Education

Masters in Educational Practice for Academics

The Masters in Educational Practice for Academics is a postgraduate programme that trains university academics and educators in pedagogy, educational practice, curriculum development, and teaching excellence. The programme prepares graduates for advanced careers in university teaching, academic development, and educational leadership.

Core areas include pedagogy, teaching and learning, curriculum development, assessment, educational technology, academic practice, student engagement, research supervision, quality assurance, and research methods. Students engage with theoretical foundations and practical educational applications in higher education contexts.

The programme is offered by Moi University, Meru University of Science and Technology, and Karatina University, with Strathmore University as a college. Strathmore offers Masters in Educational Practice for Academics (MEPA) through its School of Graduate Studies. Meru University offers education masters with KES 60,000/semester fees.

Students develop competencies in teaching, curriculum design, assessment, educational technology, student engagement, and research. The programme includes coursework, teaching practicum, educational projects, examinations, supervised research, and thesis.

The programme is delivered over two years. Meru University education masters fees are KES 60,000/semester (~KES 120,000/year). Strathmore postgraduate fees are estimated at KES 150,000/semester (~KES 300,000/year). Entry requires Bachelor's degree with Upper Second or Lower with teaching experience.

Graduates pursue careers as university lecturers, academic developers, curriculum designers, educational consultants, and quality assurance officers in universities, colleges, and educational institutions.

Skills Required

University Teaching and Pedagogical Practice
Curriculum Design and Development
Student Assessment and Evaluation
Educational Technology and E-Learning
Student Engagement and Active Learning
Research Supervision and Mentorship
Quality Assurance in Higher Education
Academic Leadership and Management
Reflective Practice and Teaching Portfolios
Educational Practice Research Methods

Key Subjects

Pedagogy and Teaching Practice
Curriculum Development
Student Assessment
Educational Technology
Academic Practice
Student Engagement
Research Supervision
Quality Assurance
Academic Leadership
Educational Research Methods

Certifications

Advance HE Fellowship (HEA)
SEDA Educational Development Certification

Specializations

Pedagogy

Focuses on pedagogy, teaching methods, active learning, student-centred learning, collaborative learning, problem-based learning, and effective teaching in higher education.

Curriculum Development

Examines curriculum design, curriculum development, outcomes-based education, programme design, alignment, and designing and developing curricula.

Educational Technology

Covers educational technology, e-learning, LMS, blended learning, online learning, digital tools, and integrating technology in teaching and learning.

Assessment

Focuses on assessment, formative and summative assessment, rubrics, authentic assessment, feedback, and designing and implementing effective assessment.

Academic Development

Examines academic development, faculty development, continuing professional development, mentoring, and supporting academic staff development.

Quality Assurance

Covers quality assurance in higher education, QA frameworks, accreditation, standards, programme review, and ensuring quality in teaching and learning.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 140,000
Private, up to: Ksh 300,000
Job market: High

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: 15 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Pedagogy and Teaching Practice
Curriculum Development
Student Assessment
Educational Technology
Academic Practice
Student Engagement
Research Supervision
Quality Assurance
Academic Leadership
Educational Research Methods

