Education

Master of Education in Research

The Master of Education in Research is a specialised postgraduate programme that equips education professionals with advanced knowledge and skills in educational research methodology, research design, and evidence-based inquiry. The programme prepares graduates to design, conduct, and evaluate educational research and contribute to evidence-based educational practice and policy.

Core areas of study include introduction to research methods, qualitative research methods, quantitative research methods, mixed research methods, research proposal development, evaluation research, action research, ethics in research, project proposal writing, computer applications in data analysis, colloquium, and thesis writing. Students engage with both theoretical foundations and practical applications of educational research.

The programme is offered by Moi University, Meru University of Science and Technology, and Karatina University, with Moi University also listed as a college. Moi University offers the programme through its Department of Educational Management and Policy Studies with a comprehensive 51-unit curriculum spanning two academic years.

Students develop competencies in research design, qualitative and quantitative methods, mixed methods research, evaluation research, action research, research ethics, data analysis, computer applications, proposal writing, and thesis writing. The programme includes coursework, colloquium, research proposal development, and thesis research, with the first year focused on coursework and the second year on thesis research.

The programme is delivered over two academic years consisting of two semesters each lasting fourteen weeks. Multiple teaching approaches include lectures, tutorials, seminars, practical classes, demonstrations, self-directed learning, and e-learning. The programme is designed for teachers, education researchers, and education professionals seeking research expertise.

Graduates pursue careers as educational researchers, research coordinators, evaluation specialists, data analysts, policy researchers, university lecturers, and research consultants in universities, research institutions, government, NGOs, and international organisations.

Skills Required

Qualitative Research Methods
Quantitative Research Methods
Mixed Methods Research Design
Evaluation Research
Action Research
Research Ethics and Integrity
Computer Applications in Data Analysis
Research Proposal Development
Thesis Writing and Academic Publishing
Educational Research Design

Key Subjects

Introduction to Research Methods
Qualitative Research Methods
Quantitative Research Methods
Mixed Research Methods
Research Proposal Development
Evaluation Research
Action Research
Ethics in Research
Computer Applications in Data Analysis
Thesis Writing

Certifications

NACOSTI Research Certification
AERA Professional Membership

Specializations

Qualitative Research

Focuses on qualitative research methods, including ethnography, phenomenology, case study, grounded theory, narrative research, and qualitative data analysis.

Quantitative Research

Examines quantitative research methods, including survey design, experimental research, quasi-experimental design, statistical analysis, and quantitative data interpretation.

Mixed Methods Research

Covers mixed methods research design, integrating qualitative and quantitative approaches, convergent and sequential designs, and mixed methods data analysis.

Evaluation Research

Focuses on evaluation research methods, programme evaluation, impact evaluation, process evaluation, and using evaluation findings for educational improvement.

Action Research

Examines action research methodology, participatory research, practitioner research, classroom action research, and using research for educational improvement.

Research Ethics

Covers research ethics, ethical principles in educational research, institutional review boards, informed consent, and ethical challenges in research.

Data Analysis

Focuses on computer applications in data analysis, statistical software, qualitative data analysis software, data management, and interpreting research data.

Research Proposal Development

Examines research proposal development, research problem identification, literature review, research design, and writing effective research proposals.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 187,200
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, Online
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 15 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Introduction to Research Methods
Qualitative Research Methods
Quantitative Research Methods
Mixed Research Methods
Research Proposal Development
Evaluation Research
Action Research
Ethics in Research
Computer Applications in Data Analysis
Thesis Writing

