Education

Master of Arts in Cognitive Neuroscience (Learning Difficulties)

The Master of Arts in Cognitive Neuroscience (Learning Difficulties) at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology is a pioneering postgraduate programme — the first of its kind in Africa. Housed in the Department of Educational Psychology within the School of Education, the programme integrates insights from psychology, neuroscience, education, and computer science to deepen understanding of the brain's role in cognition, behaviour, and learning difficulties.

The curriculum covers cognitive neuroscience foundations, neurodevelopmental disorders, learning disabilities assessment, brain-behaviour relationships, research methodology, and the use of advanced neuroimaging technologies. Students gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge equipment including EEG, eye tracking, and MRI systems in the cognitive neuroscience laboratory, supporting both coursework and research activities.

Admission requires a bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline — psychology, education, special needs education, or related fields — with at least an Upper Second Class Honours from a recognised university. The programme is designed for educators, psychologists, and health professionals seeking advanced expertise in the neurological bases of learning difficulties.

The programme was assessed by the Commission for University Education (CUE) in December 2025 for accreditation. MMUST is a CUE-accredited public university, and the programme has been developed in collaboration with the University of Jyvaskyla, Finland, bringing international expertise to the curriculum.

Career prospects include roles in special needs education, educational psychology, neurodevelopmental research, learning disability assessment, and academia. Graduates work in educational institutions, research centres, hospitals, and organisations serving individuals with learning difficulties and neurodevelopmental disorders.

The programme addresses the critical gap in Africa for professionals trained in cognitive neuroscience applied to learning difficulties. With increasing recognition of conditions such as dyslexia, autism, and ADHD in Kenyan schools, there is growing demand for specialists who can assess, support, and research learning difficulties using evidence-based neuroscience approaches.

Skills Required

Cognitive neuroscience theory and application
Neurodevelopmental disorder assessment
Learning disability identification and support
EEG data collection and interpretation
Eye tracking research methodology
Neuroimaging techniques and analysis
Research methods in neuroscience and education
Behavioural assessment and analysis
Special needs education interventions
Statistical analysis of neurological data

Key Subjects

Cognitive Neuroscience Foundations
Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Learning Disabilities Assessment
Brain and Behaviour
Research Methods in Neuroscience
EEG and Eye Tracking Methodology
Educational Psychology
Special Needs Education
Statistical Analysis for Neuroscience
Cognitive Processing and Assessment

Certifications

Society for Neuroscience Membership
International Brain Research Organization Certification
Kenya Institute of Special Education Certification
International Dyslexia Association Certification

Specializations

Learning Disabilities

Focuses on the neurological bases of learning disabilities including dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia, with emphasis on assessment and evidence-based interventions.

Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Examines the cognitive neuroscience of autism spectrum disorders and other neurodevelopmental conditions, including early detection and intervention strategies.

Educational Neuroscience

Applies neuroscience findings to educational practice, exploring how brain function relates to learning, memory, attention, and educational outcomes.

Neuroimaging and Research Methods

Develops technical skills in neuroimaging methods including EEG, eye tracking, and MRI, supporting research into brain-behaviour relationships.

Behavioural and Cognitive Assessment

Covers assessment techniques for cognitive processing, behaviour evaluation, and motor abilities in individuals with learning difficulties.

Social Emotional Processing

Examines the neural bases of social and emotional processing in individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions, informing support strategies.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 150,750
Private, up to: Ksh 191,050
Job market: High

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Part-time
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 10 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Cognitive Neuroscience Foundations
Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Learning Disabilities Assessment
Brain and Behaviour
Research Methods in Neuroscience
EEG and Eye Tracking Methodology
Educational Psychology
Special Needs Education
Statistical Analysis for Neuroscience
Cognitive Processing and Assessment

