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Doctor of Philosophy in Reproductive Biology

The Doctor of Philosophy in Reproductive Biology is a postgraduate research programme offered at the University of Nairobi through the Department of Human Anatomy and the College of Health Sciences. The programme trains scholars to conduct advanced research on reproductive biology, including reproductive endocrinology, gamete biology, embryology, reproductive health, and fertility, contributing to reproductive health knowledge and practice in Kenya and globally.

Duration
3-5 years
Next intake January 2027
Public tuition
Ksh 392,000
Ksh 1,176,000 to Ksh 1,960,000 total
Private tuition
Ksh 288,000
Ksh 864,000 to Ksh 1,440,000 total
Job market
Moderate
Market demand for graduates

The short answer

What it costs
Up to Ksh 392,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 1,176,000 to Ksh 1,960,000 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 288,000 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 1 institution.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 reproductive biology, reproductive endocrinology, gamete and embryo biology, reproductive health research, fertility preservation, and research methodology. The programme combines coursework with thesis research, requiring candidates to develop a research proposal, conduct independent laboratory and clinical research, and produce a doctoral dissertation that makes an original contribution to reproductive biology.

Kenya faces significant reproductive health challenges including infertility, maternal mortality, reproductive cancers, and adolescent reproductive health issues. The programme addresses national health priorities under the Kenya Health Policy Framework and Vision 2030 by training researchers who can inform reproductive health policy, fertility services, and maternal health interventions.

Teaching methods include lectures, laboratory sessions, clinical research at KNH's reproductive health department, and supervised thesis work. Students have access to UoN's anatomy and reproductive biology laboratories and collaborate with clinical researchers at teaching hospitals.

Graduates pursue careers as university lecturers, reproductive biology researchers, fertility specialists, reproductive health consultants, and biomedical researchers in universities, research institutions, hospitals, and international health organisations. The programme provides advanced expertise for leadership roles in reproductive biology research and reproductive health.

This programme is ideal for holders of a Master's degree in reproductive biology, anatomy, medical physiology, biomedical sciences, or related health sciences who are committed to advancing knowledge in reproductive biology and health.

What you study

10 subjects
  • Reproductive Endocrinology
  • Gamete Biology
  • Embryology and Development
  • Reproductive Health Research
  • Fertility and Infertility
  • Research Methodology
  • Reproductive Anatomy
  • Thesis Research
  • Biostatistics
  • Reproductive Toxicology

Modules

12 in the programme

  • Advanced Reproductive Biology

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Advanced study of reproductive systems including gonadal function, gametogenesis, fertilisation, and early embryo development

  • Advanced Reproductive Biology and Physiology

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Reproductive biology, exploring cutting-edge developments, theoretical frameworks, and research methodologies at the forefront of the discipline.

  • Reproductive Endocrinology

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Hormonal regulation of reproduction including hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, reproductive hormones, and endocrine disorders

  • Reproductive Endocrinology and Hormone Regulation

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Endocrinology, covering theoretical foundations, practical methodologies, and contemporary research developments relevant to doctoral study in this area.

  • Gamete Biology and Embryology

    Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore

    Biology of sperm and oocyte, fertilisation, early embryonic development, and assisted reproductive technologies

  • Gamete Biology and Fertilisation

    Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore

    Gamete biology, covering biological principles, research techniques, and their application in understanding living systems.

  • Reproductive Health Research

    Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore

    Research methods for studying reproductive health including infertility epidemiology, maternal health, and adolescent reproductive health

  • Reproductive Toxicology and Environmental Impacts

    Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore

    Toxicology, covering ecological principles, environmental management approaches, and sustainability challenges in contemporary contexts.

  • Fertility and Infertility Research

    Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore

    Causes, diagnosis, and treatment of infertility including male and female factors, IVF, and fertility preservation

  • Assisted Reproductive Technologies

    Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore

    ART, covering theoretical foundations, practical methodologies, and contemporary research developments relevant to doctoral study in this area.

  • Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology

    Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore

    Detailed anatomical and physiological basis of reproductive systems relevant to research and clinical practice

  • Research Methods in Reproductive Biology

    Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore

    Research methods, covering quantitative and qualitative approaches, data collection techniques, and analytical frameworks relevant to doctoral-level research in the field.

Specialisations

  • Fertility Technology Research

    Specialization in Fertility Technology Research, preparing graduates for careers such as fertility-tech-specialist.

  • Medical Laboratory Science

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

  • Public Health Practice

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

  • Clinical Research

    Specialization in Clinical Research, preparing graduates for careers such as clinical-research-coordinator.

