Bachelor of Education (Arts)
Duration
4 years (8 semesters) plus two 12-week school practicums
Mode of study
Online
Academic school
School of EducationJoin a world-class institutional environment designed for the digital age. This programme offers a direct pathway to global career outcomes through technology-enabled learning.
Academic overview
The Bachelor of Education (Arts) at the Open University of Kenya embodies the institution's commitment to holistic, inclusive and technologically advanced education. The programme equips future educators with the knowledge and skills needed for success in the 21st century, integrating the humanities as a foundational pillar for understanding culture, society and human behaviour.
Adopting a learner-centred approach, the curriculum uses transformative pedagogy and technology to foster critical thinking, creativity and collaboration. It is aligned with the Competency-Based Education (CBE) framework and the professional expectations of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), so that graduates are not only knowledgeable but competent in delivering effective, contextually relevant education.
Learners combine common professional education courses with two teaching subjects, complete two mandatory school-based practicums, and undertake a capstone research project in their final year.
Programme Goal
To cultivate highly skilled, adaptable and competent educators who meet national and global standards, aligned with the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and 21st-century skills, and who are prepared to lead transformative change for a more equitable, inclusive and dynamic learning environment in Kenya and beyond.
Why Study This Programme
- Fully online, flexible and self-paced delivery designed for working professionals and adult learners.
- Aligned with Kenya's Competency-Based Curriculum and TSC requirements for teacher registration.
- Strong focus on digital literacy, technology integration and innovative pedagogy.
- Components on inclusive education and multicultural competence to serve diverse learners.
- Hands-on experience through two 12-week school practicums and a capstone research project.
- Developed with input from TSC, KNUT, KUPPET, KICD, faith-based organisations and academia.
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
Programme Admission Requirements
- A minimum mean grade of C+ (plus) at KCSE, or two principal passes at KACE, or its equivalent.
- C+ and above at KCSE in the two intended teaching subjects.
- A minimum of D+ in Mathematics and C in English at KCSE.
- Holders of relevant diplomas from accredited institutions.
- Applicants wishing to be registered by TSC must comply with the TSC policy on subject combinations.
How to Apply
- Government-sponsored students are admitted through the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS).
- Self-sponsored students apply directly to the University online via www.ouk.ac.ke, attaching copies of relevant academic and professional certificates. Originals must be presented at admission.
- Applications are verified, shortlisted against the entry criteria and presented to Senate for approval. Successful applicants download their admission letter from the University website.
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
The programme runs for a minimum of four (4) academic years of two semesters each, delivered online. Learners take the common professional education courses alongside two teaching subjects, plus two mandatory school-based practicums of at least 12 weeks each, after the second and third years of study.
Course Distribution
| Year | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 3 common professional courses + 4 subject courses | 2 common professional courses + 4 subject courses |
| Year 2 | 2 common professional courses + 4 subject courses | 3 common professional courses + 4 subject courses (incl. Subject Methods I) |
| After Year 2 | Practicum I – Experiential & Community Service Learning (12 weeks) | |
| Year 3 | 2 common professional courses + 4 subject courses (incl. Subject Methods II) | 3 common professional courses + 4 subject courses + 1 elective |
| After Year 3 | Practicum II – Teaching Practice (12 weeks) | |
| Year 4 | 3 common professional courses + 4 subject courses | 3 common professional courses + 4 subject courses + 1 elective |
Teaching Subjects
Learners specialise in two teaching subjects (subject to TSC subject-combination policy): English Language, Literature in English, Kiswahili, French, German, Arabic, Christian Religious Education, Islamic Religious Education, History and Citizenship, Geography, Mathematics, Business Studies, Computer Studies.
Graduation Requirements
- Pass all Core Common Professional courses, Subject Methods courses and core subject content courses in both teaching subjects, plus the prescribed electives.
- Complete the two mandatory practicums (Practicum I and Practicum II) after the second and third years of study.
- Complete the capstone research project (EDU 400) in the fourth year of study.
- Meet the minimum credit requirement indicated in the programme structure.
Assessment methods
The programme uses a competency-based assessment framework designed to uphold academic integrity, security, reliability, validity and fairness. Assessment methods include:
- Content-embedded quizzes to reinforce key concepts.
- Online practical work to apply knowledge hands-on.
- Open-book tests that encourage critical thinking and application.
- Project reports that assess research and analytical abilities.
- E-portfolios documenting learning progress, and oral presentation of research projects before a panel.
- Proctored end-of-semester online examinations.
Weighting
| Component | Weight |
|---|---|
| Continuous Assessment (CATs, assignments, quizzes, e-portfolio) | 50% |
| End of Semester Examination | 50% |
| Total | 100% |
Practicums and practical sessions are assessed 50% formatively (reflective journals, peer review, practical assignments) and 50% summatively (teaching practicum portfolios, capstone projects). The capstone project (EDU 400) is assessed 50% on the proposal and 50% on the project report. All submissions undergo plagiarism checks and learners access assessments using University-issued credentials.
Grading System
| Marks (%) | Grade |
|---|---|
| 75 – 100 | A |
| 65 – 74 | B |
| 55 – 64 | C |
| 50 – 54 | D |
| Below 50 | F |
Degree Classification
| Classification | Weighted Average |
|---|---|
| First Class Honours | 75 – 100% |
| Second Class Honours (Upper Division) | 65 – 74% |
| Second Class Honours (Lower Division) | 55 – 64% |
| Pass | 50 – 54% |
Global careers
- Secondary and junior secondary school teacher in two teaching subjects (TSC-registrable)
- Curriculum developer and instructional designer
- Guidance and counselling practitioner in educational institutions
- Education administrator and school manager
- Education policy and planning officer
- Social worker and community development officer
- Education researcher and trainer
- Online/e-learning facilitator and educational content creator
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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