Education

Master of Education (Educational Psychology)

The Master of Education (Educational Psychology) is a postgraduate programme that applies psychological theory and research to teaching, learning, and educational practice. The programme prepares graduates to understand learner behaviour, cognition, and development, and to apply this knowledge to improve educational outcomes.

Core areas include learning theories, cognitive development, assessment and testing, counselling psychology, motivation and behaviour management, educational research methods, and thesis research. Students engage with both theoretical psychology and applied educational practice.

The programme is offered by Kenyatta University through its School of Education, and by Moi University through its School of Education. Both are public universities offering the programme over two academic years on a full-time or part-time basis.

Students develop competencies in psychological assessment, learning theory application, behaviour management, counselling techniques, research methods, and educational intervention design. The programme includes coursework, examinations, and thesis research.

Kenyatta University charges a total programme fee of approximately KES 246,000 (approximately KES 123,000/year). Moi University charges approximately KES 187,200/year based on its general postgraduate fee structure. Entry requires a Bachelor's degree in Education or a related field.

Graduates pursue careers as educational psychologists, school counsellors, learning support specialists, curriculum developers, and researchers in schools, universities, and educational support organisations.

Skills Required

Learning Theory Application
Cognitive Development Analysis
Psychological Assessment and Testing
Counselling Psychology
Motivation and Behaviour Management
Educational Research Methods
Educational Intervention Design
Child and Adolescent Development
Special Educational Needs Assessment
Academic Writing and Thesis Research

Key Subjects

Learning Theories
Cognitive Development
Educational Assessment and Testing
Counselling Psychology
Motivation and Behaviour Management
Child and Adolescent Development
Educational Research Methods
Special Educational Needs Psychology
Statistics in Educational Psychology
Thesis Research

Certifications

TSC Teacher Registration
KPA Educational Psychologist Certification

Specializations

Learning Theories and Cognition

Focuses on cognitive and behavioural learning theories, examining how students learn and process information in educational settings.

Educational Assessment and Testing

Examines psychological and educational assessment methods, test development, and interpreting assessment results in education.

Counselling Psychology in Education

Covers counselling techniques, guidance, and psychological support for students in educational settings.

Child and Adolescent Development

Focuses on developmental psychology, examining cognitive, social, and emotional development across childhood and adolescence.

Motivation and Behaviour Management

Examines motivation theories, classroom management, and strategies for addressing behavioural challenges in educational settings.

Special Educational Needs Psychology

Covers psychological assessment and support for learners with special educational needs and learning difficulties.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 246,000
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: 20 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Learning Theories
Cognitive Development
Educational Assessment and Testing
Counselling Psychology
Motivation and Behaviour Management
Child and Adolescent Development
Educational Research Methods
Special Educational Needs Psychology
Statistics in Educational Psychology
Thesis Research

Modules

12 in the programme

Learning Theories
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines cognitive and behavioural learning theories, and how students learn and process information in educational settings.
Cognitive Development
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers developmental psychology, examining cognitive, social, and emotional development across childhood and adolescence.
Educational Assessment and Testing
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines psychological and educational assessment methods, test development, and interpreting assessment results in education.
Educational Research Methods
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers research design, data collection, analysis, and conducting educational research, preparing students for their thesis.
Counselling Psychology in Education
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers counselling techniques, guidance approaches, and psychological support strategies for students in educational settings.
Motivation and Behaviour Management
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines motivation theories, classroom management, and strategies for addressing behavioural challenges in educational settings.
Statistics in Educational Psychology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers statistical methods, data analysis, and applying statistics to educational psychology research and assessment.
Special Educational Needs Psychology
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines psychological assessment and support for learners with special educational needs and learning difficulties.
Adolescent Psychology and Education
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers adolescent psychological development and its implications for teaching, learning, and educational support.
Practicum in Educational Psychology
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Supervised practicum applying educational psychology assessment and intervention skills in a school or educational setting.
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 educational psychology topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Learning Theories and Cognition
Focuses on cognitive and behavioural learning theories, examining how students learn and process information in educational settings.
Educational Assessment and Testing
Examines psychological and educational assessment methods, test development, and interpreting assessment results in education.
Counselling Psychology in Education
Covers counselling techniques, guidance, and psychological support for students in educational settings.
Child and Adolescent Development
Focuses on developmental psychology, examining cognitive, social, and emotional development across childhood and adolescence.
Motivation and Behaviour Management
Examines motivation theories, classroom management, and strategies for addressing behavioural challenges in educational settings.
Special Educational Needs Psychology
Covers psychological assessment and support for learners with special educational needs and learning difficulties.

