Science

Master of Science in Quantitative Research Methods

The Master of Science in Quantitative Research Methods provides advanced training in research methodology, statistical analysis, quantitative data analysis, and research design. Students learn quantitative research methods, statistical modelling, survey design, and data analysis techniques. The programme is designed for statistics and mathematics graduates seeking advanced research methods qualifications.

Students develop advanced competencies in quantitative research design, statistical analysis, data modelling, survey methodology, and research evaluation. The curriculum covers quantitative research methods, statistical analysis, research design, and a research thesis. Practical skills are developed through data analysis projects and research work.

Quantitative research methods expertise is critical for Kenya's research, academic, and policy sectors. Research institutions, universities, government agencies, and consulting firms require trained quantitative researchers. Kenya's evidence-based policy needs and research sector growth create demand for quantitative research expertise. The programme addresses the demand for advanced quantitative research training.

The programme combines classroom lectures with data analysis sessions, research projects, and statistical computing. Students study research methods, analyse quantitative data, design research studies, and conduct research. Teaching methods include lectures, computational sessions, project work, and research supervision. The programme is offered through the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Sciences.

Graduates find employment as research methodologists, data analysts, statisticians, or research consultants in research institutions, universities, government agencies, and consulting firms. The master's degree supports careers in quantitative research, data analysis, and statistical consulting.

This programme is ideal for statistics and mathematics graduates seeking advanced quantitative research qualifications. The programme provides advanced skills for research design, statistical analysis, and evidence-based decision-making.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 112,000
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: Master

What you study

10 subjects

Quantitative Research Design
Statistical Modelling
Survey Methodology
Data Analysis and Statistical Computing
Research Methods
Probability Theory
Sampling Techniques
Multivariate Analysis
Research Evaluation
Thesis Research

Modules

8 in the programme

Quantitative Research Design and Methods
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Quantitative research design covering experimental and non-experimental designs, research questions, hypotheses, and research methodology.
Statistical Modelling and Analysis
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Statistical modelling covering linear models, logistic regression, generalised linear models, and statistical inference.
Survey Methodology and Sampling
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Survey methodology covering survey design, questionnaire development, sampling techniques, and survey data collection.
Probability Theory and Statistical Computing
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Probability theory and statistical computing covering probability distributions, statistical software, and computational methods for data analysis.
Multivariate Analysis and Data Mining
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Multivariate analysis covering principal component analysis, factor analysis, cluster analysis, and data mining techniques.
Research Evaluation and Quality Assurance
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Research evaluation covering research quality, validity and reliability, research ethics, and quality assurance in research.
Advanced Statistical Methods
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Advanced statistical methods covering time series analysis, Bayesian methods, non-parametric methods, and advanced statistical techniques.
Thesis Research and Defence
Year 2Semester 16 creditsCore
A research thesis on a quantitative research methods topic, demonstrating research competence and contributing to research methodology knowledge.

Specialisations

Survey Methodology
Focus on survey design, sampling techniques, questionnaire development, and survey data analysis.
Statistical Computing
Focus on statistical software, computational methods, and data mining for quantitative research.
Research Evaluation
Focus on research quality assessment, programme evaluation, and evidence-based policy analysis.

A day as a student

A typical day combines morning lectures on research design or statistical modelling with afternoon data analysis sessions and project work. Students study research methods, analyse quantitative data, design research studies, and conduct research. Computational sessions provide hands-on experience with statistical software and data analysis. Research projects involve designing and conducting quantitative studies. The programme emphasises quantitative competence, statistical skills, and research capabilities.

The trade offs

In its favour

Quantitative research skills are in demand across multiple sectors including research, government, consulting, and international organisations.
Offered at Maseno University's School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Sciences with strong quantitative focus.
Combines research methodology with statistical analysis, providing versatile analytical skills.

Against it

The programme is offered at only one university, limiting accessibility.
Requires strong background in statistics or mathematics.
Career opportunities may be concentrated in research institutions and urban areas.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 243 science courses

Public112k to 112k

112k at Maseno University112k at Maseno 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

Maseno eCampus ~112K/yr ecampus3.maseno.ac.ke. Private unverified.

HELB loans are available for eligible Kenyan students. Research grants may be available from statistical organisations and research institutions.

Funding options

HELB Loan

Scholarships

1 recorded

HELB Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in master's programmes at chartered universities

Getting in

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

What you need

Alternative entry: BSc in Applied Statistics, Mathematics, Mathematical Sciences, or related degree with at least Upper Second Class Honours from Maseno University or recognised university. Lower Second Class Honours with 2 years relevant work experience may be considered. Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Statistics or related field may also be accepted.

How you are assessed

3 components

Coursework and Examinations
Written examination40% of the mark
Coursework assessments, written examinations, and assignments evaluating understanding of quantitative research methods concepts.
Data Analysis Projects
Project30% of the mark
Data analysis project assessments, research design evaluations, and practical assignments evaluating quantitative research skills.
Thesis Defence
Project30% of the mark
A research thesis demonstrating research competence in quantitative research methods, defended before an examination panel.

Accreditation

Maseno University is chartered by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The MSc programme is accredited by CUE.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Maseno University is chartered by CUE. MSc programme accredited by CUE.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

Research Methodologist
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 350,000
Designs and conducts quantitative research studies in research institutions, universities, or consulting firms, ensuring research quality and methodological rigour.
Data Analyst
High demand
Analyses quantitative data for organisations, using statistical methods and software to support evidence-based decision-making.
Statistician
Moderate demand
Works in government agencies, research institutions, or private sector, applying statistical methods to analyse data and inform policy.
Research Consultant
Moderate demand
Provides consulting on research design, data collection, and analysis for organisations, NGOs, and government agencies.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates find employment as research methodologists, data analysts, and statisticians in research institutions, universities, government agencies, and consulting firms, with opportunities for quantitative research and statistical analysis.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Quantitative research methods is just statistics.
Quantitative research methods covers research design, survey methodology, sampling, data collection, and analysis, going beyond pure statistics.
Research methods is only for academics.
Quantitative research skills are in demand in government, consulting, market research, and international organisations, not just academia.
You need to be a mathematician to study quantitative research methods.
The programme accepts graduates from statistics, mathematics, and related fields, with emphasis on practical research skills rather than pure mathematics.
Quantitative research is being replaced by qualitative methods.
Quantitative and qualitative methods are complementary. Quantitative methods remain essential for evidence-based policy, scientific research, and data-driven decision-making.