Education

Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction

The Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction is a postgraduate programme that equips education professionals with advanced knowledge and skills in curriculum development, instructional design, and pedagogical innovation. The programme prepares graduates for leadership roles in curriculum design, teaching improvement, and educational research across all levels of education.

Core areas of study include curriculum theory and design, instructional design and methodology, psychological foundations of education, curriculum implementation and evaluation, assessment and measurement in education, educational technology integration, research methods in education, critical thinking and pedagogy, adult learning and literacy, and educational leadership. Students engage with both theoretical foundations and practical applications of curriculum and instruction.

The programme is offered by Kaimosi Friends University with Egerton University, Kibabai University, and Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology also offering related programmes. Egerton University offers the programme through its Faculty of Education and Community Studies in full-time, part-time, and school-based modes.

Students develop competencies in curriculum design, instructional methodology, assessment design, educational technology integration, pedagogical innovation, research methodology, and critical pedagogy. The programme combines coursework, practical projects, examinations, and a research thesis, integrating curriculum theory with instructional practice.

The programme is delivered over two years with coursework and thesis components. Full-time, part-time, and school-based modes are available, designed for serving teachers, curriculum developers, and instructional coordinators. The programme includes field attachment for practical application of curriculum and instruction skills.

Graduates pursue careers as curriculum developers, instructional coordinators, teacher educators, education officers, educational consultants, pedagogical specialists, and educational researchers in schools, universities, government education departments, curriculum development agencies, and international education organisations.

Skills Required

Curriculum Theory and Design
Instructional Design and Methodology
Educational Psychology and Learning Theory
Curriculum Implementation and Evaluation
Assessment and Measurement in Education
Educational Technology Integration
Research Methods in Education
Critical Thinking and Pedagogy
Adult Learning and Literacy Development
Educational Leadership and Change Management

Key Subjects

Curriculum Theory and Design
Instructional Design and Methodology
Psychological Foundations of Education
Curriculum Implementation and Evaluation
Assessment and Measurement in Education
Educational Technology Integration
Research Methods in Education
Critical Thinking and Pedagogy
Adult Learning and Literacy
Educational Leadership and Change Management

Certifications

KICD Curriculum Development Certification
ISTE Educational Technology Certification

Specializations

Curriculum Design and Development

Focuses on curriculum theory, curriculum design models, syllabus development, and curriculum frameworks for different educational levels and contexts.

Instructional Design and Technology

Examines instructional design models, educational technology integration, e-learning design, and digital pedagogy for modern educational settings.

Assessment and Evaluation

Covers educational assessment design, formative and summative evaluation, performance assessment, and data-driven curriculum improvement.

Pedagogical Innovation

Focuses on innovative teaching methods, learner-centred pedagogy, inquiry-based learning, and pedagogical transformation in educational institutions.

Adult and Continuing Education

Examines adult learning theory, andragogy, continuing education curriculum, and literacy programme design for adult learners.

Educational Psychology

Covers psychological foundations of learning, cognitive development, learning theories, and their application to curriculum and instruction design.

Educational Research

Focuses on research methodology for educational research, including qualitative and quantitative methods, action research, and programme evaluation.

Teacher Professional Development

Examines teacher professional development curriculum, mentoring frameworks, and capacity building for instructional improvement in schools.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 167,900
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, School-based
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 25 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Curriculum Theory and Design
Instructional Design and Methodology
Psychological Foundations of Education
Curriculum Implementation and Evaluation
Assessment and Measurement in Education
Educational Technology Integration
Research Methods in Education
Critical Thinking and Pedagogy
Adult Learning and Literacy
Educational Leadership and Change Management

