Education

Master of Education in Special Needs Education

The Master of Education in Special Needs Education is a postgraduate programme that equips education professionals with advanced knowledge and skills in special needs education, inclusive education, and disability studies. The programme prepares graduates to support learners with diverse needs, design inclusive curricula, and lead special needs education initiatives in schools and educational institutions.

Core areas of study include issues and trends in special needs education, psychology and sociology of disability, special needs assessment, inclusive education practices, disability and community-based rehabilitation, management of learners with autism, adaptive curriculum and teaching, speech and auditory training, education of the gifted and talented, research methods, and thesis writing. Students engage with both theoretical foundations and practical applications of special needs education.

The programme is offered by numerous Kenyan universities including Kenyatta University, Maseno University, and many others. Kenyatta University offers the programme through its Department of Early Childhood and Special Needs Education with specialisations in physical and multiple disabilities, gifted and talented, emotional and behavioural disorders, learning disabilities, hearing impairment, visual impairment, and autism. Maseno University offers a cross-categorical programme with specialisations in hearing impairment, mental disability, visual impairment, and rehabilitation.

Students develop competencies in special needs assessment, inclusive education design, adaptive curriculum development, disability management, rehabilitation practices, speech and auditory training, Braille and sign language, gifted education, research methodology, and community-based rehabilitation. The programme includes coursework, examinations, and a thesis or project option, with thesis students taking minimum 10 units and project students minimum 14 units at KU.

The programme is delivered over two years with full-time, institution-based, distance learning, and part-time modes available. The programme combines theoretical foundations with practical special needs education experiences. The programme is designed for teachers, special needs educators, education officers, and education managers seeking special needs education expertise.

Graduates pursue careers as special needs teachers, inclusive education coordinators, special needs education officers, rehabilitation officers, educational assessors, special needs consultants, and university lecturers in schools, special schools, government education departments, NGOs, and disability organisations.

Skills Required

Special Needs Assessment and Identification
Inclusive Education Design and Management
Adaptive Curriculum Development
Disability Psychology and Sociology
Community-Based Rehabilitation
Speech and Auditory Training
Braille and Sign Language Communication
Gifted and Talented Education
Autism Management in Educational Settings
Research Methods in Special Needs Education

Key Subjects

Issues and Trends in Special Needs Education
Psychology and Sociology of Disability
Special Needs Assessment
Practices and Management in Inclusive Education
Disability and Community-Based Rehabilitation
Adaptive Curriculum and Teaching in Special Needs Education
Management of Learners with Autism
Education of the Gifted and Talented
Research Methods in Education
Research Thesis

Certifications

KISE Special Needs Education Certification
Kenya Sign Language Interpretation Certification

Specializations

Hearing Impairment

Focuses on education of learners with hearing impairment, sign language linguistics, bilingualism in deaf education, educational audiology, and speech and auditory training.

Visual Impairment

Examines education of learners with visual impairment, Braille and education, orientation and mobility, technology for visual impairment, and education and low vision.

Physical and Multiple Disabilities

Covers education of learners with physical and multiple disabilities, adaptive physical education, assistive technology, and managing complex disability needs.

Learning Disabilities

Focuses on learning difficulties, specific learning disabilities, assessment and intervention, and adaptive teaching strategies for learners with learning disabilities.

Gifted and Talented Education

Examines education of gifted and talented learners, identification of giftedness, differentiated curriculum for gifted learners, and supporting gifted education programmes.

Autism Management

Covers management of learners with autism, autism spectrum disorders, behavioural interventions, and designing supportive learning environments for autistic learners.

Emotional and Behavioural Disorders

Focuses on emotional and behavioural disorders, behavioural interventions, counselling approaches, and managing challenging behaviours in educational settings.

Inclusive Education

Examines inclusive education practices, designing inclusive classrooms, universal design for learning, and managing inclusive education programmes.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 295,800
Private, up to: Ksh 186,879
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, Online
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 25 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Issues and Trends in Special Needs Education
Psychology and Sociology of Disability
Special Needs Assessment
Practices and Management in Inclusive Education
Disability and Community-Based Rehabilitation
Adaptive Curriculum and Teaching in Special Needs Education
Management of Learners with Autism
Education of the Gifted and Talented
Research Methods in Education
Research Thesis