A day as a student

A typical day during the M.Ed. (Educational Psychology) programme combines lectures, case studies, seminars, and independent study. Sessions cover learning theories, cognitive development, assessment, and counselling psychology. Learning theories sessions examine cognitive and behavioural learning theories and how students learn and process information. Cognitive development sessions cover developmental psychology, examining cognitive, social, and emotional development across childhood and adolescence. Assessment sessions examine psychological and educational assessment methods, test development, and interpreting assessment results. Counselling psychology sessions cover counselling techniques, guidance approaches, and psychological support strategies for students. Motivation and behaviour management sessions examine motivation theories, classroom management, and addressing behavioural challenges. Special educational needs sessions cover psychological assessment and support for learners with special needs and learning difficulties. Research methods sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering research design, data collection, and analysis. Case studies of learning difficulties and behavioural challenges provide practical application of psychological theory. Seminars and discussion groups provide opportunities for debating current issues in educational psychology. Guest lectures from practising educational psychologists and counsellors provide practical insights. The programme culminates in a research thesis on an educational psychology topic.

The trade offs

In its favour

Programme provides valuable psychological knowledge applicable to teaching, counselling, and educational support roles.
Growing awareness of special educational needs and mental health in Kenya increases demand for educational psychology expertise.
Offered by two established public universities with reasonable tuition ranging from KES 123,000 to KES 187,200 per year.
Diverse career paths spanning school counselling, curriculum development, research, and educational consulting.

Against it

Programme is only offered by two public universities, limiting geographic choice.
No private university option for those preferring private education or alternative delivery modes.
Professional recognition as an educational psychologist may require additional certification beyond the M.Ed.
Overlap with related programmes like Guidance and Counselling may cause confusion for prospective students.

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

Public187k to 246k

187k at Moi University246k 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 246,000/yr. Moi ~187,200/yr. Kabarak 82,600/sem, AIU 95,525/sem (mawese, official)

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. TSC supports teacher professional development. KPA may provide support for professional development in educational psychology. Programmes addressing special educational needs may attract support from disability and inclusion-focused organisations.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
TSC Teacher Professional Development
KPA Professional Development Support

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 educational psychology qualifications.
KPA Professional Development Support
ScholarshipKsh 100,000Kenyan
Kenya Psychological Association supports professional development for members pursuing postgraduate psychology qualifications.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: Kenyatta University and Moi University both require a minimum of a degree in education or related field from a recognised university, with Upper Second Class Honours preferred, or Lower Second Division with relevant experience. 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, case study analysis, seminar presentations, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination40% of the mark
Written examinations covering learning theories, cognitive development, assessment methods, and counselling psychology.
Practicum and Case Study Assessment
Practical30% of the mark
Practical assessment through supervised practicum, case studies, and demonstrating psychological assessment and intervention skills.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on an educational psychology 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). Kenyatta University and Moi University both offer M.Ed. in Educational Psychology through their Schools of Education. Both programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate educational psychology training. Graduates are eligible for TSC registration.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. Kenyatta University and Moi University both offer M.Ed. in Educational Psychology through their Schools of Education. Both programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate educational psychology training. Graduates are eligible for TSC registration.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Educational Psychologist
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 400,000
Applies psychological principles to education, overseeing assessment, intervention, and supporting student learning and development.
School Counsellor
Moderate demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 300,000
Provides counselling and guidance to students, overseeing psychological support, career guidance, and student wellbeing.
Learning Support Specialist
Moderate demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 350,000
Supports learners with special needs and learning difficulties, overseeing assessment, intervention, and individualised learning support.
Curriculum Developer
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 400,000
Develops education curricula informed by psychological principles, overseeing curriculum design and supporting effective teaching practices.
Education Researcher
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 400,000
Conducts research in educational psychology, overseeing research projects, publishing findings, and contributing to education knowledge.
Teacher Educator
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 450,000
Trains future teachers in educational psychology principles at universities and teacher training colleges.

Graduate outcomes

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

SPSS
SoftwarePrimary
Statistical analysis software for educational psychology research, assessment data analysis, and analysing and interpreting research data for thesis.
Microsoft Excel
Software
Spreadsheet software for assessment data management, scoring, and managing and analysing educational psychology data.
Psychological Assessment Tools
Software
Standardised psychological and educational assessment instruments for measuring cognitive ability, learning difficulties, and student development.
Microsoft Word
Software
Word processing software for research papers, thesis writing, assessment reports, and producing academic and psychological documents.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Educational psychology is the same as clinical psychology.
Educational psychology specifically applies psychological principles to teaching, learning, and educational settings, distinct from clinical psychology's focus on mental health treatment.
This degree only leads to school counselling roles.
Graduates work as educational psychologists, learning support specialists, curriculum developers, researchers, and consultants beyond school counselling.
Educational psychology is not relevant for regular classroom teachers.
Understanding learning theories, motivation, and behaviour management is valuable for all educators, not just specialists working with struggling learners.
The programme only covers theory with no practical application.
The programme includes case studies and practical application of psychological theory to real educational challenges and interventions.
There is limited demand for educational psychologists in Kenya.
Growing awareness of special educational needs, mental health, and learning difficulties is increasing demand for educational psychology expertise in Kenyan schools.
Anyone can practice as an educational psychologist without formal training.
The programme provides essential theoretical knowledge, assessment skills, and research training required for professional practice in educational psychology.