Education

Master of Education (Chemistry)

The Master of Education in Chemistry is a postgraduate programme that trains chemistry teachers and educators in advanced chemistry content, pedagogy, curriculum development, and educational research. The programme prepares graduates for advanced teaching, curriculum development, and educational leadership in chemistry education.

Core areas include advanced chemistry, chemistry pedagogy, curriculum studies, educational research, assessment, media in chemistry education, and chemistry education research. Students engage with both chemistry content and educational theory and practice.

The programme is offered by Moi University as MEd Chemistry Education, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology as MEd Chemistry, and Kenyatta University through its School of Education. Maseno University offers MEd Pedagogy with Chemistry specialisation.

Students develop competencies in chemistry teaching, curriculum development, assessment design, educational research, and chemistry education innovation. The programme includes coursework, teaching practicum, examinations, research project or thesis, and oral defence.

KU education masters fees start at KES 216,000/year. Moi University and MMUST education masters fees are estimated at KES 120,000-140,000/year. Entry requires a Bachelor's degree in Education with Chemistry or equivalent with at least Second Class Honours Upper Division.

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

Skills Required

Advanced Chemistry Content Knowledge
Chemistry Pedagogy and Teaching Methods
Curriculum Development and Design
Educational Assessment and Evaluation
Chemistry Education Research
Media and Technology in Chemistry Education
Laboratory Management and Safety
Educational Research Methods
Chemistry Content Analysis and Organisation
Science Communication and Outreach

Key Subjects

Advanced Chemistry
Chemistry Pedagogy
Curriculum Studies
Educational Research Methods
Assessment in Chemistry Education
Media in Chemistry Education
Chemistry Education Research
Laboratory Management
Science Education
Educational Psychology

Certifications

RSC Chemistry Education Certification
TSC Teacher Registration

Specializations

Chemistry Pedagogy

Focuses on chemistry pedagogy, teaching methods, inquiry-based learning, practical work, and teaching chemistry effectively.

Curriculum Development

Examines chemistry curriculum development, curriculum design, standards, assessment, and developing chemistry curricula.

Educational Assessment

Covers educational assessment in chemistry, assessment design, evaluation, practical assessment, and assessing chemistry learning.

Media in Chemistry Education

Focuses on media and technology in chemistry education, simulations, visualisations, digital tools, and using technology to teach chemistry.

Chemistry Education Research

Examines chemistry education research, research methods, learning theories, misconceptions, and conducting research in chemistry education.

Laboratory Education

Covers laboratory education, practical work, experiments, safety, inquiry, and managing and teaching in chemistry laboratories.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 216,000
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: Full-time, Part-time
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 15 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Advanced Chemistry
Chemistry Pedagogy
Curriculum Studies
Educational Research Methods
Assessment in Chemistry Education
Media in Chemistry Education
Chemistry Education Research
Laboratory Management
Science Education
Educational Psychology

Modules

12 in the programme

Advanced Chemistry for Educators
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines advanced chemistry content including organic, inorganic, physical, and analytical chemistry at postgraduate level for chemistry educators.
Chemistry Pedagogy and Teaching Methods
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers chemistry pedagogy, teaching methods, inquiry-based learning, practical work, demonstrations, and teaching chemistry effectively.
Curriculum Development in Chemistry
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines chemistry curriculum development, curriculum design, standards, CBC, and developing chemistry curricula.
Educational Research Methods
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers educational research methods, design, data collection, analysis, and conducting research in chemistry education, preparing students for their thesis.
Assessment in Chemistry Education
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines assessment in chemistry education, assessment design, evaluation, practical assessment, and assessing chemistry learning.
Media and Technology in Chemistry Education
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers media and technology in chemistry education, simulations, visualisations, digital tools, and using technology to teach chemistry.
Laboratory Management and Safety
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines laboratory management, practical work, experiments, safety, chemical handling, and managing and teaching in chemistry laboratories.
Educational Psychology and Learning Theories
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers educational psychology, learning theories, cognition, constructivism, misconceptions, and understanding how students learn chemistry.
Chemistry Education Research
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines chemistry education research, research methods, learning theories, misconceptions, and conducting research in chemistry education.
Science Communication and Outreach
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers science communication, public understanding of chemistry, outreach, engagement, and communicating chemistry to diverse audiences.
Issues and Trends in Science Education
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines issues and trends in science education, STEM education, policy, reform, innovation, and understanding current developments in science education.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research thesis on a chemistry education topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Chemistry Pedagogy
Focuses on chemistry pedagogy, teaching methods, inquiry-based learning, practical work, and teaching chemistry effectively.
Curriculum Development
Examines chemistry curriculum development, curriculum design, standards, assessment, and developing chemistry curricula.
Educational Assessment
Covers educational assessment in chemistry, assessment design, evaluation, practical assessment, and assessing chemistry learning.
Media in Chemistry Education
Focuses on media and technology in chemistry education, simulations, visualisations, digital tools, and using technology to teach chemistry.
Chemistry Education Research
Examines chemistry education research, research methods, learning theories, misconceptions, and conducting research in chemistry education.
Laboratory Education
Covers laboratory education, practical work, experiments, safety, inquiry, and managing and teaching in chemistry laboratories.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MEd Chemistry programme begins with morning lectures on advanced chemistry, chemistry pedagogy, or curriculum studies. Students engage with both chemistry content and educational theory and practice. Advanced chemistry sessions cover organic, inorganic, physical, and analytical chemistry at postgraduate level. Chemistry pedagogy sessions examine teaching methods, inquiry-based learning, practical work, demonstrations, and teaching chemistry effectively. Curriculum studies sessions cover curriculum development, design, standards, CBC, and developing chemistry curricula. Assessment sessions examine assessment design, evaluation, practical assessment, and assessing chemistry learning. Media sessions cover simulations, visualisations, digital tools, and using technology to teach chemistry. Laboratory sessions examine laboratory management, practical work, experiments, safety, and teaching in chemistry laboratories. Research methods sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering chemistry education research methods, design, and data analysis. Teaching practicum provides hands-on experience in classrooms and laboratories. Guest lectures from experienced chemistry teachers, KICD curriculum developers, and international chemistry education experts provide real-world insights. The programme culminates in a research thesis.

