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.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 112,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 224,000 for the whole course.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 1 institution.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Forensic DNA Scientist, at 15 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 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.
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 programmeQuantitative 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 | Against it |
|---|---|
| Quantitative research skills are in demand across multiple sectors including research, government, consulting, and international organisations. | The programme is offered at only one university, limiting accessibility. |
| Offered at Maseno University's School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Sciences with strong quantitative focus. | Requires strong background in statistics or mathematics. |
| Combines research methodology with statistical analysis, providing versatile analytical skills. | 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 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
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 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
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.
When it next starts
Taught at 1 institutionIncluding Maseno University.
Including Maseno University.
Including Maseno University.
How you are assessed
3 componentsCoursework 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
Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Maseno University is chartered by CUE. MSc programme accredited by CUE.
Maseno University is chartered by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The MSc programme is accredited by CUE.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesResearch 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- Forensic DNA ScientistScience15Low exposure
- Neuromorphic Computing ResearcherScience15Low exposure
- Agricultural EntomologistScience17Low exposure
- Neurotechnology Research EngineerScience17Low exposure
- Phage Therapy ResearcherScience17Low exposure
- Applied GeochemistScience18Low exposure
- Computational ToxicologistScience18Low exposure
- Computational Toxicology SpecialistScience18Low exposure
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.