Master of Education (Economics and Management of education)
<p>The Master of Education (Economics and Management of Education) is a postgraduate programme that combines economics principles with educational management theory. The programme equips graduates with skills in education financing, resource allocation, cost-benefit analysis, and institutional management for the education sector.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 152,550 a year at a public institution, Ksh 305,100 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 191,050 a year at a private one.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of N/A (Postgraduate) or above. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 2 years, full-time, evening, weekend, school-based, with 0 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 4 institutions.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Early Childhood Strategist, at 10 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
Core areas include economics of education, educational management and administration, education financing and budgeting, resource allocation, educational planning, research methods, and thesis research. Students engage with both economic analysis and practical education management.
The programme is offered by Kaimosi Friends University through its School of Education, and Kibabii University, both public universities. Kaimosi's programme runs over two years across full-time, school-based, evening, and weekend modes.
Students develop competencies in economic analysis of education, education financing, resource management, cost-benefit analysis, institutional leadership, and research methods. The programme includes coursework, examinations, and thesis research.
Kaimosi Friends University charges KES 157,750 in Year 1 and KES 100,500 in Year 2, totalling KES 258,250 (approximately KES 129,125/year). Kibabii University charges approximately KES 152,550/year based on its general Masters postgraduate fee structure. Entry requires a Bachelor's degree with at least Second Class Honours Upper Division or Lower Division with relevant experience, or a Postgraduate Diploma.
Graduates pursue careers as education finance officers, education planners, institutional administrators, policy analysts, and researchers in ministries of education, schools, and international development organisations.
Skills Required
- Economics of Education Analysis
- Education Financing and Budgeting
- Resource Allocation in Education
- Cost-Benefit Analysis
- Educational Management and Administration
- Educational Planning
- Educational Research Methods
- Institutional Leadership
- Education Policy Analysis
- Academic Writing and Thesis Research
Key Subjects
- Economics of Education
- Education Financing and Budgeting
- Resource Allocation in Education
- Cost-Benefit Analysis
- Educational Management and Administration
- Educational Planning
- Educational Research Methods
- Institutional Leadership
- Education Policy Analysis
- Thesis Research
Certifications
- TSC Education Administrator Registration
- KEMI Education Management Certification
Specializations
Economics of Education
Focuses on economic analysis of education systems, education financing, and applying economic principles to education policy and practice.
Education Financing
Examines education budgeting, financing mechanisms, and resource mobilisation for educational institutions and systems.
Educational Resource Management
Covers resource allocation, cost-effectiveness, and managing human, financial, and material resources in education.
Educational Planning and Policy
Focuses on educational planning processes, policy formulation, and planning for educational development and reform.
Institutional Management in Education
Examines management principles, leadership, and administration of educational institutions and systems.
Education Economics Research
Covers research methods for analysing economic and management issues in education, and conducting evidence-based education research.
What you study
10 subjects- Economics of Education
- Education Financing and Budgeting
- Resource Allocation in Education
- Cost-Benefit Analysis
- Educational Management and Administration
- Educational Planning
- Educational Research Methods
- Institutional Leadership
- Education Policy Analysis
- Thesis Research
Modules
12 in the programmeEconomics of Education
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines economic principles, education production functions, and applying economic analysis to education policy and practice.
Educational Management and Administration
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers management principles, leadership theories, organisational behaviour, and administration of educational institutions.
Education Financing and Budgeting
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines budgeting processes, financing mechanisms, and resource mobilisation for educational institutions and systems.
Educational Research Methods
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers research design, data collection, analysis, and conducting educational research, preparing students for their thesis.
Resource Allocation in Education
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and managing human, financial, and material resources in educational institutions.
Cost-Benefit Analysis in Education
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers evaluating the costs and benefits of education investments, interventions, and policy decisions.
Educational Planning
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines educational planning processes, policy formulation, resource allocation, and planning for educational development and reform.
Human Resource Management in Education
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers human resource management principles, staff development, performance management, and managing human resources in education.
Education Policy Analysis
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines education policy development, implementation, evaluation, and analysing education policy at institutional and national levels.
Strategic Management in Education
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers strategic planning, management, and applying strategic management principles to educational institutions and systems.
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 an education economics or management topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.
Specialisations
Economics of Education
Focuses on economic analysis of education systems, education financing, and applying economic principles to education policy and practice.
Education Financing
Examines education budgeting, financing mechanisms, and resource mobilisation for educational institutions and systems.
Educational Resource Management
Covers resource allocation, cost-effectiveness, and managing human, financial, and material resources in education.
Educational Planning and Policy
Focuses on educational planning processes, policy formulation, and planning for educational development and reform.
Institutional Management in Education
Examines management principles, leadership, and administration of educational institutions and systems.
Education Economics Research
Covers research methods for analysing economic and management issues in education, and conducting evidence-based education research.
