Education

Master of Education (Biology)

The Master of Education (Biology) is a specialised postgraduate programme designed for educators seeking to advance their knowledge and skills in biology education. The programme combines advanced biological content with pedagogical theory, preparing graduates to teach biology at secondary and tertiary levels and to conduct research in science education.

Core areas include advanced biology content, curriculum development, instructional methods in science education, educational research methods, assessment and evaluation, educational psychology, and thesis research. Students engage with both biological science and educational theory.

The programme is offered by Moi University through its School of Education, offering M.Ed. in Biology Education, and by Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST), offering M.Ed. in Biology. Both are public universities with the programme running for two academic years on a full-time or part-time basis.

Students develop competencies in biology content knowledge, curriculum design, instructional strategies, science education research, assessment methods, and educational leadership. The programme includes coursework, examinations, teaching practicum, and thesis research across four semesters.

MMUST charges KES 163,000 in Year 1 and KES 138,500 in Year 2, totalling KES 301,500 for the full programme. Moi University charges approximately KES 187,200 per year. Entry requires a Bachelor of Education degree with at least Second Class Honours Upper Division or Lower Division with relevant experience.

Graduates pursue careers as biology teachers, curriculum developers, science education officers, teacher educators, and education researchers in secondary schools, universities, and educational institutions.

Skills Required

Advanced Biology Content Knowledge
Science Curriculum Development and Design
Instructional Methods in Science Education
Educational Research Methods and Analysis
Assessment and Evaluation in Science Education
Educational Psychology and Learning Theory
Biology Laboratory Management and Safety
Science Education Policy and Leadership
Educational Technology in Science Teaching
Research and Thesis Writing in Education

Key Subjects

Advanced Biology Content
Curriculum Development in Science Education
Instructional Methods in Biology Teaching
Educational Research Methods
Assessment and Evaluation in Science Education
Educational Psychology
Biology Laboratory Management
Science Education Policy
Educational Technology in Science Teaching
Thesis Research in Biology Education

Certifications

TSC Teacher Registration
KNEC Examiner Certification

Specializations

Curriculum and Instruction in Biology

Focuses on biology curriculum development, instructional design, teaching strategies, and developing and implementing biology curricula in educational institutions.

Science Education Research

Examines research methods in science education, conducting studies on teaching and learning biology, and contributing to science education knowledge.

Educational Assessment in Science

Covers assessment and evaluation in science education, developing tests, rubrics, and evaluation tools for biology education.

Educational Leadership in Science

Focuses on leadership in science education departments, managing science programmes, and leading science education initiatives in schools and institutions.

Biology Content Specialisation

Examines advanced biology topics including genetics, ecology, physiology, evolution, and microbiology for deeper subject knowledge.

Educational Technology in Biology

Covers integrating technology in biology teaching, using simulations, virtual labs, and digital tools to enhance biology education.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 187,200
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: 20 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Advanced Biology Content
Curriculum Development in Science Education
Instructional Methods in Biology Teaching
Educational Research Methods
Assessment and Evaluation in Science Education
Educational Psychology
Biology Laboratory Management
Science Education Policy
Educational Technology in Science Teaching
Thesis Research in Biology Education

Modules

12 in the programme

Advanced Biology Content
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines advanced biology topics including genetics, ecology, physiology, evolution, and microbiology, providing deeper subject knowledge for biology educators.
Curriculum Development in Science Education
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers biology curriculum design, instructional design, curriculum frameworks, and developing and implementing biology curricula in educational institutions.
Instructional Methods in Biology Teaching
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines teaching strategies, inquiry-based learning, practical work, laboratory sessions, and effective biology teaching methods for secondary and tertiary education.
Educational Research Methods
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research design, data collection, analysis, and conducting science education research, preparing students for their thesis.
Educational Psychology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines learning theory, cognition, motivation, and applying educational psychology to biology teaching and learning.
Assessment and Evaluation in Science Education
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers developing tests, rubrics, and evaluation tools for biology education, and assessing and evaluating student learning in science.
Biology Laboratory Management and Safety
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines biology laboratory safety, equipment management, conducting practical sessions, and managing biology laboratories in educational institutions.
Educational Technology in Science Teaching
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers integrating technology in biology teaching, using simulations, virtual labs, digital tools, and enhancing biology education with technology.
Science Education Policy and Leadership
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines science education policy, leadership in science departments, managing science programmes, and leading science education initiatives.
Teaching Practicum
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Supervised teaching practice in a biology classroom, providing hands-on experience in teaching biology and applying instructional methods and assessment.
Research Seminar
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Preparation of research proposal, including research design, literature review, methodology, and proposal presentation for thesis development.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research thesis on a biology education topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Curriculum and Instruction in Biology
Focuses on biology curriculum development, instructional design, teaching strategies, and developing and implementing biology curricula in educational institutions.
Science Education Research
Examines research methods in science education, conducting studies on teaching and learning biology, and contributing to science education knowledge.
Educational Assessment in Science
Covers assessment and evaluation in science education, developing tests, rubrics, and evaluation tools for biology education.
Educational Leadership in Science
Focuses on leadership in science education departments, managing science programmes, and leading science education initiatives in schools and institutions.
Biology Content Specialisation
Examines advanced biology topics including genetics, ecology, physiology, evolution, and microbiology for deeper subject knowledge.
Educational Technology in Biology
Covers integrating technology in biology teaching, using simulations, virtual labs, and digital tools to enhance biology education.

