Master of Education in Technical and Vocational Education
The Master of Education in Technical and Vocational Education provides advanced training in TVET pedagogy, curriculum development, technical education management, and vocational training. Students learn TVET curriculum design, technical teaching methods, competency-based training, and TVET institutional management. The programme is designed for technical education teachers and TVET professionals seeking advanced qualifications.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 221,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 442,000 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 191,050 a year at a private one.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of Bachelor's Degree (Postgraduate) or above. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 2 years, full-time, part-time, with 0 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 6 institutions.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Early Childhood Strategist, at 10 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
Students develop advanced competencies in TVET pedagogy, curriculum development, competency-based training, technical education management, and vocational training assessment. The curriculum covers TVET pedagogy, curriculum development, competency-based training, technical education management, research methods, and a research thesis. Practical skills are developed through teaching practicum and industry engagement.
TVET expertise is critical for Kenya's industrialisation agenda. Technical training institutions, vocational colleges, and polytechnics require trained TVET educators and managers. Kenya's focus on technical skills development and the CBC curriculum reform create demand for TVET education expertise. The programme addresses the demand for advanced TVET education training.
The programme combines classroom lectures with teaching practicum, industry engagement, and research. Students study TVET concepts, develop curricula, practise teaching methods, and conduct research. Teaching methods include lectures, teaching practicum, industry visits, and research supervision. The programme is offered in full-time and part-time modes.
Graduates find employment as TVET lecturers, technical education managers, curriculum developers, or TVET consultants in technical training institutions, vocational colleges, polytechnics, and government. The master's degree supports careers in TVET education, technical training management, and vocational education policy.
This programme is ideal for technical education teachers and TVET professionals seeking advanced qualifications. The programme provides advanced skills for TVET pedagogy, curriculum development, and technical education management.
What you study
10 subjects- TVET Pedagogy
- Curriculum Development for TVET
- Competency-Based Training
- Technical Education Management
- Vocational Training Assessment
- Research Methods
- Industry-Based Learning
- TVET Policy and Planning
- Instructional Technology in TVET
- Thesis Research
Modules
8 in the programmeTVET Pedagogy and Instructional Methods
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
TVET pedagogy covering technical teaching methods, instructional strategies for TVET, workshop-based learning, and effective teaching in technical education.
Curriculum Development for TVET
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Curriculum development for TVET covering curriculum design, competency-based curriculum development, TVET curriculum frameworks, and curriculum evaluation.
Competency-Based Training and Assessment
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Competency-based training covering CBET principles, competency standards, skills assessment, and competency-based assessment methods.
Research Methods in Education
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Research methods covering research design, qualitative and quantitative methods, educational research, and research ethics.
Technical Education Management
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Technical education management covering TVET institutional management, workshop management, resource management, and quality assurance in TVET.
TVET Policy and Planning
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
TVET policy and planning covering TVET policy analysis, national TVET strategies, TVET planning, and international TVET trends.
Instructional Technology and Industry-Based Learning
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Instructional technology covering technology integration in TVET, and industry-based learning covering industrial attachment, workplace learning, and industry partnerships.
Thesis Research and Defence
Year 2Semester 16 creditsCore
A research thesis on a TVET education topic, demonstrating research competence and contributing to TVET education knowledge and practice.
Specialisations
TVET Curriculum Development
Focus on curriculum design, competency-based curriculum development, TVET curriculum frameworks, and curriculum evaluation.
Technical Education Management
Focus on TVET institutional management, workshop management, resource management, and quality assurance in TVET.
Competency-Based Training
Focus on CBET principles, competency standards, skills assessment, and competency-based assessment methods.
