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Master of Education (Science Education)

The Master of Education (Science Education) is a postgraduate programme that prepares educators for advanced teaching, research, and curriculum development in science education. The programme combines advanced science content with educational pedagogy specific to science instruction.

Core areas include science teaching methodology, curriculum development for science, scientific inquiry and investigation, assessment in science education, educational research methods, and thesis research. Students engage with both science content and educational practice across physics, chemistry, biology, and integrated science.

The programme is offered by Kenyatta University, Egerton University, and Moi University. All are public universities offering the programme over two academic years through full-time and school-based modes.

Students develop competencies in science pedagogy, curriculum design, scientific inquiry, assessment methods, technology integration in science teaching, and educational research methods. The programme includes coursework, examinations, and thesis research.

Egerton University charges a total of KES 344,300 for the programme (approximately KES 172,150/year) based on its official school-based fee structure. Kenyatta University charges approximately KES 246,000/year based on its postgraduate fee structure. Entry requires a Bachelor of Education (Science) degree with at least Second Class Honours Upper Division or a BSc with a Postgraduate Diploma in Education.

Graduates pursue careers as science teachers, curriculum developers, science education officers, lecturers, and researchers in schools, colleges, universities, and educational organisations.

Skills Required

  • Science Teaching Methodology
  • Science Curriculum Development
  • Scientific Inquiry and Investigation
  • Assessment in Science Education
  • Technology Integration in Science Teaching
  • Educational Research Methods
  • Laboratory Management and Safety
  • Instructional Materials Design for Science
  • STEM Education Pedagogy
  • Academic Writing and Thesis Research

Key Subjects

  • Science Teaching Methodology
  • Science Curriculum Development
  • Scientific Inquiry and Investigation
  • Assessment in Science Education
  • Technology Integration in Science Teaching
  • Laboratory Management and Safety
  • Educational Research Methods
  • STEM Education Pedagogy
  • Instructional Materials Design
  • Thesis Research

Certifications

  • TSC Teacher Registration
  • Kenya Science and Engineering Fair Participation

Specializations

Physics Education

Focuses on teaching methodology, curriculum development, and pedagogical approaches specific to physics instruction in schools and educational institutions.

Chemistry Education

Examines teaching methods, laboratory practice, and curriculum development specific to chemistry instruction in educational settings.

Biology Education

Covers teaching methodology, curriculum development, and pedagogical approaches specific to biology instruction in schools and educational institutions.

Integrated Science Education

Focuses on teaching integrated science across disciplines, examining interdisciplinary approaches and curriculum design for general science education.

Science Curriculum Development

Examines designing science curricula, learning frameworks, and instructional materials for schools and educational programmes.

STEM Education

Covers integrated STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education approaches, examining interdisciplinary teaching and learning.

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, School-based
Attachment
0 months
Average class
20 students
Award
Masters

What you study

10 subjects
  • Science Teaching Methodology
  • Science Curriculum Development
  • Scientific Inquiry and Investigation
  • Assessment in Science Education
  • Technology Integration in Science Teaching
  • Laboratory Management and Safety
  • Educational Research Methods
  • STEM Education Pedagogy
  • Instructional Materials Design
  • Thesis Research

Modules

12 in the programme

  • Science Teaching Methodology

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Examines teaching methods, approaches, and strategies for science instruction in schools, including inquiry-based learning and constructivist pedagogy.

  • Science Curriculum Development

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Covers designing science curricula, learning frameworks, and instructional materials for schools and educational programmes.

  • Scientific Inquiry and Investigation

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Examines the nature of science, scientific method, and developing inquiry and investigation skills in science students.

  • Educational Research Methods

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Covers research design, data collection, analysis, and conducting educational research, preparing students for their thesis.

  • Assessment in Science Education

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Examines assessment methods, test design, practical assessment, and evaluating science learning outcomes in educational settings.

