Education

Master of Education (Child Development and Family Studies)

The Master of Education in Child Development and Family Studies provides advanced training in child development, family studies, educational psychology, and child education. Students learn child development theories, family dynamics, educational programme design, child counselling, and research methods. The programme is designed for educators, child development professionals, and family studies practitioners seeking advanced qualifications.

Students develop advanced competencies in child development, family studies, educational psychology, child counselling, programme design, and research. The curriculum covers child development theories, family studies, theological foundations of education, Christian and professional ethics, research methods, data analysis, child behaviour guidance and counselling, and a research project. Practical skills are developed through case studies and applied research.

Child development and family studies expertise is important for Kenya's education and social sectors. Schools, child development organisations, family counselling centres, churches, and NGOs require trained personnel for child development and family support. Kenya's focus on early childhood development and family wellbeing creates demand for advanced qualifications. The programme addresses the demand for advanced child development and family studies training.

The programme combines classroom lectures with case studies, discussions, and research. Students study child development concepts, analyse family dynamics, design educational programmes, and conduct research. Teaching methods include lectures, case studies, group discussions, and research-based work. The programme is offered in modular and school-based modes for working professionals.

Graduates find employment as child development specialists, family studies educators, child counsellors, programme coordinators, or lecturers in schools, child development organisations, family counselling centres, churches, and NGOs. The master's degree supports careers in child development education, family support, and educational leadership.

This programme is ideal for educators, child development professionals, family counsellors, and individuals seeking advanced qualifications in child development and family studies. The programme provides advanced skills for child development education and family support roles.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 392,000
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: Modular, School-based
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 20 students
Award: Master

What you study

10 subjects

Child Development Theories
Family Studies and Dynamics
Theological Foundations of Education
Christian and Professional Ethics
Research Methods
Data Analysis Techniques
Child Behaviour Guidance and Counselling
Educational Programme Design
Child Psychology
Research Project

Modules

8 in the programme

Child Development Theories
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Child development theories covering cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development theories, developmental stages, and applying theories to educational practice.
Family Studies and Dynamics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Family studies covering family systems theory, family dynamics, parenting, family relationships, and the role of family in child development.
Theological Foundations of Education
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Theological foundations covering biblical and theological perspectives on education, child development, and family, and Christian approaches to education.
Research Methods and Data Analysis
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Research methods covering research design, qualitative and quantitative methods, data analysis techniques, and research ethics for education research.
Child Behaviour Guidance and Counselling
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Child behaviour guidance covering behaviour management, child counselling techniques, addressing behavioural challenges, and supporting child wellbeing.
Christian and Professional Ethics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Christian and professional ethics covering ethical principles in education, child protection ethics, professional conduct, and ethical decision-making in child development.
Educational Programme Design
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Educational programme design covering designing child development programmes, curriculum design for child education, and evaluating educational programmes.
Research Project
Year 2Semester 16 creditsCore
A research project on a child development or family studies topic, demonstrating research competence and contributing to child development knowledge and practice.

Specialisations

Child Development
Focus on child development theories, child psychology, developmental stages, and applying development knowledge to educational practice.
Family Studies
Focus on family systems, family dynamics, parenting, family relationships, and the role of family in child development.
Child Counselling
Focus on child behaviour guidance, counselling techniques, addressing behavioural challenges, and supporting child wellbeing.

A day as a student

A typical day combines morning lectures on child development or family studies with afternoon case study discussions and research work. Students study child development theories, analyse family dynamics, practise counselling skills, and design educational programmes. Group work involves child behaviour case studies and family intervention exercises. The modular and school-based format provides flexibility for working educators and child development professionals.

The trade offs

In its favour

Combines child development and family studies with educational perspectives, providing holistic training.
Modular and school-based modes provide flexibility for working educators and professionals.
Provides a pathway to doctoral studies in child development and family studies.

Against it

The programme is offered at only one university, limiting accessibility.
The programme has a Christian theological foundation, which may not suit all applicants.
Career opportunities in child development may offer modest compensation, especially in faith-based organisations.

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

Public214k to 392k

214k at Kenyatta University392k at Moi University

Private119k to 191k

119k at Mount Kenya 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 392K unverified (~187K/yr per worldscholarshipforum). KU 214,200 unverified. MKU, AIU verified.

HELB loans are available for eligible Kenyan students. AIU may offer institutional scholarships for qualifying students. Church-based sponsorships may be available for Christian educators.

Funding options

HELB Loan

Scholarships

1 recorded

HELB Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in master's programmes at chartered universities

Getting in

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

What you need

Alternative entry: Bachelor's degree (Second Class Upper Division) from AIU or recognised institution; or Bachelor's degree (Second Class Lower Division) with at least 2 years relevant experience; or postgraduate diploma (credit level or higher) from AIU or recognised institution.

How you are assessed

3 components

Coursework and Assignments
Written examination40% of the mark
Coursework assessments, assignments, and presentations evaluating understanding of child development and family studies concepts.
Case Studies and Practical Assignments
Project30% of the mark
Case study analyses of child development scenarios, counselling practice, and programme design exercises.
Research Project
Project30% of the mark
A research project demonstrating research competence in child development and family studies.

Accreditation

Africa International University is chartered by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The MEd programme is accredited by CUE.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
AIU is chartered by CUE. MEd programme accredited by CUE.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

Child Development Specialist
Moderate demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 180,000
Works in child development organisations, schools, or NGOs, designing and managing child development programmes and supporting child wellbeing.
Family Studies Educator
Moderate demand
Teaches family studies or child development in educational institutions, delivering courses and training professionals in family support.
Child Counsellor
Moderate demand
Provides counselling for children and families in schools, counselling centres, or faith-based organisations, supporting child and family wellbeing.
Education Programme Coordinator
Moderate demand
Coordinates child development and family education programmes in NGOs, churches, or educational institutions, managing programmes and training staff.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates find employment as child development specialists, family studies educators, and child counsellors in schools, child development organisations, and NGOs, with opportunities for educational leadership and doctoral studies.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Child development is just about teaching children.
Child development covers cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development, family dynamics, counselling, and programme design, not just teaching.
Family studies is not a serious academic discipline.
Family studies is a well-established field covering family dynamics, family systems, parenting, and family support, with important applications in education and social work.
An MEd in child development is only for school teachers.
The programme is valuable for child development professionals, family counsellors, NGO workers, church educators, and anyone working with children and families.
Child development qualifications have limited career value.
Kenya's focus on early childhood development and family wellbeing creates demand for trained professionals in schools, NGOs, churches, and child development organisations.