This article highlights the TSC requirements for PGDE (post graduate diploma in Education)
Let’s first look at who should take a PGDE course.
Now, you should enroll for a PGDE if you pursued a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BSc.) degree and dream of becoming a secondary school teacher in Kenya.
You can confirm this by looking at the latest TSC registration qualifications where TSC expressly states that holders of relevant Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees shall only be considered for employment as secondary teachers in Kenya after completing a PGDE.
Let’s leave that and now focus on the specific TSC requirements for PGDE.
TSC requirements for PGDE – what do the TSC guideline say?
According to the TSC, you should meet the following minimum qualifications before enrolling for a PGDE (If you’re taking it in the hope that it will help you secure a job as a high school teacher upon graduating).
- Hold a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree from a recognized university in Kenya.
- Must have scored a mean grade of C+ in your O levels.
- You must have obtained a C+ grade (minimum) in the two teaching subjects you intend to specialize in.
According to the TSC requirements for secondary teachers, you can also register for the PGDE if you want to build a career as a technical teacher in a relevant area.
Here are the PGDE requirements for those with technical qualifications:
- Must have scored a mean grade of C+ in your O levels (or it’s equivalent). Also acceptable are 1 principle pass and 2 subsidiaries at the ‘A’ level.
- You must have obtained a C+ grade (minimum) or a credit pass in the two technical subjects you intend to specialize in.
- Have a Bed TECH (Bachelor of Education Technology) degree from a university approved by the CUE (commission of higher education) OR
- Hold a Bachelor of Science (BSC) degree in the applicable technical Subject(s)/Course.
This would be an ideal route for those who, for some reason, are unwilling to pursue a DTTE (Diploma in Technical Teacher Education) from KTTC (Kenya Technical Teachers College).
Note that for the employment of technical teachers as described above, TSC asks for either a PDGE or a DTTE/post graduate diploma in technical education from KTTC so you can do your math and see which of the two suits you best.
Something else before you invest in a PGDE qualification: All graduate teachers must have studied at least 8 course units at the undergraduate level in every teaching subject to be eligible. And this applies to all the degrees.
Of course, you don’t want to waste time and money pursuing a PGDE if you won’t be eligible for consideration for secondary school teaching vacancies afterward so it’s critical that you observe the above conditions.
There is another group of teachers who can gain from pursuing a PGDE…
These are teachers who are planning to pursue a Master of Education (MeD.) degree, maybe for promotion reasons but were employed with a Bachelor of Arts/Science degree.
For this lot, TSC requires that you undertake a PGDE then use it to apply for admission into the MeD program in any university offering the course in Kenya.
Lastly, teachers planning to pursue enhancement courses in certain subjects may be required to have a PGDE (please contact the TSC official in your sub county education office for specific advice depending on the enhancement subject).
Where to pursue a PGDE in Kenya
Now that we’re through with the TSC requirements for PGDE, the next question that comes to mind is where to take the course in Kenya.
In general, a good number of universities offering teacher education degrees in Kenya offer the programme.
These include:
- MMUST (Masinde Muliro University)
- UoN- University of Nairobi
- Machakos University College
- KU- Kenyatta University
- Moi University
- Kisii University
- CUEA – The Catholic University of Eastern Africa
- Baraton University (officially referred to as the University of Eastern Africa Baraton)
- MKU- Mount Kenya University (they also offer an online postgraduate diploma in education)
- PUEA- The Presbyterian University of East Africa
- UoE- University of Eldoret
- KCA University (Thika Road)
- Egerton University
- Chuka University
- Maseno University
- Daystar University
Overall, you are supposed to adopt a subject methods course when studying.
And since you’re preparing to teach in two approved curriculum subjects at the secondary school level, you should take subject combinations like:
- Mathematics /Fine Arts
- Biological Sciences/biology and Geography
- Religious Education and Physics/Physical Sciences
- Economics/Commerce and Chemistry
- English /History
- French /Kiswahili
Post graduate diploma in education fees
Fees for the PGDE vary from one institution to the next.
