Bachelor of Education (Arts/Science)
The Bachelor of Education (Arts/Science) is a four-year degree programme offered at Tharaka University, combining both arts and science education tracks.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 295,885 a year at a public institution, Ksh 1,183,540 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 257,800 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 3 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 educational psychology, foundations of education, curriculum development, teaching methodology, assessment and evaluation, educational technology, guidance and counselling, research methods, and subject-specific pedagogy.
Students develop skills in lesson planning, classroom management, student assessment, curriculum design, educational leadership, communication, digital literacy instruction, research methodology, and subject-specific pedagogy for either arts or science subjects.
Graduates pursue careers as secondary school teachers, education officers, curriculum developers, school administrators, education consultants, and education researchers. They find employment in public and private secondary schools, technical training institutions, county governments, and educational NGOs.
The programme is offered at Tharaka University (public) in Tharaka-Nithi County. The arts track costs KES 183,600 per year (KUCCPS code 1685135) and the science track costs KES 244,800 per year (KUCCPS code 1685137). Both tracks are CUE-accredited and lead to TSC registration.
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 strong passes in the chosen teaching subjects.
What you study
10 subjects- Educational Psychology
- Foundations of Education
- Curriculum Development
- Teaching Methodology
- Assessment and Evaluation
- Educational Technology
- Guidance and Counselling
- Research Methods in Education
- Subject-Specific Pedagogy
- Educational Leadership and Management
Modules
12 in the programmeFoundations of Education
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Historical, philosophical, and sociological foundations of education in Kenya and globally.
Educational Psychology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Theories of learning, adolescent development, motivation, and classroom behaviour management.
Curriculum Development and Design
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Principles of curriculum design, the Kenyan secondary education curriculum, and CBC framework.
Teaching Methodology (Arts/Science)
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Pedagogical methods for teaching arts or science subjects, including learner-centred approaches and practical demonstrations.
Subject Content I (First Teaching Subject)
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Advanced content study in the student's first teaching subject, arts or science.
Subject Content II (Second Teaching Subject)
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Subject Content II (Second Teaching Subject): Advanced content study in the student's second teaching subject. Covers instructional strategies, assessment methods, and educational theory.
Assessment and Evaluation in Education
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Principles of assessment, test construction, practical evaluation, and competency-based assessment.
Educational Technology and ICT Integration
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Integrating digital tools and technology in teaching, including e-learning platforms and digital resources.
Guidance and Counselling in Schools
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Counselling techniques for secondary school students, behaviour support, and career guidance.
Research Methods in Education
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Research design, data collection, and analysis methods applied to educational 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 education research project.
Specialisations
Arts Education Track
Focus on teaching arts and humanities subjects including English, Kiswahili, History, Geography, and Religious Studies.
Science Education Track
Focus on teaching science subjects including Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. 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.
Mathematics and Sciences Education
Focus on teaching mathematics and physical sciences 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.
Languages and Humanities Education
Focus on teaching languages and humanities subjects 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.
Integrated Science Education
Focus on teaching integrated science and general science at secondary level. 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.
Cross-Disciplinary Teaching
Focus on teaching across arts and science boundaries 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.
A day as a student
A typical day combines education theory lectures, subject content sessions, and teaching methodology workshops. Arts track students attend morning sessions covering educational psychology, curriculum studies, and humanities content, while science track students cover mathematics, biology, chemistry, and physics. Afternoons focus on micro-teaching, lesson planning, and laboratory practicals for science tracks. Students participate in teaching practice at partner secondary schools, developing practical classroom skills.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Dual-track structure allows students to choose between arts and science teaching pathways. | Only offered at Tharaka University, limiting geographic choice. |
| Affordable public university tuition with both tracks available at one institution. | Science track is more expensive at KES 244,800/year compared to arts track at KES 183,600/year. |
| TSC employment provides competitive salary, allowances, and pension benefits. | Teaching practice requires significant time commitment and may involve placement in remote schools. |
| CUE-accredited programme meeting the same standards as separate B.Ed degrees. | Career advancement may require additional qualifications such as a master's degree. |
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
KU 183,600 to Kisii 295,885/yr (KUCCPS). MKU 105K to Daystar 257,800/yr (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
4 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.
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
- 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
- Komaza Scholarship Program
RollingPartialKomaza
KES 50,000 to 150,000 per year
- Moi University Merit Scholarship
Before semester startsPartialMoi University
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 from a recognised institution; OR P1 certificate with relevant experience; OR any other qualification recognised by the university senate.
When it next starts
Taught at 3 institutionsIncluding Moi University, Maseno University, Chuka University.
Including Moi University, Maseno University, Chuka University.
Including Moi University, Maseno University, Chuka University.
How you are assessed
4 componentsContinuous Assessment Tests and Assignments
Coursework30% of the mark
Written tests, lesson plans, micro-teaching assessments, and education assignments 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 examinations covering all course content for the semester.
Research Project
Project100% of the mark
A final-year education research project investigating a relevant teaching or 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 rolesSecondary School Teacher (Arts)
High demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 150,000
Teaches arts and humanities subjects in secondary schools, preparing students for KCSE examinations.
Secondary School Teacher (Science)
High demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 150,000
Teaches science and mathematics subjects in secondary schools, preparing students for KCSE examinations.
Education Officer
Moderate demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 180,000
Works in government education offices supporting policy implementation and school supervision.
Curriculum Developer
Moderate demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 200,000
Designs and evaluates curricula for secondary education 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.
Education Consultant
Moderate demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 250,000
Advises schools, NGOs, and educational institutions on teaching practices and curriculum.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work as secondary school teachers in public and private schools. The dual-track structure provides flexibility for both arts and science teaching career paths.
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 educational content creation.
Microsoft Excel
Data analysis
Spreadsheet tool for data analysis, record-keeping, and science demonstrations.
Khan Academy
Educational resource
Online educational platform with subject teaching resources for both arts and science.
Zoom
Communication
Video conferencing tool for online teaching and remote learning.
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Students study both arts and science subjects simultaneously.
Students choose either the arts track or the science track, not both. The programme offers two pathways at the same institution.
A combined programme is lower quality than separate B.Ed (Arts) or B.Ed (Science) degrees.
The programme is CUE-accredited and meets the same standards as separate arts or science education degrees.
Only offered at Tharaka University, so it must be a new or untested programme.
Tharaka University is an established public university with CUE accreditation for both education tracks.
Graduates are less employable than those with single-track degrees.
Graduates are eligible for TSC registration and have the same employment opportunities as other B.Ed graduates.