Through case study methodology, this article outlines a contextual pedagogical framework for the development of an M.Ed in ECE programme. It describes the considerations made in the development of the programme and then juxtaposes them against best practice guidelines as outlined by extant literature on the principles of andragogy and higher education programme development. The findings suggest that higher education programmes need to be aligned to the needs of students and the contexts in which they are situated. These findings have implications for programme offerings and the instructional modalities through which they are offered.