Modules

10 in the programme

Introduction to Research Methods
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers foundational concepts in educational research, research paradigms, research approaches, and introduction to research methodology in education.
Colloquium I
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines current research issues in education through seminar discussions, research paper presentations, and scholarly dialogue on educational research topics.
Qualitative Research Methods
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers qualitative research methods including ethnography, phenomenology, case study, grounded theory, qualitative data collection, and qualitative data analysis.
Quantitative Research Methods
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines quantitative research methods including survey design, experimental research, statistical analysis, and quantitative data interpretation in education.
Mixed Research Methods
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers mixed methods research design, integrating qualitative and quantitative approaches, convergent and sequential designs, and mixed methods data analysis.
Research Proposal Development
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines research proposal development, identifying research problems, literature review, research design, and writing effective research proposals.
Evaluation Research
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers evaluation research methods, programme evaluation, impact evaluation, process evaluation, and using evaluation findings for educational improvement.
Action Research
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines action research methodology, participatory research, practitioner research, classroom action research, and using research for educational improvement.
Computer Applications in Data Analysis
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers computer applications for research data analysis, including statistical software, qualitative data analysis software, data management, and interpreting research data.
Thesis Writing
Year 2Semester 212 creditsCore
Original research thesis demonstrating mastery of research methods, data analysis, and educational research theory, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Qualitative Research
Focuses on qualitative research methods, including ethnography, phenomenology, case study, grounded theory, narrative research, and qualitative data analysis.
Quantitative Research
Examines quantitative research methods, including survey design, experimental research, quasi-experimental design, statistical analysis, and quantitative data interpretation.
Mixed Methods Research
Covers mixed methods research design, integrating qualitative and quantitative approaches, convergent and sequential designs, and mixed methods data analysis.
Evaluation Research
Focuses on evaluation research methods, programme evaluation, impact evaluation, process evaluation, and using evaluation findings for educational improvement.
Action Research
Examines action research methodology, participatory research, practitioner research, classroom action research, and using research for educational improvement.
Research Ethics
Covers research ethics, ethical principles in educational research, institutional review boards, informed consent, and ethical challenges in research.
Data Analysis
Focuses on computer applications in data analysis, statistical software, qualitative data analysis software, data management, and interpreting research data.
Research Proposal Development
Examines research proposal development, research problem identification, literature review, research design, and writing effective research proposals.

A day as a student

A typical day involves attending lectures on research methods, qualitative or quantitative analysis, or research ethics. Students engage in seminar discussions analysing research papers, debating methodological approaches, and examining ethical dilemmas in educational research. The first semester focuses on coursework covering introduction to research methods, qualitative methods, quantitative methods, mixed methods, and colloquium. Practical sessions include computer applications in data analysis using statistical and qualitative analysis software. The second semester covers research proposal development, evaluation research, action research, ethics, and project proposal writing. The second year is dedicated to colloquium, data analysis, and thesis writing. Guest lectures from experienced researchers, NACOSTI officials, and international research scholars provide insights into research practice. Those in the thesis phase conduct independent educational research, working under faculty supervision.

The trade offs

In its favour

Programme provides comprehensive research methodology training covering qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods, preparing versatile researchers.
Programme includes practical data analysis training with computer applications, providing hands-on research skills using statistical and qualitative analysis software.
Programme includes action research and evaluation research, connecting research skills directly to educational improvement and practice.
Growing demand for evidence-based education policy and programme evaluation creates strong career opportunities for qualified researchers.

Against it

Programme is offered at only three public universities, limiting geographic access for prospective students.
No private university offers this programme, limiting options for students preferring private institution environments.
Research methodology and statistics components may be challenging for students without strong quantitative backgrounds.
Specialised research focus may limit career flexibility compared to broader MEd specialisations.

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 187k

187k at Moi University187k at Moi 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

Moi ~187K/yr (worldscholarshipforum). Karatina unverified. Kabarak 165K, AIU 191K/yr.

