Health Sciences

Master of Medicine in Imaging and Diagnostic Radiology

The Master of Medicine in Imaging and Diagnostic Radiology is a postgraduate medical specialty programme that trains medical doctors to become specialist radiologists. The programme prepares graduates to perform and interpret diagnostic imaging studies, conduct interventional radiology procedures, and manage imaging departments in Kenya and beyond.

Core areas of study include diagnostic radiology principles, medical imaging physics, radiographic anatomy, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, interventional radiology, nuclear medicine, radiation protection, breast imaging, and research methods. Students engage with both theoretical foundations and extensive clinical imaging practice.

The programme is offered by numerous universities across Kenya, with Aga Khan University as a college. Aga Khan University offers MMed in Imaging and Diagnostic Radiology at its Nairobi campus, accredited by CUE and ACGME-I. University of Nairobi also offers MMed Diagnostic Radiology through its Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Radiation Medicine.

Students develop competencies in image interpretation, performing imaging procedures, interventional radiology techniques, radiation safety, CT and MRI interpretation, ultrasound scanning, nuclear medicine, managing imaging departments, and radiology research. The programme includes coursework, clinical rotations, examinations, and a research thesis.

The programme is delivered over four years with full-time residency mode. Aga Khan University's programme consists of four years of training and examinations, with approximately 25 per cent of time in structured educational courses. The programme is designed for medical doctors seeking to specialise in diagnostic imaging and radiology.

Graduates pursue careers as consultant radiologists, interventional radiologists, nuclear medicine physicians, imaging department directors, and academic radiologists in hospitals, imaging centres, medical schools, and health ministries.

Skills Required

Diagnostic Image Interpretation and Reporting
Computed Tomography (CT) Imaging
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Interpretation
Ultrasound Scanning and Interpretation
Interventional Radiology Procedures
Radiation Protection and Safety
Nuclear Medicine and Radionuclide Imaging
Radiographic Anatomy and Pathology Correlation
Imaging Department Management
Radiology Research and Scholarship

Key Subjects

Diagnostic Radiology Principles
Medical Imaging Physics
Radiographic Anatomy
Computed Tomography
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Ultrasound
Interventional Radiology
Nuclear Medicine
Radiation Protection
Radiology Research Methods

Certifications

KMPDC Specialist Registration in Diagnostic Radiology
RSNA Radiology Certification

Specializations

Interventional Radiology

Focuses on image-guided minimally invasive procedures, vascular interventions, tumour embolisation, and performing interventional radiology procedures under imaging guidance.

Neuroradiology

Examines neuroimaging, interpreting brain and spine imaging, MRI of the nervous system, and diagnosing neurological conditions from imaging studies.

Paediatric Radiology

Covers paediatric imaging, interpreting imaging studies in children, congenital anomaly diagnosis, and adapting imaging techniques for paediatric patients.

Breast Imaging

Focuses on breast imaging, mammography interpretation, breast ultrasound, breast MRI, and image-guided breast biopsy procedures.

Nuclear Medicine

Examines nuclear medicine, radionuclide imaging, PET scans, SPECT imaging, and using radioactive tracers for diagnosis and treatment.

Emergency Radiology

Covers emergency radiology, rapid image interpretation in emergency settings, trauma imaging, and managing acute imaging requests in emergency departments.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 352,000
Private, up to: Ksh 213,875
Job market: Very high

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 10 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Diagnostic Radiology Principles
Medical Imaging Physics
Radiographic Anatomy
Computed Tomography
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Ultrasound
Interventional Radiology
Nuclear Medicine
Radiation Protection
Radiology Research Methods

