Education

Masters of Education in Comparative and International Studies

The Masters of Education in Comparative and International Studies is a postgraduate programme that trains educators and researchers in comparative education, international education, education policy, and global education trends. The programme prepares graduates for advanced careers in education policy, international education, comparative research, and educational development.

Core areas include comparative education, international education, education policy, global education systems, education and development, education research, sociology of education, philosophy of education, history of education, and research methods. Students engage with theoretical foundations and practical comparative and international education applications.

The programme is offered by Moi University, Meru University of Science and Technology, and Karatina University, with Kenyatta University as a college. Moi University offers MEd in Comparative Education. UoN offers MEd in Comparative and International Education through its Faculty of Education.

Students develop competencies in comparative analysis, policy analysis, international education, research, and educational development. The programme includes coursework, comparative studies, 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). Moi University education masters fees are estimated at KES 140,000/year. Entry requires Bachelor's degree in Education or related field with Upper Second or Lower with experience.

Graduates pursue careers as education policy analysts, comparative education researchers, international education consultants, and university lecturers in government, international organisations, universities, and research institutions.

Skills Required

Comparative Education Analysis
International Education Policy Analysis
Global Education Systems Comparison
Education and Development Planning
Education Research and Data Analysis
Cross-Cultural Education Understanding
Education Policy Development and Evaluation
International Education Programme Management
Education Systems Analysis and Benchmarking
Comparative Education Research Methods

Key Subjects

Comparative Education
International Education
Education Policy
Global Education Systems
Education and Development
Sociology of Education
Philosophy of Education
History of Education
Education Research
Comparative Education Research Methods

Certifications

UNESCO Education Certification
CIES Professional Certification

Specializations

Comparative Education

Focuses on comparative education, comparing education systems, policies, practices, outcomes, and understanding education across different countries and contexts.

International Education

Examines international education, global education, international schools, exchange programmes, internationalisation, and understanding education in international contexts.

Education Policy

Covers education policy, policy analysis, policy development, education reform, global education policy, and analysing and developing education policy.

Education and Development

Focuses on education and development, education for sustainable development, SDG 4, education and economic growth, and understanding the role of education in development.

Global Education Trends

Examines global education trends, international assessments, PISA, TIMSS, globalisation, privatisation, and understanding global trends in education.

Sociology of Education

Covers sociology of education, social inequality, access, equity, social reproduction, and understanding the social dimensions of education.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 140,000
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: 15 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Comparative Education
International Education
Education Policy
Global Education Systems
Education and Development
Sociology of Education
Philosophy of Education
History of Education
Education Research
Comparative Education Research Methods

Modules

12 in the programme

Comparative Education Theory and Methods
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines comparative education theory, comparing education systems, policies, practices, outcomes, comparative methods, and understanding education across countries.
International Education and Globalisation
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers international education, global education, international schools, exchange programmes, internationalisation, global citizenship, and understanding education in international contexts.
Education Policy Analysis
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines education policy, policy analysis, policy development, education reform, global education policy, and analysing and developing education policy.
Global Education Systems
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers education systems in different countries, Africa, Asia, Europe, America, OECD, BRICS, Nordic, and comparing global education systems.
Education and Development
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines education and development, education for sustainable development, SDG 4, education and economic growth, human capital, and understanding the role of education in development.
Sociology of Education
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers social inequality, access, equity, social reproduction, class, gender, ethnicity, inclusion, and understanding social dimensions of education.
International Assessments and Education Data
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines international assessments, PISA, TIMSS, PIRLS, EGRA, global education data, education indicators, and understanding education research and data.
Philosophy and History of Education
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers philosophy of education, educational philosophy, epistemology, ethics, history of education, African education history, colonial education, and understanding philosophical and historical foundations.
Education Reform and Innovation
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines education reform, innovation, curriculum reform, pedagogical innovation, education technology, privatisation, and understanding education reform and innovation.
Comparative Education Research Methods
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers comparative education research methods, cross-national research, qualitative and quantitative methods, policy analysis, and conducting comparative education research, preparing students for their thesis.
African Education Systems and Challenges
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines African education systems, challenges, access, quality, equity, AU education strategy, and understanding education in African contexts.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research thesis on a comparative and international education topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Comparative Education
Focuses on comparative education, comparing education systems, policies, practices, outcomes, and understanding education across different countries and contexts.
International Education
Examines international education, global education, international schools, exchange programmes, internationalisation, and understanding education in international contexts.
Education Policy
Covers education policy, policy analysis, policy development, education reform, global education policy, and analysing and developing education policy.
Education and Development
Focuses on education and development, education for sustainable development, SDG 4, education and economic growth, and understanding the role of education in development.
Global Education Trends
Examines global education trends, international assessments, PISA, TIMSS, globalisation, privatisation, and understanding global trends in education.
Sociology of Education
Covers sociology of education, social inequality, access, equity, social reproduction, and understanding the social dimensions of education.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MEd Comparative and International Studies programme begins with morning lectures on comparative education, international education, or education policy. Students engage with theoretical foundations and practical comparative and international education applications. Comparative education sessions cover comparative education theory, comparing education systems, policies, practices, outcomes, comparative methods, and understanding education across countries. International education sessions examine international education, global education, international schools, exchange programmes, internationalisation, global citizenship, and understanding education in international contexts. Education policy sessions cover education policy, policy analysis, policy development, education reform, global education policy, and analysing and developing education policy. Global education systems sessions examine education systems in different countries, Africa, Asia, Europe, America, OECD, BRICS, and comparing global education systems. Education and development sessions cover education and development, education for sustainable development, SDG 4, education and economic growth, human capital, and understanding the role of education in development. Sociology of education sessions examine social inequality, access, equity, social reproduction, class, gender, ethnicity, and understanding social dimensions of education. Philosophy of education sessions cover philosophy of education, educational philosophy, epistemology, ethics, and understanding philosophical foundations of education. History of education sessions examine history of education, African education history, colonial education, post-independence education, and understanding historical development of education. Education research sessions cover education research, international assessments, PISA, TIMSS, EGRA, global education data, and understanding education research and data. Comparative studies provide hands-on experience with comparing education systems, policy analysis, benchmarking, and international case studies. Research methodology sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering comparative education research methods, cross-national research, and data analysis. Guest lectures from university faculty, Ministry of Education officials, UNESCO advisors, World Bank experts, and international education scholars provide real-world insights. The two-year programme culminates in a research thesis.