Modules

10 in the programme

Research Methods in Education
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers qualitative and quantitative research methodologies for conducting original research in special needs education, including research design and data analysis.
Issues and Trends in Special Needs Education
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines current issues and emerging trends in special needs education, policy developments, and contemporary challenges in SNE practice.
Psychology and Sociology of Disability
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers psychological and sociological perspectives on disability, disability models, social construction of disability, and psychological aspects of special needs.
Special Needs Assessment
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines special needs assessment methods, identification of learning needs, assessment tools, and using assessment results for educational planning.
Practices and Management in Inclusive Education
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers inclusive education practices, designing inclusive classrooms, managing inclusive education programmes, and universal design for learning.
Disability and Community-Based Rehabilitation
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines community-based rehabilitation approaches, disability in community contexts, rehabilitation practices, and supporting persons with disabilities in communities.
Adaptive Curriculum and Teaching in Special Needs Education
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers adaptive curriculum development, modifying curricula for diverse needs, differentiated instruction, and designing adaptive teaching materials.
Management of Learners with Autism
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines autism spectrum disorders, behavioural interventions for autism, designing supportive learning environments, and supporting autistic learners.
Education of the Gifted and Talented
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers identification of gifted and talented learners, differentiated curriculum for gifted education, enrichment programmes, and supporting gifted learners.
Research Proposal and Thesis Writing
Year 2Semester 212 creditsCore
Original research thesis on a special needs education topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and SNE theory, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Hearing Impairment
Focuses on education of learners with hearing impairment, sign language linguistics, bilingualism in deaf education, educational audiology, and speech and auditory training.
Visual Impairment
Examines education of learners with visual impairment, Braille and education, orientation and mobility, technology for visual impairment, and education and low vision.
Physical and Multiple Disabilities
Covers education of learners with physical and multiple disabilities, adaptive physical education, assistive technology, and managing complex disability needs.
Learning Disabilities
Focuses on learning difficulties, specific learning disabilities, assessment and intervention, and adaptive teaching strategies for learners with learning disabilities.
Gifted and Talented Education
Examines education of gifted and talented learners, identification of giftedness, differentiated curriculum for gifted learners, and supporting gifted education programmes.
Autism Management
Covers management of learners with autism, autism spectrum disorders, behavioural interventions, and designing supportive learning environments for autistic learners.
Emotional and Behavioural Disorders
Focuses on emotional and behavioural disorders, behavioural interventions, counselling approaches, and managing challenging behaviours in educational settings.
Inclusive Education
Examines inclusive education practices, designing inclusive classrooms, universal design for learning, and managing inclusive education programmes.

A day as a student

A typical day involves attending lectures on special needs assessment, inclusive education practices, or adaptive curriculum design. Students engage in seminar discussions analysing case studies of learners with various disabilities, inclusive education challenges, and intervention strategies. Group projects involve designing inclusive lesson plans, developing adaptive teaching materials, or conducting special needs assessments. Practical sessions include Braille reading and writing, sign language practice, speech and auditory training techniques, and assistive technology use. Research methodology sessions prepare students for their thesis, with practical training in special needs education research methods. The programme includes seminars on current issues in special needs education where students present and discuss emerging trends. Guest lectures from KISE trainers, disability organisation representatives, and inclusive education practitioners provide real-world insights. Those in the thesis phase conduct independent research on special needs education topics, working under faculty supervision.

The trade offs

In its favour

Programme addresses Kenya's commitment to inclusive education and SDG 4, with growing demand for qualified special needs education professionals.
Programme offers diverse specialisations including hearing impairment, visual impairment, autism, gifted education, and inclusive education.
Programme is widely offered at over 60 Kenyan universities with multiple study modes including full-time, institution-based, and distance learning.
Programme combines theoretical foundations with practical skills including Braille, sign language, assistive technology, and adaptive curriculum design.

Against it

With over 60 offering institutions, programme quality and practical training resources may vary significantly between universities.
Some institutions may lack adequate specialised resources and facilities for practical special needs education training.
Private university fees are significantly higher, with CUEA charging up to KES 307,920 per year.
Working with learners with special needs can be emotionally demanding, requiring patience, resilience, and strong support systems.

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

Public156k to 296k

156k at University of Nairobi296k at Kenyatta University

Private187k to 187k

187k at Catholic University of Eastern Africa187k at KCA 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 295.8K/yr (ku.ac.ke). UoN ~155K/yr (uonbi.ac.ke). CUEA 186.8K, KCA ~187K/yr.

