior, Product, Fashion and Textiles and Illustration design hence it is attractive to the youth seeking to create employment through application of creative skills.
- Graduates from the specializations offered have gone on to engage in self-employment, the public sector and private sectors. In the public sectors the graduates are engaged by the government, parastatals, media/broadcasting and publishing, others are teachers in secondary schools. In private sector, the graduates join advertising firms, publishing and media houses, corporate companies such as Bata Shoes and architectural firms.
Career Prospects
- Product Design Option: Furniture Designer, Set Designer, Interior Designer, User Experience, Interactive Designer, Prototyper, ModelMaker,Production Manager, Ideation Lead, etc
- Graphic Design Option: Freelance Designers, Advertising Agencies, Design Studios, etc
- Fashion and Textile Option: Fashion Designers, Fashion Stylist, Illustrator, Patterncutter, Machinist, Textile Surface Designer, Costume Designer, Samplemaker etc.
- Illustration Design Option: Freelance Illustrators, Art Director, Illustration for Development, Animation, Art Tutors, Artists, Experiential Design, Publishers, Art Curators, Editorial Illustration, Web&Content Design, etc.
- Interior Design Option: 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, Furniture Designers , Marketer and Suppliers, Construction Project Managers, etc
Fees & Funding
|
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN DESIGN – B05 |
|||
|
BA Design -Year 1 (TOTAL of 16 units) |
|
|
|
|
|
Semester 1( 8 units) |
Semester 2 ( 8 units) |
Yearly TOTAL |
|
TUITION |
120,000 |
120,000 |
240,000 |
|
MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR) |
6,500 |
- |
6,500 |
|
ICT SERVICES - (PER YEAR) |
7,000 |
- |
7,000 |
|
CAUTION - (ONCE) |
5,000 |
- |
5,000 |
|
LIBRARY (PER YEAR) |
4,000 |
- |
4,000 |
|
REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250) |
2,250 |
2,250 |
4,500 |
|
STUDENT ORGANISATION(PER YEAR) |
1,000 |
- |
1,000 |
|
EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000) |
8,000 |
8,000 |
16,000 |
|
ID CARD ( PER YEAR) |
1,000 |
- |
1,000 |
|
ACTIVITY-( PER YEAR) |
2,000 |
- |
2,000 |
|
TOTAL |
156,750 |
130,250 |
287,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
BA Design-Year 2 (TOTAL of 17units) |
|
|
|
|
|
Semester 1 ( 9 units) |
Semester 2 ( 8 units) |
Yearly TOTAL |
|
TUITION |
120,000 |
120,000 |
240,000 |
|
MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR) |
6,500 |
- |
6,500 |
|
ICT SERVICES - (PER YEAR) |
7,000 |
- |
7,000 |
|
LIBRARY (PER YEAR) |
4,000 |
- |
4,000 |
|
REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250) |
2,250 |
2,250 |
4,500 |
|
STUDENT ORGANISATION(PER YEAR) |
1,000 |
- |
1,000 |
|
EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000) |
9,000 |
8,000 |
17,000 |
|
ID CARD ( PER YEAR) |
1,000 |
- |
1,000 |
|
ACTIVITY-( PER YEAR) |
2,000 |
- |
2,000 |
|
TOTAL |
152,750 |
130,250 |
283,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
BA Design-Year 3 (TOTAL of 14 units) |
|
|
|
|
|
Semester 1 ( 7 units) |
Semester 2 ( 7 units) |
Yearly TOTAL |
|
TUITION |
120,000 |
120,000 |
240,000 |
|
MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR) |
6,500 |
- |
6,500 |
|
ICT SERVICES - (PER YEAR) |
7,000 |
- |
7,000 |
|
LIBRARY (PER YEAR) |
4,000 |
- |
4,000 |
|
REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250) |
2,250 |
2,250 |
4,500 |
|
STUDENT ORGANISATION(PER YEAR) |
1,000 |
- |
1,000 |
|
EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000) |
7,000 |
7,000 |
14,000 |
|
ID CARD ( PER YEAR) |
1,000 |
- |
1,000 |
|
ACTIVITY-( PER YEAR) |
2,000 |
|
2,000 |
|
TOTAL |
150,750 |
129,250 |
280,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
BA Design-Year 4 (TOTAL of 9 units) |
|
|
|
|
|
Semester 1 ( 5 units) |
Semester 2 ( 4 units) |
Yearly TOTAL |
|
TUITION |
120,000 |
120,000 |
240,000 |
|
MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR) |