To give you an idea of how much you can expect to spend, we compiled a fee guide from a couple of higher learning institutions offering the course.
Take a look:
Post graduate diploma in education fees guide
| Institution | PGDE fees | Statutory /administrative charges |
| Kenyatta University | Kshs. 130,000 | Kshs. 23,500 |
| University of Eldoret | Kshs. 100, 000 (arts) and Kshs.120,000 (sciences) | Kshs. 60,650 (arts) and Kshs.65,650 (sciences) |
| Maseno university | Kshs. 76,000 | About Kshs. 15,000 |
| KCA university (distance learning) | Kshs. 85,345 | 0 |
| Mt Kenya University (as per the MKU PGDE fee structure ) | Kshs. 49,550.00 per semester (count 2 semesters) | Kshs.120000 |
TSC requirements for PGDE – Frequently asked questions [FAQs[
How long does it take to complete a PGDE?
Answer: The PGDE extends for a period of just one calendar year (minimum).
There are two semesters of relevant course work, examinations, and a project.
You spend the last months in teaching practice in a secondary school/an equivalent educational institution.
Note that the teaching practice lasts for the duration of a single academic term (which is 3 months in secondary schools).
Is PGDE equivalent to Masters?
Answer: Nope. This is not a degree course like the Masters but rather an advanced diploma education course.
Can I teach abroad with a PGDE?
Answer: Well, it depends on the country. Some countries won’t consider a PGDE for fulltime teaching positions overseas without some additional teaching certificates.
Others are just fine and recognize PGDEs from Kenya.
UPDATE: Those who keep asking if they can take PGDE and be registered by TSC as secondary school teachers in Kenya should understand that TSC does not accept all undergraduate courses. In truth, only those with a Teacher Education undergraduate degree (BeD or Bsc) are guaranteed to get registration with TSC (after completing the PGDE).
For any other degree, we advise you to write an email to TSC (use the email address info@tsc.go.ke) to enquire if your undergraduate course is acceptable for registration after completing the PGDE (You can also call TSC via 020-
2892351)
PS: Follow Kenya Education Guide on Facebook here for more educational tips and advice.
ALSO READ:
Qualifications for secondary school teacher in Kenya
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John Gitahi
CPA John Gitahi is a former college lecturer and has been involved in education all his life. He's passionate about helping young people make great career choices. He studied Commerce and ICT at the University and runs several successful online entreprises. He is also an avid traveller.
Hi I have a concern, I have a degree in B.COM (Accounting) i have an interest in teaching, can I be considered for PGDE???
Yes
Hello, I have abachelor of science in animal science,can I be considered for a PGDE
Hello I is degree in Microbiology, Can I be considered to do PGDE with teaching subjects Bio/agric
The article advises you to write to TSC at info@tsc.go.ke
Hi I have a concern, I have a degree in B.COM (Accounting) i have an interest in teaching, can I be considered for PGDE???
Need your responsce
This is not an educational course so it may not work if your target is to teach in high school as a tsc teacher. Reread the article to see the options.
I did BA in philosophy and education in cuea before 2009 I had cplain and few units in kisw and history what can I do to be employed by TSC
The requirements to be employed by TSC are as given in the article
Good morning,
I hereby enquire about whether a degree holder in Business Administration (Procurement & supply chain Option) can qualify to pursue a Postgraduate Diploma in education and other necessities to fulfill the requirements of the Teachers Service Commission.
Kindly advice.
Yes you can
Hi,ni Chirchir,am inquiring if its possible to take a PGDE I pursued Bsc Chemistry and graduated with second class honours upper division
Yes
This is very helpful, thank you. Just to confirm, can I do a PGDE course when I have bachelor of business administration degree?
Yes
Hello, this is a news guideline for 2020. I pursued my pgde in 2015 in maths/ later did enhancement. Now that this is a new guidelines, is it going to affect my desire to be employed by TSC??