A day as a student
A typical day during the M.Ed. (Economics and Management of Education) programme combines lectures, seminars, case studies, and independent study. Sessions cover economics of education, education financing, resource allocation, and educational management. Economics of education sessions examine economic principles, education production functions, and applying economic analysis to education policy and practice. Education financing sessions cover budgeting, financing mechanisms, and resource mobilisation for educational institutions and systems. Resource allocation sessions examine cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and managing human, financial, and material resources in education. Educational management sessions cover management principles, leadership theories, and administration of educational institutions. Educational planning sessions examine planning processes, policy formulation, and planning for educational development and reform. Research methods sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering research design, data collection, and analysis. Cost-benefit analysis sessions examine evaluating the costs and benefits of education investments and interventions. Case studies of education financing and management challenges provide practical application of theory. Seminars and discussion groups provide opportunities for debating current issues in education economics and management. Guest lectures from education finance officers and policy makers provide practical insights. The programme culminates in a research thesis on an education economics or management topic.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Programme combines economic analysis with management theory, providing unique skills valuable for education finance and administration roles. | Programme is only offered by two public universities, limiting geographic choice. |
| Offered by two public universities with flexible study modes including school-based, evening, and weekend options. | No private university option for those preferring private education or alternative delivery modes. |
| Graduates qualify for diverse roles in education finance, planning, administration, and policy analysis. | Overlap with general Educational Administration programmes may require careful comparison for prospective students. |
| Relevant tuition ranging from KES 129,125 to KES 152,550 per year, reasonable for public university postgraduate programmes. | Career advancement to senior education finance or policy roles may require additional experience or qualifications. |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 243 education coursesAnnual 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
Kibabii 152,550 avg (kibu.ac.ke). Kaimosi 129,125 avg (tuko.co.ke). Kabarak 165K, AIU 191K
HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. TSC supports teacher and administrator professional development. World Bank and other international organisations may support education economics and financing research. Programmes examining education financing may attract support from development finance institutions.
Funding options
HELB Postgraduate Loan
TSC Teacher Professional Development
World Bank Education Research Grants
Scholarships
3 recordedHELB 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 economics and management qualifications.
World Bank Education Research Grants
GrantKsh 300,000
World Bank and international development organisations support education economics and financing research for postgraduate students.
Scholarships you could apply for
2 usable where it is taught- Chevening Scholarships Kenya
Closes 30 November 2026FullUK Government
Full masters in UK
- AfDB Japan Scholarship Program
Closes 28 February 2027FullAfrican Development Bank
Full graduate study abroad
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
Kaimosi Friends University requires a Bachelor's degree with Upper Second Class Honours, or Lower Second Division with two years' relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree with a Postgraduate Diploma in a relevant field. Contact respective universities for specific admission requirements.
When it next starts
Taught at 4 institutionsIncluding Kaimosi Friends University, South Eastern Kenya University, University of Kabianga.
Including Kaimosi Friends University, South Eastern Kenya University, University of Kabianga.
Including Kaimosi Friends University, South Eastern Kenya University, University of Kabianga.
How you are assessed
4 componentsCoursework and Continuous Assessment
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, case study analysis, seminar presentations, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination40% of the mark
Written examinations covering economics of education, educational management, financing, and resource allocation.
Case Studies and Practical Assessment
Practical30% of the mark
Practical assessment through case studies of education financing and management challenges, applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on an education economics or management topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. Kaimosi Friends University offers M.Ed. in Economics and Management of Education through its School of Education, and Kibabii University offers M.Ed. in Economics and Management. Both programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate education economics and management training. Graduates are eligible for TSC registration.
The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Kaimosi Friends University offers M.Ed. in Economics and Management of Education through its School of Education, and Kibabii University offers M.Ed. in Economics and Management. Both programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate education economics and management training. Graduates are eligible for TSC registration.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
6 rolesEducation Finance Officer
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 400,000
Manages education finances, overseeing budgeting, resource allocation, and financial planning for educational institutions.
Education Planner
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 450,000
Plans education programmes and resources, overseeing planning, policy analysis, and supporting educational development and reform.
Institutional Administrator
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 350,000
Administers educational institutions, overseeing operations, resource management, and ensuring effective institutional performance.
Education Policy Analyst
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 450,000
Analyses education policy, overseeing research, analysis, policy development, and providing policy advice to government and organisations.
Education Researcher
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 400,000
Conducts research in education economics and management, overseeing research projects, publishing findings, and contributing to education knowledge.
School Bursar/Finance Manager
Moderate demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 300,000
Manages school finances, overseeing budgeting, fee collection, financial reporting, and resource management for educational institutions.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates pursue careers as education finance officers, education planners, institutional administrators, policy analysts, and researchers in ministries of education, schools, and international development organisations.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Early Childhood StrategistEducation10Low exposure
- Special Needs EducatorEducation10Low exposure
- Career Guidance CounselorEducation11Low exposure
- Cloud Security EngineerTechnology14Low exposure
- Early Literacy SpecialistEducation14Low exposure
- Industrial Robotics ProgrammerTechnology14Low exposure
- STEM Laboratory EducatorEducation14Low exposure
- TVET Competency AssessorEducation14Low exposure
Tools you will learn
Microsoft Excel
SoftwarePrimary
Spreadsheet software for budget planning, financial analysis, resource allocation modelling, and managing education financing data.
SPSS
Software
Statistical analysis software for educational research, data analysis, quantitative methods, and analysing and interpreting research data for thesis.
QuickBooks
Software
Accounting software for managing educational institution finances, budgeting, and financial reporting.
Microsoft PowerPoint
Software
Presentation software for policy briefs, financial reports, and communicating education economics and management content.
Industry links
Common misconceptions
This programme is purely about accounting for education institutions.
The programme covers economic analysis, financing, resource allocation, and management theory, providing broader analytical skills than basic accounting.
Economics and Management of Education is only relevant for school bursars.
Graduates work in education planning, policy analysis, institutional administration, and research roles at various levels including ministries and international organisations.
The programme requires an economics background to enrol.
Entry typically requires a Bachelor's degree in education or related field; the programme itself introduces the economic concepts needed for education management.
This degree is the same as general Educational Administration.
While related, this programme specifically emphasises economic analysis, financing, and resource allocation alongside general management principles.
Career prospects are limited to public sector education roles.
Graduates also work in private schools, NGOs, international development organisations, and education consulting firms.
The programme does not involve rigorous research.
The programme includes substantial research methods training and a thesis, developing analytical and research skills applicable to education economics and management.