6,500 |
- |
6,500 |
|
ICT SERVICES - (PER YEAR) |
7,000 |
- |
7,000 |
|
LIBRARY (PER YEAR) |
4,000 |
- |
4,000 |
|
REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250) |
2,250 |
2,250 |
4,500 |
|
EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000) |
5,000 |
4,000 |
9,000 |
|
STUDENT ORGANISATION(PER YEAR) |
1,000 |
- |
1,000 |
|
ID CARD ( PER YEAR) |
1,000 |
- |
1,000 |
|
ACTIVITY-( PER YEAR) |
2,000 |
- |
2,000 |
|
TOTAL |
148,750 |
126,250 |
275,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Grand TOTAL: BA Design (TOTAL of 56 Units) |
|
|
1,125,000 |
Exam Regulations
Exam Regulations
Examinations for the Bachelor of Arts in Design programme has TWO components, theory and portfolio examinations.
The examination will be governed by the general examinations regulations of the University of Nairobi.
- No candidate shall be admitted to an examination unless he/she has satisfactorily attended a minimum of 2/3rds of the prescribed contact hours for the course of study.
- A candidate who fails supplementary examinations in not more than two (2) units shall on the recommendation of the School Board of Examiners and approval of the Senate be allowed to proceed to the next year of study and take the examination in the failed course units at the next ordinary University Examinations.
- A Candidate who:
a) Obtains an aggregate mark of less than 40% in Examinations, Shall on the recommendation of the School Board of Examiners and approval by the Senate, be required to sit for a supplementary examination in the failed units(s).
b) Fails Supplementary Examinations, shall on the recommendation of the School Board of Examiners and approval by the Senate, be required to repeat the year of study and attend classes for the failed units(s) and examinations at the next ordinary university examinations.
- Portfolio examinations:
- All portfolio examinations shall be conducted at the end of the semester in which they are taken and shall in each case be equivalent to ONE course unit.
- The pass mark for each portfolio course unit shall be 40.
- Design Research project for the fourth year shall constitute TWO course units.
- A candidate who fails in any studio course may, on the recommendation of the School Board and approval by Senate, shall be allowed to re-submit the failed course units within three months of the examination.
- Supplementary exams shall be offered at the end of each academic year, within three months after the release of examination results.
- A pass obtained in supplementary examination shall be 40% in the student's academic record
- A pass obtained in a supplementary examination shall be 40% in the student´s academic record.
- Course units for written examinations, projects and portfolio shall be considered equal, except for the fourth year project report which shall be marked out of 200.
- Compensation may be allowed in a maximum of two failed course units for any year of study, provided the mark for the failed subject is between 35 and 39 inclusive and the average mark for the candidate is 50% or above and shall be applied by taking two marks from the highest scores to make up for each mark failed. The compensation shall not apply to portfolio and fourth year research projects examinations. Compensation shall not apply to any supplementary examinations.
- In order to be allowed to proceed to the next year of study a candidate shall have obtained an aggregate of not less than 40% and passed all examination units.
- A Candidate who:
- Has failed between 1 and 4 course units for the 1st, 2nd 3rd or 4th year shall sit for Supplementary Examinations for the failed course units(s).
- Has failed between 5 and 7 course units in any year of study shall repeat the year in the failed course units.
- A Candidate who:
- Has failed in more than (8) course units
- Has failed a course unit after three attempts
Shall on the recommendation of the School Board of Examiners and approval by Senate be DISCONTINUED.