ROTICH
Hello admin am Jackson Gitonga I take bsc mathematics but I want to be a teacher but I scored D+ in english will this hinder me from getting a tsc number after doing the pgde?
I am not even sure you will be accepted to the PGDE course. C+ is needed by TSC
Can I do postgraduate education with a degree in Applied Biology?
For TSC registration, not elegible. For TVET trainer jobs, you can be considered. Re-read the article before making a decision.
Thairu DEDAN .KINDLY GUIDE .CAN I DO P.G.D.E WHEN I HAS BSC IN ACTUARIAL SCIENCE .OR ANY ADVISE AS I WOULD LIKE TO CHANGE THE COURSE.
hallo..i did asked whether i can enroll for P.G.D.E when i have done bsc in actuarial science ,kindly confirm.
Yes
I have a diploma in agriculture and biotechnology can i enroll for a P.G.D.E?
Post graduate means you need to have a degree
Hello, what if I have a degree in Bachelor of science (bsc) and I have not taken 8units in a teaching subject. Can i take it in my PGDE?
Yes
I have a degree in BSc. Environmental Science, do qualify to take PGDE? And if I qualify which subjects combination can choose and which University can I study from
Hi I have done a diploma in pharmacy can I pursue a PGDE
Degree required
Hi i have done degree in IT do i qualify ?
I would like to teach computer studies and myb other subject how is this possible
hi i have done bsc IT can i take a pgde in computer studies
It sounds tricky but I really need a genuine answer I have a BSc IT but didn’t do computer as a subject when I was in high school. Can I qualify for PGDE in maths and computer?
Hello, I have abachelor of science in animal science,can I be considered for a PGDE
All bachelors are allowed
Hello? I hold a ‘Bachelor of Economics’ degree which is neither classified as a BA or BSC degree but has many units for math/business studies combination. Can I be employed by TSC after doing a PGDE?
Is mathematics/computer studies recommended PGDE course?
In my BA I did literature, Linguistics and religious studies but when I was a third year I dropped religious studies and majored in literature and Linguistics. In my PGDE can I be allowed to complete religious studies units as well?
Ask from the institution you have in mind
Dear Sir/Madam,
Good afternoon, I have gone through the requirements and i noted that i did seven units of a teaching subject. My request is, is their any enhancement so that i met the set requirements.
Regards
Dear sir/madam,
Good afternoon, I have Bsc Analytical chemistry. Am I eligible for a PGDE course ?
Yes
I had C -(minus) In kcse
and I have done diploma and degree in theology from a recognize university.do I qualify for PGDE??
The requirements are well explained in the article
Hi,ni Chirchir,am inquiring if its possible to take a PGDE(Chem $Bio) I pursued Bsc Chemistry and graduated with second class honours upper division
Yes
Hello I did BSC agriculture (crop science) i passed well in bio and chem And I was placed in the course.Agriculture I got a D+ .can i do a pgde in teaching bio and agriculture since TSC stipulate you can teach agriculture if you had above C+ in biology?
Kindly contact TSC/A relevant teaching college directly for advise
Iam requesting to know compulsory mathematics unit courses to be registered with tsc
Talk to the guys at TSC for guidance
Hello,I have Bsc(wildlife enterprise and management) can I qualify to do a PGDE?
Hello,I have bachelor of science in wildlife enterprise and management,can I qualify to do PGDE please?
Contact any of the institutions we have mentioned for guidance
Hi it’s Alice I have a bachelor of arts degree, having specialized in sociology and gender and development studies,can I do a pgde and qualify as a secondary teacher?
Retry
Hello. I a dregree with a padd on BSc. zoology. Several Biological courses and 7 Chemistry courses. Can i persue a PGDE in Bio/ Chem?