  • Technology Integration in Science Teaching

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Covers using digital tools, simulations, virtual laboratories, and educational technology in science teaching and learning.

  • Laboratory Management and Safety

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Examines laboratory safety, resource management, conducting effective practical sessions, and managing science laboratories in educational institutions.

  • STEM Education Pedagogy

    Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore

    Covers integrated STEM education approaches, examining interdisciplinary teaching and learning across science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

  • Instructional Materials Design for Science

    Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore

    Covers designing and developing instructional materials for science teaching, including textbooks, laboratory manuals, digital resources, and teaching aids.

  • Contemporary Issues in Science Education

    Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore

    Examines current trends, challenges, and developments in science education, including science literacy, environmental education, and science policy.

  • 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 a science education topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

  • Physics Education

    Focuses on teaching methodology, curriculum development, and pedagogical approaches specific to physics instruction in schools and educational institutions.

  • Chemistry Education

    Examines teaching methods, laboratory practice, and curriculum development specific to chemistry instruction in educational settings.

  • Biology Education

    Covers teaching methodology, curriculum development, and pedagogical approaches specific to biology instruction in schools and educational institutions.

  • Integrated Science Education

    Focuses on teaching integrated science across disciplines, examining interdisciplinary approaches and curriculum design for general science education.

  • Science Curriculum Development

    Examines designing science curricula, learning frameworks, and instructional materials for schools and educational programmes.

  • STEM Education

    Covers integrated STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education approaches, examining interdisciplinary teaching and learning.

A day as a student

A typical day during the M.Ed. (Science Education) programme combines lectures, laboratory sessions, seminars, and independent study. Sessions cover science pedagogy, curriculum development, scientific inquiry, and assessment. Science teaching methodology sessions examine approaches and strategies for teaching science in schools, including inquiry-based learning, constructivist pedagogy, and practical investigation. Curriculum development sessions cover designing science curricula, learning frameworks, and instructional materials. Scientific inquiry sessions examine the nature of science, scientific method, and developing inquiry skills in students. Assessment sessions cover test design, practical assessment, and evaluating science learning outcomes. Technology integration sessions examine using digital tools, simulations, and virtual laboratories in science teaching. Laboratory management sessions cover laboratory safety, resource management, and conducting effective practical sessions. Research methods sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering research design, data collection, and analysis. Laboratory sessions provide hands-on practice conducting experiments and developing teaching strategies for practical science. Seminars and discussion groups provide opportunities for debating current issues in science education. Guest lectures from experienced science educators and researchers provide practical insights. The programme culminates in a research thesis on a science education topic.

The trade offs

In its favour

  • Programme combines advanced science content with educational pedagogy, providing unique interdisciplinary skills for science education roles.
  • Growing emphasis on STEM education and scientific literacy increases demand for qualified science education professionals.
  • Egerton University provides detailed official fee structure on its website, ensuring fee transparency.
  • Diverse career paths spanning teaching, curriculum development, educational publishing, research, and STEM policy.

Against it

  • Only public universities offer this programme, limiting institutional choice for students preferring private education.
  • Moi University fee data not independently verified, making complete cost comparison difficult.
  • Science education is a niche field with fewer direct job openings compared to broader education qualifications.
  • Programme requires science background, limiting eligibility to those with undergraduate science or science education 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 courses
Public172k to 246k
172k at Egerton 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 246K/yr (ku.ac.ke). Egerton 171.9K/yr (egerton.ac.ke). Kabarak 165K, AIU 191K/yr.

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. TSC supports teacher professional development. The Kenya Science and Engineering Fair and related STEM initiatives may provide support for science education projects and professional development.

Funding options

  • HELB Postgraduate Loan

  • TSC Teacher Professional Development

  • Kenya Science and Engineering Fair 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 science education qualifications.

