Education

Bachelor of Arts in Education - Chemistry

This programme prepares students for careers teaching Chemistry at secondary school level, equipping them with chemical science expertise and professional education training. Students develop expertise in chemistry, chemical science, and education, enabling them to serve as qualified Chemistry teachers in secondary schools. The programme builds skills in physical chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry,

environmental chemistry, industrial chemistry, biochemistry, thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, electrochemistry, stoichiometry, atomic structure, chemical bonding, periodicity, organic reactions, spectroscopy, chromatography, laboratory techniques, titration, qualitative analysis, quantitative analysis, laboratory safety, chemical handling, education psychology, teaching methodology, curriculum development, assessment and evaluation, classroom management, educational technology, inclusive education, science pedagogy, and research methods. Graduates apply these skills to

work as Chemistry teachers, science teachers, chemistry lecturers, laboratory coordinators, science curriculum developers, education officers, and science consultants across secondary schools, teacher training colleges, the Ministry of Education, the TSC, the KICD, research institutions, industrial chemistry companies, and as independent science education consultants in Kenya where Chemistry is a core science subject in secondary schools,

the STEM agenda is being promoted, industrial chemistry is growing, the CBC curriculum emphasises scientific literacy, and the need for qualified Chemistry teachers creates demand for chemistry education professionals. Students examine how chemical science, education theory, Kenya's education landscape including the CBC, STEM promotion, and industrial development, the regulatory framework including education regulations and TSC

requirements, the growing emphasis on STEM and scientific literacy, and the challenges of limited laboratory infrastructure and chemical resources shape chemistry education practice across the country, where schools need qualified Chemistry teachers for effective science education. The programme combines classroom lectures, laboratory practicals, teaching practice, project work, independent research, industrial attachment, and a final year

chemistry education research project or dissertation. Graduates pursue careers in chemistry teaching and education, or progress to MA in Chemistry Education, MA in Education, MSc in Chemistry, or PhD. The programme is ideal for students who are interested in chemistry, passionate about teaching, and want to build careers as Chemistry teachers in Kenya's education and science sectors.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 295,885
Private, up to: Ksh 191,100
Job market: High

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 35 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Physical and Analytical Chemistry
Organic and Inorganic Chemistry
Environmental and Industrial Chemistry
Education Psychology and Teaching Methodology
Curriculum Development and Assessment
Chemical Kinetics and Thermodynamics
Spectroscopy and Chromatography
Science Pedagogy and Laboratory Management
Biochemistry and Electrochemistry
Chemistry Education Research Methods

Modules

12 in the programme

Physical and Analytical Chemistry
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Physical chemistry, analytical chemistry, thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, understanding physical chemistry, and analysing chemical substances.
Organic and Inorganic Chemistry
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic reactions, atomic structure, chemical bonding, and studying organic and inorganic compounds.
Environmental and Industrial Chemistry
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Environmental chemistry, industrial chemistry, understanding environmental chemistry, understanding industrial chemistry, and studying chemical applications.
Education Psychology and Teaching Methodology
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Education psychology, teaching methodology, understanding learning, understanding teaching methods, and applying psychology to science education.
Curriculum Development and Assessment
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Curriculum development, assessment and evaluation, designing chemistry curricula, assessing learning, and supporting effective curriculum and assessment.
Chemical Kinetics and Thermodynamics
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Chemical kinetics, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, understanding reaction rates, understanding energy changes, and studying electrochemical processes.
Spectroscopy and Chromatography
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Spectroscopy, chromatography, understanding spectroscopic methods, understanding chromatographic techniques, and using analytical instruments.
Science Pedagogy and Laboratory Management
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Science pedagogy, laboratory management, teaching science, managing laboratories, ensuring laboratory safety, and supporting effective science teaching.
Biochemistry and Stoichiometry
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Biochemistry, stoichiometry, understanding biochemical processes, understanding stoichiometric calculations, and studying biochemistry and quantitative relationships.
Chemistry Education Research Methods
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Research methods, chemistry research, education research, conducting research, and applying research methods to chemistry education.
Teaching Practice / Industrial Attachment
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Supervised teaching practice in a secondary school or attachment at an industrial chemistry company, research institution, or educational institution, applying chemistry education skills.
Final Chemistry Education Research Project or Dissertation
Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore
Final year chemistry education research project or dissertation, assessed through written report and oral defence.

Specialisations

Organic Chemistry Teaching
Focuses on teaching organic chemistry, organic reactions, and supporting organic chemistry education in secondary schools.
Science Curriculum and Education Development
Concentrates on science curriculum development, education policy, science programme management, and supporting science education development.
Industrial Chemistry Education
Concentrates on teaching industrial chemistry, chemical applications in industry, and supporting industrial chemistry education.
Science Laboratory Management
Focuses on laboratory management, science practicals, laboratory safety, and supporting effective laboratory operations in schools.
Analytical and Environmental Chemistry Teaching
Specialises in teaching analytical chemistry, environmental chemistry, and supporting analytical and environmental chemistry education.

A day as a student

A typical day starts with a morning lecture on organic chemistry, physical chemistry, or education, followed by laboratory practicals, teaching practice, or project work. Students work on laboratory experiments, titrations, qualitative analysis, quantitative analysis, spectroscopy exercises, lesson plans, teaching practice sessions, science project designs, and education research. Laboratory practicals with chemical reagents and apparatus, teaching practice in secondary schools, and industrial visits to chemical companies provide practical experience. Industrial attachment at a secondary school, industrial chemistry company, or research institution provides real-world experience.