Visit the institutions we have mentioned here for guidance
i did bsc. in agribusiness management from university of nairobi. Iam i eligible to pursue pgde and considered by tsc
You can pursue PGDE and teach in TVETs. For TSC you need 2 subjects
Dear admin am a Bsc Chemistry graduate and intend to join teaching profession specially Chen/Bio teaching subjects but my worry is I don’t have enough units for Bio guide on the way foward as by the requirements at least 8 units are required in order to be employed by tsc
Hae,I did applied Statistics with computing as a degree,I didn’t take computer in secondary but have A plain in mathematics,Can I do a pgde and be registered and employed as a maths/computer teacher?I have five units of computer,what can i do to make them eight?
Your question is not clear. Please rephrase it
Hi admin l did bachelor of social work can l qualify to do PGDE
The minimum qualification for PGDE is any undergraduate degree
i pursued degree in microbiology, can i do pgde?
The minimum qualification for PGDE is any undergraduate degree.
Dear admin, I did Bachelor of science in Applied statistics with computing. Am I eligible to enroll for PGDE as a teacher in Maths/computer considering I didn’t do computer in secondary school. Thanks
The requirements are a bachelors degree
Thanks adm for this piece ,majority of disturbing questions on PGDE have been answered correctly. with the change in technology and rising numbers if covid 19 cases ,majority of university have now turned to online teaching.
Thanks
Hello, I did bachelor’s of arts economics and sociology. I’m I eligible for PGDE
PGDE requires any undergraduate degree
inquiry
i have tried to contact tsc on pgde and not all undergraduate courses qualifies one to pursue pgde.
check
Hi. I pursued a bsc in microbiology and I would like to inquire if my undergraduate degree meets the requirements needed for one to enroll Post graduate diploma in secondary education (pgde).
Reply……
The course you did is a deviation of what is required by the Commission for one to teach in a post primary school . Fundamentally, the commission only registers persons who have undertaken a Teacher Education Course . Regrettably , you do not qualify for PGDE.
QAS
From: info@tsc.go.ke
Sent: Thursday, February 25, 2021 8:56 AM
To: Deputy Director QAS
Subject: Fw: inquiry
Sorry
I did bachelor of arts ,in Public And Political Science, Can I take PGDE ,to be a teacher of Geography and Kiswahili please
The qualifications for PGDE are as indicated in the article
Thank admin for great advise,i did BSC.Mathematics and computer science,am i eligible for tsc registration after completion of my pgde?
Please note that the available subjects are as indicated. Plus, you must have undertaken a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree from a recognized university in Kenya.
Then, you must have scored a mean grade of C+ in your O levels in addition to obtaining a C+ grade (minimum) in the two teaching subjects you intend to specialize in.
Clarification on technical such as comp, business,homescience . Since according to guidelines aren’t a must to have done them in kcse
Kindly note that the minimum qualifications are as stated in the article. Check with TSC if you have more questions.
Hello.l pursued a bachelors degree in agricultural economics and resource management.Do l qualify for a PGDE?Then can l pursue a combination of business studies and history or religious studies?
It is important to note that the KCSE grade and a person’s undergraduate degree determines whether a person qualifies or is eligible for a PGDE or not. Hence, TSC does not accept all undergraduate courses.
As it is now the course you did is a deviation of what is required by the Commission for one to teach in a post primary school.
The commission only registers persons who have undertaken a Teacher Education Course. Hence, you were not qualified for PGDE as per your undergraduate degree.
Bear that in mind and please contact TSC for final advise.
Hi admin after completing pgde as prescribed , how will one get TSC number ?
It is important to note that the KCSE grade and a person’s undergraduate degree determines whether a person qualifies or is eligible for a PGDE or not. Hence, TSC does not accept all undergraduate courses.
The commission only registers persons who have undertaken a Teacher Education Course. Bear that in mind.
