Education

Master of Education (Special Needs Education) Master of Science (Finance)

The Master of Education (Special Needs Education) is a postgraduate programme that prepares educators for advanced teaching, research, and specialist practice in special needs and inclusive education. The programme combines special education theory with practical pedagogy for learners with diverse needs.

Core areas include special needs education theory, inclusive education practices, assessment and identification of learning difficulties, curriculum adaptation, behaviour management, educational research methods, and thesis research. Students engage with both special education theory and practical teaching strategies.

The programme is offered by Kenyatta University, Maseno University, and Mount Kenya University. Kenyatta University was the first public university in East Africa to offer special education programmes. Public and private universities offer the programme over two academic years through full-time, institutional-based, and distance learning modes.

Students develop competencies in special needs pedagogy, inclusive education design, assessment of learning difficulties, curriculum adaptation, behaviour management, and research methods. Specialisations include physical and multiple disabilities, hearing impairment, visual impairment, autism, learning disabilities, emotional and behavioural disorders, and gifted and talented education.

Kenyatta University charges KES 295,800/year for East Africans. Mount Kenya University charges KES 90,000/semester (total KES 360,000, approximately KES 180,000/year). Entry requires a Bachelor's degree in Special Needs Education with at least Second Class Honours Upper Division or Lower Division with relevant experience.

Graduates pursue careers as special needs teachers, inclusive education coordinators, special education officers, educational assessors, and researchers in schools, educational institutions, and organisations.

Skills Required

Special Needs Education Theory
Inclusive Education Practices
Assessment and Identification of Learning Difficulties
Curriculum Adaptation and Modification
Behaviour Management
Individualised Education Programme Development
Educational Research Methods
Assistive Technology in Education
Differentiated Instruction
Academic Writing and Thesis Research

Key Subjects

Special Needs Education Theory
Inclusive Education Practices
Assessment and Identification of Learning Difficulties
Curriculum Adaptation and Modification
Behaviour Management
Individualised Education Programme Development
Assistive Technology in Education
Educational Research Methods
Differentiated Instruction
Thesis Research

Certifications

TSC Special Needs Teacher Registration
KISE Special Needs Education Certification

Specializations

Physical and Multiple Disabilities

Focuses on education of learners with physical disabilities, multiple disabilities, and other health impairments, examining teaching strategies and support systems.

Hearing Impairment

Examines education of learners with hearing impairments, covering sign language, communication strategies, and teaching methods for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.

Visual Impairment

Covers education of learners with visual impairments, including Braille, assistive technology, orientation and mobility, and teaching strategies for blind and low-vision students.

Autism Spectrum Disorders

Focuses on education of learners with autism spectrum disorders, examining intervention strategies, communication support, and inclusive teaching approaches.

Learning Disabilities

Examines identification, assessment, and teaching strategies for learners with specific learning disabilities including dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia.

Emotional and Behavioural Disorders

Covers education of learners with emotional and behavioural disorders, examining behaviour management, therapeutic approaches, and supportive learning environments.

Gifted and Talented Education

Focuses on education of gifted and talented learners, examining identification, curriculum differentiation, and enrichment programmes for high-ability students.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 295,800
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, School-based, Online
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 20 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Special Needs Education Theory
Inclusive Education Practices
Assessment and Identification of Learning Difficulties
Curriculum Adaptation and Modification
Behaviour Management
Individualised Education Programme Development
Assistive Technology in Education
Educational Research Methods
Differentiated Instruction
Thesis Research

