Education

Bachelor of Arts in Peace Education

This programme prepares students for careers in peace education, equipping them to teach peace studies, design peace education programmes, and promote conflict resolution and peacebuilding in schools and communities.

Students develop expertise in peace studies, conflict resolution, education, and peacebuilding, enabling them to serve as professionals who can foster peace and reconciliation through education.

The programme builds skills in peace studies, peace education, conflict resolution, conflict transformation, mediation, negotiation, peacebuilding, reconciliation, transitional justice, nonviolence, peace pedagogy, peace curriculum, human rights education, democracy education, citizenship education, civic education, tolerance education, interfaith dialogue, intercultural education, gender and peace, security studies, peace research, violence prevention, bullying prevention, peace clubs, peer mediation, restorative justice, trauma healing, post-conflict reconstruction, peace communication, education psychology, teaching methodology, curriculum development, assessment and evaluation, and research methods.

Graduates apply these skills to work as peace education teachers, peace education officers, conflict resolution trainers, peacebuilding programme officers, civic education officers, human rights educators, peer mediation coordinators, peace club coordinators, and peace consultants across the Ministry of Education, the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), the Ministry of Interior, schools, universities, NGOs (Search for Common Ground, Pact Kenya), international organisations (UN, AU), religious institutions, community organisations, and as independent peace education consultants in Kenya where ethnic conflicts and political violence have affected communities, the government is promoting national cohesion, schools need peace education, the NCIC is active, and the need for professionals who can educate for peace creates demand for peace education professionals.

Students examine how peace theory, education principles, Kenya's conflict landscape including ethnic conflicts, political violence, cattle rustling, and terrorism, the regulatory framework including education regulations and national cohesion policies, the growing emphasis on peacebuilding and national integration, and the challenges of resource constraints, political dynamics, and cultural barriers shape peace education practice across the country, where communities need professionals who can educate for peace and reconciliation.

The programme combines classroom lectures, teaching practice, field placements, community engagement, project work, independent research, industrial attachment, and a final year peace education research project or dissertation.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 183,600
Private, up to: Ksh 188,100
Job market: Low

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 30 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Peace Studies and Peace Education Theory
Conflict Resolution and Mediation
Peace Pedagogy and Curriculum Development
Human Rights and Citizenship Education
Reconciliation and Transitional Justice
Nonviolence and Violence Prevention
Intercultural and Interfaith Education
Peacebuilding and Post-Conflict Reconstruction
Education Psychology and Teaching Methodology
Peace Education Research Methods

Modules

12 in the programme

Peace Studies and Peace Education Theory
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Peace studies, peace education theory, understanding peace, understanding peace education, and studying peace theories and peace education frameworks.
Conflict Resolution and Mediation
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Conflict resolution, mediation, negotiation, resolving conflicts, mediating disputes, and supporting peaceful conflict resolution.
Peace Pedagogy and Curriculum Development
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Peace pedagogy, peace curriculum, teaching peace, designing peace curricula, and supporting peace education in schools.
Human Rights and Citizenship Education
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Human rights education, citizenship education, civic education, teaching rights, teaching citizenship, and supporting rights and citizenship education.
Reconciliation and Transitional Justice
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Reconciliation, transitional justice, supporting reconciliation, supporting justice after conflict, and building sustainable peace in communities.
Nonviolence and Violence Prevention
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Nonviolence, violence prevention, bullying prevention, understanding nonviolence, preventing violence, and supporting violence prevention in schools and communities.
Intercultural and Interfaith Education
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Intercultural education, interfaith dialogue, teaching tolerance, promoting intercultural understanding, and supporting interfaith and intercultural education.
Peacebuilding and Post-Conflict Reconstruction
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Peacebuilding, post-conflict reconstruction, trauma healing, supporting peacebuilding, and rebuilding communities after conflict.
Education Psychology and Teaching Methodology
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Education psychology, teaching methodology, understanding learning, understanding teaching methods, and applying psychology to peace education.
Peace Education Research Methods
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Research methods, peace research, education research, conducting research, and applying research methods to peace education.
Teaching Practice / Industrial Attachment
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Supervised teaching practice in a school or attachment at the NCIC, an NGO, or a community organisation, applying peace education skills.
Final Peace Education Research Project or Dissertation
Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore
Final year peace education research project or dissertation, assessed through written report and oral defence.

Specialisations

Peace Teaching and Curriculum Development
Focuses on peace pedagogy, peace curriculum, teaching peace in schools, and designing peace education curricula.
Conflict Resolution and Mediation
Specialises in conflict resolution, mediation, negotiation, and supporting peaceful conflict resolution in schools and communities.
Human Rights and Citizenship Education
Focuses on human rights education, citizenship education, civic education, and promoting rights, citizenship, and democratic values.
Intercultural and Interfaith Peace Education
Concentrates on intercultural education, interfaith dialogue, tolerance education, and promoting intercultural and interfaith understanding for peace.
Peacebuilding and Community Reconciliation
Concentrates on peacebuilding, reconciliation, post-conflict reconstruction, trauma healing, and rebuilding communities after conflict.

