Tutorial Fellow – Curriculum Studies
Kenyatta University
Quick Take
Support undergraduate and postgraduate teaching in Curriculum Studies through lectures, tutorials, student mentorship, and research while pursuing doctoral studies.
Master's-level expertise in Curriculum Studies or Educational Management, university-level teaching experience, and commitment to pursuing a PhD.
Entry point into prestigious public university academia with clear doctoral pathway, competitive salary, and opportunity to shape Kenya's education professionals.
Job Description
Kenyatta University invites applications from suitably qualified and highly motivated individuals for the position of Tutorial Fellow in the Department of Curriculum Studies. This is an exciting opportunity for an early-career academic to join one of Kenya's most prestigious public universities and contribute to the development of the next generation of education professionals.
The successful candidate will support teaching, research, and academic mentorship activities within the Department of Educational Management, Administration, Leadership, Curriculum Studies, Educational Planning, Economics of Education, or Educational Research, Evaluation and Assessment. Candidates are expected to be actively pursuing or ready to commence doctoral studies as part of their academic growth trajectory.
- Assist in the delivery of undergraduate and postgraduate lectures, tutorials, and seminars in Curriculum Studies and related disciplines.
- Prepare and review course materials, lesson plans, and assessment instruments in line with the university's academic standards.
- Supervise and guide students undertaking research projects, dissertations, and practicum assignments.
- Participate in departmental meetings, curriculum review committees, and academic planning sessions.
- Conduct and publish independent and collaborative research in the relevant area of specialization.
- Support the development and review of academic programmes to ensure relevance and alignment with national education goals.
- Provide academic counselling and mentorship to undergraduate and postgraduate students.
- Pursue doctoral studies in a relevant field as required by the university's academic development policy.
- Assist senior faculty in preparing grant applications and research proposals.
- Demonstrate a strong grasp of Curriculum Studies, Educational Management, Educational Planning, or related disciplines at postgraduate level.
- Communicate complex educational concepts clearly and effectively to diverse student audiences, both orally and in writing.
- Design and implement appropriate learning assessments and provide constructive feedback to students.
- Apply research methodologies to produce credible academic work and contribute to scholarly discourse in education.
- Collaborate effectively with colleagues across disciplines to support a collegial and productive academic environment.
- Show commitment to continuous professional development, including active enrolment or readiness to enrol in a PhD programme.
- Demonstrate prior teaching experience at university level, whether through tutoring, demonstrating, or lecturing (added advantage).
- Exhibit proficiency in academic writing, referencing, and scholarly communication standards.
Kenyatta University offers a competitive remuneration package commensurate with qualifications and experience, in accordance with the University's salary scales for Tutorial Fellows. The estimated monthly gross salary ranges from KES 100,000 to KES 150,000, subject to relevant qualifications and experience. Additional benefits typical of public university employment in Kenya apply.
- Competitive university salary scale
- Medical cover scheme
- Pension and retirement benefits
- Access to academic development funding and PhD sponsorship pathways
- Staff development and training opportunities
This role is ideal for a passionate, academically driven individual who holds a Master's degree in a relevant education discipline and possesses a genuine commitment to academic excellence, student development, and educational research. The ideal candidate is someone who aspires to build a long-term career in academia and is prepared to undertake doctoral studies as part of their professional journey.
You are a strong fit if you have a Bachelor's degree in Education from a recognised university, a relevant Master's degree, and either existing university teaching experience or a demonstrable aptitude for higher education instruction. Candidates already registered for a PhD in a relevant field will have a distinct advantage.
Please do not apply if you do not hold at least a Master's degree in a relevant education specialisation, if you are unwilling to pursue PhD studies, or if your undergraduate degree is not in the field of Education.
- Prepare an updated curriculum vitae detailing your academic qualifications, teaching experience, research outputs, and professional memberships.
- Gather certified copies of your academic certificates and transcripts (Bachelor's and Master's degrees at minimum).
- Include a cover letter addressed to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), clearly stating the position applied for and your area of specialisation.
- Submit your application through the official Kenyatta University recruitment portal or as directed in the official vacancy announcement on the KU website.
- Ensure all documents are submitted before the advertised deadline. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further recruitment steps, which may include an academic presentation or interview panel.
Requirements Breakdown
Must Have
- Master's degree (or equivalent) in Curriculum Studies, Educational Management, Educational Planning, or closely related field
- Prior university-level teaching experience (tutoring, demonstrating, or lecturing)
- Willingness to actively pursue or enrol in a PhD programme
- Strong academic writing and scholarly communication skills with proficiency in referencing standards
- Ability to design assessments and provide constructive feedback to students
Nice to Have
- Published research or contributions to scholarly discourse in education
- Experience supervising student research projects or dissertations
- Familiarity with curriculum review processes and educational programme development
- Grant writing experience or exposure to research funding applications
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Salary Context
Competitive entry-level academic salary at Kenya's leading public university.
