Education

Master of Distance Education

The Master of Distance Education at the University of Nairobi is a postgraduate programme offered through the Department of Educational and Distance Studies in the Faculty of Education. The programme equips students with modern skills to leverage digital technologies in teaching, management of educational institutions, and policy development in education.

The programme provides a strong grounding in the distance education discipline, covering theoretical foundations, practical applications, and policy aspects of distance and open learning. Students develop competencies in designing, developing, and managing distance education programmes for diverse learner populations.

The curriculum comprises eleven core course units and one elective unit, followed by a research project equivalent to four course units. Coursework covers distance education theory, instructional design for distance learning, educational technology, learner support systems, and research methods. The programme includes case studies from distance education settings worldwide and practical work in developing distance education materials.

Admission requires a Bachelor's degree in any discipline with at least Second Class Honours (Upper Division) from the University of Nairobi or an equivalent qualification from a recognised institution. Holders of Second Class Honours (Lower Division) with two years of relevant working experience, or pass degree holders with a postgraduate diploma or five years of relevant experience, are also eligible.

The programme runs over a minimum of four semesters and a maximum of ten semesters of fifteen weeks each, with intakes in September. Students take a minimum of two and a maximum of four course units per semester, providing flexibility for working professionals in the education sector.

Graduates are prepared for roles in educational administration, distance education programme management, instructional design, educational policy development, and academia. The programme directly supports Kenya's Vision 2030 by developing capacity in distance education, which has become an important vehicle for providing education and training opportunities at scale.

Skills Required

Distance education programme design
Instructional design for online learning
Educational technology integration
Learner support systems management
Distance education policy development
Open educational resources development
E-learning platform management
Distance education research methods
Quality assurance in distance education
Educational project management

Key Subjects

Distance Education Theory and Practice
Instructional Design for Distance Learning
Educational Technology
Learner Support Systems
Research Methods in Education
Distance Education Policy and Planning
Open and Distance Learning Management
Educational Evaluation and Assessment
E-learning Development
Distance Education Project

Certifications

Kenya Institute of Management (KIM) Membership
International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE) Membership
Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) Membership

Specializations

Instructional Design for Distance Learning

Focuses on the design and development of instructional materials and learning experiences for distance and online education environments.

Educational Technology Management

Covers the selection, implementation, and management of educational technologies for distance learning programmes, including learning management systems.

Distance Education Policy and Planning

Examines policy frameworks, strategic planning, and regulatory environments for distance education at institutional, national, and international levels.

Learner Support Systems

Focuses on designing and managing learner support services for distance education, including academic advising, tutoring, counselling, and technical support.

Open Educational Resources Development

Covers the development, management, and use of open educational resources in distance education programmes, including licensing and quality assurance.

Quality Assurance in Distance Education

Examines quality assurance frameworks, accreditation standards, and evaluation methods for distance education programmes and institutions.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 294,000
Private, up to: Ksh 191,050
Job market: Moderate

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Part-time
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 25 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Distance Education Theory and Practice
Instructional Design for Distance Learning
Educational Technology
Learner Support Systems
Research Methods in Education
Distance Education Policy and Planning
Open and Distance Learning Management
Educational Evaluation and Assessment
E-learning Development
Distance Education Project

Modules

12 in the programme

Foundations of Distance Education
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers the theoretical foundations of distance education, including historical development, philosophical underpinnings, and contemporary models of distance and open learning.
Instructional Design for Distance Learning
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines instructional design principles and models for distance learning, including needs analysis, content development, and assessment design for online environments.
Educational Technology in Distance Education
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers educational technologies used in distance education, including learning management systems, multimedia development, and emerging technologies for online learning.
Learner Support Systems
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines learner support systems in distance education, including academic advising, online tutoring, counselling services, and technical support for distance learners.
Research Methods in Education
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Introduces research methodologies for educational research, covering study design, data collection, statistical analysis, and research ethics in distance education contexts.
Distance Education Policy and Planning
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Examines policy frameworks and strategic planning for distance education at institutional, national, and international levels, including regulatory and accreditation issues.
Open and Distance Learning Management
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Covers management principles for open and distance learning institutions, including programme administration, resource management, and organisational structures.
Educational Evaluation and Assessment
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Examines evaluation and assessment methods for distance education programmes, including online assessment design, programme evaluation, and quality assurance.
E-learning Development
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Covers the development of e-learning materials, including multimedia content creation, interactive courseware development, and learning platform management.
Comparative Distance Education
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Examines distance education systems and practices across different countries and regions, comparing models, policies, and outcomes in global perspective.
Elective Course Unit
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
An elective course unit selected by the department, covering specialised topics in distance education such as mobile learning, open educational resources, or distance education for development.
Research Project
Year 2Semester 412 creditsCore
An original research project in distance education, equivalent to four course units, demonstrating mastery of research methods and contribution to distance education knowledge.

Specialisations

Instructional Design for Distance Learning
Focuses on the design and development of instructional materials and learning experiences for distance and online education environments.
Educational Technology Management
Covers the selection, implementation, and management of educational technologies for distance learning programmes, including learning management systems.
Distance Education Policy and Planning
Examines policy frameworks, strategic planning, and regulatory environments for distance education at institutional, national, and international levels.
Learner Support Systems
Focuses on designing and managing learner support services for distance education, including academic advising, tutoring, counselling, and technical support.
Open Educational Resources Development
Covers the development, management, and use of open educational resources in distance education programmes, including licensing and quality assurance.
Quality Assurance in Distance Education
Examines quality assurance frameworks, accreditation standards, and evaluation methods for distance education programmes and institutions.

