The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) recognizes a range of Bachelor of Education and related degree programmes for entry into the teaching profession in Kenya, with each course tailored to specific subject combinations and levels of learning in schools and teacher training institutions.
The approved degree pathways are designed to align teacher training with curriculum needs across primary and secondary education, as well as in technical and special needs learning areas.
Each program also has specific academic requirements at the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) level, which determine eligibility for admission and later registration as a teacher under TSC.
Degree Courses Recognized by TSC for Teachers and Their Requirements
Bachelor of Education (Arts)
The Bachelor of Education (Arts) course focuses on producing graduates who effectively teach and provide leadership in secondary schools and other tertiary institutions within a technology-oriented society.
Candidates are trained to teach humanities and language-based combinations recognized by the TSC, which include Geography/Christian Religious Education, History/Christian Religious Education, Geography/History, Geography/Kiswahili, English/Literature, Kiswahili/Christian Religious Education, Kiswahili/History, and Kiswahili/Geography.
Students planning to take English Language must also take Literature in English. This means that a student may opt for a concentration in English language and literature and is not required to take any other second teaching subject.
The candidate’s area of study covers the language and literature disciplines as required for teaching the English language in Secondary Schools.
Students planning to teach Kiswahili are advised to take a second teaching subject in Religion, History, or Geography.
To apply for the Bachelor of Education (Arts) program, candidates must meet the minimum requirement of a C+ in the KCSE.
They must also have a minimum grade of C+ in two subjects, with at least one of them in English (ENG), Kiswahili (KIS), or Mathematics (MAT).
Having an advanced level certificate with two principal passes and division II at O-level or its equivalent, or a diploma in education from a government-recognized institution with a mean grade of C+ at KCSE or its equivalent, also qualifies.
Bachelor of Education (Science)
The Bachelor of Education (Science) is designed to produce professionally qualified teachers with competence-based skills to teach the sciences in selected two-science course combinations at the high school and tertiary levels.
Students seeking a Bachelor of Education (Science) degree select from various subject combinations as prescribed by the Teachers Service Commission.
These include Chemistry and Biology, Chemistry and Physics, Agriculture and Biology, Agriculture and Chemistry, Agriculture and Geography, Biology and Geography, and Home Science and Agriculture.
Other combinations include Home Science and Biology; Physics and Computer; Mathematics and Chemistry; Mathematics and Biology; Mathematics and Physics; and Mathematics and Business Studies.
Additional options include Mathematics and Geography, Mathematics and Computer, Biology and Business Studies, Business Studies and Geography, and Chemistry and Business Studies.
For admission into the Bachelor of Education programme, the applicant must:
- Have a minimum mean grade of C+ in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) or its equivalent.
- Have an Advanced Level certificate with at least two principal passes and Division II at O-Level or its equivalent.
- Hold a Diploma in Education from a government-recognized institution and have a minimum mean grade of C+ in KCSE or its equivalent.
The student must pursue two teaching subjects selected from subjects undertaken and passed at the secondary school level.
No student is allowed to take education courses in subjects that were not taught and passed with a minimum grade of C+ in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) or its equivalent.
Also Read: More Students Choose Medicine, ICT and Education Courses as University Enrollment Hits 670,000
Bachelor of Education (Special Needs Education)
The Bachelor of Education (Special Needs Education) prepares teachers to support learners with disabilities, often alongside subject areas such as languages, mathematics, or the sciences.
Applicants must have at least a KCSE mean grade of C+ with relevant subject strengths.
For the Bachelor of Education in Special Needs Education, candidates must meet specific subject requirements set by the TSC, with English as a core requirement alongside combinations drawn from Mathematics, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Geography, and other approved subjects, including Kiswahili, History, CRE, Agriculture, Business Studies, Computer Studies, and various technical and creative subjects.
Applicants must have at least a C+ in Biology or General Science and a C+ in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, or Geography as the minimum subject requirements.
Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Development and Education)
Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Development and Education – ECDE) is designed for foundational learning, with emphasis on early childhood education.
Entry requires a KCSE mean grade of C+, with strong performance in English and Kiswahili often preferred.
Candidates must meet specific subject requirements, including English as a core subject alongside combinations drawn from Mathematics, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Geography, and other approved learning areas such as Kiswahili, History, CRE, Agriculture, Business Studies, Computer Studies, French, German, Arabic, Music, Art and Design, and related subjects.
Applicants must have at least a C+ in two relevant subjects selected from English, Kiswahili, Mathematics, History, Geography, Christian Religious Education, Islamic Religious Education, Arabic, French, German, Computer Studies, Music, Art and Design, and Business Studies.
Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education and Extension
Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education and Extension prepares teachers for Agriculture-related combinations such as Agriculture/Biology or Agriculture/Geography.
The degree aligns graduates for education and leadership positions in agriculture, including experiential learning and teaching in schools and tertiary institutions.
Currently, agricultural education teachers’ competencies and skills are needed to boost productivity among the farming community and tertiary institutions and impart the necessary skills related to agricultural systems.
A KCSE mean grade of C+ is required. Applicants must also have at least a C+ in Biology and Agriculture as the minimum subject requirements for admission.
Bachelor of Technology Education and Physical Education
The Bachelor of Technology Education (B.Tech. Ed) focuses on technical and vocational education areas, including Electrical Technology, Construction, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Studies, and Design.
Applicants must have a KCSE mean grade of C+ and at least a C+ in two teaching subjects.
The Bachelor of Education (Physical Education) focuses on sports science, physical training, and health education.
It prepares professional teachers in the areas of Physical Education, Exercise, and Sports Sciences.
The programme has been revised recently to align with the Competency-Based Teacher Education (CBTE) program, which specifies the competencies to be demonstrated by the student teachers, specifically concerning Professional knowledge and understanding, Professional practical skills, and Professional values and attitudes.
In addition to attaining the basic university admission requirements (mean grade C+ in Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) or its equivalent), a candidate must have a minimum grade of C (in KCSE or its equivalent) in at least one science, mathematics / or Physical Education and Sports related subject/academic discipline at senior secondary school (or equivalent).
