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 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 Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy equips education professionals with the knowledge, skills and practical expertise to lead institutions, influence policy and drive meaningful improvements in education.
The programme combines educational leadership, policy, research, innovation and evidence-based decision-making, preparing learners to navigate the complex demands of modern education systems at national, regional and global levels.
What You Will Gain
Through the programme, you will develop the ability to:
Lead and manage educational institutions and programmes effectively.
Analyse, develop and implement education policies.
Apply research and evidence to educational decision-making.
Address complex challenges through innovative and practical solutions.
Drive institutional improvement and better educational outcomes.
Engage effectively with diverse stakeholders in the education sector.
Career Opportunities
Graduates can pursue leadership, management, policy and advisory roles in schools, universities, government agencies, NGOs, education organisations and the private sector, both in Kenya and internationally.
The programme is designed for professionals seeking to advance their careers while developing the capacity to contribute to the transformation of education systems and outcomes.
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 recognised by Senate and a relevant Postgraduate Diploma from the Open University of Kenya or an institution recognised by Senate.
Credit and Entry pathways
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
Marks | Grade | Classification |
|---|---|---|
75–100 | A | Excellent |
60–74 | B | Very Good |
50–59 | C | Good |
Below 50 | F | 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
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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