Education

Master of Science in Mathematics Education

The Master of Science in Mathematics Education is a two-year postgraduate programme that deepens students' understanding of mathematics pedagogy, curriculum design, and educational research. Offered at Kenyan universities including Egerton University and Kenyatta University, the programme is designed for practising teachers and educators seeking to advance their expertise in mathematics instruction.

Students develop advanced competencies in mathematics curriculum development, instructional design, educational statistics, assessment methods, and research methodology. They explore theories of mathematics learning, integrate technology in mathematics teaching, and conduct original research on mathematics education challenges in Kenyan and African contexts.

Kenya's education sector is undergoing significant reforms under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), which emphasises learner-centred approaches and STEM education. There is growing demand for qualified mathematics educators in secondary schools, teacher training colleges, universities, and curriculum development agencies.

Teaching is delivered through lectures, seminars, research workshops, teaching practice supervision, and thesis research. Students engage with educational research methods, statistical analysis software, mathematics teaching technologies, and participate in classroom-based research in schools.

Graduates pursue careers as university lecturers, curriculum developers, mathematics education researchers, instructional coaches, and educational consultants in universities, teacher training colleges, the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), and educational NGOs.

This programme is ideal for practising mathematics teachers and educators with a passion for improving mathematics instruction. It suits individuals with strong mathematics backgrounds who wish to contribute to educational policy, curriculum reform, and teacher development in Kenya.

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, Part-time
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 20 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Advanced Mathematics Pedagogy
Curriculum Development and Evaluation
Educational Statistics and Research Methods
Technology in Mathematics Education
Assessment and Evaluation in Mathematics
Theories of Learning Mathematics
Mathematical Modelling and Applications
Gender and Mathematics Education
Comparative Mathematics Education
Thesis Research

Modules

10 in the programme

Advanced Theories of Mathematics Learning
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Cognitive and constructivist theories of mathematics learning, including concept formation and problem-solving processes
Curriculum Development and Evaluation in Mathematics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Principles of mathematics curriculum design, implementation, and evaluation in the Kenyan education system
Educational Statistics and Research Methods
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Statistical methods for educational research, including experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation
Technology in Mathematics Education
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Integration of ICT tools, interactive software, and digital resources in mathematics teaching and learning
Assessment and Evaluation in Mathematics
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Design and implementation of mathematics assessments, rubric development, and formative evaluation strategies
Mathematical Modelling and Applications
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Mathematical modelling techniques and their applications in real-world problem-solving and teaching contexts
Gender and Mathematics Education
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Gender disparities in mathematics achievement and strategies for promoting equitable participation
Comparative Mathematics Education
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Comparative analysis of mathematics education systems across African and international contexts
Thesis Research
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Independent research on a mathematics education topic, culminating in a written thesis
Seminar in Mathematics Education
Year 4Semester 16 creditsCore
Presentation and discussion of current research issues and trends in mathematics education

Specialisations

STEM Education Research
Specialization in STEM Education Research, preparing graduates for careers such as science-educator.
Educational Assessment and Evaluation
Specialization in Educational Assessment and Evaluation, preparing graduates for careers such as curriculum-reviewer-junior.
Curriculum Development and Design
Specialization in Curriculum Development and Design, preparing graduates for careers such as curriculum-developer.
Mathematics Teacher Education
Specialization in Mathematics Teacher Education, preparing graduates for careers such as university-lecturer.
Instructional Design and Technology
Specialization in Instructional Design and Technology, preparing graduates for careers such as instructional-designer.
Mathematics Education Policy
Specialization in Mathematics Education Policy, preparing graduates for careers such as education-policy-analyst.

A day as a student

A typical day combines morning lectures on curriculum theory or research methods with afternoon seminars discussing mathematics pedagogy. Students may analyse classroom video recordings, design instructional materials, use statistical software for educational data analysis, or conduct field research in schools.

The trade offs

In its favour

CBC reforms create demand for mathematics curriculum specialists and teacher educators
Research skills are transferable to educational policy, consulting, and NGO sectors
Opportunities to influence mathematics teaching quality at national scale through KICD
Flexible study modes including part-time and distance learning suit practising teachers

Against it

Academic positions are competitive and may require a PhD for university lectureship
Funding for mathematics education research in Kenya is limited
Some positions in curriculum development require additional civil service qualifications
Balancing full-time teaching with postgraduate study can be challenging

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

Private142k to 191k

142k 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 MEd Math Ed 246K/yr (mawese.com). Egerton 172K/yr (Egerton PDF). MKU 142K/yr, AIU 191K/yr (official sites).

Students may access HELB postgraduate loans. AIMS offers scholarships for African mathematics scholars. Some educational NGOs provide research grants for mathematics education studies.

Funding options

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 80,000
African Mathematical Sciences Institute (AIMS) Scholarships
Scholarship
County Government Bursaries
Bursary

Scholarships

2 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 80,000Kenyan
Kenyan postgraduate students in recognised universities
AIMS Scholarship
ScholarshipKenyan
African mathematics scholars meeting academic criteria

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+
Alternative entry: Relevant diploma or equivalent qualification

Bachelor's degree in Education (Mathematics) or Mathematics
Second Class Honours (Upper Division)
Teaching experience
Preferred but not always mandatory
KCSE Mathematics
C+

How you are assessed

4 components

Thesis
Coursework100% of the mark
Final Examination
Coursework50% of the mark
Continuous Assessment Tests (CATs)
Coursework20% of the mark
Coursework Assignments and Presentations
Coursework30% of the mark

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Graduates teaching in Kenyan schools must be registered with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
InstitutionalRequired

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

University Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 180,000
Teaches mathematics and mathematics education courses at universities and teacher training colleges
Instructional Coach (Junior)
Moderate demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 120,000
Supports mathematics teachers in improving instructional practices, provides classroom coaching, and facilitates professional development
Science Educator
Moderate demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 120,000
Teaches mathematics and science in secondary schools, teacher training colleges, or educational programmes
Curriculum Reviewer (Junior)
Moderate demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 130,000
Evaluates and reviews mathematics curriculum materials, conducts alignment studies, and recommends improvements
Curriculum Developer
Moderate demandKsh 65,000 to Ksh 150,000
Designs and reviews mathematics curricula at KICD, ensuring alignment with national education goals and CBC requirements

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as university lecturers, curriculum developers, mathematics education researchers, instructional coaches, and educational consultants in universities, curriculum development agencies, and educational institutions.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Mathematics education is just about teaching mathematics
The programme covers curriculum design, educational research, policy analysis, assessment theory, and technology integration, preparing graduates for diverse roles beyond classroom teaching.
A masters in mathematics education has limited career prospects
The CBC reform process and demand for STEM education create opportunities in curriculum development, teacher training, educational consulting, and research.
Mathematics education is only for those who couldn't do pure mathematics
Mathematics education is a distinct discipline that combines deep mathematical understanding with pedagogical expertise and educational research skills.
Online and distance learning mathematics education degrees are not recognised in Kenya
CUE-accredited universities offer recognised mathematics education programmes through various modes including full-time, part-time, and distance learning.