Education

Diploma in Education in Science

The Diploma in Education in Science is a programme that equips students with knowledge and practical skills in secondary school science teaching, educational psychology, curriculum development and classroom management. Offered at Machakos University and Rongo University, the programme prepares students for teaching careers in secondary schools with science subject specialisations.

The curriculum covers educational psychology, foundations of education, curriculum development, teaching methods for science subjects (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology), instructional technology, assessment and evaluation, inclusive education, guidance and counselling, educational research, communication skills and teaching practice. Students develop both pedagogical and practical teaching skills.

Kenya's education sector continues to require qualified secondary school science teachers, particularly with the emphasis on STEM education and the implementation of the competency-based curriculum (CBC). The programme responds to the need for trained science teachers who can deliver quality education in secondary schools.

The programme is delivered through lectures, laboratory sessions, micro-teaching, teaching practice, school visits, case studies, research projects and industrial attachment. Students gain hands-on experience in lesson planning, classroom teaching, laboratory management and learner assessment through teaching practice at secondary schools.

Graduates pursue careers as secondary school science teachers, education officers, curriculum support officers and education programme assistants in public and private schools, county governments and education-focused organisations. They can also progress to a Bachelor of Education (Science) degree programme.

Prospective students should have a passion for teaching, interest in science subjects and commitment to education. The programme is suitable for students seeking secondary school teaching careers with science subject specialisations.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 71,850
Private, up to: Ksh 60,000
Job market: High

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, School-based
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 35 students
Award: Diploma

What you study

8 subjects

Educational Psychology and Foundations of Education
Curriculum Development and Instructional Technology
Teaching Methods for Science Subjects
Laboratory Management and Safety
Assessment, Evaluation and Inclusive Education
Guidance, Counselling and Communication Skills
Educational Research and School Administration
Teaching Practice and Micro-Teaching

Modules

8 in the programme

Educational Psychology and Foundations of Education
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers educational psychology, learning theories, child and adolescent development, foundations of education, history of education and the Kenyan education system.
Curriculum Development and Instructional Technology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers curriculum development principles, curriculum design, instructional technology, ICT in education, CBC curriculum and digital teaching resources.
Teaching Methods for Science Subjects
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers teaching methods for Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology, including inquiry-based learning, practical work and laboratory pedagogy.
Laboratory Management, Assessment and Inclusive Education
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers laboratory management and safety, science practical assessment, evaluation techniques, inclusive education and supporting diverse learners.
Guidance, Counselling and Communication Skills
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers guidance and counselling, learner support, communication skills, professional ethics and classroom management.
Educational Research and School Administration
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers educational research methods, data collection and analysis, school administration, leadership and management basics.
Subject Specialisation and Micro-Teaching
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers in-depth subject specialisation in two science teaching subjects, with micro-teaching practice, laboratory demonstrations and peer assessment.
Teaching Practice
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
A supervised teaching practice placement at a secondary school, assessed through lesson observation, laboratory teaching, teaching performance and a reflective report.

Specialisations

Mathematics
Focuses on teaching Mathematics for careers as Mathematics teachers in secondary schools.
Physics
Specialises in teaching Physics and laboratory management for careers as Physics teachers.
Chemistry
Focuses on teaching Chemistry and practical work for careers as Chemistry teachers.
Biology
Specialises in teaching Biology and field work for careers as Biology teachers.

A day as a student

A typical day begins with a morning lecture on educational psychology or teaching methods, followed by a laboratory session on practical science teaching techniques. Afternoon sessions may include a micro-teaching practicum, an assessment design workshop, or a group discussion on inclusive education. Students also prepare lesson plans, laboratory experiments and teaching materials for teaching practice.

The trade offs

In its favour

Science teachers are in high demand in Kenya, with STEM education being a national priority.
The programme is offered at two public universities, providing study location options.
Graduates can progress to a Bachelor of Education (Science) degree programme.

Against it

Entry requirements are higher than most diplomas, requiring KCSE C+ with C+ in two science subjects.
Science teaching requires additional laboratory management and safety responsibilities beyond classroom teaching.

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

Public67k to 72k

67k at Public TVET Colleges (standardised rate)72k at Kibabii University (total new student fees)

Private60k to 60k

60k at Kabarak University (tuition 30K/sem)60k at Kabarak University (tuition 30K/sem)

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

TVET 67K, Kibabai 71.9K/yr; Kabarak 60K/yr tuition (kabarak.ac.ke, kibu.ac.ke)

Students can access HELB loans and government scholarships under Kenya's new funding model. STEM education initiatives may offer additional bursaries for science teacher trainees.

Funding options

HELB Loan

Scholarships

1 recorded

HELB Loan
LoanKsh 40,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in accredited programmes at recognised institutions

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+
Alternative entry: Diploma in Education with C+ in two science teaching subjects, or equivalent qualification from a recognised institution.

Two science teaching subjects
C+
Mathematics
C-

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment Tests
Written examination30% of the mark
Mid-semester and end-of-semester written tests covering educational psychology, curriculum and science teaching methods.
Laboratory Practicals and Micro-Teaching
Practicum30% of the mark
Assessment of laboratory sessions, micro-teaching, lesson plans, teaching materials and coursework assignments.
Research Project
Project40% of the mark
An educational research project on a science teaching or curriculum topic, assessed through a written report.
Teaching Practice Assessment
Practicum100% of the mark
Assessment of teaching performance during supervised teaching practice at a secondary school, including laboratory teaching.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Graduates are eligible for registration with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). The programme is offered at Machakos University and Rongo University.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Graduates are eligible for TSC registration. The programme is offered at Machakos University and Rongo University.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

Secondary School Science Teacher
High demandKsh 38,000 to Ksh 160,000
Teaches science subjects such as Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Biology in secondary schools, including laboratory practicals.
Curriculum Support Officer
Moderate demandKsh 38,000 to Ksh 140,000
Supports science curriculum implementation in schools, provides teacher mentoring and assists with STEM and CBC rollout at county level.
Laboratory Coordinator
Moderate demandKsh 33,000 to Ksh 120,000
Manages school science laboratories, prepares practical experiments, ensures safety standards and supports science teachers.
Education Programme Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 32,000 to Ksh 110,000
Supports STEM education programmes in NGOs and county governments, assists with science teacher training and community engagement.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as secondary school science teachers in public and private schools, with strong demand for STEM teachers in Kenya.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Science teaching is harder than arts teaching.
Both require specialised pedagogical skills; science teaching additionally requires laboratory management and safety knowledge but is not inherently harder.
A diploma in education science limits you to teaching only.
Graduates can work as curriculum support officers, education programme assistants, laboratory coordinators and in education-focused NGOs beyond classroom teaching.
Science teachers are only needed in urban schools.
Science teachers are in demand across all schools in Kenya, with particular need in rural and underserved areas.
You need to be a science genius to teach science.
The programme builds the necessary subject knowledge and teaching skills from the foundation up; passion for teaching and commitment to learning are more important than prior expertise.