The trade offs

In its favour

Chemistry is a core science subject in high demand — STEM promotion creates strong demand for qualified Chemistry teachers.
TSC registration provides a clear career path with structured salary progression and benefits.
Practical and hands-on programme with laboratory work and teaching practice — engaging and applied learning.

Against it

Teaching salaries start lower than industrial chemistry or research sectors — career growth requires experience and postgraduate study.
Limited laboratory infrastructure and chemical resources in some schools — practical teaching can be challenging without adequate facilities.
Laboratory safety is a critical concern — handling chemicals requires strict safety protocols and supervision.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 243 education courses

Public184k to 296k

184k at Laikipia University296k at Kisii University

Private110k to 191k

110k at Mount Kenya University191k at Kabarak University

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

Kisii 295.9K; Laikipia 183.6K/yr. MKU 110K; Kabarak 191.1K/yr. Src: KUCCPS, Elimu Centre

Students can access HELB undergraduate loans, Universities Fund government scholarships, and county government bursaries. Some science organisations and STEM initiatives offer scholarships.

Funding options

HELB Undergraduate Loan
Universities Fund Government Scholarship
County Government Bursaries

Scholarships

5 recorded

TSC Teacher Training Support
BursaryKenyan
Teachers and trainee teachers in recognised institutions
County Government Bursaries
GrantKsh 50,000Kenyan
Students from specific counties. Criteria vary by county.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
SponsorshipKsh 500,000
Academically talented but economically disadvantaged African students at partner universities.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
GrantKsh 200,000Kenyan
Government-sponsored (KUCCPS) students in public universities. Awarded through the Higher Education Funding Model.
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to accredited universities. Means-tested based on family income.

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+ (plus) mean grade at KCSE
Alternative entry: Diploma holders with credit pass in Education, Chemistry, Science, or related fields from recognised institutions may join.

Chemistry or Physical Science
C (plain)
Mathematics or Biology or Physics
C (plain)
English or Kiswahili
C (plain)
Any other subject
C (plain)

How you are assessed

5 components

Teaching Practice / Industrial Attachment Report
Practicum5% of the mark
Assessment of supervised teaching practice in a secondary school or attachment at an industrial chemistry company, research institution, or educational institution. Includes logbook, supervisor evaluation, and written report.
Continuous Assessment Tests
Cat30% of the mark
Regular tests, chemistry assignments, laboratory reports, and education case studies throughout the semester.
End of Semester Examinations
Exam40% of the mark
Comprehensive written examinations covering physical chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, education psychology, and teaching methodology.
Project / Practical Assessment
Practicum20% of the mark
Assessment of laboratory experiments, titrations, qualitative analysis, quantitative analysis, spectroscopy exercises, lesson plans, teaching practice sessions, and science project designs.
Final Chemistry Education Research Project or Dissertation
Research5% of the mark
Final year chemistry education research project or dissertation, assessed through written report and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). TSC registration is mandatory for teaching in public schools. KNAST membership enhances science teaching credentials.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
NationalRequired
CUE accredits all university programmes in Kenya. TSC registration is mandatory for teaching in public schools. KNAST membership enhances science teaching credentials.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

Science Curriculum Developer / Education Officer
Low demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 200,000
Develops science curricula, supports education policy, manages science programmes, and supports science education development.
Chemistry Teacher / Lecturer
High demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 170,000
Teaches Chemistry, teaches chemical science, supports education, and ensures effective chemistry teaching in secondary schools.
Research Assistant / Education Researcher
Low demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 180,000
Supports chemical research, conducts education research, contributes to scientific knowledge, and supports evidence-based chemistry education.
Quality Control / Industrial Chemistry Officer
Low demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 180,000
Supports quality control, supports industrial chemistry, applies chemistry to industry, and supports chemical analysis and quality assurance.
Science Teacher / Laboratory Coordinator
Medium demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 170,000
Teaches science, manages laboratories, supports science practicals, and ensures effective laboratory and science education.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as Chemistry teachers, science teachers, and laboratory coordinators. Chemistry education is in high demand driven by STEM promotion. Starting salaries range from KES 40,000 to 65,000 per month (TSC scale), with experienced senior teachers and heads of department earning KES 80,000 to 180,000. Public secondary schools, private schools, international schools, and industrial chemistry companies offer the main opportunities.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Microsoft Excel
SoftwarePrimary
Spreadsheet for educational data management, extension planning and IT project tracking.
PowerPoint
SoftwarePrimary
Presentation tool for teaching, farmer training and extension education sessions.
SPSS
Software
Statistical analysis software for educational and extension research.
Google Classroom
Software
Learning management system for agricultural education and online teaching.
KoboToolbox
Software
Mobile data collection tool for field surveys and extension needs assessment.

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Chemistry Education is just about memorising chemical formulas.
This programme covers organic, inorganic, physical, analytical, and environmental chemistry, plus education psychology, teaching methodology, and laboratory techniques. It's a comprehensive science and education discipline.
Chemistry teachers have limited career options.
Chemistry is a core science subject in high demand. Graduates can also work in industrial chemistry, quality control, research institutions, and science curriculum development.
Chemistry is too difficult to teach.
The programme provides thorough grounding in chemistry and teaching methodology. With proper training, graduates are well-equipped to teach chemistry effectively.
This programme has limited career opportunities.
Graduates pursue diverse career paths across multiple sectors in Kenya and internationally.