Education

Bachelor of Education in Science with Special Needs Education

The Bachelor of Education in Science with Special Needs Education is a four-year programme that prepares students for teaching science subjects while supporting learners with special needs in inclusive educational settings. Students study science content, special needs education, inclusive pedagogy, educational psychology, teaching methods and curriculum development. The programme combines science teaching with special needs specialisation, preparing graduates who can deliver both curriculum science and inclusive education.

Students develop competencies in science teaching, special needs education, inclusive pedagogy, differentiation, curriculum development, educational assessment and learner support. They learn to teach science subjects while also supporting learners with physical, sensory, cognitive or behavioural disabilities. The programme covers both science content and special needs methodology with teaching practice in inclusive schools.

In Kenya, inclusive education is a national priority and the Competency-Based Curriculum emphasises learning for all. TSC employs teachers with special needs qualifications. Kenya's commitment to inclusive education creates demand for science teachers with special needs skills. Graduates find roles in secondary schools, special schools, inclusive education programmes and educational organisations.

Teaching is delivered through lectures, laboratory sessions, special needs practicum, teaching practice, micro-teaching and research projects. Students conduct science experiments, develop inclusive lesson plans, teach science classes and undertake teaching practice in inclusive settings. The programme includes a final-year research project.

Graduates pursue careers as science and special needs teachers, inclusive education coordinators, special needs officers, education officers and learning support teachers. Some work in secondary schools teaching science and supporting inclusive education. Others join special schools or educational organisations.

This programme is ideal for individuals with science aptitude, empathy and passion for inclusive education. Students who enjoy science and supporting diverse learners will find this programme particularly fulfilling.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 244,800
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: 30 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Chemistry, Physics or Biology Teaching Content
Introduction to Special Needs Education
Inclusive Pedagogy and Differentiation
Educational Psychology and Learning Theory
Teaching Methods for Science Education
Curriculum Development for Inclusive Science
Assessment of Learners with Special Needs
Behaviour Management and Support
Laboratory Management and Safety
Research Methods in Special Needs Education

Modules

12 in the programme

Introduction to Education
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Foundations of education including philosophy, history and sociology of education
Major Science Subject I
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Major Science Subject I: Foundational content in the student's major science teaching subject Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Introduction to Special Needs Education
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Foundations of special needs education including types of disabilities and inclusive practices
Educational Psychology
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Educational Psychology: Psychological principles of learning and development for diverse learners Covers theoretical frameworks, research methods, and practical applications in psychology.
Inclusive Pedagogy and Differentiation
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Differentiated instruction strategies and inclusive teaching methods for science
Teaching Methods for Science Education
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Teaching Methods for Science Education: Teaching strategies and methods for science in inclusive secondary schools Covers instructional strategies, assessment methods, and educational theory.
Curriculum Development for Inclusive Science
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Curriculum Development for Inclusive Science: Curriculum design for inclusive science education and CBC implementation Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant ...
Assessment of Learners with Special Needs
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Assessment methods and tools for evaluating learners with special needs in science
Behaviour Management and Support
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Behaviour management strategies and support for learners with behavioural challenges
Laboratory Management and Safety
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Laboratory Management and Safety: Laboratory safety and management for inclusive science practical sessions Covers planning, organising, leadership, and control in organisational contexts.
Research Project
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Independent research on inclusive science education producing a scholarly dissertation
Teaching Practice and Special Needs Practicum
Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore
Teaching Practice and Special Needs Practicum: Supervised teaching practice in inclusive schools and special needs settings Covers instructional strategies, assessment methods, and educational theory.

Specialisations

Laboratory Management
Specialization in Laboratory Management, 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.
Learning Support
Specialization in Learning Support, preparing graduates for careers such as special-needs-educator. 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.
Science Teaching with Special Needs
Specialization in Science Teaching with Special Needs, preparing graduates for careers such as teacher.
Inclusive Education
Specialization in Inclusive Education, preparing graduates for careers such as special-needs-educator.
Behaviour Support
Specialization in Behaviour Support, preparing graduates for careers such as special-needs-educator.

A day as a student

A typical day combines morning lectures on science content or special needs education with afternoon laboratory sessions, inclusive teaching practice or micro-teaching. Students may conduct experiments, develop differentiated lesson plans, teach science classes or work on inclusive education projects.

The trade offs

In its favour

Combines in-demand science teaching with special needs skills
Inclusive education is a national priority in Kenya
Diverse career paths in education and special needs
Opportunity to support all learners in science

Against it

Requires balancing science and special needs coursework
Some schools may lack resources for full inclusion
May require additional certifications for specialised roles
Working with diverse needs requires exceptional patience and adaptability

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

Public245k to 245k

245k at Maasai Mara University245k at Maasai Mara 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

Maasai Mara 244,800/yr (KUCCPS). Sole public provider. Private unverified.

Students may access HELB loans and county bursaries. Some special schools and inclusive education programmes 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, Special Needs Practicum and Teaching Practice
Coursework35% of the mark
Continuous Assessment Tests (CATs)
Coursework25% of the mark
Final Examination
Coursework40% of the mark
Research Project
Coursework100% 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

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

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

Inclusive Education Coordinator
Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 130,000
Coordinates inclusive education programmes in schools or institutions
Learning Support Teacher
High demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 110,000
Provides learning support to students with diverse needs in science classrooms
Education Officer
Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 130,000
Manages education programmes and supports inclusive education initiatives
Special Needs Officer
Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 130,000
Supports special needs education programmes in educational institutions
Science and Special Needs Teacher
High demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 120,000
Teaches science and supports learners with special needs in inclusive schools

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as science and special needs teachers, inclusive education coordinators, special needs officers, education officers and learning support teachers in secondary schools, special schools, inclusive education programmes and educational organisations.

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

Special needs education is only for arts teachers
Science teachers with special needs skills are essential for inclusive STEM education.
Science is too difficult for learners with special needs
With appropriate differentiation and inclusive pedagogy, all learners can access science education.
This programme is harder than regular science education
The programme integrates special needs modules alongside standard science education content.
Special needs teaching limits career options
Special needs qualifications enhance employability in inclusive schools and specialised programmes.