Modules

10 in the programme

Curriculum Theory and Design
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines curriculum theory, curriculum design models, curriculum development processes, and theoretical frameworks for curriculum construction in different educational contexts.
Instructional Design and Methodology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers instructional design models, teaching methodology, learning strategy development, and the relationship between curriculum design and instructional delivery.
Psychological Foundations of Education
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines psychological foundations of learning, cognitive development theories, learning theories, and their application to curriculum and instruction design.
Curriculum Implementation and Evaluation
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers curriculum implementation processes, implementation challenges, curriculum evaluation models, and using evaluation findings for curriculum improvement.
Assessment and Measurement in Education
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines educational assessment design, formative and summative assessment, performance measurement, and data-driven decision-making for curriculum improvement.
Educational Technology Integration
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers educational technology integration, digital pedagogy, e-learning design, and the use of technology to enhance curriculum delivery and instruction.
Research Methods in Education
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers qualitative and quantitative research methodologies for conducting original research in curriculum and instruction, including action research methods.
Critical Thinking and Pedagogy
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines critical thinking theory, critical pedagogy, pedagogical innovation, and fostering critical thinking and creativity in curriculum and instruction.
Adult Learning and Literacy
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers adult learning theory, andragogy, continuing education curriculum design, and literacy programme development for adult learners.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research thesis on a curriculum and instruction topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and curriculum theory, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Curriculum Design and Development
Focuses on curriculum theory, curriculum design models, syllabus development, and curriculum frameworks for different educational levels and contexts.
Instructional Design and Technology
Examines instructional design models, educational technology integration, e-learning design, and digital pedagogy for modern educational settings.
Assessment and Evaluation
Covers educational assessment design, formative and summative evaluation, performance assessment, and data-driven curriculum improvement.
Pedagogical Innovation
Focuses on innovative teaching methods, learner-centred pedagogy, inquiry-based learning, and pedagogical transformation in educational institutions.
Adult and Continuing Education
Examines adult learning theory, andragogy, continuing education curriculum, and literacy programme design for adult learners.
Educational Psychology
Covers psychological foundations of learning, cognitive development, learning theories, and their application to curriculum and instruction design.
Educational Research
Focuses on research methodology for educational research, including qualitative and quantitative methods, action research, and programme evaluation.
Teacher Professional Development
Examines teacher professional development curriculum, mentoring frameworks, and capacity building for instructional improvement in schools.

A day as a student

A typical day involves attending lectures at Egerton University's Faculty of Education on curriculum theory, instructional design, or educational psychology. Students engage in seminar discussions analysing curriculum frameworks, competency-based curriculum implementation, and instructional strategies. Group projects involve designing curriculum units, developing instructional materials, and creating assessment tools. Educational technology sessions provide hands-on training in digital pedagogy, e-learning design, and technology integration in teaching. Research methodology sessions prepare students for their thesis, with statistics training for educational data analysis. Field attachment provides practical experience in schools or educational settings, applying curriculum and instruction skills in real contexts. Guest lectures from KICD curriculum developers, experienced teacher educators, and educational technology specialists provide industry insights.

The trade offs

In its favour

Programme offered at multiple public universities with flexible study modes including full-time, part-time, and school-based options.
Kenya's CBC implementation and education quality reforms create strong demand for curriculum and instruction specialists.
Programme includes educational technology integration, preparing graduates for modern digital pedagogy and e-learning environments.
Programme combines curriculum theory with practical instructional design, field attachment, and research, providing comprehensive professional preparation.

Against it

Programme quality and content may vary between offering institutions, with limited standardisation across universities.
Curriculum development jobs are primarily in government and education institutions, with limited private sector opportunities.
Programme requires balancing theoretical study with practical application, which can be challenging for full-time working teachers.
Rapid curriculum changes in Kenya require continuous professional development beyond the programme to stay current.

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

Public158k to 168k

158k at Kaimosi Friends University168k at Egerton 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

Egerton 167,900 Yr1 (egerton.ac.ke). Kaimosi 157,750 Yr1 (tuko.co.ke). Kabarak 165K, AIU 191K

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. TSC may grant study leave with sponsorship for teachers pursuing postgraduate education. Egerton University and other public universities offer limited internal financial aid.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
TSC Study Leave Sponsorship
University Financial Aid

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities.
TSC Study Leave Sponsorship
ScholarshipKsh 167,900Kenyan
TSC-employed teachers may be granted study leave with sponsorship for postgraduate education in curriculum and instruction.
University Financial Aid
ScholarshipKsh 100,000
Postgraduate students demonstrating academic merit and financial need at offering universities.