Modules

12 in the programme

Pedagogy and Teaching Practice in Higher Education
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines teaching methods, active learning, student-centred learning, collaborative learning, problem-based learning, flipped classroom, and effective teaching in higher education.
Curriculum Design and Development
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers curriculum design, outcomes-based education, programme design, constructive alignment, syllabus design, and designing and developing curricula.
Student Assessment and Evaluation
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines formative and summative assessment, rubrics, authentic assessment, feedback, portfolios, assessment validity, and designing and implementing effective assessment.
Educational Technology and E-Learning
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers LMS, Moodle, blended learning, online learning, digital tools, multimedia, OER, and integrating technology in teaching and learning.
Academic Practice and Reflective Teaching
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines academic identity, reflective practice, teaching philosophy, teaching portfolios, academic integrity, scholarship of teaching, and developing academic practice.
Student Engagement and Inclusive Teaching
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers student engagement, motivation, active learning, student support, diversity, inclusion, universal design, and engaging students in learning.
Research Supervision and Mentorship
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines research supervision, mentoring, postgraduate supervision, research ethics, supervisor-student relationship, and supervising student research.
Quality Assurance in Higher Education
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers QA frameworks, accreditation, CUE standards, programme review, outcomes assessment, IQA and EQA, and ensuring quality in teaching and learning.
Academic Leadership and Management
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines academic leadership, department management, change management, academic governance, strategic planning, and leading in academia.
Educational Practice Research Methods
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers educational research methods, action research, scholarship of teaching and learning, qualitative and quantitative methods, and conducting educational research, preparing students for their thesis.
Contemporary Issues in Higher Education
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines contemporary issues including massification, internationalisation, equity, employability, academic freedom, funding, and emerging trends in higher education.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research thesis on an educational practice topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Pedagogy
Focuses on pedagogy, teaching methods, active learning, student-centred learning, collaborative learning, problem-based learning, and effective teaching in higher education.
Curriculum Development
Examines curriculum design, curriculum development, outcomes-based education, programme design, alignment, and designing and developing curricula.
Educational Technology
Covers educational technology, e-learning, LMS, blended learning, online learning, digital tools, and integrating technology in teaching and learning.
Assessment
Focuses on assessment, formative and summative assessment, rubrics, authentic assessment, feedback, and designing and implementing effective assessment.
Academic Development
Examines academic development, faculty development, continuing professional development, mentoring, and supporting academic staff development.
Quality Assurance
Covers quality assurance in higher education, QA frameworks, accreditation, standards, programme review, and ensuring quality in teaching and learning.

A day as a student

A typical day during the Masters in Educational Practice for Academics programme begins with morning lectures on pedagogy, curriculum development, or educational technology. Students engage with theoretical foundations and practical educational applications in higher education contexts. Pedagogy sessions cover teaching methods, active learning, student-centred learning, collaborative learning, problem-based learning, flipped classroom, and effective teaching in higher education. Curriculum development sessions examine curriculum design, outcomes-based education, programme design, constructive alignment, syllabus design, and designing and developing curricula. Assessment sessions cover formative and summative assessment, rubrics, authentic assessment, feedback, portfolios, and designing and implementing effective assessment. Educational technology sessions examine LMS, Moodle, blended learning, online learning, digital tools, multimedia, and integrating technology in teaching and learning. Academic practice sessions cover academic identity, reflective practice, teaching philosophy, teaching portfolios, academic integrity, and developing academic practice. Student engagement sessions examine student engagement, motivation, active learning, student support, diversity, inclusion, and engaging students in learning. Research supervision sessions cover research supervision, mentoring, postgraduate supervision, research ethics, and supervising student research. Quality assurance sessions examine QA frameworks, accreditation, standards, programme review, outcomes assessment, and ensuring quality in teaching and learning. Academic leadership sessions cover academic leadership, department management, change management, academic governance, and leading in academia. Teaching practicum provides hands-on experience with university teaching, classroom observation, peer review, and teaching practice. Educational projects provide hands-on experience with curriculum design, assessment design, educational technology integration, and educational development projects. Research methodology sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering educational research methods, action research, and scholarship of teaching and learning. Guest lectures from university faculty, CUE officials, KICD experts, TSC officers, and international educational development experts provide real-world insights. The two-year programme culminates in a research thesis.

The trade offs

In its favour

Kenya's expanding higher education sector, quality assurance requirements, CUE standards, and teaching excellence create high demand for qualified educational practice professionals.
Strathmore University offers MEPA through its School of Graduate Studies, providing specialised training for academics.
Career opportunities in universities, colleges, CUE, KICD, TSC, and international educational development organisations.
Programme enhances teaching quality, academic practice, and career progression for university academics and educators.

Against it

Strathmore tuition of approximately KES 150,000/semester (~KES 300,000/year) is relatively expensive compared to public universities.
Programme primarily targets academics and educators, which may exclude graduates from other fields.
Niche programme with fewer positions compared to broader education programmes.
Teaching practicum requires access to university teaching opportunities, which may be limited for some students.

