Agriculture

Doctor of Philosophy in Agriculture

The Doctor of Philosophy in Agriculture provides advanced research training in agricultural science, crop production, soil management, and agricultural systems. Students learn agricultural research methods, crop science, soil science, and agricultural production systems. The programme is designed for agriculture graduates seeking advanced research qualifications in the agricultural sciences.

Students develop advanced competencies in agricultural research, crop production, soil management, plant protection, and agricultural systems analysis. The curriculum covers advanced agriculture, research methods, and a doctoral thesis. Research skills are developed through independent research and field work.

Agricultural research expertise is critical for Kenya's food security and agricultural development. Research institutions, universities, government agencies, and international organisations require trained agricultural researchers. Kenya's agricultural sector and food security challenges create demand for advanced agricultural research. The programme addresses the demand for doctoral-level agricultural research training.

The programme combines coursework with independent research, field work, and thesis writing. Students study advanced agriculture concepts, design research projects, conduct field research, and write a doctoral thesis. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, field work, and research supervision. The programme is offered through faculties of agriculture.

Graduates find employment as agricultural researchers, university lecturers, agricultural consultants, or policy advisors in research institutions, universities, government agencies, and international organisations. The doctoral degree supports careers in agricultural research, education, and policy.

This programme is ideal for agriculture graduates seeking advanced research qualifications. The programme provides advanced skills for agricultural research, crop production, and agricultural systems analysis, contributing to Kenya's agricultural development.

Duration: 3-5 years
Public, up to: Ksh 464,000
Private, up to: Ksh 313,700
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: 0 months
Average class: 10 students
Award: PhD

What you study

8 subjects

Agricultural Research Methods
Crop Science and Production
Soil Science and Management
Plant Protection
Agricultural Systems Analysis
Biostatistics
Agricultural Policy
Thesis Research

Modules

5 in the programme

Advanced Agricultural Research Methods
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Advanced research methods covering experimental design, agricultural research methodology, biostatistics, and research ethics.
Advanced Crop Science and Production
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Advanced crop science covering crop physiology, breeding, production systems, and crop improvement techniques.
Advanced Soil Science and Management
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Advanced soil science covering soil chemistry, soil fertility, soil management, and sustainable soil practices.
Agricultural Systems Analysis
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Agricultural systems covering farming systems analysis, agricultural modelling, systems thinking, and agricultural sustainability.
Doctoral Thesis Research
Year 2Semester 112 creditsCore
Independent doctoral research on an agriculture topic, demonstrating research competence and contributing to agricultural science knowledge.

Specialisations

Crop Science
Focus on crop physiology, breeding, production, and improvement for food security.
Soil Science
Focus on soil fertility, soil management, and sustainable soil practices for agricultural productivity.
Agricultural Systems
Focus on farming systems analysis, agricultural modelling, and sustainable agricultural systems.

A day as a student

A typical day combines research work with field visits and academic writing. Students design research projects, conduct field experiments, analyse agricultural data, and write a doctoral thesis. Field work provides hands-on experience with crop trials and soil analysis. Seminars develop analytical and presentation skills. Research involves real agricultural challenges. The programme emphasises research competence, agricultural knowledge, and analytical capabilities.

The trade offs

In its favour

Agricultural research is critical for Kenya's food security and economic development.
Offered at both KU and UoN, Kenya's leading public universities.
Full-time and part-time modes provide flexibility for working professionals.

Against it

The programme is research-intensive and requires significant time commitment (3-5 years).
Requires a Master's degree in Agriculture or related field.
Research funding can be challenging to secure for agricultural research.

What it costs

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

What it costs, and where

Against 303 agriculture courses

Public252k to 464k

252k at Egerton University464k at University of Nairobi

Private168k to 314k

168k at Kenya Methodist University314k at Kabarak 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 464K, Egerton 252K/yr. KeMU 168K (kemu.ac.ke), Kabarak 314K/yr.

HELB loans are available for eligible Kenyan students. Agricultural research grants may be available from KALRO, FAO, and international research organisations.

Funding options

HELB Loan

Scholarships

1 recorded

HELB Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in doctoral programmes at chartered universities

Getting in

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

What you need

Alternative entry: Master's degree in Agriculture, Agricultural Science, or related field from a recognised university. Relevant research experience may be required.

How you are assessed

3 components

Coursework and Seminars
Written examination30% of the mark
Coursework assessments, seminar presentations, and assignments evaluating understanding of advanced agricultural concepts.
Research Proposal
Project20% of the mark
A research proposal for the doctoral thesis, evaluated and approved by a supervisory committee.
Doctoral Thesis Defence
Project50% of the mark
A doctoral thesis demonstrating original research in agriculture, defended before an examination panel.

Accreditation

KU and UoN are chartered by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The PhD programme is accredited by CUE.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
KU and UoN are chartered by CUE. PhD programme accredited by CUE.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

Agricultural Researcher
Moderate demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 500,000
Conducts agricultural research in research institutions, universities, or international organisations, developing new agricultural technologies and practices.
University Lecturer
Moderate demand
Teaches agriculture and related subjects at universities, conducting research and supervising student projects.
Agricultural Consultant
Moderate demand
Provides consulting on agricultural production, sustainability, and policy for government agencies, NGOs, and private sector.
Agricultural Policy Advisor
Low demand
Advises government and international organisations on agricultural policy, food security, and rural development.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates find employment as agricultural researchers, university lecturers, and agricultural consultants in research institutions, universities, government agencies, and international organisations, with opportunities for agricultural research and policy.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Industry links

Common misconceptions

A PhD in Agriculture is only for becoming a farmer.
A PhD in Agriculture prepares graduates for research, teaching, policy, and consulting careers, not just farming.
Agricultural research has limited impact.
Agricultural research is critical for food security, climate adaptation, and sustainable development in Kenya and Africa.
You need to be from a farming background to study agriculture.
The programme accepts graduates from various backgrounds with relevant agricultural science education.
Agriculture is a low-tech field.
Modern agriculture involves advanced technologies including biotechnology, precision agriculture, and data analytics.