Hello admin, I did Bsc Chemistry and hoping to go for a PGDE but I was shocked by the latest tsc teachers minimum requirements, some degrees have been scrapped like industrial Chemistry so my worry is will I be absorbed having done Bsc Chemistry and now that they have banned Bsc industrial chemistry and the two courses have alot of similarities, kindly help
I have a question, I did bachelor of Development studies which did not have a teaching subject. But later I went for PGDE and I was taught two teaching subjects of which each contain more than 8 course unit.Will I qualify to register with TSC?
It is important to note that the KCSE grade and a person’s undergraduate degree determines whether a person qualifies or is eligible for a PGDE or not. Hence, TSC does not accept all undergraduate courses.
As it is now the course you did is a deviation of what is required by the Commission for one to teach in a post primary school.
The commission only registers persons who have undertaken a Teacher Education Course. Hence, you were not qualified for PGDE as per your undergraduate degree.
I also did BSC Applied statistics, I was continuing with my PGDE, unfortunately tsc has indicated that I was not even qualified for PGDE,
Sad but its good you can work at a technical college if your passion is teaching
Hi Admin, This is the response I got when I inquired if I qualify for tsc registration as Teacher,I hold BSC.applied statistics &IT,
Does this mean I should discontinue my PGDE coz I may not be registered as a teacher- mathematics , computer studies
It is important to note that the KCSE grade and a person’s undergraduate degree determines whether a person qualifies or is eligible for a PGDE or not. Hence, TSC does not accept all undergraduate courses.
As it is now the course you did is a deviation of what is required by the Commission for one to teach in a post primary school.
The commission only registers persons who have undertaken a Teacher Education Course. Hence, you were not qualified for PGDE as per your undergraduate degree.
Regards, TSC
In my opinion, Finish it and look for a job at a tertiary college (TVET colleges). However it all comes down to your long term career goal
HELLO…I AM THROUGH WITH BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY I ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING FROM TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF MOMBASA…I WANT TO ENROLL FOR PGDE AND SPECIALIZE IN PHYSICS/MATHS….IS THIS POSSIBLE?
A PGDE will only be helpful if you want to teach at a tertiary college. TSC asks for either Bachelor of Education or Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science if you want to get a TSC number after the PGDE
hi admin,I did Bsc.Manufacturing engineering,I am interested in Teaching Maths/physics, Can tsc employ me upon doing pgde? I alrerady did 8 maths units and 8 physics units
It is important to note that the KCSE grade and a person’s undergraduate degree determines whether a person qualifies or is eligible for a PGDE or not. Hence, TSC does not accept all undergraduate courses.
As it is now the course you did is a deviation of what is required by the Commission for one to teach in a post primary school.
The commission only registers persons who have undertaken a Teacher Education Course. Hence, you were not qualified for PGDE as per your undergraduate degree.
Bear that in mind and please contact TSC for final advise via info@tsc.go.ke
[Your best bet is teaching in a technical college as a trainer]
Hi admin,do i qualify to be employed by tsc upon doing pgde, i did bsc.engineering?
It is important to note that the KCSE grade and a person’s undergraduate degree determines whether a person qualifies or is eligible for a PGDE or not. Hence, TSC does not accept all undergraduate courses.
As it is now the course you did is a deviation of what is required by the Commission for one to teach in a secondary school.
The commission only registers persons who have undertaken a Teacher Education Course. Hence, you were not qualified for PGDE as per your undergraduate degree.
Bear that in mind and please contact TSC for final advise via info@tsc.go.ke
[As it stands, Your best bet is looking for a chance in a technical college as a trainer].
Hello Admin, I did a bachelor in Development studies from Makerere University, I have 3 principal passes and 1 subsidiary, am I eligible to go for PGDE.
Yeah but you will probably teach in a tertiary college. TSC doesnt register people with a non-educational undergraduate course
Can someone with a degree in education who scored a pass qualify to apply for pgde
Sure, yes
my degree is bsc mathematicsand computer science, can i pursue pdge -maths and computer studies
you can talk to TSC via the email we have given in the article
hello admin, i have bsc mathematics and computer science. do i i qualify for pdge maths and computer option
you can talk to TSC via the email we have given in the article
am michael mukavi mutemi, persued a bachelors degree in geophysics and mineralogy, am i eligible for undertaking pgde?