A day as a student
A typical day combines morning lectures on TVET pedagogy or curriculum development with afternoon teaching practicum and industry engagement. Students study TVET concepts, develop curricula, practise competency-based training methods, and conduct research. Teaching practicum provides hands-on experience in technical training institutions. Industry visits connect students with workplace learning environments. The programme emphasises TVET pedagogy, curriculum competence, and technical education management skills.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| TVET education is a government priority in Kenya, creating demand for qualified TVET educators and managers. | The programme is offered at only one university, limiting accessibility. |
| Offered at TUK with detailed published fee structure and established TVET education programme. | TVET sector in Kenya faces funding and infrastructure challenges that may affect career prospects. |
| Combines pedagogy with technical education management, providing versatile skills for TVET leadership. | May require relevant technical teaching experience for effective engagement with the programme. |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 243 education coursesAnnual 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
TUK ~221K/yr Grp IV (eafinder.com). OUK 93.8K/yr (ouk.ac.ke). Kabarak 165K, AIU 191K/yr.
HELB loans are available for eligible Kenyan students. TUK may offer institutional scholarships for qualifying students. TVET-related scholarships may be available through government and development partners.
Funding options
HELB Loan
Scholarships
1 recordedHELB Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in master's programmes at chartered universities
Scholarships you could apply for
2 usable where it is taught- Chevening Scholarships Kenya
Closes 30 November 2026FullUK Government
Full masters in UK
- AfDB Japan Scholarship Program
Closes 28 February 2027FullAfrican Development Bank
Full graduate study abroad
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
Second Class Honours (Upper Division) Bachelor's degree in a relevant field from a recognised institution, or Second Class (Lower Division) with at least 2 years of relevant experience or a relevant postgraduate diploma/certificate and 1 year of relevant work experience.
When it next starts
Taught at 6 institutionsIncluding Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, The Open University of Kenya, Murang'a University of Technology.
Including Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, The Open University of Kenya, Murang'a University of Technology.
Including Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, The Open University of Kenya, Murang'a University of Technology.
How you are assessed
3 componentsCoursework and Examinations
Written examination40% of the mark
Coursework assessments, written examinations, and assignments evaluating understanding of TVET pedagogy and curriculum concepts.
Teaching Practicum and Projects
Practical30% of the mark
Teaching practicum assessments, curriculum development projects, and competency-based training assignments evaluating practical TVET skills.
Thesis Defence
Project30% of the mark
A research thesis demonstrating research competence in TVET education, defended before an examination panel.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
TUK is chartered by CUE. MEd programme accredited by CUE and regulated by TVETA.
Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority
ProfessionalRequired
TVET programmes are regulated by TVETA.
Technical University of Kenya is chartered by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The MEd programme is accredited by CUE and regulated by TVETA.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesTVET Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 200,000
Teaches technical and vocational subjects in technical training institutions, polytechnics, and vocational colleges, training future technicians and artisans.
Technical Education Manager
Moderate demand
Manages technical training institutions or TVET departments, overseeing operations, academic programmes, and institutional development.
TVET Curriculum Developer
Low demand
Develops curricula for technical and vocational education programmes in government, institutions, or curriculum development agencies.
TVET Consultant
Low demand
Provides consulting services on TVET policy, programme development, and quality assurance for government, development partners, and TVET institutions.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates find employment as TVET lecturers, technical education managers, and curriculum developers in technical training institutions, vocational colleges, and government, with opportunities for TVET policy and management roles.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Early Childhood StrategistEducation10Low exposure
- Special Needs EducatorEducation10Low exposure
- Career Guidance CounselorEducation11Low exposure
- Early Literacy SpecialistEducation14Low exposure
- STEM Laboratory EducatorEducation14Low exposure
- TVET Competency AssessorEducation14Low exposure
- Vocational Workshop InstructorEducation14Low exposure
- Montessori EducatorEducation15Low exposure
Industry links
Common misconceptions
TVET education is inferior to academic education.
TVET education is a critical component of Kenya's education system, providing practical skills for industrialisation and economic development, and is increasingly valued by government and employers.
TVET teachers don't need advanced qualifications.
Advanced TVET qualifications are essential for quality technical education, curriculum development, and TVET institutional management.
TVET is only for those who can't get into university.
TVET provides specialised practical skills that are in high demand, and TVET professionals often have both academic and technical qualifications.
Competency-based training is just a buzzword.
Competency-based training is a systematic approach to vocational education that focuses on demonstrable skills and competencies, widely adopted in TVET systems globally.