Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy
Duration
Two (2) academic years (four semesters); each academic year consists of two semesters each lasting sixteen (16) weeks. Years Years
Mode of study
Online
Academic school
School of EducationProgramme overview
Designed to develop advanced competencies in educational leadership, policy analysis, strategic planning, institutional management and evidence-informed decision-making. The programme equips education professionals and aspiring leaders with the knowledge and skills to formulate, implement and evaluate educational policies, manage educational institutions, mobilise resources and lead institutional transformation. It emphasises ethical leadership, governance, educational economics, quality assurance, inclusive education and data-informed policy development to strengthen educational effectiveness and equity.
Expected outcomes
Programme Learning Outcomes
By the end of the programme, learners will be able to:
PLO1: Demonstrate an understanding of ethical principles and reflective practices in educational leadership and policy-making.
PLO2: Analyse complex educational policies and leadership challenges and apply advanced problem-solving approaches to develop innovative and effective solutions.
PLO3: Design strategies and initiatives that promote innovation, inclusivity and positive change in educational environments.
PLO4: Demonstrate effective communication, collaboration and leadership in advocating for educational improvement and social justice.
Entry requirements
A candidate must satisfy the general University admission criteria for Masters Programmes:
- A Bachelors degree in a relevant area of study or an equivalent qualification recognised by Senate.
- A Bachelors degree with at least a Pass or an equivalent qualification recognized by Senate and a relevant Postgraduate Diploma from the Open University of Kenya or an institution recognized by Senate.
Programme structure
The programme shall normally take a period of two (2) academic years. An academic year shall normally consist of two semesters, each lasting sixteen (16) weeks. The course units are covered in a total of four semesters (2 years).
Assessment methods
Assessment and Grading
Learners are assessed through a combination of formative and summative assessments.
Coursework Assessment
Continuous Assessment Tests and Tasks (CATTs), including tests, term papers and other assignments, account for 50% of the final course mark.
The written examination accounts for 50% of the final course mark.
Each course unit is marked independently out of 100 marks.
Written examinations have a duration of two to three hours.
The minimum pass mark for both CATTs and the written examination is 50%.
The final aggregate mark is rounded to the nearest whole number where the decimal is 0.5 or above.
Special examinations may be offered under exceptional circumstances, including medical or compassionate grounds.
Grading Scale
- 75–100 — Grade: A; Classification: Excellent
- 60–74 — Grade: B; Classification: Very Good
- 50–59 — Grade: C; Classification: Good
- Below 50 — Grade: F; Classification: Reattempt
Thesis Assessment – EDU 899
The thesis is assessed by three examiners: one External Examiner and two Internal Examiners. The overall thesis mark comprises:
Oral defence: 20%
Mean score from the three examiners: 80%
A candidate must attain a minimum of 50% in both the written thesis and oral defence to pass.
Global careers
- Educational Administrator
- School Principal
- Education Policy Analyst
- Education Officer
- Curriculum and Quality Assurance Specialist
- Education Programme Manager
- Education Consultant
- Researcher
- Education Policy Advisor
Application hub
Typical duration
Delivery mode
Online
Accreditation info
Fully accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and recognised globally for digital-first excellence.
School of Education
Related programmes
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Location
Nairobi, Kenya