I dont think you will get TSC registration but you can talk to them via the email we have given in the article
Hello admin ,we most of us have been struggling to cater for our undergraduate fees.How are we going to facilitate the fees for PGDE?
There are many scholarships/bursaries you can apply for. Check online
Hey my name is marion, i have a degree in wildlife management. Am i legible to undertake Post graduate diploma in education.
That is not an education degree so TSC is unlikely to register you as a teacher after completion.
Can i pursue a PGDE in Bio/ Agri? with a BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN HORTICULTURE for UON please
You should write to TSC via the email address we gave in the article for clarification- remember they ask for an educational degree
Have a degree in bachelor of science in agricultural economics will TSC recognize me if I do a PGDE??? I passed in all subjects did in kcse
Write to TSC before enrolling. But as indicated in the article, TSC only considers a PGDE that is backed up by an educational undergraduate degree.
I graduated with Second Class Upper Division in BSc Biotechnology and am interested in doing PGDE science (Biology/Chemistry) so that I can have more skills in both class work and lab work.Am I eligible for this?
Write to TSC before enrolling. But as indicated in the article, TSC only considers a PGDE that is backed up by an educational undergraduate degree.
Hello, I have a Bachelor of science in agricultural economics and resource management and I am willing to do a PGDE in agricultural extension and education. Will I be offered that chance?
Use the email address we provided in the article to confirm with TSC
helloo?..i did bachelor of education arts degree but i got c- in english 2017 can i qualify to register tsc and become a high school teacher
The minimum requirements must be met
hi? I did BA KISWAHILI WITH IT MASENO UNIVERSITY CAN I BE REGISTERED WITH TSC AFTER DOING PGDE?
Probably. Use the email address we provided in the article to confirm with TSC
IS SOMEONE WHO HAS ADDED ANOTHER SUBJECT THROUGH ENHANCEMENT COURSE FOR EXAMPLE. BST/HIST TO BST/HIST/COMP . QUALIFY TO BE EMPLOYED BY TSC AS A COMPUTER/ ANY TEACHER
The requirements are as indicated in the article
Hello, I did bachelor of science in mathematics, can I qualify for pgde a be a teacher?
hi can i register for PGDE if i did bachelor of mathematical sciences
If you dream of becoming a secondary school teacher in Kenya (under TSC),you should enroll for a PGDE if you pursued a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BSc.) degree.For any other degree, we advise you to write an email to TSC (use the email address info@tsc.go.ke) to enquire if your undergraduate course is acceptable for registration after completing the PGDE (You can also call TSC via 020-2892351)
Hi i did Bsc in agriculture and Biotechnology will i Qualify to errol in PGDE
Hi i did Bsc in agriculture and Biotechnology will i Qualify to errol in PGDE as a teacher
Only educational degrees will enable you to get TSC registration. But you can write an email to them to enquire
Hello i am a degree holder of Bsc. Computer Science and i will like to take a PGDE. Is it possible ??
Yes but you should target teaching TVETs (getting TSC employment without two subjects is impossible currently)
Hello.I did bachelor of science in Agricultural extension education.I would want to train as agriculture and biology teacher.My agriculture units are enough but biology units are not.I only have 4 units for biology.I would therefore want to enquire if my undergraduate course is considered for registration on completion of pgde.Thanks
Hello.I did Bachelor of science in Agricultural extension education.I would want to train as Agriculture and biology teacher.My undergraduate course units for agriculture are enough but
those for biology are only 4.I would want to enquire if my undergraduate course is considered for registration.Thanks
write to info@tsc.go.ke with that question
I have a degree in Bsc Analytical Chemistry. Do I qualify for a PGDE? Thanks