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

Public120k to 140k

120k at Meru University of Science and Technology140k at Moi University

Private119k to 300k

119k at Mount Kenya University300k at Strathmore 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

Meru 120,000/yr verified. Moi, MKU, Strathmore unverified.

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. TSC supports teacher professional development. Advance HE supports teaching excellence through fellowships. ICED supports educational development. The programme's educational practice focus attracts higher education, TSC, and international funding.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
TSC Professional Development Funding
Advance HE Fellowship Funding

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate educational practice studies at recognised universities.
TSC Professional Development Funding
GrantKsh 200,000Kenyan
TSC supports teacher professional development in Kenya, providing funding for postgraduate study in education.
Advance HE Fellowship Funding
FellowshipKsh 300,000
Advance HE supports teaching excellence in higher education globally, providing fellowships and funding for postgraduate study in educational practice.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: The programme targets university academics and educators. Entry requires Bachelor's degree with Upper Second or Lower with teaching experience. Strathmore offers MEPA for academics. Two-year programme with full-time and part-time modes.

How you are assessed

4 components

Coursework and Continuous Assessment
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, teaching portfolios, curriculum designs, assessment designs, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination30% of the mark
Written examinations covering pedagogy, curriculum, assessment, educational technology, and quality assurance, conducted at end of each semester.
Teaching Practicum and Project Assessment
Practical40% of the mark
Assessment of teaching practicum, classroom observation, peer review, educational projects, and practical teaching and development work.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on an educational practice 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). Strathmore University offers MEPA through its School of Graduate Studies. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate educational practice training. CUE regulates university education in Kenya, and Advance HE and ICED support educational development internationally.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. Strathmore University offers MEPA through its School of Graduate Studies. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate educational practice training.
Teachers Service Commission (TSC)
Professional accreditation
TSC manages teachers in Kenya. Graduates working in educational institutions may benefit from TSC registration and professional development.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

University Lecturer
High demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches in universities, applying enhanced pedagogy, curriculum design, assessment, and supporting student learning and academic excellence.
Academic Developer
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 500,000
Supports academic staff development, overseeing faculty development programmes, mentoring, training, and supporting teaching quality.
Curriculum Designer
High demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 450,000
Designs and develops curricula, overseeing curriculum design, alignment, review, and supporting curriculum quality and innovation.
Educational Consultant
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Provides educational consultancy, overseeing teaching quality, curriculum review, QA, and supporting educational improvement.
Quality Assurance Officer
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 450,000
Manages quality assurance in education, overseeing QA frameworks, accreditation, programme review, and supporting educational quality.
Educational Technology Specialist
High demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Supports educational technology integration, overseeing e-learning, LMS, blended learning, and supporting technology-enhanced learning.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as university lecturers, academic developers, and curriculum designers in universities and educational institutions.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Moodle LMS
SoftwarePrimary
Learning management system for online learning, course management, blended learning, assessment, and managing online and blended courses.
Google Classroom
SoftwarePrimary
Educational platform for course management, assignments, communication, collaboration, and managing online teaching and learning.
Turnitin
Software
Plagiarism detection and academic integrity software for assessment, originality checking, feedback, and supporting academic integrity.
SPSS
Software
Statistical software for educational research, survey analysis, assessment data, and research data analysis.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Educational practice is just about learning to teach.
The programme involves pedagogy, curriculum, assessment, technology, quality assurance, leadership, research, and academic development, covering comprehensive educational practice.
This programme is only for new academics.
The programme is for academics at all career stages, including experienced lecturers seeking to enhance their teaching and academic practice.
There is limited demand for educational practice training in Kenya.
Kenya's expanding higher education sector, quality assurance requirements, CUE standards, and teaching excellence create high demand for qualified educational practice professionals.
Educational practice is not academic enough for a master's.
The programme involves rigorous educational theory, research methods, scholarship of teaching and learning, and evidence-based practice, making it a rigorous academic programme.
Online learning has made traditional teaching practice obsolete.
Online and blended learning require enhanced pedagogical skills, not less, making educational practice more important than ever.
A master's in educational practice is redundant after a subject master's.
Subject expertise alone does not guarantee teaching effectiveness; the master's provides pedagogical skills, research capability, and career progression in academic development.