Bachelor of Arts in Education in Special Education
This programme prepares students for careers teaching learners with special needs and disabilities, equipping them with special needs education expertise and professional education training. Students develop expertise in special needs education, inclusive education, and education, enabling them to serve as qualified special needs teachers and inclusive education professionals in schools. The programme builds skills in
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 291,635 a year at a public institution, Ksh 1,166,540 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 204,000 a year at a private one.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C+ (plus) mean grade at KCSE or above, plus 4 subject grades. 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 12 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
special needs education, inclusive education, learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities, sensory impairments, visual impairment, hearing impairment, deafblindness, autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, communication disorders, speech and language disorders, behavioural disorders, emotional disorders, gifted and talented learners, multiple disabilities, early intervention, individualised education programmes, individualised assessment, psycho-educational assessment, braille, sign language, assistive technology,
augmentative and alternative communication, adaptive physical education, special needs curriculum, differentiated instruction, universal design for learning, education psychology, teaching methodology, curriculum development, assessment and evaluation, classroom management, educational technology, guidance and counselling, parental involvement, community engagement, and research methods. Graduates apply these skills to work as special needs teachers, SEN coordinators, inclusive education officers, special
needs education officers, assessment officers, braille teachers, sign language teachers, education consultants, and education officers across special schools, integrated units, mainstream schools with inclusive programmes, the Ministry of Education, the TSC, the KICD, the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE), educational assessment centres, county governments, child-focused NGOs, and as independent special needs education consultants in
Kenya where inclusive education is a national priority, the CBC emphasises inclusive education, the Kenya Special Needs Education Policy Framework guides provision, and the need for qualified special needs teachers creates demand for special needs education professionals. Students examine how special needs theory, inclusive education, Kenya's special needs education landscape including the Kenya Special Needs
Education Policy Framework, the CBC inclusive education curriculum, and KISE initiatives, the regulatory framework including education regulations and TSC requirements, the growing emphasis on inclusive education and learner diversity, and the challenges of limited resources, specialist teachers, and assistive technology shape special needs education practice across the country, where schools need qualified special needs teachers for effective inclusive education.
What you study
10 subjects- Special Needs Education and Inclusive Education
- Learning Disabilities and Intellectual Disabilities
- Sensory Impairments (Visual and Hearing)
- Autism and Behavioural Disorders
- Individualised Assessment and Education Programmes
- Education Psychology and Teaching Methodology
- Braille, Sign Language and Assistive Technology
- Curriculum Development and Differentiated Instruction
- Guidance, Counselling and Parental Involvement
- Special Needs Education Research Methods
Modules
12 in the programmeSpecial Needs Education and Inclusive Education
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Special needs education, inclusive education, understanding disabilities, understanding inclusion, and supporting learners with special needs in inclusive settings.
Learning Disabilities and Intellectual Disabilities
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, understanding learning difficulties, understanding intellectual disabilities, and supporting learners with learning and intellectual disabilities.
Sensory Impairments (Visual and Hearing)
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Visual impairment, hearing impairment, deafblindness, understanding sensory impairments, supporting learners with visual and hearing impairments, and teaching learners with sensory impairments.
Autism and Behavioural Disorders
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, behavioural disorders, emotional disorders, understanding autism, understanding behavioural challenges, and supporting learners with autism and behavioural disorders.
Individualised Assessment and Education Programmes
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Individualised assessment, psycho-educational assessment, individualised education programmes, designing IEPs, assessing learners, and developing individualised programmes.
Education Psychology and Teaching Methodology
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Education psychology, teaching methodology, understanding learning, understanding teaching methods, and applying psychology to special needs education.
Braille, Sign Language and Assistive Technology
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Braille, sign language, assistive technology, augmentative and alternative communication, learning braille, learning sign language, and using assistive technology.
Curriculum Development and Differentiated Instruction
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Curriculum development, differentiated instruction, universal design for learning, designing curricula for diverse learners, and supporting effective special needs curriculum.
Gifted and Talented Learners
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Gifted and talented learners, understanding giftedness, supporting talented learners, designing enrichment programmes, and supporting gifted and talented education.
Guidance, Counselling and Parental Involvement
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Guidance and counselling, parental involvement, community engagement, supporting parents, engaging communities, and supporting families of learners with special needs.
Special Needs Practicum / Teaching Practice / Industrial Attachment
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Supervised special needs practicum, teaching practice in a special school or inclusive setting, or attachment at KISE, an educational assessment centre, or child-focused NGO, applying special needs...
Final Special Needs Education Research Project or Dissertation
Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore
Final year special needs education research project or dissertation, assessed through written report and oral defence.
Specialisations
Visual Impairment and Braille
Specialises in supporting learners with visual impairment, teaching braille, and using assistive technology for visual impairment.
Hearing Impairment and Sign Language
Concentrates on supporting learners with hearing impairment, teaching sign language, and developing communication programmes.
Inclusive Education Coordination and Policy
Concentrates on inclusive education coordination, SEN programme management, special needs education policy, and supporting inclusive education development.
Learning Disabilities and Intellectual Disabilities
Focuses on supporting learners with learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and developing effective interventions and individualised programmes.
Autism and Behavioural Disorders
Focuses on supporting learners with autism, ADHD, behavioural disorders, and developing behavioural intervention programmes.
