Bachelor of Education (French)
The Bachelor of Education (French) is a four-year degree programme that prepares graduates to teach French as a foreign language in Kenyan secondary schools.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 184,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 736,000 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 242,800 a year at a private one.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C+ (Plus) or above. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 4 years, full-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 5 institutions.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Early Childhood Strategist, at 10 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
The curriculum covers French language, French literature, francophone studies, linguistics, teaching methodology for French, educational psychology, curriculum development, assessment and evaluation, educational foundations, research methods, and educational technology.
Students develop skills in French language instruction, lesson planning for language teaching, classroom management, student assessment, curriculum design, educational leadership, intercultural communication, translation, and research methodology.
Graduates pursue careers as French teachers, language teachers, education officers, school administrators, curriculum developers, and education consultants. They find employment in public and private secondary schools, international schools, language institutes, diplomatic missions, and educational NGOs.
The programme is offered at Kaimosi Friends University, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Maseno University, and Tom Mboya University — all public universities. Fees range from KES 183,600 to KES 184,000 per year. KUCCPS codes vary by institution. All institutions are CUE-accredited.
Accreditation is provided by the Commission for University Education (CUE), the statutory body responsible for quality assurance and regulation of university education in Kenya. Graduates are eligible for registration with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). Admission requires a KCSE mean grade of C+ (Plus) with a strong pass in French or equivalent language proficiency.
What you study
10 subjects- French Language
- French Literature
- Francophone Studies
- Linguistics
- Teaching Methodology for French
- Educational Psychology
- Curriculum Development
- Assessment and Evaluation
- Research Methods in Education
- French Culture and Civilisation
Modules
12 in the programmeFoundations of Education
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Historical, philosophical, and sociological foundations of education in Kenya and globally.
French Language and Grammar
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
French grammar, syntax, vocabulary, and oral communication skills for language teaching.
Teaching Methodology for French
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Communicative language teaching methods, lesson planning for French, and classroom techniques.
French Literature and Textual Analysis
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Analysis of French and francophone literary texts, poetry, prose, and drama for teaching.
Educational Psychology
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Theories of learning, second language acquisition, adolescent development, and classroom management.
Francophone Studies and Civilisation
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Francophone Studies and Civilisation: French and francophone culture, history, institutions, and civilisation. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Curriculum Development and Assessment
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Principles of curriculum design, the Kenyan French curriculum, and language assessment methods.
Linguistics and Language Structure
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Phonetics, phonology, morphology, and syntax of French for language teaching applications.
Translation and Written Expression
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Translation techniques, written French expression, and academic writing in French.
Research Methods in Education
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Research design, data collection, and analysis methods applied to language education research.
Educational Leadership and Management
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
School administration, leadership theories, education policy, and institutional management.
Teaching Practice and Research Project
Year 4Semester 26 creditsCore
Supervised teaching practice at a secondary school and a final-year French education research project.
Specialisations
French Language Teaching
Focus on teaching French as a foreign language in secondary schools using communicative and interactive methods.
Francophone Literature Education
Focus on teaching French and francophone literature in secondary schools. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
French Culture and Civilisation
Focus on teaching French culture, civilisation, and intercultural studies in secondary schools. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Translation and Interpretation in Education
Focus on translation skills and their application in language education and cross-cultural communication.
French for Specific Purposes
Focus on teaching French for professional and academic purposes in schools and training institutions.
Language Technology in French Education
Focus on integrating digital tools and language technology in French teaching and learning. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
A day as a student
A typical day combines French language lectures, literature seminars, and teaching methodology workshops. Morning sessions cover French grammar, oral expression, and francophone literature, while afternoons focus on micro-teaching, lesson planning, and language laboratory practice. Students participate in teaching practice at partner secondary schools, developing practical skills for French language instruction. The programme emphasises communicative language teaching and intercultural competence.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| French is a popular KCSE elective with demand for qualified teachers in secondary schools. | Requires aptitude for language learning and intercultural communication. |
| French skills open opportunities in international schools, diplomacy, translation, and international organisations. | French teaching positions may be limited compared to core subjects like English and Mathematics. |
| Offered at four public universities, providing geographic choice and affordable tuition. | No private university offering confirmed, limiting options for students preferring private institutions. |
| TSC employment provides competitive salary, allowances, and pension benefits. | Career advancement may require additional qualifications in education or French studies. |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 243 education coursesAnnual 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
Maseno 184K; Kaimosi 183.6K/yr. MKU 105K; Daystar 242.8K/yr. Src: educationnewshub, KUCCPS
HELB loans and Higher Education Fund (HEF) support are available for qualifying Kenyan students. County government bursaries may also be available.
Funding options
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
County Government Bursaries
Scholarships
5 recordedHigher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
Government loanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities. Must demonstrate financial need.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
Government fundingKenyan
Kenyan students in public universities under the new funding model based on financial need assessment.