Modules

11 in the programme

Cognitive Neuroscience Foundations
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Foundational principles of cognitive neuroscience, including brain structure, neural systems, and the neural bases of cognition and behaviour.
Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Neurodevelopmental conditions including autism, ADHD, intellectual disabilities, and specific learning disorders, examining their neural bases and manifestations.
Learning Disabilities Assessment
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Methods for identifying and assessing learning disabilities, including standardised testing, behavioural observation, and neuroscience-informed assessment tools.
Research Methods in Neuroscience
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Quantitative and qualitative research methods for cognitive neuroscience research, including experimental design, statistical analysis, and ethical considerations.
Brain and Behaviour
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Relationships between brain function and behaviour, examining how neural processes underpin cognition, emotion, and learning.
EEG and Eye Tracking Methodology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Practical training in EEG and eye tracking data collection, analysis, and interpretation for cognitive neuroscience research.
Educational Psychology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Psychological principles applied to education, including learning theories, motivation, and individual differences in learning.
Statistical Analysis for Neuroscience
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Statistical methods for analysing neuroscience data, including EEG signal processing, behavioural data analysis, and neuroimaging statistics.
Special Needs Education Interventions
Year 2Semester 33 creditsElective
Evidence-based interventions for learners with special needs, integrating neuroscience findings with educational practice.
Cognitive Processing and Assessment
Year 2Semester 33 creditsElective
Assessment of cognitive processing abilities, including attention, memory, executive function, and processing speed in individuals with learning difficulties.
Thesis / Research Project
Year 2Semester 412 creditsCore
Independent research thesis on a cognitive neuroscience topic related to learning difficulties, conducted under faculty supervision with laboratory-based data collection.

Specialisations

Learning Disabilities
Focuses on the neurological bases of learning disabilities including dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia, with emphasis on assessment and evidence-based interventions.
Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Examines the cognitive neuroscience of autism spectrum disorders and other neurodevelopmental conditions, including early detection and intervention strategies.
Educational Neuroscience
Applies neuroscience findings to educational practice, exploring how brain function relates to learning, memory, attention, and educational outcomes.
Neuroimaging and Research Methods
Develops technical skills in neuroimaging methods including EEG, eye tracking, and MRI, supporting research into brain-behaviour relationships.
Behavioural and Cognitive Assessment
Covers assessment techniques for cognitive processing, behaviour evaluation, and motor abilities in individuals with learning difficulties.
Social Emotional Processing
Examines the neural bases of social and emotional processing in individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions, informing support strategies.

A day as a student

A typical day begins with morning lectures on cognitive neuroscience theory, neurodevelopmental disorders, or brain-behaviour relationships, followed by laboratory sessions using EEG, eye tracking, or neuroimaging equipment. Afternoons involve data analysis workshops, research methodology seminars, or case study discussions on learning difficulties assessment. Students regularly engage with visiting researchers from partner institutions including the University of Jyvaskyla and Indiana University. The cognitive neuroscience laboratory provides hands-on experience with cutting-edge equipment for brain activity recording and behavioural assessment. Independent reading of neuroscience literature, data analysis, and thesis research occupy significant time, with regular consultations with faculty supervisors.

The trade offs

In its favour

First cognitive neuroscience master's programme in Africa, positioning graduates as pioneers in this emerging field.
Hands-on experience with cutting-edge neuroscience equipment including EEG, eye tracking, and MRI in a dedicated laboratory.
International collaboration with University of Jyvaskyla, Finland and Indiana University, providing global expertise and research opportunities.
Addresses critical gap in Africa for neuroscience-informed approaches to learning difficulties and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Against it

Very new programme with limited alumni network and established career pathways.
Only offered at one institution, limiting choice and geographic accessibility for prospective students.
Programme may require additional laboratory fees for neuroscience equipment usage.
Limited specialised faculty in cognitive neuroscience in Kenya, potentially affecting supervision capacity.

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

Public94k to 151k

94k at The Open University of Kenya151k at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology

Private165k to 191k

165k at Kabarak University191k at Africa International 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

OUK 93,750/yr (official). MMUST 150,750/yr avg (2018/19 fee structure). Kabarak, AIU verified.