KES 100,000–150,000 per month is standard for Tutorial Fellow entry-level positions at established Kenyan universities. Salary progression is typically tied to doctoral qualification completion and years of service; completion of a PhD can accelerate advancement to Senior Lecturer roles with significantly higher remuneration.
About Kenyatta University
Kenyatta University is one of Kenya's largest and most respected public universities, based in Nairobi with a strong reputation in education, humanities, and social sciences. The institution plays a central role in training Kenya's education workforce and contributes significantly to educational policy and research across East Africa. Working at KU offers exposure to a collegial academic environment, access to research networks, and the prestige of Kenya's premier tertiary education sector.
Likely Interview Questions
- 1
Can you describe your experience delivering lectures or tutorials at university level, and how you approach explaining complex curriculum concepts to diverse student audiences?
- 2
What is your research interests within Curriculum Studies or Educational Management, and how do you plan to develop this through your doctoral studies?
- 3
Tell us about your experience supervising student research projects or assessments. How do you provide constructive feedback?
- 4
How do you see yourself contributing to curriculum review and educational programme development aligned with Kenya's national education goals?
- 5
What has motivated you to pursue a PhD, and how do you plan to balance doctoral studies with your Tutorial Fellow responsibilities?
Application Tips
Clearly articulate your teaching philosophy and any evidence of effective student engagement (teaching evaluations, testimonials, course design innovations).
Highlight any published research, conference presentations, or scholarly outputs that demonstrate your contribution to educational discourse.
Emphasise your specific interest in pursuing doctoral studies and name potential research areas—show this is a deliberate career move, not just a job requirement.
If you have experience in curriculum design, educational policy, or programme evaluation, detail this prominently as it directly aligns with departmental priorities.
Provide evidence of collaboration across disciplines and departmental contributions (e.g., committee participation, mentoring experience).
Career Path
Roles that lead here
Where this leads
Skills & Keywords
Honest Assessment
Green Flags
- Prestigious institution (Kenyatta University) with established research networks and academic standing across East Africa.
- Clear doctoral pathway built into role expectations—university explicitly supports academic development rather than treating it as personal responsibility.
- Full-time position with competitive salary at a stable public university, offering job security and predictable progression scales.
- Emphasis on mentorship, curriculum review, and contribution to national education goals suggests meaningful impact beyond teaching routine.
Watch Out
- PhD requirement framed as 'must be actively pursuing or ready to commence' but unclear whether university provides funding, time release, or support—clarify this during interview.
- Salary cap at KES 150,000/mo is modest for an academic role; advancement to higher pay depends on PhD completion, which may take 3–5 years.
- Job description lists multiple specialisation areas (Educational Management, Planning, Economics of Education, Research & Assessment) but doesn't specify which the successful candidate will focus on—seek clarity on departmental assignment.
A Day in the Life
Your week includes preparing and delivering two to three hours of lectures or seminars to undergraduate and postgraduate cohorts in Curriculum Studies, then spending time reviewing student assignments and providing detailed written feedback. You attend a departmental meeting focused on curriculum review aligned with Kenya's education framework, meet individually with two postgraduate students supervising their research projects, and block out time for your own doctoral coursework or research. You collaborate with a senior lecturer on a grant application for education research funding and conduct your own scholarship, possibly publishing or revising a manuscript for submission. Afternoons often involve academic counselling sessions with struggling students and preparation of learning materials using the university's learning management system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications do I need to be a Tutorial Fellow – Curriculum Studies at Kenyatta University?
You must hold a Master's degree (or equivalent) in Curriculum Studies, Educational Management, or a related education field, and have prior university-level teaching experience. You must also be willing to enrol in or actively pursue a PhD programme as part of the role.
Is the Tutorial Fellow – Curriculum Studies role at Kenyatta University remote?
The job description does not mention remote work options; this is a full-time on-campus position in Nairobi based at Kenyatta University's main campus, requiring regular attendance for lectures, seminars, meetings, and student mentoring.
How much does a Tutorial Fellow – Curriculum Studies earn at Kenyatta University?
The posted salary is KES 100,000–150,000 per month, commensurate with qualifications and experience according to the university's salary scales. Salary typically increases after PhD completion and with seniority.
What are the career growth opportunities for this role?
After completing your PhD and building a research record, you can progress to Senior Lecturer and then Lecturer roles with significant salary increases. The role is explicitly designed as a stepping stone into established academia, with clear pathways to departmental leadership positions.
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