  • Kenya Science and Engineering Fair Support

    GrantKsh 100,000Kenyan

    KSEF supports science education initiatives, science projects, and professional development for science teachers and educators.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade
N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry
Egerton University requires a Bachelor of Education (Science) with Upper Second Class Honours, or a BSc (General) with Upper Second Class Honours plus a Postgraduate Diploma in Education. Lower Second Class holders with relevant experience may be considered. 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, laboratory exercises, seminar presentations, and class participation.

  • Written Examinations

    Examination40% of the mark

    Written examinations covering science pedagogy, curriculum development, scientific inquiry, and assessment in science education.

  • Practical Teaching Assessment

    Practical30% of the mark

    Practical assessment through teaching demonstrations, laboratory session management, instructional materials development, and applying theory to real teaching scenarios.

  • Research Thesis

    Research100% of the mark

    Original research thesis on a science education 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, Egerton University, and Moi University (all public) offer M.Ed. in Science Education. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate science education training. Graduates are eligible for TSC registration.

Accredited by

  • Commission for University Education (CUE)

    Academic accreditationRequired

    Programme accredited by CUE. Kenyatta University, Egerton University, and Moi University (all public) offer M.Ed. in Science Education. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate science education training. Graduates are eligible for TSC registration.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

  • Science Teacher

    Moderate demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 250,000

    Teaches science subjects in secondary schools, overseeing instruction, laboratory practice, assessment, and student scientific development.

  • Curriculum Developer

    Low demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 350,000

    Develops science curricula and instructional materials, overseeing curriculum design and supporting effective science teaching.

  • Science Education Officer

    Low demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 350,000

    Oversees science education at county or national level, monitoring standards, supporting teachers, and implementing science education policy.

  • Science Lecturer

    Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 450,000

    Teaches science and science education at university or college level, overseeing instruction, research, and academic supervision.

  • STEM Education Coordinator

    Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 400,000

    Coordinates STEM education programmes, overseeing programme design, implementation, monitoring, and stakeholder engagement for science education initiatives.

  • Educational Publisher

    Low demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 350,000

    Develops and publishes science educational materials, overseeing content development, editing, and producing textbooks and learning resources.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as science teachers, curriculum developers, science education officers, lecturers, and researchers in schools, colleges, universities, and educational organisations.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

  • SPSS

    SoftwarePrimary

    Statistical analysis software for educational research, data analysis, and analysing and interpreting research data for thesis.

  • PhET Interactive Simulations

    Software

    Interactive science and mathematics simulations for teaching and learning physics, chemistry, biology, and earth science concepts.

  • Microsoft Excel

    Software

    Spreadsheet software for data analysis, grade tracking, laboratory data management, and analysing educational data for research.

  • Microsoft Word

    Software

    Word processing software for research papers, thesis writing, curriculum documents, and producing academic and educational materials.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

  • Science education is only for those who want to teach in secondary schools.

    Graduates work in curriculum development, educational publishing, university teaching, research, STEM policy, and education consultancy, not just secondary school teaching.

  • This programme is the same as a Master of Science in a science subject.

    While sharing science foundations, M.Ed. in Science Education focuses on pedagogy, curriculum development, and educational practice, while MSc focuses on pure scientific research.

  • Science teaching methodology does not require advanced study.

    Effective science education involves complex pedagogical theory, cognitive development understanding, curriculum design, assessment methods, and research skills developed through postgraduate study.

  • Only those who excelled in undergraduate science can pursue this programme.

    While a science background is required, the programme focuses on developing teaching and research skills, not just advanced scientific knowledge.

  • Science education has limited career prospects in Kenya.

    Growing emphasis on STEM education, scientific literacy, and technology development is increasing demand for qualified science education professionals.

  • The programme only covers traditional science teaching methods.

    The programme covers modern pedagogical approaches, technology integration, inquiry-based learning, and contemporary issues in science education including STEM integration.

Related courses

Further reading

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Fees and entry marks for Master of Education (Science Education) are restated every intake. Save it and the app keeps this version, so you can see what changed when it does.

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