Health Sciences

Master of Pharmacy in Oncology Pharmacy

The Master of Pharmacy in Oncology Pharmacy is a postgraduate programme that trains pharmacists to become specialist oncology pharmacists. The programme prepares graduates to provide specialised pharmaceutical care to cancer patients, manage chemotherapy and targeted therapies, and contribute to oncology research in Kenya and beyond.

Core areas of study include cancer biology and pathology, principles of chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapies, supportive care and palliative care, oncology clinical pharmacology and pharmacokinetics, safe handling of hazardous drugs, interpretation of oncology clinical trials, and evidence-based practice. Students engage with both theoretical foundations and extensive clinical practice in oncology settings.

The programme is offered by Kabarak University through its School of Pharmacy. Kabarak University is the only institution offering MPharm Oncology Pharmacy in Kenya. The programme is designed to equip pharmacists with advanced knowledge and specialised skills necessary to excel in the evolving field of oncology pharmacy.

Students develop competencies in chemotherapy preparation and dispensing, oncology pharmacotherapy optimisation, managing chemotherapy adverse effects, supportive care, pain management, palliative care, safe handling of hazardous drugs, interpreting oncology clinical trials, and oncology pharmacy research. The programme includes coursework, laboratory sessions, clinical rotations, industrial attachment, and a research project.

The programme is delivered over two years consisting of six trimesters in full-time mode at Kabarak University. The mode of study includes coursework, laboratory sessions, research project, and industrial attachment. Students complete clinical rotations at partner institutions including the International Cancer Institute.

Graduates pursue careers as oncology pharmacists, chemotherapy preparation specialists, palliative care pharmacists, oncology pharmacy researchers, and pharmacy educators in cancer centres, hospitals, pharmaceutical industry, and academic institutions.

Skills Required

Chemotherapy Preparation and Dispensing
Oncology Pharmacotherapy Optimisation
Managing Chemotherapy Adverse Effects
Supportive Care and Pain Management
Palliative Care Pharmacy
Safe Handling of Hazardous Drugs
Immunotherapy and Targeted Therapy Management
Interpreting Oncology Clinical Trials
Oncology Drug Information and Evidence-Based Practice
Oncology Pharmacy Research and Scholarship

Key Subjects

Cancer Biology and Pathology
Principles of Chemotherapy
Immunotherapy and Targeted Therapies
Supportive Care and Pain Management
Palliative Care Pharmacy
Oncology Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacokinetics
Safe Handling of Hazardous Drugs
Interpretation of Oncology Clinical Trials
Oncology Drug Information and Evidence-Based Practice
Oncology Pharmacy Research Methods

Certifications

ISOPP Oncology Pharmacy Certification
HOPA Oncology Pharmacy Certification

Specializations

Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapy

Focuses on chemotherapy and targeted therapy management, preparing and dispensing cytotoxic drugs, managing drug interactions, and optimising chemotherapy regimens for cancer patients.

Immunotherapy

Examines cancer immunotherapy, managing immune checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-T cell therapy, managing immune-related adverse events, and optimising immunotherapy treatment.

Supportive and Palliative Care

Covers supportive care in cancer, managing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, pain management, palliative care pharmacy, and improving quality of life for cancer patients.

Paediatric Oncology Pharmacy

Focuses on paediatric oncology pharmacy, managing childhood cancers, paediatric chemotherapy dosing, and providing specialised pharmaceutical care for paediatric cancer patients.

Oncology Drug Development and Clinical Trials

Examines oncology drug development, designing and interpreting oncology clinical trials, evaluating new cancer therapies, and applying evidence-based practice in oncology pharmacy.

Oncology Pharmacy Management

Covers managing oncology pharmacy services, chemotherapy ordering and inventory management, budget planning, and ensuring safe and efficient oncology pharmacy operations.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 326,400
Private, up to: Ksh 461,300
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

Cancer Biology and Pathology
Principles of Chemotherapy
Immunotherapy and Targeted Therapies
Supportive Care and Pain Management
Palliative Care Pharmacy
Oncology Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacokinetics
Safe Handling of Hazardous Drugs
Interpretation of Oncology Clinical Trials
Oncology Drug Information and Evidence-Based Practice
Oncology Pharmacy Research Methods

