Welcome to the Department of Educational Psychology and Curriculum Studies The Department of Educational Psychology and Curriculum Studies (EPCS) at Dar es Salaam University College of Education (DUCE) is a leading academic unit dedicated to teacher education, curriculum development, and educational research. The Department offers three postgraduate programmes: Master of Education in Curriculum Studies (MEDCS), Postgraduate Diploma in Guidance and Counselling (PGDG), and Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE). It also provides more than 60 courses that support the Bachelor of Arts in Education and Bachelor of Science in Education programmes offered in other faculties. Through partnerships with local and international institutions, EPCS runs professional short courses and capacity building projects. In 2025, the Department also established the Centre for Research on Child Protection and Violence Prevention (CPVP) to strengthen research and advocacy in child protection. Through teaching, research, consultancy, and community engagement, the Department remains committed to promoting quality, innovation, and excellence in education in Tanzania and beyond.

History and Structure
The Department of EPCS traces its origins to the establishment of Dar es Salaam University College of Education in 2005. At its inception, the Educational Psychology Unit and the Curriculum and Teaching Unit operated as separate academic units. In 2015, the two units were formally merged to form the Department of Educational Psychology and Curriculum Studies. This integration aimed to create synergy in teaching, research, and professional practice, leading to the development of a strong and comprehensive department that addresses both learner development and curriculum implementation holistically. Today, the Department operates as a unified academic entity while maintaining the specialised strengths of its two founding units.

Departmental Units
The Department comprises two major academic units:

1. Educational Psychology Unit
This unit focuses on learner development, learning processes, guidance and counselling, assessment, mental health, inclusive education, and educational measurement.

2. Curriculum and Teaching Unit
This unit specialises in curriculum design, implementation, evaluation, pedagogy, instructional strategies, and subject teaching methodologies.
The two units collaborate closely to promote integrated and innovative approaches to teacher education and educational research.

Academic Staff Profile

The Department has 56 academic staff members, including associate professors, senior lecturers, lecturers, assistant lecturers, and tutorial assistants. The academic staff hold qualifications ranging from Master’s degrees to Doctorates from institutions across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the United States. They bring diverse international experience that strengthens teaching, research, and professional practice.

Research Centres and Innovation
In 2025, the Department established the Centre for Research on Child Protection and Violence Prevention (CPVP). The Centre serves as a platform for interdisciplinary research, advocacy, and capacity building in child protection and violence prevention.

Short Courses and Professional Development
The Department offers a variety of short courses and professional development programmes aimed at strengthening teaching and learning practices in higher education and schools. One of the flagship short courses is Teaching Methods for Higher Learning Institutions, which has been offered to various universities and institutions, including Ardhi University, the State University of Zanzibar, and several departments within the University of Dar es Salaam.
In addition, the Department conducts short courses and workshops on teacher professional development for curriculum change, learner-centred pedagogy, assessment reforms, competency-based curricula, and teacher agency. These programmes contribute to continuous professional development and support national education reforms.

Dr. Cecilia Swai; Head of Department