Education

Bachelor of Education in Science

The Bachelor of Education in Science is a four-year programme that prepares students for teaching science subjects in secondary schools. Students study two science teaching subjects from chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics, computer science and geography, alongside education theory, teaching methods, curriculum development and educational psychology. The programme is confirmed on the KUCCPS portal and offered by over 20 Kenyan universities including University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, Egerton University, Moi University and Masinde Muliro University.

Students develop competencies in science teaching, laboratory management, curriculum development, classroom management, educational assessment and scientific communication. They combine a major and minor teaching subject from areas including chemistry, physics, biology, computer science, mathematics and physical education. The programme covers both science content and education practice with teaching practice in secondary schools.

In Kenya, science education is a national priority supporting industrialisation and technological development. The Competency-Based Curriculum emphasises scientific literacy and practical skills. TSC employs science teachers. STEM education initiatives create strong demand. Kenya's Vision 2030 prioritises science and technology education. Graduates find roles in secondary schools, teacher training colleges, educational organisations and research institutions.

Teaching is delivered through lectures, laboratory sessions, fieldwork, teaching practice, micro-teaching and research projects. Students conduct scientific experiments, develop lesson plans, teach science classes and undertake teaching practice. University of Nairobi reports the programme extends over eight semesters of fifteen weeks each. The programme includes a final-year research project.

Graduates pursue careers as science teachers, curriculum developers, education officers, laboratory coordinators and researchers. Some work in secondary schools teaching science subjects. Others join educational organisations, research institutions or training colleges.

This programme is ideal for individuals with strong science aptitude, laboratory skills and teaching passion. Students who enjoy science, scientific inquiry and education will find this programme particularly engaging.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 295,885
Private, up to: Ksh 200,000
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: 40 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Chemistry and Laboratory Practice
Physics and Mechanics
Biology and Life Sciences
Mathematics and Statistics
Educational Psychology and Learning Theory
Teaching Methods for Science Education
Curriculum Development for Science
Laboratory Management and Safety
Educational Measurement and Evaluation
Research Methods in Science Education

Modules

12 in the programme

Introduction to Education I
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Foundations of education including philosophy, history and sociology of education
Major Teaching Subject I (Chemistry/Physics/Biology)
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Major Teaching Subject I (Chemistry/Physics/Biology): Foundational content in the student's major science teaching subject Covers theoretical principles, experimental methods, and real-world physic...
Minor Teaching Subject I (Mathematics/Computer Science/Geography)
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Minor Teaching Subject I (Mathematics/Computer Science/Geography): Foundational content in the student's minor science teaching subject Includes practical programming exercises, algorithm design, a...
Educational Psychology
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Educational Psychology: Psychological principles of learning and development in science education Covers theoretical frameworks, research methods, and practical applications in psychology.
Major Teaching Subject II
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Major Teaching Subject II: Advanced content in the student's major science teaching subject Covers instructional strategies, assessment methods, and educational theory.
Teaching Methods for Science Education
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Teaching Methods for Science Education: Teaching strategies and methods for science subjects in secondary schools Covers instructional strategies, assessment methods, and educational theory.
Curriculum Development for Science
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Curriculum Development for Science: Curriculum design for science education and CBC implementation Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Major Teaching Subject III
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Major Teaching Subject III: Advanced topics in the student's major science teaching subject Covers instructional strategies, assessment methods, and educational theory.
Educational Measurement and Evaluation
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Educational Measurement and Evaluation: Assessment methods for science education and competency-based evaluation Covers instructional strategies, assessment methods, and educational theory.
Laboratory Management and Safety
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Laboratory safety protocols, equipment management and experiment design for teaching
Research Project
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Research Project: Independent research on science education producing a scholarly dissertation Involves independent research, data analysis, and scholarly writing under supervision.
Teaching Practice
Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore
Supervised teaching practice in a secondary school, delivering science lessons and managing laboratories

Specialisations

Mathematics Teaching
Specialization in Mathematics Teaching, preparing graduates for careers such as teacher. 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.
Curriculum Development
Specialization in Curriculum Development, preparing graduates for careers such as curriculum-developer.
Physics Teaching
Specialization in Physics Teaching, preparing graduates for careers such as teacher. 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.
Chemistry Teaching
Specialization in Chemistry Teaching, preparing graduates for careers such as teacher. 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.
Biology Teaching
Specialization in Biology Teaching, preparing graduates for careers such as teacher. 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.
Computer Science Teaching
Specialization in Computer Science Teaching, preparing graduates for careers such as it-trainer. 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 morning lectures on science content or education theory with afternoon laboratory sessions or teaching practice. Students may conduct experiments, develop lesson plans, teach science classes or work on research projects.

The trade offs

In its favour

High demand for science teachers in Kenyan secondary schools
STEM education is a national priority
Diverse career paths in education and science
Opportunity to inspire future scientists and innovators

Against it

Requires ongoing laboratory management and safety responsibilities
Science teaching may require additional resources and materials
May require postgraduate study for advanced research roles
Some schools may have poorly equipped laboratories

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

Public120k to 296k

120k at Garissa University296k at Kisii University

Private86k to 200k

86k at Lukenya University200k at Catholic University of Eastern Africa

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 295,885/yr; Garissa 119,850/yr; CUEA 200,000/yr; Lukenya 86,200/yr (KUCCPS).

Students may access HELB loans and county bursaries. Some STEM initiatives and schools offer stipends during teaching practice periods.

Funding options

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
LoanKsh 60,000
National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF)
Bursary
County Government Bursaries
Bursary

Scholarships

4 recorded

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKenyan
Residents of respective counties
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
BursaryKenyan
Kenyan undergraduate students placed by KUCCPS in public universities
TSC Teacher Training Support
BursaryKenyan
Teachers and trainee teachers in recognised institutions

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+
Alternative entry: Relevant diploma or equivalent qualification

English
C+
Mathematics A/B or Biology or Physics or Chemistry
C+
Biology/Physics/Chemistry/History/Geography/CRE/IRE
C+
Kiswahili or any Group III, IV or V subject
C+

How you are assessed

4 components

Laboratory Practicals and Teaching Practice
Coursework35% of the mark
Research Project
Coursework100% of the mark
Final Examination
Coursework40% of the mark
Continuous Assessment Tests (CATs)
Coursework25% of the mark

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). TSC registration is required for teaching in public schools in Kenya.

Accredited by

Teachers Service Commission (TSC)
InstitutionalRequired
Commission for University Education (CUE)
InstitutionalRequired

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

Researcher
Moderate demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 150,000
Conducts research in science education or educational institutions
Curriculum Developer
Moderate demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 150,000
Develops science curricula and learning materials
Education Officer
Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 130,000
Manages education programmes and supports science education initiatives
Laboratory Coordinator
Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 120,000
Coordinates science laboratories and supports practical teaching in schools
Science Teacher
High demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 120,000
Teaches science subjects in secondary schools following the Kenyan curriculum

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as science teachers, curriculum developers, education officers, laboratory coordinators and researchers in secondary schools, teacher training colleges, educational organisations and research institutions.

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

Science teaching is just about memorising facts
Science education involves inquiry-based learning, laboratory skills, scientific reasoning and practical applications.
Science teachers have limited career options
Science teachers can work in schools, colleges, research institutions, educational organisations and curriculum development.
All science subjects are the same
Students specialise in two distinct science subjects, each requiring specific knowledge and pedagogical approaches.
Teaching science does not require laboratory skills
Science teachers must manage laboratories, conduct experiments and ensure safety protocols in practical sessions.