A day as a student

A typical day starts with a morning lecture on peace studies, conflict resolution, or education, followed by teaching practice, community engagement, or discussion seminars. Students work on peace education lesson plans, conflict analyses, mediation simulations, peace curriculum designs, peace club proposals, community peace projects, human rights reports, and peace education research. Teaching practice in schools, community engagement in conflict-affected areas, and mediation role-plays provide practical experience. Industrial attachment at the NCIC, a school, an NGO, or a community organisation provides real-world experience.

The trade offs

In its favour

Combines peace studies with education — graduates can teach peace in schools and design peace education programmes.
Kenya's history of ethnic conflicts and political violence creates demand for peace education professionals.
Meaningful work promoting peace, reconciliation, and national cohesion — high social impact in conflict-affected communities.

Against it

The field is niche with limited direct career opportunities — most roles are in government, NGOs, and international organisations.
Working in conflict-affected areas involves personal safety risks and emotional demands.
Many NGO positions depend on donor funding — job security can be uncertain in the peacebuilding sector.

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

Public153k to 184k

153k at Moi University184k at Laikipia University

Private105k to 188k

105k at Mount Kenya University188k 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

Moi 153K, Laikipia B.Ed 183.6K/yr. MKU 105K, Kabarak 188.1K/yr. KUCCPS+univ sites

Students can access HELB undergraduate loans, Universities Fund government scholarships, and county government bursaries. Some international organisations and peace institutions 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
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.
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.

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, Peace Studies, Social Work, Conflict Resolution, or related fields from recognised institutions may join.

English or Kiswahili
C (plain)
Any other subject
C (plain)
Any other subject
C (plain)
Any other subject
C (plain)

How you are assessed

5 components

Continuous Assessment Tests
Cat30% of the mark
Regular tests, peace studies essays, conflict analysis exercises, and education case studies throughout the semester.
Final Peace Education Research Project or Dissertation
Research5% of the mark
Final year peace education research project or dissertation, assessed through written report and oral defence.
Teaching Practice / Industrial Attachment Report
Practicum5% of the mark
Assessment of supervised teaching practice in a school or attachment at the NCIC, an NGO, or a community organisation. Includes logbook, supervisor evaluation, and written report.
Project / Practical Assessment
Practicum20% of the mark
Assessment of peace education lesson plans, conflict analyses, mediation simulations, peace curriculum designs, peace club proposals, community peace projects, and human rights reports.
End of Semester Examinations
Exam40% of the mark
Comprehensive written examinations covering peace studies, conflict resolution, peace education, human rights, reconciliation, and education psychology.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). TSC registration is required for teaching in public schools. Red Cross training enhances conflict response credentials.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
NationalRequired
CUE accredits all university programmes in Kenya. TSC registration is required for teaching in public schools. Red Cross training enhances conflict response credentials.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

Peace Education Teacher / Officer
Low demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 180,000
Teaches peace education, designs peace programmes, supports peace in schools, and ensures effective peace education delivery.
Peace Education Consultant / Researcher
Low demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 200,000
Provides peace education consulting, conducts peace research, advises on peace programmes, and supports evidence-based peace education.
Peacebuilding Programme Officer
Low demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 200,000
Manages peacebuilding programmes, supports peace initiatives, engages communities, and supports peacebuilding projects.
Civic / Human Rights Education Officer
Low demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 180,000
Supports civic education, supports human rights education, promotes citizenship, and supports rights and citizenship education.
Conflict Resolution Trainer / Mediator
Low demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 200,000
Trains conflict resolution, mediates disputes, supports conflict transformation, and provides mediation and conflict resolution training.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as peace education teachers, peace education officers, conflict resolution trainers, and peacebuilding programme officers. Peace education is a niche field. Starting salaries range from KES 40,000 to 65,000 per month, with experienced senior peace officers and programme directors earning KES 80,000 to 200,000. The NCIC, the Ministry of Education, schools, NGOs, and international organisations offer the main opportunities.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Canva
Design
ChatGPT / Claude
Ai
Google Classroom
Learning managementPrimary
Khanmigo
Ai
Microsoft 365
Productivity
Moodle
Learning managementPrimary

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Peace Education is just about teaching people to be nice to each other.
This programme covers conflict resolution, mediation, peacebuilding, human rights, transitional justice, peace pedagogy, and curriculum development. It's a comprehensive peace and education discipline.
Peace Education has no career prospects in Kenya.
With ethnic conflicts, political violence, and the NCIC's work, demand for peace education professionals is growing in government, schools, NGOs, and international organisations.
Peace Education is the same as peace studies.
Peace Education specifically focuses on educating for peace — teaching peace in schools, designing peace curricula, and training peace educators. It combines peace studies with education.
This programme has limited career opportunities.
Graduates pursue diverse career paths across multiple sectors in Kenya and internationally.