A day as a student
A typical day starts with a morning lecture on special needs education, learning disabilities, or education, followed by special needs practicum, assessment practicum, or teaching practice. Students work on individualised education programmes, assessment reports, differentiated lesson plans, braille exercises, sign language practice, assistive technology evaluations, teaching practice sessions, and education research. Special needs practicum in special schools or integrated units, assessment practicum at educational assessment centres, and teaching practice in inclusive settings provide practical experience. Industrial attachment at a special school, KISE, educational assessment centre, or child-focused NGO provides real-world experience.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| High demand — inclusive education is a national priority and schools need qualified special needs teachers. | Emotionally demanding — working with learners with special needs requires patience, resilience, and emotional strength. |
| TSC special needs allowance — SNE teachers earn more than regular teachers at the same grade. | Limited resources — many schools lack assistive technology, specialist materials, and adequate facilities for special needs education. |
| Deeply meaningful work — supporting learners with special needs has profound social impact on individuals, families, and communities. | Large caseloads — special needs teachers often manage many learners with diverse needs, which can be overwhelming. |
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
Pwani 183,600/yr; Kisii 291,635/yr; MKU 110,000/yr; St Paul's 204,000/yr. Src: educationnewshub.co.ke
Students can access HELB undergraduate loans, Universities Fund government scholarships, and county government bursaries. Some disability organisations and inclusive education initiatives offer scholarships for special needs education students.
Funding options
HELB Undergraduate Loan
Universities Fund Government Scholarship
County Government Bursaries
Scholarships
5 recordedTSC 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 Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to accredited universities. Means-tested based on family income.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
GrantKsh 200,000Kenyan
Government-sponsored (KUCCPS) students in public universities. Awarded through the Higher Education Funding Model.
Scholarships you could apply for
10 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
- Komaza Scholarship Program
RollingPartialKomaza
KES 50,000 to 150,000 per year
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
Diploma holders with credit pass in Education, Special Needs Education, or related fields from recognised institutions may join.
When it next starts
Taught at 12 institutionsIncluding Kenya Methodist University, St. Paul's University, Machakos University.
Including Kenya Methodist University, St. Paul's University, Machakos University.
Including Kenya Methodist University, St. Paul's University, Machakos University.
How you are assessed
5 componentsSpecial Needs Practicum / Teaching Practice / Industrial Attachment Report
Practicum5% of the mark
Assessment of supervised special needs practicum, teaching practice in a special school or inclusive setting, or attachment at KISE, an educational assessment centre, or child-focused NGO. Includes logbook, supervisor evaluation, and written report.
Continuous Assessment Tests
Cat30% of the mark
Regular tests, special needs education assignments, assessment exercises, and education case studies throughout the semester.
Final Special Needs Education Research Project or Dissertation
Research5% of the mark
Final year special needs education research project or dissertation, assessed through written report and oral defence.
End of Semester Examinations
Exam40% of the mark
Comprehensive written examinations covering special needs education, inclusive education, learning disabilities, sensory impairments, autism, education psychology, and teaching methodology.
Project / Practical Assessment
Practicum20% of the mark
Assessment of individualised education programmes, assessment reports, differentiated lesson plans, braille exercises, sign language practice, assistive technology evaluations, and teaching practice sessions.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education
NationalRequired
CUE accredits all university programmes in Kenya. TSC registration is mandatory for teaching in public schools. KISE certification enhances special needs education credentials. TSC provides a special needs allowance for qualified SNE teachers.
The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). TSC registration is mandatory for teaching in public schools. KISE certification enhances special needs education credentials. TSC provides a special needs allowance for qualified SNE teachers.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
6 rolesSpecial Needs Education Officer / Assessment Officer
Low demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 200,000
Manages special needs education policy, conducts assessments, supports placement, and supports special needs education development.
SEN Coordinator / Inclusive Education Officer
Medium demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 200,000
Coordinates SEN programmes, supports inclusive education, manages IEPs, mentors teachers, and supports inclusive education development.
Special Needs Teacher / SNE Teacher
High demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 180,000
Teaches learners with special needs, develops IEPs, supports inclusion, manages specialised instruction, and ensures effective special needs education.
NGO Programme Officer / Disability Advocate
Low demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 200,000
Manages NGO disability programmes, advocates for inclusive education, supports disability rights, and promotes inclusive education in communities.
Braille Teacher / Sign Language Teacher
Medium demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 180,000
Teaches braille or sign language, supports learners with visual or hearing impairments, and ensures effective communication support.
Education Consultant / Curriculum Developer (SNE)
Low demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 220,000
Develops special needs curricula, provides SNE consulting, advises on inclusive education, and supports special needs education quality.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work as special needs teachers, SEN coordinators, and inclusive education officers. Special needs education is in high demand driven by inclusive education policies. Starting salaries range from KES 45,000 to 70,000 per month (TSC scale with special needs allowance), with experienced senior teachers and officers earning KES 90,000 to 200,000. Special schools, integrated units, mainstream schools, KISE, the Ministry of Education, and child-focused NGOs offer the main 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
Canva
Design
Google Classroom
Learning managementPrimary
Khanmigo
Ai
Microsoft 365
Productivity
Moodle
Learning managementPrimary
ChatGPT / Claude
Ai
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Special Education is just about helping slow learners.
This programme covers learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, sensory impairments, autism, behavioural disorders, gifted and talented learners, braille, sign language, assistive technology, individualised assessment, and professional education. It's a comprehensive special needs and education discipline.
Special needs teachers earn less than regular teachers.
TSC provides a special needs allowance for qualified SNE teachers — special needs teachers earn more than regular teachers at the same grade.
There are limited jobs for special needs teachers.
Inclusive education is a national priority. The TSC, special schools, integrated units, and mainstream schools with inclusive programmes all need qualified special needs teachers.
This programme has limited career opportunities.
Graduates pursue diverse career paths across multiple sectors in Kenya and internationally.