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. TSC may grant study leave with sponsorship for teachers pursuing special needs education. KISE may sponsor special needs educators for advanced training. Disability organisations may offer sponsorships for SNE training. The programme's social importance attracts disability sector and inclusive education funding.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
TSC Study Leave Sponsorship
KISE Training Sponsorship

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities.
TSC Study Leave Sponsorship
ScholarshipKsh 246,000Kenyan
TSC-employed teachers may be granted study leave with sponsorship for postgraduate education in special needs education.
KISE Training Sponsorship
ScholarshipKsh 200,000Kenyan
KISE may sponsor special needs educators for advanced training and professional development in special needs education.

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, institution-based, distance learning, and DSVOL modes. Students can choose between thesis (minimum 10 units) or project (minimum 14 units) options. Specialisations include hearing impairment, visual impairment, physical and multiple disabilities, learning disabilities, gifted and talented, autism, and emotional and behavioural disorders.

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment
Coursework40% of the mark
CATs, inclusive education design exercises, adaptive curriculum development assignments, case study analysis, and seminar presentations conducted throughout each semester.
Practical Projects
Practical20% of the mark
Practical assessment involving special needs assessment exercises, adaptive material development, Braille and sign language practicals, and inclusive lesson design.
Final Examination
Examination40% of the mark
End-of-semester examination covering special needs education theory, assessment, inclusive education, and disability studies, including essay questions and case analysis.
Research Thesis or Project
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis or project on a special needs education topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and SNE theory, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Kenyatta University, Maseno University, Egerton University, and all other offering institutions are CUE-accredited. The programme aligns with KISE professional standards and UNICEF inclusive education guidelines.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. Kenyatta University, Maseno University, Egerton University, and all other offering institutions are CUE-accredited.
Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE)
Professional certification
KISE is Kenya's special needs education training institute. Graduates may pursue KISE certification for professional recognition in special needs education.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Special Needs Teacher
High demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 280,000
Teaches learners with special needs in special schools or inclusive settings, designing adaptive lessons, providing individualised support, and managing diverse learning needs.
Inclusive Education Coordinator
High demandKsh 85,000 to Ksh 320,000
Coordinates inclusive education programmes in schools or districts, supporting mainstream teachers, managing inclusion initiatives, and overseeing special needs provision.
Special Needs Education Officer
High demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 300,000
Works in county or national education offices, overseeing special needs education policy implementation, supporting schools, and managing SNE programmes.
Rehabilitation Officer
Moderate demandKsh 75,000 to Ksh 280,000
Provides rehabilitation services for persons with disabilities, conducting community-based rehabilitation, supporting inclusion, and facilitating access to services.
Educational Assessor
Moderate demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 300,000
Conducts special needs assessments for schools, education offices, or assessment centres, identifying learning needs and recommending educational interventions.
Special Needs Consultant
Moderate demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 400,000
Provides consulting services on inclusive education, special needs programme design, and disability inclusion for schools, NGOs, or international organisations.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as special needs teachers, inclusive education coordinators, special needs education officers, and rehabilitation officers in schools, government, NGOs, and disability organisations.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Braille Translation Software
SoftwarePrimary
Software for translating text to Braille, producing Braille educational materials, and supporting visual impairment education practice.
Boardmaker
SoftwarePrimary
Software for creating visual supports, communication boards, and adaptive learning materials for learners with special needs.
SPSS
Software
Statistical analysis software for special needs education research, including assessment data analysis and programme evaluation.
Microsoft PowerPoint
Software
Presentation software for creating adaptive learning materials, visual supports, and inclusive education presentations.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Special needs education is just about teaching children with disabilities.
The programme covers comprehensive special needs education including gifted and talented education, inclusive education design, community-based rehabilitation, disability policy, and research, addressing diverse learning needs.
This programme is only for special school teachers.
Graduates work in mainstream schools, special schools, government education departments, NGOs, disability organisations, and universities, applying SNE expertise across diverse settings.
Inclusive education means all children learn the same way.
Inclusive education involves designing differentiated learning experiences, adapting curricula, providing accommodations, and supporting diverse learning needs within common settings.
Special needs education has limited career prospects in Kenya.
Kenya's inclusive education policy, growing awareness of learning differences, and commitment to SDG 4 on inclusive education create strong demand for qualified SNE professionals.
You need personal experience with disability to study special needs education.
While personal experience can be valuable, the programme develops professional knowledge and skills from foundational levels for educators from all backgrounds.
Gifted and talented children do not need special educational support.
Gifted and talented learners have unique educational needs requiring differentiated curriculum, enrichment programmes, and specialised support to reach their full potential.