Modules

12 in the programme

Foundations of Special Needs Education
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines historical and theoretical foundations of special needs education, categories of disabilities, and current trends in inclusive education.
Inclusive Education Practices
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers designing inclusive classrooms, differentiated instruction, and supporting all learners in mainstream educational settings.
Assessment and Identification of Learning Difficulties
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines identifying and assessing learning difficulties, conducting educational assessments, and using assessment data to inform intervention.
Educational Research Methods
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers research design, data collection, analysis, and conducting special needs education research, preparing students for their thesis.
Curriculum Adaptation and Modification
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines modifying and adapting curriculum content, teaching methods, and assessment for learners with special needs.
Behaviour Management in Special Education
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers managing challenging behaviours, developing positive behaviour support plans, and creating supportive learning environments.
Individualised Education Programme Development
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines developing, implementing, and evaluating individualised education programmes for learners with diverse special needs.
Assistive Technology in Education
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers using technology to support learners with disabilities, including screen readers, communication devices, adaptive equipment, and digital learning tools.
Specialisation in Selected Disability Area
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
In-depth study of a selected specialisation area such as hearing impairment, visual impairment, autism, learning disabilities, or gifted and talented education.
Practicum in Special Needs Education
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Supervised practicum in special schools or inclusive settings, providing hands-on experience working with learners with special needs under professional supervision.
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 special needs education topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Physical and Multiple Disabilities
Focuses on education of learners with physical disabilities, multiple disabilities, and other health impairments, examining teaching strategies and support systems.
Hearing Impairment
Examines education of learners with hearing impairments, covering sign language, communication strategies, and teaching methods for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.
Visual Impairment
Covers education of learners with visual impairments, including Braille, assistive technology, orientation and mobility, and teaching strategies for blind and low-vision students.
Autism Spectrum Disorders
Focuses on education of learners with autism spectrum disorders, examining intervention strategies, communication support, and inclusive teaching approaches.
Learning Disabilities
Examines identification, assessment, and teaching strategies for learners with specific learning disabilities including dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia.
Emotional and Behavioural Disorders
Covers education of learners with emotional and behavioural disorders, examining behaviour management, therapeutic approaches, and supportive learning environments.
Gifted and Talented Education
Focuses on education of gifted and talented learners, examining identification, curriculum differentiation, and enrichment programmes for high-ability students.

A day as a student

A typical day during the M.Ed. (Special Needs Education) programme combines lectures, case studies, seminars, practicum, and independent study. Sessions cover special needs theory, inclusive education, assessment, and behaviour management. Special needs theory sessions examine categories of disabilities, learning differences, and educational approaches for diverse learners. Inclusive education sessions cover designing inclusive classrooms, differentiated instruction, and supporting all learners in mainstream settings. Assessment sessions examine identifying and assessing learning difficulties, conducting educational assessments, and developing individualised education programmes. Curriculum adaptation sessions cover modifying and adapting curriculum content, teaching methods, and assessment for learners with special needs. Behaviour management sessions examine managing challenging behaviours, developing positive behaviour support plans, and creating supportive learning environments. Assistive technology sessions cover using technology to support learners with disabilities, including screen readers, communication devices, and adaptive equipment. Research methods sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering research design, data collection, and analysis. Case studies provide practical application of theory to real special needs education scenarios. Practicum placements in special schools or inclusive settings provide hands-on experience working with learners with special needs under supervision. Seminars and discussion groups provide opportunities for case consultation and peer learning. Guest lectures from experienced special needs educators and therapists provide practical insights. The programme culminates in a research thesis on a special needs education topic.

The trade offs

In its favour

High and growing demand for special needs education professionals due to Kenya's commitment to inclusive education and disability rights.
Kenyatta University was the first public university in East Africa to offer special education, providing established expertise and resources.
Multiple specialisation areas allow students to focus on specific disability categories or inclusive education practice.
Diverse career paths spanning teaching, assessment, coordination, consultancy, research, and policy in special needs education.

Against it

Kenyatta University fees are relatively high at KES 295,800/year compared to other M.Ed. programmes.
Maseno University fee data not independently verified, limiting public institution cost comparison.
Practicum component requires significant time commitment for supervised experience in special needs settings.
Emotional demands of working with learners with special needs can be challenging without adequate support and self-care.