A day as a student

A typical day for a Master of Distance Education student at UoN combines lectures on distance education theory, instructional design, or educational technology with practical sessions developing distance learning materials. Students engage with case studies from distance education settings worldwide, analysing learner support systems, assessment strategies, and technology integration. Group projects involve designing distance education courseware or developing learner support frameworks. Research methodology sessions prepare students for their research project, which is undertaken after completion of coursework. The programme's flexible scheduling accommodates working professionals in the education sector.

The trade offs

In its favour

The programme is a flagship UoN programme supporting Kenya's Vision 2030 by developing capacity in distance education.
Flexible scheduling with a minimum of two and maximum of four units per semester accommodates working professionals in the education sector.
The programme accepts graduates from any discipline, making it accessible to professionals from diverse backgrounds seeking to specialise in distance education.

Against it

The programme is offered only at UoN, limiting institutional choice for prospective students.
Distance education as a specialised field may have fewer direct career opportunities compared to broader education or management qualifications.
The total programme cost of KES 556,600 over two years may be a significant investment for education sector professionals with typically modest salaries.

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 294k

94k at The Open University of Kenya294k at University of Nairobi

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

UoN 294,000/yr Yr1 (556,600/2yr, official). OUK 93,750/yr verified. Kabarak, AIU verified.

Funding options include HELB postgraduate loans for Kenyan students, UoN internal postgraduate scholarships, and Commonwealth of Learning scholarships for distance education practitioners.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
University of Nairobi Postgraduate Scholarships
Commonwealth of Learning Scholarships

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities.
University of Nairobi Postgraduate Scholarships
ScholarshipKsh 150,000
Students demonstrating academic merit and financial need at the University of Nairobi, subject to availability.
Commonwealth of Learning Scholarships
ScholarshipKsh 200,000
Distance education practitioners from Commonwealth countries may access COL-supported scholarships and capacity building opportunities.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: Second Class Honours (Lower Division) with two years of relevant working experience. Pass degree holders with a postgraduate diploma or five years of relevant working experience are also eligible. Equivalent qualifications from institutions recognised by the UoN Senate are accepted.

How you are assessed

4 components

Coursework Assignments
Coursework30% of the mark
Written assignments, case study analyses, instructional design projects, and policy papers submitted for each course unit.
Practical Projects
Practical20% of the mark
Practical projects developing distance education materials, e-learning content, and learner support frameworks.
End-of-Semester Examinations
Exam30% of the mark
Written examinations at the end of each semester, testing mastery of distance education theory, instructional design, and policy knowledge.
Research Project
Project20% of the mark
An original research project in distance education, equivalent to four course units, demonstrating research competence and contribution to distance education practice.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The University of Nairobi is a CUE-chartered public university. The programme is offered through the Faculty of Education.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Statutory accreditation for all Kenyan university programmes. The University of Nairobi is a CUE-chartered public university.
International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE)
Professional affiliation
Global membership organisation for open and distance education, providing international standards and professional recognition for distance education practitioners.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Distance Education Coordinator
Moderate demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 200,000
Coordinates distance education programmes in universities or training institutions, managing course development, learner support, and programme delivery.
Instructional Designer
Moderate demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 180,000
Designs and develops instructional materials and online learning experiences for educational institutions, corporate training, or e-learning companies.
E-learning Manager
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 230,000
Manages e-learning platforms and online learning programmes in educational institutions or corporate training departments.
Education Policy Officer
Moderate demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 210,000
Develops and implements education policies related to distance and open learning for government agencies, NGOs, or international organisations.
Education Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 200,000
Teaches education and distance learning courses at universities and colleges, combining academic instruction with research and programme development.
Training and Development Manager
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 250,000
Manages training programmes and professional development initiatives using distance and online learning approaches in corporate or institutional settings.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue roles in educational administration, distance education programme management, instructional design, educational policy development, and academia across Kenya and the East African region.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Moodle
SoftwarePrimary
Open-source learning management system widely used in educational institutions for delivering online and distance education courses.
Articulate Storyline
Software
E-learning authoring tool for creating interactive online courses, assessments, and multimedia learning content for distance education.
SPSS
Software
Statistical analysis software for educational research, data analysis, and evidence-based decision-making in distance education.
Zoom
Software
Video conferencing platform for synchronous online learning sessions, virtual classrooms, and remote learner support in distance education.
Google Workspace for Education
Software
Cloud-based productivity and collaboration tools for course management, content sharing, and learner communication in distance education programmes.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Distance education is inferior to face-to-face education.
Well-designed distance education programmes can achieve learning outcomes comparable to or better than traditional programmes, with the added benefit of flexibility and accessibility for diverse learner populations.
A master's in distance education is only for those who want to teach online.
The programme prepares graduates for diverse roles including educational administration, policy development, instructional design, programme management, and research in distance and open learning.
Distance education is only relevant for developing countries.
Distance education is a global phenomenon, with leading universities worldwide offering online programmes, and the skills gained being applicable across developed and developing contexts.
The programme does not require technical skills.
The programme integrates educational technology, e-learning platform management, and digital instructional design, requiring and developing significant technical competencies.
Distance education is only about putting course materials online.
Distance education involves complex systems including instructional design, learner support, assessment, quality assurance, policy frameworks, and technology integration beyond simply uploading materials.