  • Academic Research

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

  • Biomedical Research

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

  • Contraception Research

    Research on contraception

  • Reproductive Endocrinology

    Research on reproductive endocrinology

  • Assisted Reproduction

    Research on assisted reproduction

  • Reproductive Toxicology

    Research on reproductive toxicology

A day as a student

A typical day combines laboratory work on gamete biology and embryology with clinical research at KNH, data analysis, literature review, and thesis writing. Students attend research seminars, present findings at departmental colloquia, and engage with reproductive health clinicians.

The trade-offs

In its favourAgainst it
Access to KEMRI, WHO and IPPFLaboratory equipment and reagents are expensive
Growing demand for fertility and reproductive health expertise in KenyaRequires strong biomedical and laboratory skills
Opportunities for international collaboration through WHO, UNFPA, and AFFSEthical approvals for reproductive research are complex
Contributes to reproductive health policy and clinical practiceResearch involving human subjects requires complex ethical approvals

What it costs

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

What it costs, and where

Against 243 science courses
Public367k to 392k
367k at Kenyatta University392k at University of Nairobi
Private150k to 288k
150k at Mount Kenya University288k 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 392K/yr (uonbi SBS), KU 367.2K/yr (ku.ac.ke). MKU 150K, Kabarak 288K/yr.

Students may access HELB postgraduate loans, WHO/TDR fellowships, DAAD scholarships, and NRF research grants for reproductive health research.

Funding options

  • HELB Postgraduate Loan

    LoanKsh 80,000

  • WHO/TDR Research Grant

    Grant

  • DAAD Scholarship

    Scholarship

  • NRF Research Grant

    Grant

Scholarships

5 recorded

  • HELB Postgraduate Scholarship

    LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan

    Kenyan postgraduate students

  • NACOSTI Research Grant

    GrantKenyan

    Science and technology researchers in Kenya

  • HELB Postgraduate Loan

    LoanKsh 80,000Kenyan

    Kenyan postgraduate students enrolled in recognised universities

  • DAAD Scholarship

    ScholarshipKenyan

    African graduates meeting academic criteria for doctoral study

  • NRF Research Grant

    GrantKenyan

    Researchers at Kenyan institutions conducting research relevant to national development

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 Reproductive Biology, Anatomy, Medical Physiology, 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 1 institution
January 20271 institution

Including University of Nairobi.

May 20271 institution

Including University of Nairobi.

September 20271 institution

Including University of Nairobi.

How you are assessed

5 components

  • Thesis

    Thesis50% of the mark

    Doctoral thesis research, submission and oral defence

  • Thesis Proposal Defence

    Oral defence20% of the mark

    Defence of research proposal before faculty panel

  • Continuous Assessment Tests (CATs)

    Coursework30% of the mark

  • Thesis Examination

    Coursework100% 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

  • Commission for University Education

    AcademicRequired

    Statutory body responsible for accreditation of university programmes in Kenya

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Graduates collaborate with KEMRI and clinical researchers at teaching hospitals.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

7 roles

  • Fertility Specialist

    High demandKsh 300,000 to Ksh 700,000

    Fertility at clinics and hospitals

  • Reproductive Physiologist

    Moderate demandKsh 220,000 to Ksh 550,000

    Physiology at research institutes

  • University Professor

    High demandKsh 200,000 to Ksh 500,000

    Teaching and research in biology departments

  • Reproductive Health Consultant

    Moderate demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 200,000

    Advises government, WHO, UNFPA, and NGOs on reproductive health policy and programmes

  • Reproductive Biology Researcher

    Moderate demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 180,000

    Conducts reproductive biology research at KEMRI, research institutions, or international health organisations

  • University Lecturer (Reproductive Biology)

    High demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 200,000

    Teaches reproductive biology and conducts research in university medical or anatomy departments

  • Fertility Specialist (Research)

    Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 250,000

    Combines fertility clinical practice with research at fertility clinics and teaching hospitals

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as university lecturers, reproductive biology researchers, fertility specialists, and reproductive health consultants in universities, research institutions, hospitals, and international health organisations.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Certifications

Common misconceptions

  • Reproductive biology is only about fertility treatment

    Reproductive biology encompasses reproductive endocrinology, gamete biology, embryology, reproductive cancers, reproductive toxicology, and public health aspects of reproduction, not just IVF and fertility treatment.

  • Reproductive biology research is not relevant to Kenya

    Kenya faces significant reproductive health challenges including infertility, maternal mortality, and reproductive cancers, requiring research to inform policy and clinical practice.

  • A PhD in reproductive biology has limited career prospects

    Graduates work in universities, research institutions, fertility clinics, WHO, UNFPA, and NGOs addressing reproductive health, with growing demand for reproductive expertise.

  • Reproductive biology is only for medical doctors

    The programme accepts graduates with Master's degrees in biomedical sciences, anatomy, physiology, or related fields, not only medical doctors.

Further reading

Read next