A day as a student

A typical day during the M.Ed. (Biology) programme combines lectures, laboratory sessions, teaching practice, seminars, and research. Sessions cover advanced biology content, curriculum development, instructional methods, and educational research. Advanced biology sessions examine genetics, ecology, physiology, evolution, and microbiology for deeper subject knowledge. Curriculum development sessions cover biology curriculum design, instructional design, and developing and implementing biology curricula. Instructional methods sessions examine teaching strategies, inquiry-based learning, practical work, and effective biology teaching methods. Educational research methods sessions cover research design, data collection, analysis, and conducting science education research. Assessment sessions examine developing tests, rubrics, and evaluation tools for biology education. Educational psychology sessions cover learning theory, cognition, motivation, and applying psychology to biology teaching. Laboratory management sessions cover biology laboratory safety, equipment management, and conducting practical sessions. Educational technology sessions cover integrating simulations, virtual labs, and digital tools in biology teaching. Seminars provide opportunities for presenting research, discussing current issues in science education, and peer learning. Teaching practice provides hands-on classroom experience. Guest lectures from experienced biology educators and researchers provide insights. The programme culminates in a research thesis on a biology education topic.

The trade offs

In its favour

Programme combines advanced biology content with pedagogical theory, producing educators who understand both subject and teaching methodology.
Biology is a core science subject in Kenyan secondary schools, creating consistent demand for qualified biology teachers.
Affordable tuition at public universities, with MMUST at KES 301,500 total and Moi University at approximately KES 187,200/year.
Research thesis develops analytical and research skills valued in education and academic careers.

Against it

Programme is only offered by two public universities in Kenya, limiting geographic choice.
No private university option for those preferring private education or flexible study modes.
Requires a Bachelor of Education or B.Sc. with PGDE, limiting entry for graduates from unrelated disciplines.
Career advancement may require additional qualifications or experience beyond the M.Ed. for senior education roles.

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

Public139k to 187k

139k at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology187k at Moi University

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

Moi 187,200/yr (worldscholarshipforum). MMUST 138,500/yr Yr2 (2018/19). Kabarak, AIU verified.

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. TSC supports teacher professional development. MMUST offers bursaries for qualifying students. Science education programmes may attract support from educational organisations and STEM initiatives.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
TSC Teacher Professional Development
MMUST Bursary

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate education studies at recognised universities.
TSC Teacher Professional Development
ScholarshipKsh 150,000Kenyan
Teachers Service Commission supports professional development for registered teachers pursuing postgraduate education qualifications.
MMUST Bursary
BursaryKsh 50,000Kenyan
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology offers bursaries for qualifying postgraduate students demonstrating financial need.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: Moi University requires a Bachelor of Education degree with at least Upper Second Class Honours, or Lower Second with two years' working experience. MMUST requires a Bachelor's degree with First Class Honours, Upper Second, or Lower Second with two years' working experience. A B.Sc. in Biology with a Postgraduate Diploma in Education may also be considered. Contact respective universities for specific admission requirements.

How you are assessed

4 components

Coursework and Continuous Assessment
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, lesson planning, micro-teaching, seminar presentations, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination40% of the mark
Written examinations covering advanced biology content, curriculum development, instructional methods, and educational research methods.
Teaching Practicum
Practical30% of the mark
Practical assessment through supervised teaching practice in a biology classroom, demonstrating instructional skills, assessment methods, and classroom management.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on a biology education topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Moi University offers M.Ed. in Biology Education through its School of Education, and MMUST offers M.Ed. in Biology. Both programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate science education. Graduates are eligible for TSC registration and KNEC examiner certification.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. Moi University offers M.Ed. in Biology Education through its School of Education, and MMUST offers M.Ed. in Biology. Both programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate science education. Graduates are eligible for TSC registration and KNEC examiner certification.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Biology Teacher
High demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 250,000
Teaches biology in secondary schools, overseeing instruction, practicals, assessment, and supporting student learning in biology.
Curriculum Developer
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 400,000
Develops biology curricula and instructional materials, overseeing curriculum design, content development, and supporting biology education.
Science Education Officer
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 350,000
Supports science education programmes, overseeing science education initiatives, teacher training, and promoting science education.
Teacher Educator
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 450,000
Trains future biology teachers at universities and teacher training colleges, overseeing teacher education and professional development.
Education Researcher
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 400,000
Conducts research in science education, overseeing research projects, publishing findings, and contributing to science education knowledge.
Biology Lecturer
High demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches biology at universities and tertiary institutions, overseeing instruction, research, and supporting student learning in biology.

Graduate outcomes

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

SPSS
SoftwarePrimary
Statistical analysis software for educational research, data analysis, quantitative methods, and analysing and interpreting research data for thesis.
Microsoft Excel
Software
Spreadsheet software for data analysis, grade management, assessment tracking, and managing educational data and calculations.
PhET Interactive Simulations
Software
Interactive science simulations for biology teaching, providing virtual labs and demonstrations to enhance biology education.
Microsoft PowerPoint
Software
Presentation software for teaching presentations, lectures, research presentations, and communicating biology concepts and educational content.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

M.Ed. (Biology) is only for those who want to become school teachers.
Graduates pursue diverse careers including curriculum development, teacher education, education research, education policy, and science education leadership in universities and educational institutions.
The programme is purely about biology content with no pedagogy.
The programme deliberately combines advanced biology content with pedagogical theory, curriculum development, and instructional methods, preparing educators who understand both subject and teaching.
You need a B.Ed. in Biology to enrol.
While a B.Ed. in Biology is the standard entry, some universities accept B.Sc. graduates with a Postgraduate Diploma in Education or relevant teaching experience.
The programme is only offered at one university.
M.Ed. in Biology is offered by both Moi University and Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, providing choice of institution.
Biology education has limited career prospects in Kenya.
Biology is a core science subject in Kenyan secondary schools, creating consistent demand for qualified biology teachers and educators.
The programme does not involve research.
The programme includes a substantial research thesis component, developing research skills and contributing to science education knowledge.