Modules

10 in the programme

Diagnostic Radiology Principles
Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore
Examines diagnostic radiology principles, imaging techniques, image interpretation fundamentals, radiographic anatomy, and basic radiology practice.
Medical Imaging Physics
Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore
Covers physics of medical imaging including X-ray production, CT physics, MRI physics, ultrasound physics, nuclear medicine physics, and radiation dosimetry.
Radiographic Anatomy and Pathology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines radiographic anatomy, cross-sectional anatomy, imaging pathology correlation, and recognising pathological changes on imaging studies across body systems.
Computed Tomography
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers CT imaging techniques, CT interpretation, contrast protocols, CT angiography, and diagnosing diseases from CT studies across body systems.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines MRI techniques, MRI interpretation, pulse sequences, contrast protocols, and diagnosing diseases from MRI studies across body systems.
Ultrasound
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers ultrasound techniques, ultrasound interpretation, Doppler ultrasound, and performing and interpreting ultrasound examinations across body systems.
Interventional Radiology
Year 2Semester 14 creditsCore
Examines image-guided procedures, vascular interventions, tumour embolisation, image-guided biopsies, drainage procedures, and interventional radiology techniques.
Nuclear Medicine
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers nuclear medicine, radionuclide imaging, PET scans, SPECT imaging, radioisotope therapy, and using radioactive tracers for diagnosis and treatment.
Radiation Protection and Safety
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines radiation protection principles, radiation safety, safe usage of ionising and non-ionising radiation, radiation dosimetry, and regulatory compliance.
Research Methods and Thesis
Year 4Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research thesis on a diagnostic imaging or radiology topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and radiology knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Interventional Radiology
Focuses on image-guided minimally invasive procedures, vascular interventions, tumour embolisation, and performing interventional radiology procedures under imaging guidance.
Neuroradiology
Examines neuroimaging, interpreting brain and spine imaging, MRI of the nervous system, and diagnosing neurological conditions from imaging studies.
Paediatric Radiology
Covers paediatric imaging, interpreting imaging studies in children, congenital anomaly diagnosis, and adapting imaging techniques for paediatric patients.
Breast Imaging
Focuses on breast imaging, mammography interpretation, breast ultrasound, breast MRI, and image-guided breast biopsy procedures.
Nuclear Medicine
Examines nuclear medicine, radionuclide imaging, PET scans, SPECT imaging, and using radioactive tracers for diagnosis and treatment.
Emergency Radiology
Covers emergency radiology, rapid image interpretation in emergency settings, trauma imaging, and managing acute imaging requests in emergency departments.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MMed Imaging and Diagnostic Radiology residency begins with morning reading sessions where residents review and report imaging studies under consultant supervision. Residents interpret X-rays, CT scans, MRI studies, and ultrasound examinations, developing diagnostic reports and discussing findings. Academic sessions include lectures on imaging physics, radiographic anatomy, and imaging pathology correlation. Interventional radiology sessions involve observing and performing image-guided procedures such as biopsies, drainages, and vascular interventions. Residents rotate through different imaging modalities including CT, MRI, ultrasound, fluoroscopy, and nuclear medicine. Radiation protection sessions teach safe usage of ionising and non-ionising radiation. Journal clubs and case conferences deepen understanding of evidence-based radiology practice. Research methodology sessions prepare residents for their thesis. The programme at Aga Khan University is based at the hospital in Nairobi with well-resourced imaging facilities. The four-year programme culminates in MMed examinations and thesis defence.

The trade offs

In its favour

Kenya has a severe shortage of radiologists, creating very high demand and excellent career prospects in hospitals, imaging centres, and medical schools.
Radiologists earn competitive salaries and are among the highest-paid medical specialists in Kenya.
Aga Khan University programme is ACGME-I accredited, providing internationally recognised training standards.
Programme covers diverse imaging modalities and interventional procedures, offering varied and intellectually stimulating career paths.

Against it

Four-year full-time residency requires significant time commitment and may limit income during training years.
Programme requires significant visual and analytical skills for image interpretation, which may be challenging for some students.
Limited training positions available, making admission highly competitive.
Many listed universities may not have established MMed Radiology programmes, limiting actual training options.

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

Public187k to 352k

187k at Moi University352k at University of Nairobi

Private200k to 214k

200k at Kabarak University214k 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

UoN 352K (uonbi.ac.ke). Moi ~187K. AKU 214K (businessradar.co.ke). Kabarak unverified

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. RSNA offers research and education foundation grants. Aga Khan University provides partial scholarships for eligible MMed students. The programme's critical medical specialty status attracts health sector funding.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
RSNA Research and Education Foundation Grants
Aga Khan University Financial Aid

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate medical studies at recognised universities.
RSNA Research and Education Foundation Grants
ScholarshipKsh 500,000
RSNA offers research and education grants for radiologists and residents pursuing radiology research and training.
Aga Khan University Partial Scholarship
ScholarshipKsh 400,000
Aga Khan University offers partial scholarships for eligible MMed students based on need and merit.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: The programme is designed for medical doctors seeking to specialise in diagnostic imaging and radiology. Admission is competitive and based on merit. Aga Khan University admits candidates from across East Africa. Application fee KES 5,300. Full-time residency mode over four years.

