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Doctor of Philosophy in Mycobacteriology

The Doctor of Philosophy in Mycobacteriology is a postgraduate research programme offered at the University of Nairobi through the Department of Medical Microbiology in collaboration with KEMRI. The programme trains scholars to conduct advanced research on mycobacteria, with particular focus on Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis, and non-tuberculous mycobacteria, contributing to TB control and diagnostic innovation in Kenya and globally.

Duration
3-5 years
Next intake January 2027
Public tuition
Ksh 464,000
Ksh 1,392,000 to Ksh 2,320,000 total
Private tuition
Ksh 400,000
Ksh 1,200,000 to Ksh 2,000,000 total
Job market
High
Market demand for graduates

The short answer

What it costs
Up to Ksh 464,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 1,392,000 to Ksh 2,320,000 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 400,000 a year at a private one.The detail
Who can get in
A KCSE mean grade of C+ or above, plus 3 subject grades. There is another way in without it.The detail
How long, and when
Takes 3-5 years, full-time, with 0 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 4 institutions.The detail
Where it leads
8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Dental Ceramist, at 3 out of 100.The detail

The programme

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

Overview

Students engage with advanced bacteriology, molecular biology of mycobacteria, TB drug resistance, diagnostic mycobacteriology, immunology of TB, and research methodology. The programme combines coursework with thesis research, requiring candidates to develop a research proposal, conduct independent laboratory research, and produce a doctoral dissertation that makes an original contribution to mycobacteriology.

Kenya is among the 30 high TB burden countries globally and faces increasing multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) and TB-HIV co-infection challenges. The programme addresses national health priorities under the Kenya Health Policy Framework and the National TB Programme by training researchers who can contribute to TB diagnostics, drug resistance surveillance, and treatment improvement.

Teaching methods include lectures, laboratory sessions at UoN and KEMRI's Centre for Respiratory Diseases Research, and supervised thesis work. Students train in BSL-3 laboratories for handling pathogenic mycobacteria and collaborate with the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme.

Graduates pursue careers as university lecturers, TB researchers, clinical microbiologists, and public health laboratory scientists in universities, KEMRI, WHO, CDC, the National TB Programme, and international research institutions. The programme provides advanced expertise for leadership roles in TB research and mycobacterial disease control.

This programme is ideal for holders of a Master's degree in medical microbiology, biomedical sciences, or related health sciences who are committed to advancing knowledge in mycobacteriology and TB research.

What you study

10 subjects
  • Advanced Mycobacteriology
  • Molecular Biology of Mycobacteria
  • TB Drug Resistance
  • Diagnostic Mycobacteriology
  • Immunology of Tuberculosis
  • Research Methodology
  • TB Epidemiology
  • Thesis Research
  • Biostatistics
  • Biosafety and Laboratory Management

Modules

10 in the programme

  • Advanced Mycobacteriology

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Taxonomy, physiology, and genetics of mycobacteria including M. tuberculosis complex and non-tuberculous mycobacteria

  • Molecular Biology of Mycobacteria

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Molecular techniques for studying mycobacterial genetics, genomics, and molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis

  • TB Drug Resistance and Mechanisms

    Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore

    Molecular mechanisms of drug resistance in M. tuberculosis, resistance detection methods, and MDR-TB management

  • Diagnostic Mycobacteriology

    Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore

    Advanced diagnostic methods including culture, molecular assays, and drug susceptibility testing for mycobacterial infections

  • Immunology of Tuberculosis

    Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore

    Host immune responses to M. tuberculosis, immunopathogenesis of TB, and TB-HIV interactions

  • TB Epidemiology and Public Health

    Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore

    Distribution, determinants, and control of TB in Kenya including surveillance, transmission dynamics, and programme evaluation

  • Research Methodology and Biostatistics

    Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore

    Research design, ethical considerations, and statistical methods for mycobacteriology research

  • Biosafety and Laboratory Management

    Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore

    BSL-3 biosafety practices, quality management systems, and laboratory accreditation for mycobacteriology laboratories

  • Thesis Proposal Development

    Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore

    Development and defence of a doctoral research proposal on a mycobacteriology topic

  • Thesis Research and Writing

    Year 4Semester 16 creditsCore

    Independent doctoral research culminating in a thesis defended before internal and external examiners

Specialisations

  • Biomedical Research

    Specialization in Biomedical Research, preparing graduates for careers such as biomedical-scientist.

  • Public Health Practice

    Specialization in Public Health Practice, preparing graduates for careers such as public-health-specialist.

  • Immunology Research

    Specialization in Immunology Research, preparing graduates for careers such as immunologist.

  • Medical Laboratory Science

    Specialization in Medical Laboratory Science, preparing graduates for careers such as medical-laboratory-scientist.

  • Academic Research

    Specialization in Academic Research, preparing graduates for careers such as university-lecturer.