HELB offers postgraduate loans for Kenyan students at public universities. IBRO provides research grants supporting neuroscience capacity building in Africa. MMUST may offer institutional postgraduate scholarships. The programme's international collaborations may provide exchange and research funding opportunities.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
MMUST Postgraduate Scholarships
IBRO Research Grants

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan citizens pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities. Applicants must meet HELB eligibility criteria.
IBRO Research Grant
ScholarshipKsh 400,000
African neuroscience researchers and students supported by the International Brain Research Organization's capacity building programmes.
MMUST Postgraduate Scholarship
ScholarshipKsh 150,000Kenyan
Qualifying postgraduate students at MMUST based on academic merit and financial need.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: The programme is designed for educators, psychologists, special needs teachers, and health professionals seeking advanced expertise in cognitive neuroscience applied to learning difficulties. Relevant professional experience in special needs education, educational psychology, or neurodevelopmental services may be considered for non-standard entry.

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment
Coursework40% of the mark
Ongoing assessment through assignments, laboratory reports, seminar presentations, and research critiques throughout each semester.
End-of-Semester Examination
Examination60% of the mark
Written examination conducted at the end of each semester for each course unit.
Thesis / Research Project
Project100% of the mark
Independent research thesis using neuroscience laboratory methods, assessed through written submission and oral defence.
Laboratory Practical Assessment
Practical30% of the mark
Assessment of practical skills in EEG operation, eye tracking data collection, and neuroimaging data analysis in the cognitive neuroscience laboratory.

Accreditation

The programme was assessed by the Commission for University Education (CUE) in December 2025 for accreditation. MMUST is a CUE-accredited public university, and the programme has been developed in line with CUE standards for innovative, emerging-field programmes.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Statutory accreditation required for all university programmes in Kenya. CUE assessed MMUST's resources for this programme in December 2025. MMUST is a CUE-accredited public university.
Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE)
Professional alignment
Kenyan government institution for special needs education. Graduates working in special needs settings should align with KISE standards and guidelines.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

Educational Psychologist
High demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 250,000
Applies cognitive neuroscience knowledge to assess and support learners with learning difficulties in educational settings.
Special Needs Education Specialist
High demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 220,000
Provides specialised support for learners with neurodevelopmental disorders, using neuroscience-informed assessment and intervention strategies.
Neuroscience Researcher
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 280,000
Conducts research on cognitive neuroscience, learning difficulties, and neurodevelopmental disorders for research institutions and universities.
Learning Disability Assessor
Moderate demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 230,000
Assesses individuals for learning disabilities using neuroscience-based tools, providing recommendations for educational support and accommodation.
University Lecturer in Educational Psychology
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 250,000
Teaches educational psychology and cognitive neuroscience courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, conducting research on learning difficulties.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers in special needs education, educational psychology, neurodevelopmental research, learning disability assessment, and academia across educational institutions, research centres, and health facilities.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

EEG Lab (MATLAB)
Neuroscience toolsPrimary
Open-source MATLAB toolbox for processing electrophysiological data from EEG recordings, used for brain activity analysis.
Tobii Pro Lab
Eye trackingPrimary
Eye tracking software for designing experiments, recording gaze data, and analysing visual attention patterns in neuroscience research.
SPSS
Research software
Statistical analysis software for behavioural data analysis, research statistics, and programme evaluation.
R Studio
Research software
Statistical computing environment for advanced data analysis, neuroimaging statistics, and research visualisation.
Python (Neuroimaging Libraries)
Programming
Programming language with neuroimaging libraries (NiPy, MNE-Python) for EEG/fMRI data processing and analysis.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Cognitive neuroscience is only for medical doctors.
The programme is designed for educators, psychologists, and professionals from related fields, requiring no medical background but a relevant bachelor's degree.
This programme is too theoretical with no practical application.
The programme includes extensive hands-on laboratory work with EEG, eye tracking, and neuroimaging equipment, applying neuroscience to real learning difficulty assessment.
Cognitive neuroscience has no relevance to Kenyan schools.
Learning difficulties such as dyslexia, autism, and ADHD are increasingly recognised in Kenyan schools, creating demand for neuroscience-informed assessment and support.
The programme is only for those wanting to become researchers.
Graduates work in diverse roles including special needs teaching, educational psychology practice, learning disability assessment, and programme development.
African universities cannot offer quality neuroscience programmes.
MMUST is the first African university to offer this programme, developed with international collaboration and equipped with cutting-edge neuroscience technology.
The programme is too new to be recognised.
The programme has been assessed by CUE for accreditation and is developed in line with CUE standards, ensuring quality and recognition.