The trade offs

In its favour

Kenya's STEM education push, CBC reforms, science teacher development, and laboratory improvement create demand for qualified chemistry education specialists.
KU offers MEd programmes at KES 216,000/year through its established School of Education.
Career opportunities in secondary schools, universities, KICD, TSC, and educational institutions.
Programme provides advanced chemistry and pedagogy skills for effective chemistry teaching and educational leadership.

Against it

Programme requires chemistry background, which may exclude graduates from other science disciplines.
Moi and MMUST fee structures for this exact programme not independently verified.
Chemistry education is a niche field with fewer positions compared to general education programmes.
Laboratory-based teaching requires access to well-equipped chemistry laboratories, which may be limited.

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

Public120k to 216k

120k at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology216k at Kenyatta 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

KU 216,000/yr (joweri Arts-based range). MMUST 120,000 unverified. Kabarak, AIU verified.

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. TSC supports teacher professional development. RSC supports chemistry education. The programme's chemistry education focus attracts TSC, RSC, and science education funding.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
TSC Teacher Development Funding
RSC Education Funding

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate chemistry education studies at recognised universities.
TSC Teacher Development Funding
GrantKsh 200,000Kenyan
TSC supports teacher professional development, providing funding for postgraduate study in chemistry education.
RSC Education Funding
FellowshipKsh 300,000
RSC supports chemistry education globally, providing fellowships for postgraduate study in chemistry education.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: The programme accepts graduates from education with chemistry, chemistry, and science education backgrounds. Moi, MMUST, and KU offer full-time and part-time modes. Two-year programme with teaching practicum and research thesis.

How you are assessed

4 components

Coursework and Continuous Assessment
Coursework40% of the mark
Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, lesson plans, pedagogical analysis, curriculum projects, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination40% of the mark
Written examinations covering advanced chemistry, pedagogy, curriculum, assessment, and research methods, conducted at end of each semester.
Teaching Practicum Assessment
Practical20% of the mark
Assessment of teaching practicum, including lesson delivery, laboratory supervision, student assessment, and practical teaching performance.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on a chemistry 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 MEd in Chemistry Education. MMUST offers MEd in Chemistry. KU offers MEd programmes through its School of Education. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate chemistry education training. TSC manages teachers in Kenya and KICD oversees curriculum development.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. Moi University offers MEd in Chemistry Education. MMUST offers MEd in Chemistry. KU offers MEd programmes through its School of Education. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate chemistry education training.
Teachers Service Commission (TSC)
Professional accreditation
TSC manages teachers in Kenya. Graduates working in educational institutions may benefit from TSC registration and professional development.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Chemistry Teacher
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 400,000
Teaches chemistry in secondary schools and colleges, overseeing instruction, laboratory work, assessment, and supporting student learning.
Curriculum Developer
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 500,000
Develops chemistry curricula at KICD or educational institutions, overseeing curriculum design, standards, and supporting chemistry education.
Teacher Educator
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 500,000
Trains chemistry teachers in universities and teacher training colleges, conducting research and supporting teacher development.
Education Officer
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 450,000
Manages chemistry education in education offices, overseeing programmes, standards, assessment, and supporting chemistry education quality.
Chemistry Education Researcher
Low demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 500,000
Conducts research in chemistry education, overseeing research projects, publications, and supporting evidence-based chemistry education.
University Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches chemistry and chemistry education in universities, conducting research and training future chemistry teachers and educators.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as chemistry teachers, curriculum developers, teacher educators, and education officers in schools, universities, and educational institutions.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

PhET Simulations
SoftwarePrimary
Interactive science simulations for chemistry education, providing visualisations, experiments, and interactive learning tools.
ChemDraw
Software
Chemistry drawing software for creating chemical structures, diagrams, and visualisations for chemistry education.
SPSS
Software
Statistical software for chemistry education research, survey analysis, and research data analysis.
Google Scholar
Platform
Academic search platform for chemistry education research, finding scholarly articles, and accessing chemistry education literature.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

MEd Chemistry is just about learning more chemistry.
The programme focuses on chemistry pedagogy, curriculum, assessment, research, and educational theory, not just chemistry content.
This programme is only for secondary school teachers.
The programme is for chemistry teachers, curriculum developers, teacher educators, and education researchers across all levels.
Chemistry education is not a serious research field.
Chemistry education research is a rigorous field with established methods, theories, and significant contributions to science education.
There is limited demand for chemistry education specialists.
Kenya's STEM education push, CBC reforms, and science teacher development create demand for qualified chemistry education specialists.
A master's in chemistry education is redundant after a BEd.
The master's provides advanced pedagogical skills, research capability, specialisation, and career progression to senior education positions.
Chemistry education is only about laboratory work.
Chemistry education covers theory, pedagogy, curriculum, assessment, research, technology, and policy, far beyond laboratory work.