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

Public94k to 296k

94k at The Open University of Kenya296k at Kenyatta University

Private119k to 191k

119k at Mount Kenya 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 295.8K/yr (ku.ac.ke). OUK 93.8K/yr (ouk.ac.ke). MKU 119K, AIU 191K/yr.

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. TSC supports teacher professional development including special needs education. KISE may provide training support for special needs education professionals. Inclusive education initiatives may attract funding from disability organisations and international development agencies.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
TSC Teacher Professional Development
KISE Training 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 special needs education qualifications.
KISE Training Support
ScholarshipKsh 100,000Kenyan
Kenya Institute of Special Education supports training and professional development for special needs education professionals.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: Maseno University requires a Bachelor's degree in Special Needs Education with Upper Second Class Honours, or Lower Second Division with at least two years of working experience. Kenyatta University accepts Bachelor of Education degrees with relevant special needs background. 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 special needs theory, inclusive education, assessment methods, and behaviour management.
Practicum Assessment
Practical30% of the mark
Practical assessment through supervised practicum, demonstrating teaching skills, assessment competency, and professional practice in special needs settings.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on a special needs 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 and Maseno University (public) and Mount Kenya University (private) offer M.Ed. in Special Needs Education. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate special needs education training. Graduates are eligible for TSC registration with special needs endorsement and KISE certification.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. Kenyatta University and Maseno University (public) and Mount Kenya University (private) offer M.Ed. in Special Needs Education. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate special needs education training. Graduates are eligible for TSC registration with special needs endorsement and KISE certification.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Special Needs Teacher
High demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 300,000
Teaches learners with special needs in special schools or inclusive settings, overseeing individualised instruction, assessment, and support.
Inclusive Education Coordinator
High demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 400,000
Coordinates inclusive education programmes in schools and institutions, overseeing implementation, teacher support, and ensuring inclusive practices.
Special Education Officer
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 400,000
Oversees special needs education at county or national level, monitoring standards, supporting schools, and implementing special education policy.
Educational Assessor
Moderate demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 350,000
Conducts educational assessments for learners with suspected learning difficulties, overseeing assessment, diagnosis, and recommending interventions.
Special Needs Education Consultant
Low demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Consults on special needs education matters, providing advisory services, training, and support for schools, organisations, and families.
Special Education Researcher
Low demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 400,000
Conducts research in special needs education, overseeing research projects, publishing findings, and contributing to special education knowledge and policy.

Graduate outcomes

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

SPSS
SoftwarePrimary
Statistical analysis software for special needs education research, data analysis, and analysing and interpreting research data for thesis.
Assistive Technology Software
Software
Assistive technology tools including screen readers, communication software, and adaptive learning platforms for supporting learners with disabilities.
Microsoft Word
Software
Word processing software for research papers, thesis writing, individualised education programmes, and producing academic and professional documents.
Microsoft PowerPoint
Software
Presentation software for case presentations, training sessions, stakeholder presentations, and communicating special needs education content.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Special needs education is only about teaching children with severe disabilities.
The programme covers a wide range of needs including learning disabilities, giftedness, behavioural disorders, and inclusive education for all diverse learners.
Special needs teachers have limited career advancement opportunities.
Growing emphasis on inclusive education and disability rights is creating demand for special needs education specialists in leadership, policy, and consultancy roles.
Anyone with patience and empathy can be a special needs teacher.
Effective special needs education requires theoretical knowledge, assessment skills, curriculum adaptation expertise, and research skills developed through formal postgraduate study.
Inclusive education means all children learn the same way.
Inclusive education involves differentiated instruction, curriculum adaptation, and individualised support to ensure all learners can participate and succeed.
Special needs education is not relevant in regular schools.
With Kenya's commitment to inclusive education, regular schools increasingly need teachers trained in special needs education to support diverse learners.
This qualification only leads to teaching in special schools.
Graduates work as inclusive education coordinators, education officers, assessors, consultants, and researchers in various educational and organisational settings.