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 available in full-time, part-time, and school-based modes. Application fee is KES 2,000. The programme includes field attachment for practical application of curriculum and instruction skills. Designed for teachers, curriculum developers, and instructional coordinators.

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment
Coursework40% of the mark
CATs, curriculum analysis essays, instructional design projects, assessment tool development, and seminar presentations conducted throughout each semester.
Field Attachment
Practical20% of the mark
Practical field attachment in schools or educational settings, applying curriculum and instruction skills in real educational contexts, assessed through attachment reports.
Final Examination
Examination40% of the mark
End-of-semester examination covering curriculum theory, instructional design, and research methods, including essay questions and case analysis.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on a curriculum and instruction topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and curriculum theory, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Kaimosi Friends University, Egerton University, Kibabii University, and MMUST are all CUE-accredited public universities. The programme aligns with KICD curriculum frameworks and TSC professional standards.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. Kaimosi Friends University, Egerton University, Kibabii University, and MMUST are all CUE-accredited public universities.
Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD)
Professional certification
KICD is Kenya's curriculum development authority. Graduates may pursue KICD certification for professional recognition as curriculum developers.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Curriculum Developer
High demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 350,000
Develops curriculum frameworks, syllabi, and instructional materials for educational institutions, government agencies, or curriculum development organisations.
Instructional Coordinator
High demandKsh 75,000 to Ksh 300,000
Coordinates instructional programmes in schools or educational districts, overseeing curriculum implementation, teacher support, and instructional quality.
Teacher Educator
Moderate demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 280,000
Trains teachers at teacher training colleges or universities, teaching curriculum studies, instructional methods, and educational theory.
Education Officer
High demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 280,000
Works in county or national education offices, overseeing curriculum implementation, school supervision, and education quality assurance.
Educational Consultant
Moderate demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 350,000
Provides consulting services on curriculum development, instructional design, and educational programme evaluation for schools, NGOs, and international organisations.
Educational Researcher
Moderate demandKsh 75,000 to Ksh 300,000
Conducts research on curriculum, instruction, and educational outcomes for research institutions, universities, or international education organisations.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as curriculum developers, instructional coordinators, teacher educators, and educational researchers in schools, universities, government, and curriculum development agencies.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

SPSS
SoftwarePrimary
Statistical analysis software for educational research, including survey data analysis, assessment data, and programme evaluation in curriculum and instruction.
NVivo
SoftwarePrimary
Qualitative data analysis software for analysing interview data, classroom observations, and qualitative research in curriculum and instruction studies.
Moodle
Software
Learning management system for curriculum delivery, online course design, and educational resource management in instructional design.
Google Workspace for Education
Software
Education-focused productivity and collaboration tools supporting curriculum development, instructional design, and educational technology integration.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Curriculum and instruction is the same as general education.
The programme focuses specifically on curriculum design, instructional methodology, and pedagogical innovation, providing specialised expertise beyond general education studies.
This programme is only for classroom teachers.
Graduates work as curriculum developers, instructional coordinators, teacher educators, educational consultants, and researchers in diverse educational settings beyond classroom teaching.
Curriculum and instruction has limited career prospects.
Kenya's education reforms, CBC implementation, and growing demand for quality education create strong career opportunities for curriculum and instruction specialists.
This is a theoretical programme with no practical application.
The programme includes practical curriculum design projects, instructional material development, field attachment, and a research thesis, providing directly applicable skills.
Educational technology is optional in modern curriculum.
Technology integration is a core component of the programme, as digital pedagogy and e-learning are increasingly essential in modern educational practice.
You need extensive teaching experience to benefit from this programme.
While teaching experience is valuable, the programme accepts professionals from diverse educational backgrounds and develops both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.