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. TSC may grant study leave with sponsorship for teachers pursuing postgraduate education. NACOSTI and other research bodies may offer research grants for educational research. The programme's research focus attracts research funding from national and international bodies.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
TSC Study Leave Sponsorship
NACOSTI Research Grants

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities.
TSC Study Leave Sponsorship
ScholarshipKsh 157,750Kenyan
TSC-employed teachers may be granted study leave with sponsorship for postgraduate education in educational research.
NACOSTI Research Grants
ScholarshipKsh 200,000Kenyan
NACOSTI and other research bodies may offer research grants for educational research, including thesis research funding.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: The programme runs for two academic years with two semesters each lasting fourteen weeks. Multiple teaching approaches include lectures, tutorials, seminars, practical classes, demonstrations, self-directed learning, and e-learning. Designed for teachers, education researchers, and education professionals seeking research expertise.

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment
Coursework30% of the mark
CATs, research design exercises, methodology analysis assignments, data analysis problems, and seminar presentations conducted throughout each semester.
Colloquium
Practical20% of the mark
Colloquium assessment involving research paper presentations, scholarly dialogue, peer critique of research proposals, and participation in research seminars.
Final Examination
Examination50% of the mark
End-of-semester examination covering research methods, qualitative and quantitative analysis, evaluation research, and research ethics, including essay and practical questions.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis demonstrating mastery of research methods, data analysis, and educational research theory, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Moi University, Meru University of Science and Technology, and Karatina University are all CUE-accredited public universities. Research conducted under the programme is regulated by NACOSTI and follows international research ethics standards.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. Moi University, Meru University of Science and Technology, and Karatina University are all CUE-accredited public universities.
National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI)
Research regulationRequired
NACOSTI regulates all research conducted in Kenya, including educational research. Students must obtain NACOSTI research permits for thesis research.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Educational Researcher
High demandKsh 85,000 to Ksh 350,000
Conducts educational research for universities, research institutions, or international organisations, designing studies, collecting data, and publishing research findings.
Research Coordinator
High demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 320,000
Coordinates research projects for universities, NGOs, or research organisations, managing research design, data collection, analysis, and reporting.
Evaluation Specialist
High demandKsh 85,000 to Ksh 350,000
Designs and conducts programme evaluations for NGOs, government, or international organisations, evaluating education programmes and interventions.
Data Analyst
High demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 350,000
Analyses educational data for government, research institutions, or organisations, using statistical software and data analysis techniques to inform education decisions.
Policy Researcher
Moderate demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 380,000
Conducts policy research for government, think tanks, or international organisations, providing evidence-based recommendations on education policy.
University Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 400,000
Teaches and conducts research in education at universities, contributing to teacher education and educational research scholarship.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as educational researchers, research coordinators, evaluation specialists, and data analysts in universities, research institutions, government, NGOs, and international organisations.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

SPSS
SoftwarePrimary
Statistical analysis software for quantitative educational research, including survey data analysis, statistical testing, and quantitative data interpretation.
NVivo
SoftwarePrimary
Qualitative data analysis software for analysing interview data, focus groups, documents, and qualitative research in educational studies.
R
Software
Statistical programming language for advanced quantitative analysis, data visualisation, and reproducible research in educational studies.
EndNote
Software
Reference management software for managing citations, bibliographies, and research sources in educational research and thesis writing.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Educational research is just about conducting surveys.
The programme covers comprehensive research methodology including qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods, evaluation research, action research, ethics, and data analysis, far beyond simple surveys.
This programme is only for aspiring university lecturers.
Graduates work as researchers, evaluation specialists, data analysts, policy researchers, and consultants in diverse organisations including NGOs, government, and international bodies.
Research is purely theoretical with no practical application.
The programme includes action research and evaluation research, directly applying research skills to improve educational practice and programmes.
You need a statistics background to study educational research.
While quantitative methods are covered, the programme develops research skills from foundational levels, including computer applications for data analysis.
Educational research has limited career prospects in Kenya.
Kenya's growing emphasis on evidence-based policy, programme evaluation, and education quality monitoring creates strong demand for qualified educational researchers.
Research ethics is just about getting approval forms signed.
Research ethics involves complex considerations of participant welfare, informed consent, cultural sensitivity, data protection, and responsible research conduct.