  • Epidemiology of TB

    Specialization in Epidemiology of TB, preparing graduates for careers such as epidemiologist.

A day as a student

A typical day combines BSL-3 laboratory work on mycobacterial cultures, drug susceptibility testing, and molecular diagnostics with data analysis, literature review, and thesis writing. Students attend research seminars at KEMRI, present findings at departmental colloquia, and engage with clinical researchers at TB treatment centres.

The trade-offs

In its favourAgainst it
Kenya's high TB burden creates strong demand for TB research expertiseBSL-3 laboratory work requires specialised facilities and strict biosafety protocols
Strong institutional links with KEMRI, WHO, CDC, and the National TB ProgrammeTuition fees are relatively high at KES 396,000 per year
Opportunities for international collaboration through Stop TB Partnership and NIH grantsMycobacterial cultures grow slowly, extending research timelines
Contributes directly to TB elimination efforts in Kenya and globallyResearch funding for TB is competitive and project-based

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
Public241k to 464k
241k at JKUAT464k at University of Nairobi
Private200k to 400k
200k at Mount Kenya University400k at Aga Khan 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

JKUAT 241K/yr (ITROMID). UoN 464K/yr (proxy). MKU 200K/yr. AKU unverified.

Students may access HELB postgraduate loans, NIH TB research grants, WHO/TDR fellowships, and DAAD scholarships for TB research.

Funding options

  • HELB Postgraduate Loan

    LoanKsh 80,000

  • NIH TB Research Grant

    Grant

  • WHO/TDR Research Grant

    Grant

  • DAAD Scholarship

    Scholarship

Scholarships

3 recorded

  • DAAD Scholarship

    ScholarshipKenyan

    African graduates meeting academic criteria for doctoral study

  • WHO/TDR Career Development Fellowship

    FellowshipKenyan

    Researchers from low- and middle-income countries working on tropical diseases

  • HELB Postgraduate Loan

    LoanKsh 80,000Kenyan

    Kenyan postgraduate students enrolled in recognised universities

Scholarships you could apply for

2 usable where it is taught
Save one and be reminded before it closes

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade
C+minimum entry
Alternative entry

Relevant diploma or equivalent qualification

Subject requirements
Master's DegreeMSc in Medical Microbiology, Biomedical Sciences, or related health science from a recognised university
Undergraduate qualificationBachelor's degree in a biomedical or health-related field
Research capabilityEvidence of research ability through publications, reports, or academic work

When it next starts

Taught at 4 institutions
January 20274 institutions

Including Kenya Medical Research Institute, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, University of Nairobi.

May 20273 institutions

Including Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, University of Nairobi, Multimedia University of Kenya.

September 20274 institutions

Including Kenya Medical Research Institute, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, University of Nairobi.

How you are assessed

4 components

  • Thesis Examination

    Coursework100% of the mark

  • Laboratory Practicals

    Coursework20% of the mark

  • Continuous Assessment Tests (CATs)

    Coursework30% of the mark

  • Oral Viva Voce

    Coursework100% of the mark

Accreditation

  • Commission for University Education (CUE)

    Academic accreditationRequired

    Mandatory accreditation for all university programmes in Kenya

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Laboratory work with pathogenic mycobacteria requires BSL-3 facilities and biosafety approvals.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

  • Clinical Microbiologist

    Moderate demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 200,000

    Provides mycobacteriology diagnostic services and expertise at hospitals and reference laboratories

  • Public Health Laboratory Scientist

    Moderate demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 160,000

    Supports TB surveillance and laboratory quality management at the National TB Programme or public health laboratories

  • University Lecturer (Microbiology)

    High demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 200,000

    Teaches medical microbiology and conducts TB research in university departments

  • TB Research Scientist

    High demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 180,000

    Conducts TB research at KEMRI, CDC, or international research institutions

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as university lecturers, TB researchers, clinical microbiologists, and public health laboratory scientists in universities, KEMRI, WHO, CDC, and the National TB Programme.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Certifications

Common misconceptions

  • TB is a solved problem so mycobacteriology research is unnecessary

    Kenya is among the 30 high TB burden countries with increasing MDR-TB and TB-HIV co-infection, requiring urgent research for new diagnostics, drugs, and treatment strategies.

  • Mycobacteriology is only about tuberculosis

    Mycobacteriology encompasses M. tuberculosis, M. leprae (leprosy), and non-tuberculous mycobacteria causing opportunistic infections, requiring diverse research approaches.

  • A PhD in mycobacteriology has limited career prospects

    There is strong demand for TB researchers at KEMRI, WHO, CDC, the National TB Programme, and international research institutions working on TB elimination.

  • Working with mycobacteria is too dangerous

    Mycobacteriology research follows strict BSL-3 biosafety protocols designed to safely handle pathogenic mycobacteria.

Further reading

Read next