Health Sciences

Bachelor of Science in Medical Psychology

The Bachelor of Science in Medical Psychology is a degree programme that applies psychological principles to healthcare settings, focusing on the mental health aspects of physical illness, patient care and medical treatment. The programme is offered at Moi University through the School of Medicine, preparing graduates for careers in clinical psychology, mental health services and healthcare counselling.

The curriculum covers health psychology, clinical psychology, abnormal psychology, counselling psychology, psychopathology, behavioural medicine, neuropsychology, research methods, biostatistics, health communication and medical ethics. Students develop competencies in psychological assessment, therapeutic interventions and patient support within medical and healthcare environments.

Throughout the programme, students engage in lectures, seminars, case discussions, clinical attachments and research projects. The practical approach ensures graduates can conduct psychological assessments, provide counselling interventions and support patients coping with chronic illness, trauma and mental health conditions in healthcare settings.

The programme emphasises the integration of psychological knowledge with medical practice, preparing students to work alongside healthcare teams in supporting patient mental health and wellbeing. Students learn about the psychological impact of illness, patient behaviour change, stress management and the role of mental health in overall health outcomes.

Graduates are equipped to work in hospitals, mental health clinics, rehabilitation centres, counselling centres and public health programmes. They play a critical role in providing psychological support to patients, conducting mental health assessments and contributing to holistic patient care in medical settings.

Career opportunities exist in hospitals, mental health facilities, rehabilitation centres, NGOs, government health agencies and educational institutions. Graduates work as medical psychologists, counselling psychologists, mental health officers, behavioural health specialists and patient support coordinators across the health and social care sectors.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 275,400
Job market: Moderate

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Part-time
Attachment: 12 months
Average class: 20 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Human Anatomy
Human Physiology
Biochemistry
Microbiology
Pharmacology
Pathology
Community Health
Epidemiology
Clinical Medicine
Healthcare Ethics

Modules

8 in the programme

Communication Skills
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Communication Skills: Academic writing, presentation skills, and professional communication. Develops practical skills for academic and professional contexts.
Foundations of the Discipline
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Foundations of the Discipline: Introduction to core concepts, theories, and principles of the field. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Information Technology Fundamentals
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Computer applications, data processing, and digital literacy for academic and professional use.
Research Methods
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, data collection, and analysis techniques.
Statistics and Data Analysis
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Statistical methods, probability, and data interpretation for research and practice.
Professional Ethics
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Ethical principles, professional conduct, and regulatory frameworks in the field.
Project Management
Year 3Semester 16 creditsCore
Project Management: Project planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation techniques. Covers project lifecycle, resource allocation, risk management, and stakeholder engagement.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Business planning, venture creation, and innovation management. Equips students with practical skills for venture creation and business management.

Specialisations

General Practice
Broad foundational knowledge covering core principles and practices in the field. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Research and Analysis
Focus on research methods, data analysis, and evidence-based decision making. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
General Practice
Broad foundational knowledge covering core principles and practices in the field. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Research and Analysis
Focus on research methods, data analysis, and evidence-based decision making. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.

A day as a student

A typical day involves attending medical lectures, conducting laboratory practicals, participating in clinical rotations at teaching hospitals, studying anatomy with cadavers, and preparing for ward rounds.

The trade offs

In its favour

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE).
Graduates are eligible for HELB loans and government funding.

Against it

Limited programme specialisation options may be available.
Competitive job market requiring practical experience and networking.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 349 health sciences courses

Public180k to 275k

180k at University of Nairobi275k at Moi University

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

UoN 180K/yr (Schedule II). Moi/Alupe 275,400/yr (KUCCPS). Private: unverified.

Government scholarships cover up to 53% of tuition for needy students. HELB provides loans up to Ksh 60,000. Clinical medicine and nursing programmes at KMTC have separate bursary schemes.

Funding options

HELB Undergraduate Loan
Loan
Kenyan citizens enrolled in accredited undergraduate programmes
Government Scholarship (New Funding Model)
Scholarship
Needy students placed by KUCCPS in public universities
KMTC Bursary
Bursary
Students at Kenya Medical Training College campuses

Scholarships

5 recorded

AMREF International University Scholarships
ScholarshipKenyan
Health sciences students demonstrating financial need
Kenya Counselling and Psychological Association (KCPA) Student Support
BursaryKenyan
Students pursuing counselling and psychology programmes
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities demonstrating financial need.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
Government fundingKenyan
Kenyan students in public universities under the new funding model based on financial need assessment.
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKenyan
Kenyan students from respective counties demonstrating financial need.

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+ (Plus)
Alternative entry: KCSE C+ (Plus) OR A Level with two principal passes; OR a relevant Diploma from a recognised institution; OR any other qualification recognised by the university senate and CUE.

How you are assessed

2 components

Continuous Assessment Tests and Assignments
Coursework30% of the mark
Written tests, assignments, and practical exercises throughout the semester.
End of Semester Examinations
Examination70% of the mark
Written examinations covering all course content for the semester.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Health programmes are also regulated by KMPDC, Pharmacy and Poisons Board, Nursing Council of Kenya, or Clinical Officers Council as applicable.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
CUE is the statutory body responsible for the accreditation and quality assurance of university programmes in Kenya.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

Graduate Trainee
High demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 60,000
Entry-level position applying academic knowledge in a professional environment.
Research Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 65,000
Supporting research projects through data collection, analysis, and reporting.
Project Officer
High demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 80,000
Coordinating and implementing projects in public, private, or NGO sectors.
Analyst
High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 90,000
Analysing data, trends, and patterns to support decision-making.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as medical officers, nurses, clinical officers, pharmacists, public health officers, and medical laboratory scientists in Kenya's health sector.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

SPSS
SoftwarePrimary
Statistical analysis software for psychological research and clinical data analysis.
Microsoft Excel
SoftwarePrimary
Spreadsheet for patient data management and psychological assessment scoring.
R
Software
Programming language for statistical analysis in psychological research.
Python
Software
Programming language for data analysis and behavioural research modelling.
NVivo
Software
Qualitative data analysis software for counselling and interview research.