Master of Education (Sociology of Education)

1. Background

The M.Ed. program gives students a strong disciplinary grounding that allows them to approach education questions. The M. Ed program consists of a set of common mandatory courses in the first year and a series of specialized courses in the second year. The course aims at helping teachers and educators analyze the development of educational theory and practice from the sociological standpoint. The purpose of the course is to analyze the social importance of education to particular societies; its relationships with other social institutions such as the family, government, economy and religion and how these impact on it.  Topics covered include various statistical and research methods, as well as substantive issues focusing on various aspects of the functioning of education in society in the various Sociological Foundations areas of specialization.

2. Objectives

This programme shall enable the learner to:

1. Explain the sociological foundations of education.
2. Apply knowledge in the area of the sociology of education dating from the rise of human civilizations to the present
3. Evaluate the effects of race, ethnicity, social class and gender on education
4. Assess the application of sociological theories in the analysis of society and education

3. Philosophy

The philosophy of the programme is anchored on the need to build skills necessary for graduates in their future careers; these skills include critical thinking, problem-solving, analysis and evaluating other people’s work. The programme enables students to engage in educational analysis and critical thinking. The programme will investigate the contradictions, challenges, and possibilities of education. Throughout the training, students will learn some basic facts about education and its organization, orienting perspectives and theories for understanding how education systems work, and details concerning selected specific issues in education. In addition, students will become conversant with several instruments and structures at both the local and regional levels that are aimed at promoting, strengthening and revitalizing higher education. Hence, the philosophy of the course is not only to learn facts but, more importantly, to learn to marshal those facts to weigh the evidence.

4. Rationale:

The role of education in realizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) cannot be over-emphasized. Kenya will require the services of a highly skilled labour force as it works towards the realization of the SDGs. In addition, the Social Pillar of Kenya’s economic blueprint and Vision 2030, seeks to provide globally competitive quality education, training, and research for the country’s industrial takeoff. It is for this reason that the M.Ed. in Educational Foundations programme intends to enhance the training of the personnel needed to guide education theory and practice in the country. The programme will equip professional teachers and educators with the requisite knowledge, skills and values to work as teachers, tutors, lecturers, policy makers and managers in the education sector in Kenya and elsewhere.

5. Application Information:

The following shall be eligible for admission into the Master of Education in Sociology of Education:

1. The common regulations for the Master’s degrees of the University of Nairobi and the Faculty of Education shall apply.
2. A holder of the degree of Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) of  at least Second Class Honours Upper Division of the University of Nairobi or its equivalent from any other university recognized by the University of Nairobi Senate.
3. A holder of the degree of Bachelor of Arts (B.A) or Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) of Second Class Honours Upper Division and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) of the University of Nairobi or  equivalent qualifications from any other university recognized by the University of Nairobi Senate.
4. A holder of the degree of Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) of Second Class Honours Lower  Division of the University of Nairobi or its equivalent from any other university recognized by the of the University of Nairobi Senate and two years working experience.
5. A holder of the degree of Bachelor of Arts (B.A) or Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) of Second Class Honours Lower Division and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) of the University of Nairobi or  equivalent qualifications from any other university recognized by the University of Nairobi Senate and two years working experience.
6. A holder of a pass degree for categories (i - iv) and five years working experience.