The Master of Science in Mathematical Innovation is a flexible, interdisciplinary postgraduate programme that equips learners to apply mathematics, digital technologies and research to complex educational, technological and societal challenges.

The Programme integrates mathematical problem-solving, educational innovation, complex systems modelling, data science, responsible artificial intelligence and technology development for social impact. Learners gain the practical and research capabilities required to design solutions for education, industry, government, research and development settings.

Delivered fully online, the programme combines asynchronous independent learning, facilitated online problem-solving, collaborative activities, practical assignments and applied projects. Learners can tailor their studies through six specialization pathways aligned with their interests, workplace needs and career aspirations.

The Programme follows a progressive modular pathway. Individual modules may support micro-credential certification, while learners who complete the Level I coursework and the Capstone Project may qualify for the Postgraduate Diploma in Mathematical Innovation before progressing to the Masters degree. 

Career Prospects

Learners may pursue or advance careers in areas such as:

• Mathematics Education and Educational Technology
• Digital Assessment and Learning Design
• Mathematical and Computational Modelling
• Data Science, Statistics and Machine Learning
• Responsible AI, AI Governance and Data Ethics
• Research, Academia and Postgraduate Supervision
• Technology Development for Social Impact
• Innovation, Product Development and Digital Transformation
• Policy Analysis, Monitoring and Evaluation

Applicants are eligible for admission into the Master of Science in Mathematical Innovation if they meet any of the following requirements:

• A Bachelors degree with at least Second Class Honours, Upper Division from the Open University of Kenya or an equivalent qualification recognised by the Senate.
• A Bachelors degree with at least Second Class Honours, Lower Division or an equivalent qualification recognised by the Senate, plus at least two years of relevant work experience.
• A Bachelors degree at Pass level from the Open University of Kenya or an equivalent qualification recognised by the Senate, plus at least four years of relevant work experience.
• Relevant professional experience, skills and knowledge in Mathematics or Educational Technology considered through the Recognition of Prior Learning pathway. Applicants using this pathway must provide evidence of experience, including a portfolio of work and a detailed curriculum vitae.

Credit accumulation and progression pathways shall be implemented in accordance with the Universities Regulations, Standards and Guidelines, applicable national requirements and the policies of the Open University of Kenya.

Credit Transfer

A candidate may be allowed to transfer credits for equivalent postgraduate coursework completed and passed at an accredited institution or programme recognised by the Senate. A course considered for transfer must have been completed at an equivalent level, with a minimum grade of 50%.

Guidelines for Credit Transfer and Exemptions

1. The course must have been completed at an institution recognised by the Senate.
2. Credit transfer is limited to a maximum of one-third of the taught course units in the programme.
3. The course must be equivalent to and at the same academic level as the corresponding OUK course.
4. Only courses passed at grade C or above may be considered.
5. Credit transfer shall not be granted for the research project.
6. The applicant must pay the prescribed application fee and submit a formal request to the Dean, School of Science and Technology, together with endorsed supporting documents.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Programme, learners will be able to:

• Innovate to support learning in the mathematical sciences through technological and educational interventions.
• Use mathematical problem-solving and computer-based mathematics as tools for social development.
• Critically evaluate the potential, limitations and societal implications of data and artificial intelligence.
• Build scientific knowledge through collaborative research on complex real-world problems.

Progressive award after Year One

A learner who completes at least 32 credits and 480 instructional hours at Level I, passes all required courses and successfully completes MMI 891: Capstone Project may qualify for the Postgraduate Diploma in Mathematical Innovation, subject to fulfilment of all University graduation requirements.

Total Credit Hours and Course Units Required for Graduation

• Master of Science: 4 Semesters, a minimum of 64 credits and at least 960 instructional hours.
• Postgraduate Diploma: 2 Semesters, a minimum of 32 credits and at least 480 instructional hours, including the Capstone Project.
• The Programme may be completed within a minimum of 18 months and a maximum of 48 months, in accordance with the regulations.

Learners will be assessed through:

• Content-embedded quizzes
• Online practical work
• Open-book tests
• Project reports
• End-of-course online examinations
• E-portfolios for project-based assessment

Continuous Assessment

• Coursework, assignments, practical activities and continuous assessment tests 50%
• End-of-course examination or final project for practical courses 50%

All taught courses and projects have a pass mark of 50%. Project work is undertaken in accordance with the School of Science and Technology project guidelines and the University’s academic integrity requirements

Level I establishes the programme’s interdisciplinary foundation. Learners complete the core courses, the pathway-aligned foundation elective and, where pursuing the progressive Postgraduate Diploma award, the Capstone Project.

At Level II, learners undertake advanced courses in a selected specialisation pathway, complete Research Methods and undertake a Masters project aligned with the selected pathway.

Level II Core Courses

Specialisation 1: Innovations in Mathematics Education

Specialisation 2: Technology Development for Social Impact

Specialisation 3: Problem-Based Mathematics

Specialisation 4: Complex Systems Modelling

Specialisation 5: Data Science for Development

Specialisation 6: Responsible Artificial Intelligence

Kindly ask for a return call from our proficient OUK course consultants to have your inquiries addressed.

Other Programmes offered

• Bachelor of Data Science
• Bachelor of Agri-Technology and Food Systems
• Bachelor of Business and Entrepreneurship
• Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics
• Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership and Accountability
• Postgraduate Diploma in Learning Design and Technology
• Bachelor of Technology Education
• View More