County Government Bursaries
Government bursaryKenyan
Kenyan students from respective counties demonstrating financial need.
French Embassy Scholarship Programmes
Scholarship
Kenyan students pursuing French-language or France-related studies
TSC Teacher Training Support
BursaryKenyan
Teachers and trainee teachers in recognised institutions
Scholarships you could apply for
8 usable where it is taught- Equity Group Foundation Wings to Fly
Closes 28 February 2027FullEquity Bank
Full secondary + university
- Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship
Closes 31 March 2027FullAga Khan Foundation
Full university study
- KCB Foundation Scholarship
Closes 31 March 2027FullKCB Bank
Full tuition + stipend
- Family Bank Foundation Education Support
Closes 30 June 2027PartialFamily Bank
KES 80,000 per year
- HELB Undergraduate Scholarship
Closes 31 July 2027PartialHigher Education Loans Board
KES 40,000 to 60,000 per year
- County Government Scholarships
Varies by countyPartialCounty Governments
KES 50,000 to 200,000 per year
- Kenyatta University Scholarship
Before semesterPartialKenyatta University
30 to 50% tuition waiver
- Moringa School Craftbyte Scholarship
QuarterlyFullMoringa School
Full software development course
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
KACE with at least two principal passes in relevant subjects; OR a relevant diploma in education or French from a recognised institution; OR equivalent French proficiency certification (DELF B1 or above); OR any other qualification recognised by the university senate.
When it next starts
Taught at 5 institutionsIncluding Kaimosi Friends University, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Tom Mboya University.
Including Kaimosi Friends University, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Tom Mboya University.
Including Kaimosi Friends University, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Tom Mboya University.
How you are assessed
4 componentsContinuous Assessment Tests and Assignments
Coursework30% of the mark
Written tests, oral assessments, translation exercises, and micro-teaching evaluations throughout the semester.
Teaching Practice Assessment
Practical20% of the mark
Supervised teaching practice at partner secondary schools with assessment of classroom performance.
End of Semester Examinations
Examination50% of the mark
Written and oral examinations covering all course content for the semester.
Research Project
Project100% of the mark
A final-year research project investigating a relevant French language education issue.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
CUE is the statutory body responsible for the accreditation and quality assurance of university programmes in Kenya.
The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE), the statutory body responsible for quality assurance and regulation of university education in Kenya. Graduates are eligible for registration with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
6 rolesFrench Teacher
Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 150,000
Teaches French language and literature in secondary schools, preparing students for KCSE French.
Language Teacher (International School)
Moderate demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 250,000
Teaches French in international schools with higher salary potential and global curriculum.
Education Officer
Moderate demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 180,000
Works in government education offices supporting language education policy and implementation.
Translator and Interpreter
Moderate demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 200,000
Provides translation and interpretation services for organisations, diplomatic missions, and businesses.
Curriculum Developer (French)
Moderate demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 200,000
Designs and evaluates French language curricula at KICD or educational institutions.
School Administrator
Moderate demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 180,000
Manages secondary school operations, supervises staff, and oversees educational programmes.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work as French teachers in secondary schools. Demand is moderate with French being a popular elective subject and growing in importance for regional and international opportunities.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Early Childhood StrategistEducation10Low exposure
- Special Needs EducatorEducation10Low exposure
- Career Guidance CounselorEducation11Low exposure
- Early Literacy SpecialistEducation14Low exposure
- STEM Laboratory EducatorEducation14Low exposure
- TVET Competency AssessorEducation14Low exposure
- Vocational Workshop InstructorEducation14Low exposure
- Montessori EducatorEducation15Low exposure
Tools you will learn
Google Classroom
Learning managementPrimary
Learning management platform for organising classes, assignments, and student communication.
Microsoft PowerPoint
PresentationPrimary
Presentation tool for lesson delivery, visual aids, and French cultural content creation.
Duolingo for Schools
Language learning
Language learning platform for supplementing French instruction with interactive exercises.
Microsoft Word
Productivity
Word processing tool for lesson plans, translation exercises, and educational documentation.
Zoom
Communication
Video conferencing tool for online teaching and virtual language exchange sessions.
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
French teaching has limited career opportunities in Kenya.
French is a popular KCSE elective subject, and graduates also find opportunities in international schools, diplomacy, and translation.
You need to be fluent in French before enrolling.
The programme builds French proficiency from intermediate to advanced levels alongside teaching methodology.
French is only useful for working in francophone countries.
French skills are valuable in Kenya for international organisations, diplomacy, tourism, and regional trade within the East African Community.
Only offered at one university, so it must be limited.
The programme is offered at four public universities across Kenya, providing geographic choice.