Bachelor of Education (Arts)
Duration
4 years (8 semesters) plus two 12-week school practicums
Mode of study
Online
Academic school
School of EducationProgramme overview
Designed to prepare competent, innovative and reflective secondary school teachers through rigorous subject specialisation, pedagogical training, curriculum studies and competency-based teaching and assessment. The programme equips graduates with the professional knowledge, practical teaching skills and digital competencies required to facilitate inclusive, learner-centred education.
Expected outcomes
By the end of this programme, the learner should be able to:
- Analyse educational theories and practices relevant to teaching subjects in diverse educational settings.
- Design innovative instructional strategies and assessment tools, integrating digital technologies and community partnerships to foster core competencies, Pertinent and Contemporary Issues (PCIs) and values.
- Develop various professional documents catering for inclusive learning environments to promote learning diversity in different subjects and foster equity in education.
- Practise lifelong learning and professional development by reflecting on teaching practices, peer collaboration, community partnership and advocacy for inclusive education that cultivates critical consciousness in learners.
Entry requirements
KCSE mean grade of C+ and above, or a recognised equivalent qualification, subject to approved subject-combination requirements and applicable university and regulatory guidelines. Relevant diploma qualifications and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be considered in accordance with University policy.
Credit and Entry pathways
Credit accumulation and transfer follow the Universities Regulations, the Universities Standards and Guidelines and national trends. A candidate may transfer credits for part or all of the coursework where Senate is satisfied that the prescribed courses were completed and passed at undergraduate level in accredited institutions and programmes recognised by Senate.
- Diploma holders from accredited institutions are eligible for admission and may apply for exemptions.
- A maximum of 49% of the programme credits may be transferred or exempted.
- Only courses passed with 50% and above are eligible for transfer.
Programme structure
Programme Structure
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the programme, learners will be able to:
- Analyse educational theories and practices relevant to teaching subjects in diverse educational settings.
- Design innovative instructional strategies and assessment tools that integrate digital technologies and community partnerships to foster core competencies, Pertinent and Contemporary Issues (PCIs) and values.
- Develop professional documents and instructional resources that cater for inclusive learning environments, promote learning diversity across different subjects and foster equity in education.
- Practise lifelong learning and professional development by reflecting on teaching practices, engaging in peer collaboration and community partnerships, and advocating for inclusive education that cultivates critical consciousness among learners.
Progressive Award Structure – B.Ed. (Arts)
- Level I — Stage of Study: Foundation and introductory courses; Award/Outcome: Progression to Level II; Cumulative Units: 12; Indicative Hours: 540
- Level II — Stage of Study: Intermediate courses; Award/Outcome: Progressive Certificate in Education (Arts); Cumulative Units: 24; Indicative Hours: 1,080
- Level III — Stage of Study: Advanced and professional courses; Award/Outcome: Progressive Diploma in Education (Arts); Cumulative Units: 37; Indicative Hours: 1,665
- Level IV — Stage of Study: Degree completion, advanced specialization and professional requirements; Award/Outcome: Bachelor of Education (Arts); Cumulative Units: 51; Indicative Hours: 2,295
- TOTAL — Stage of Study: Four Levels; Award/Outcome: Bachelor of Education (Arts); Cumulative Units: 51 Units; Indicative Hours: 2,295 Hours
Total credit hours and course units required for graduation
The Bachelor of Education (Arts) programme at the Open University of Kenya (OUK) shall require learners to successfully complete a minimum of 51 course units, equivalent to 153 credit hours and 2,295 instructional hours, in line with the applicable Commission for University Education (CUE) requirements for Education (Secondary–Arts) programmes. The programme shall include the prescribed Teaching Practice component, equivalent to 2 course units and 6 credit hours, alongside Education Core courses, two approved teaching subject specialisations, and other programme requirements. At OUK, one course unit shall be equivalent to 3 credit hours or 45 instructional hours. Learners shall be eligible for graduation upon successful completion of all prescribed courses and professional requirements, including Teaching Practice, research/capstone requirements, and fulfilment of the University's academic and graduation regulations.
Curriculum Requirements
- Minimum mean grade of C+ (plus) at KCSE and C+ in Mathematics with C plain and above in Physics, Chemistry and English or
- equivalent qualification from recognized institutions OR
- Kenya Advanced Certificate of Education (KACE) with a minimum of two principal passes in Mathematics /Physics /Chemistry. OR
- A minimum of grade C (Plain) in KCSE or equivalent and a certificate of bridging courses or pre-university qualifications from recognized institutions and C+ in Mathematics with C plain and above in Physics, Chemistry and English. OR
- Diploma in technical education or computer studies from recognized institution in a relevant field
Option 2:
To recognize prior learning, the applicant must fulfill the following requirements:
a) KCSE certificate or its equivalent
b) A minimum of two years workplace training/a minimum of two years work experience in industry or a relevant field
c) Relevant short courses of not less than three months, the number of which the Senate will decide. OR
d) Recognition of prior learning assessment certificate from a recognized institution
Assessment methods
Learners shall be assessed using a combination of formative, continuous and summative assessment approaches, including:
- Content-embedded quizzes
- Online assignments
- Discussion forums and collaborative activities
- Open-book tests
- Practical and experiential learning activities
- Project reports
- E-portfolios
- Teaching practice and practicum assessment
- End-of-course examinations
- Reflective and professional practice assessments
Continuous Assessment
- Coursework, assignments, practical activities and continuous assessment tests: 50%
- End-of-course examination or final project for applicable practical courses: 50%
All courses shall be assessed in accordance with the approved University assessment regulations. The applicable pass mark shall be determined by the University's academic regulations.
Practicum and teaching practice shall be assessed in accordance with approved School and University guidelines governing experiential learning, community service learning and supervised teaching practice.
Global careers
- Secondary School Teacher
- Curriculum Developer
- Instructional Designer
- Education Officer
- Educational Content Developer
- Teacher Trainer
- Education Research Assistant
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
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Location
Nairobi, Kenya