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Clinical Assessment
Practical30% of the mark
Ongoing assessment during residency rotations, evaluating image interpretation, reporting quality, procedure performance, and professional conduct.
Written Examinations
Examination30% of the mark
Written examinations covering imaging physics, radiographic anatomy, imaging pathology, and clinical scenarios, conducted at end of each academic year.
OSCE Examinations
Practical30% of the mark
Objective Structured Clinical Examinations assessing image interpretation, procedure skills, radiation safety, and clinical reasoning in structured stations.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on a diagnostic imaging or radiology topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and radiology knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC). Aga Khan University's MMed Imaging and Diagnostic Radiology is additionally accredited by ACGME-I. University of Nairobi's MMed Diagnostic Radiology is offered through the Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Radiation Medicine.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. Aga Khan University's MMed Imaging and Diagnostic Radiology is additionally accredited by ACGME-I.
Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC)
Professional accreditationRequired
KMPDC accredits and regulates medical specialty training. Graduates must register with KMPDC as specialist radiologists to practise in Kenya.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Consultant Radiologist
Very high demandKsh 350,000 to Ksh 1,200,000
Interprets diagnostic imaging studies in hospital radiology departments, managing imaging services, performing procedures, and providing diagnostic reports.
Interventional Radiologist
High demandKsh 400,000 to Ksh 1,500,000
Performs image-guided minimally invasive procedures, vascular interventions, tumour treatments, and image-guided biopsies in specialised centres.
Nuclear Medicine Physician
Moderate demandKsh 350,000 to Ksh 1,200,000
Specialises in nuclear medicine, performing radionuclide imaging, PET scans, and radioisotope therapy for diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
Imaging Department Director
Moderate demandKsh 400,000 to Ksh 1,300,000
Directs radiology and imaging services in hospitals or imaging centres, managing quality, equipment, staffing, and service delivery.
Academic Radiologist
High demandKsh 250,000 to Ksh 800,000
Teaches radiology in medical schools, conducting research, training residents, and providing clinical radiology services.
Teleradiology Consultant
Moderate demandKsh 300,000 to Ksh 1,000,000
Provides remote radiology reporting services, interpreting imaging studies for multiple hospitals and imaging centres via teleradiology platforms.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as consultant radiologists, interventional radiologists, nuclear medicine physicians, and imaging department directors in hospitals and medical schools.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

PACS Workstation
SoftwarePrimary
Picture Archiving and Communication System workstation for viewing, interpreting, and reporting diagnostic imaging studies including X-rays, CT, and MRI.
CT Scanner
EquipmentPrimary
Computed tomography scanner for performing CT imaging studies, including multi-slice CT, CT angiography, and contrast-enhanced CT.
MRI Scanner
EquipmentPrimary
Magnetic resonance imaging scanner for performing MRI studies, including functional MRI, MR angiography, and contrast-enhanced MRI.
Ultrasound Machine
Equipment
Ultrasound machine for performing and interpreting ultrasound examinations, including Doppler ultrasound and point-of-care ultrasound.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Radiology is just about taking X-rays.
The programme covers comprehensive diagnostic imaging including CT, MRI, ultrasound, nuclear medicine, interventional radiology, and radiation protection, far beyond taking X-rays.
Radiologists have no patient interaction.
Radiologists perform interventional procedures, consult with referring physicians, conduct image-guided biopsies, and interact with patients directly in interventional and breast imaging.
Radiology is becoming automated with AI.
While AI assists image interpretation, radiologists remain essential for complex cases, clinical correlation, procedure performance, quality assurance, and overall diagnostic judgement.
Diagnostic imaging has limited career prospects in Kenya.
Kenya has a severe shortage of radiologists, creating very high demand in hospitals, imaging centres, cancer treatment centres, and medical schools nationwide.
This programme is the same as a radiography degree.
This is a medical specialist programme for doctors, while radiography is a separate allied health profession. Radiologists are medical doctors who interpret studies and perform interventions.
Radiology is a sedentary specialty with no procedures.
Interventional radiology involves numerous image-guided procedures, and radiologists actively perform biopsies, drainages, embolisations, and other minimally invasive interventions.