The trade offs

In its favour

Kenya's education reforms, SDG 4 commitments, international assessments, regional integration, and education policy development create moderate demand for qualified comparative education professionals.
Programme offered at multiple public universities including Moi, Meru, Karatina, and Kenyatta, providing accessible options.
Career opportunities with government, Ministry of Education, UNESCO, World Bank, CIES, universities, and international education organisations.
Programme provides global perspective on education, supporting evidence-based policy reform and education development in Kenya.

Against it

Programme requires education or related background, which may exclude some graduates.
Niche field with fewer positions compared to broader education programmes.
International education positions may require additional language skills and international experience.
Comparative research requires access to international education data and literature, which may be limited.

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

Private165k to 191k

165k at Kabarak 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

Meru 120,000, Kabarak 165,200, AIU 191,050/yr verified. Moi unverified.

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. UNESCO supports education capacity building. World Bank supports education development. CIES supports comparative education professional development. The programme's comparative and international education focus attracts UNESCO, World Bank, and international education funding.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
UNESCO Education Funding
World Bank Education Funding

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate comparative and international education studies at recognised universities.
UNESCO Education Funding
GrantKsh 300,000
UNESCO supports education capacity building globally, providing funding for postgraduate research in comparative and international education.
World Bank Education Funding
FellowshipKsh 400,000
World Bank supports education globally, providing fellowships for postgraduate study in comparative and international education.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: The programme accepts graduates from education, social sciences, international relations, public administration, and related fields. 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, comparative analysis, policy briefs, research papers, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination40% of the mark
Written examinations covering comparative education, international education, policy, development, and global systems, conducted at end of each semester.
Comparative Study and Project Assessment
Practical30% of the mark
Assessment of comparative studies, country case studies, policy analysis projects, and practical work.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on a comparative and international education 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). Moi University offers MEd in Comparative Education. UoN offers MEd in Comparative and International Education through its Faculty of Education. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate comparative and international education training. Ministry of Education oversees education in Kenya, and UNESCO and CIES support comparative and international education globally.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. Moi University offers MEd in Comparative Education. UoN offers MEd in Comparative and International Education. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate comparative and international education 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

Education Policy Analyst
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Analyses education policy, overseeing policy research, comparative analysis, policy development, and supporting education policy and reform.
Comparative Education Researcher
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Conducts comparative education research, overseeing research projects, cross-national studies, and supporting comparative education scholarship.
International Education Consultant
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Provides international education consultancy, overseeing education projects, policy advice, and supporting international education development.
Education Programme Manager
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Manages education programmes, overseeing programme design, implementation, M&E, and supporting education development programmes.
University Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches comparative and international education in universities, conducting research and training future education professionals.
Education Development Specialist
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Supports education development, overseeing education projects, SDG 4, capacity building, and supporting education development and reform.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as education policy analysts, comparative education researchers, and international education consultants in government, universities, and international organisations.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

SPSS
SoftwarePrimary
Statistical software for education research, survey analysis, international assessment data, and research data analysis.
Stata
SoftwarePrimary
Statistical software for comparative education research, cross-national analysis, education data, and research data analysis.
NVivo
Software
Qualitative data analysis software for education research, policy analysis, interviews, and qualitative data analysis.
UNESCO UIS Database
Software
UNESCO Institute for Statistics database for international education data, indicators, comparisons, and accessing global education statistics.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Comparative education is just about comparing schools in different countries.
The programme involves comparative theory, policy analysis, international education, development, sociology, philosophy, history, and research, covering comprehensive comparative and international education.
This programme is only for those planning to work internationally.
The programme is relevant for educators, policymakers, researchers, and administrators working in Kenya, Africa, or internationally, not just those working abroad.
There is limited demand for comparative education professionals in Kenya.
Kenya's education reforms, SDG 4 commitments, international assessments, regional integration, and education policy development create moderate demand for qualified comparative education professionals.
Comparative education is not practical.
Comparative education provides practical insights for policy reform, system improvement, benchmarking, and evidence-based education development.
International education is only about studying abroad.
International education encompasses global education, internationalisation, global citizenship, exchange, development, and education in global contexts, not just study abroad.
A master's in comparative education is redundant after an MEd.
The master's provides specialised comparative skills, international perspective, research capability, and career progression to senior education policy and international education positions.