As the Kenya Universities Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) opens the doors for 2022 KCSE students to apply for degree, diploma, and certificate courses, the landscape of course popularity based on cluster points comes into focus. Here’s a glimpse into the most sought-after courses and the trends shaping the choices of aspiring students.
Cluster Points and Course Selection:
KUCCPS has introduced a system where students with a mean grade of C+ and above are eligible to apply for their preferred courses based on cluster points. Cluster points are calculated by comparing the performance of four subjects in each cluster with that of the best-performing student in a given KCSE examination.
Highlighted Popular Courses:
- Bachelor of Laws (L.L.B) – Cluster 1:
- The Bachelor of Laws program has garnered significant interest, placing it in Cluster 1. This popularity is attributed to the appeal of law-related studies and the abundance of slots offered by various universities.
- Business and Hospitality Courses – Cluster 3:
- A surge in applications for business and hospitality-related courses is notable in Cluster 3. Media studies, social sciences, fine arts, graphics, and film animations are also prevalent in this cluster, attracting students with lower cluster points requirements.
- Geoscience – Cluster 4:
- Geoscience has secured a position in Cluster 4, offering sixteen undergraduate programs. The unique nature of geoscience-related studies contributes to its appeal among students.
- Engineering and Engineering Technology – Cluster 5:
- Cluster 5 encompasses engineering and engineering technology courses, showcasing the demand for these specialized fields. These courses are often offered by a select number of universities due to resource-intensive requirements.
- Architecture and Building Construction – Cluster 6:
- Architecture and building construction, along with related courses, find their place in Cluster 6. These courses demand specific infrastructure and resources, contributing to their availability in fewer universities.
- Medicine and Health Courses – Cluster 13:
- Despite being in high demand, medicine and health-related courses find themselves in Cluster 13. Limited slots and resource-intensive nature contribute to the competitiveness of these programs.
Trends and Considerations:
- Engineering Courses: Engineering courses are in demand, falling under Cluster 5, indicating a preference for these technical and specialized fields.
- IT, Agribusiness, Actuarial Science, Accountancy: Other popular courses include IT, agribusiness, actuarial science, accountancy, computing mathematics, economics, and statistics, reflecting the diversification of academic interests among students.
- Resource-Intensive Courses: Medicine and engineering-related courses, while popular, face challenges due to resource requirements, resulting in limited slots and increased competition.
Second Revision of Courses:
KUCCPS emphasizes that students who don’t meet the cluster points for their preferred courses will have the opportunity for a second revision of courses. This ensures that students can explore alternative options aligned with their academic capabilities and interests.