Introduction
The urgent need for the Kenyan government and education institutions to prioritize investments in PE, sports, science and technology underscores the importance of training higher level leaders to drive the agenda. Such strategic investments are crucial for upgrading the learning of physical literacy at school level, leveraging the innate talent of Kenyan athletes and propelling the nation's sports achievements to new heights. Development and implementation sound principles and market-driven programmes across these fields, could afford Kenya a substantial competitive edge as a market leader in matters PE and sports. Despite this growing demand, there is a notable shortage of qualified physical educators especially at advanced leadership levels.
This program is designed to bridge the identified gaps, equipping graduates with the skills necessary to alleviate the national burden of upgrading physical education and elevate sports training and performance at both academic and industry entities. This initiative represents a strategic response to our comprehensive market research and needs assessment, aiming to foster a generation of professionals capable of transforming Kenya's landscape in PE and sports.
Programme Objectives
Upon graduation, learners will be able to:
1. Teach physical education at college and university level
2. Train and supervise graduate students in physical education and sports programmes
3. Design and conduct high-level physical education and sports-related research, manage projects and dissemination forums and develop the report.
4. Apply knowledge and skills as administrators and managers of physical education and sports programmes
5. Identify and address challenges arising in the area of physical education
Rationale
The rapidly increasing demand for doctorate-level personnel in Physical Education has attracted many interested Master's holders to seek more training to address the deficiency. Doctorate-level personnel are needed as university and college lecturers, curriculum developers, area-specific researchers in research-based institutions and as top-level administrators and managers of institutions. To serve effectively in these areas, the individual requires additional specialised training in areas such as advanced research methods, supervision of students, designing and managing research projects, scientific report writing and administrative skills, just to name a few. The influx of unqualified physical education personnel in the field has led to disinformation and deterioration in standards. This programme, therefore, focuses in preparing Physical Education personnel to address the shortfall and develop competent personnel capable of lifting physical education to a higher academic and professional level.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the minimum entry requirements of Kenyatta University as follows:
The following shall be eligible for registration for the PhD degree programme:
- A candidate who holds a Master’s degree from Kenyatta University
- A candidate who holds a Master’s degree or equivalent qualifications from any other University recognized by the Senate of Kenyatta University as being an institution of comparable status to that of Kenyatta University.
For admission into the Doctor of Philosophy in Physical Education,
i. Applicants should have attained a minimum academic qualification of a Masters degree in Physical Education or its equivalent from a recognized university.
ii. Applicants with Masters of Science in Exercise and Sport Science or Masters of Science in Leisure and Recreation Management, who also have a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education or Post Graduate Diploma in Education, may be considered.
iii. Applicants with Bachelor of Education (Arts or Science) who also have a Master’s degree and a Postgraduate Diploma in Physical Education may also be considered.
Mode and Structure of Delivery
Students admitted in the programme will study through Face to face (40%), blended or online modes (60%). This includes:
Fulltime Regular semester mode- Blended learning with Face to face, Synchronised and Asynchronized online sessions
Continuous Education Programme- Blended learning with Face to face and Asynchronized online sessions
Programme Duration
The doctorate degree shall extend over a period of at least three (3) years from the date of registration for a candidate studying full-time. The Doctoral degree is offered through Coursework, Examination and Thesis. Students are expected to complete 10 course units each of at least 39 contact hours, undertake research work and prepare a Thesis for examination with publication of at least three (3) manuscripts from the PhD thesis to graduate.
Curriculum Highlight
The following are the coursework Unit Codes and their Titles:
- HPE 900: Quantitative and Qualitative Research in Physical Education Teaching & Teacher Education
- HPE 901: Applied Statistics in Qualitative Research in Physical Education
- HPE 902: Applied Statistics in Quantitative Research in Physical Education
- HPE 903: Research Project Management in Physical Education
- HPE 904: Communication skills and Scientific Writing in Physical Education Research
- HPE 905: Application of Pedagogical Theories in Physical Education and Sports
- HPE 906: Psychology in Physical Education, Exercise and Sports
- HPE 907: Design, Development and Implementation of Tests and Intervention Programmes in Physical Education and Sports
- HPE 908: PhD Colloquium (2 semester unit PRACTICAL)
- HPE 909: Thesis
Career Opportunities
Graduates can serve as:
- Teaching PE at college and University levels
- Academia and research – lecturing, student supervision, grant writing and academic research in the physical education and sports domains
- Curriculum development in PE and Sports
- Policy development and implementation
- Sports institutions administration and management
- Sports equipment, facility and events management
Tuition & Fee Structure
Fee Category East African Students Non-East African Students
Tuition (per academic year) KSh 204,400 KSh 255,000
Additional charges (registration, medical, ID, internet, etc.) KSh 22,000–25,000 KSh 22,000–25,000
Why Study Physical Education and Sports at Kenyatta University?
To experience:
• Renowned, proven, regionally respected training in PE and sports - front row interactions with experts within the university and from collaborating international institutions and industry partners
• International exposure - through exchange agreements and visiting professors from established ‘best-practice’ institutions worldwide.
• Research-led teaching — all core staff are active scholars, ensuring content reflects emerging global trends.
• Holistic development — the programme blends hands on training, community service and leadership training to foster versatile graduates.