Modules

10 in the programme

Cancer Biology and Pathology
Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore
Examines cancer biology, tumour biology, carcinogenesis, cancer pathology, tumour classification, and understanding the biological basis of cancer and its treatment.
Principles of Chemotherapy
Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore
Covers chemotherapy principles, cytotoxic drug classification, mechanism of action, chemotherapy regimens, dose calculation, and managing chemotherapy administration.
Immunotherapy and Targeted Therapies
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines cancer immunotherapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors, targeted therapies, monoclonal antibodies, CAR-T cell therapy, and managing immune-related adverse events.
Oncology Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacokinetics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers oncology clinical pharmacology, pharmacokinetics of anticancer drugs, drug interactions in oncology, dose individualisation, and therapeutic drug monitoring in cancer treatment.
Safe Handling and Preparation of Hazardous Drugs
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Examines safe handling of hazardous drugs, aseptic compounding of chemotherapy, using biological safety cabinets, personal protective equipment, and managing chemotherapy spills.
Supportive Care and Pain Management
Year 2Semester 43 creditsCore
Covers supportive care in cancer, managing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, mucositis, neutropenia, pain management, and palliative care pharmacy.
Oncology Clinical Trials and Evidence-Based Practice
Year 2Semester 43 creditsCore
Examines oncology clinical trials, interpreting trial data, evaluating new cancer therapies, applying evidence-based guidelines, and critical appraisal of oncology literature.
Oncology Pharmacy Practice and Clinical Rotations
Year 2Semester 54 creditsCore
Clinical rotations in oncology settings, participating in ward rounds, reviewing chemotherapy orders, managing cancer patients, and applying oncology pharmacy practice skills.
Oncology Drug Information and Pharmacoeconomics
Year 2Semester 53 creditsCore
Covers oncology drug information, evaluating cancer drug costs, pharmacoeconomics of cancer treatment, formulary management, and accessing essential cancer medicines.
Research Project
Year 2Semester 66 creditsCore
Original research project on an oncology pharmacy topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and oncology pharmacy knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapy
Focuses on chemotherapy and targeted therapy management, preparing and dispensing cytotoxic drugs, managing drug interactions, and optimising chemotherapy regimens for cancer patients.
Immunotherapy
Examines cancer immunotherapy, managing immune checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-T cell therapy, managing immune-related adverse events, and optimising immunotherapy treatment.
Supportive and Palliative Care
Covers supportive care in cancer, managing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, pain management, palliative care pharmacy, and improving quality of life for cancer patients.
Paediatric Oncology Pharmacy
Focuses on paediatric oncology pharmacy, managing childhood cancers, paediatric chemotherapy dosing, and providing specialised pharmaceutical care for paediatric cancer patients.
Oncology Drug Development and Clinical Trials
Examines oncology drug development, designing and interpreting oncology clinical trials, evaluating new cancer therapies, and applying evidence-based practice in oncology pharmacy.
Oncology Pharmacy Management
Covers managing oncology pharmacy services, chemotherapy ordering and inventory management, budget planning, and ensuring safe and efficient oncology pharmacy operations.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MPharm Oncology Pharmacy programme begins with morning lectures on cancer biology, chemotherapy principles, or targeted therapies. Students spend significant time in the laboratory learning chemotherapy preparation techniques, safe handling of hazardous drugs, and aseptic compounding of cytotoxic medications. Clinical rotation sessions at the International Cancer Institute and partner hospitals involve participating in oncology ward rounds, reviewing chemotherapy orders, assessing patient response to treatment, and managing chemotherapy-related adverse effects. Pharmacotherapy sessions cover managing specific cancers including breast, lung, colorectal, prostate, and haematological malignancies. Supportive care sessions involve managing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, pain management, and palliative care. Immunotherapy sessions cover immune checkpoint inhibitors, managing immune-related adverse events, and emerging immunotherapy treatments. Journal clubs review recent oncology clinical trials and evidence-based guidelines. Research methodology sessions prepare students for their research project. Industrial attachment provides exposure to pharmaceutical industry oncology drug development. The programme at Kabarak University runs over six trimesters with coursework, laboratory sessions, clinical rotations, and a research project.

The trade offs

In its favour

Kenya's cancer burden is growing rapidly, creating very high demand for specialist oncology pharmacists in cancer centres and hospitals.
Only programme in Kenya offering specialised oncology pharmacy training, making graduates uniquely qualified and highly sought after.
Programme includes clinical rotations at the International Cancer Institute, providing hands-on experience in real oncology settings.
Two-year programme with comprehensive curriculum covering chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapies, and palliative care.

Against it

Only Kabarak University offers this programme, limiting geographic access and choice for prospective students.
Private university tuition fees of KES 390,000 per year may be prohibitive for some students.
Working with cancer patients can be emotionally demanding, requiring strong emotional resilience.
Programme requires BPharm degree and PPB registration, limiting access to qualified pharmacists only.

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 326k

187k at Moi University326k at Kenyatta University

Private461k to 461k

461k at Kabarak University461k 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

Kabarak 922K/2yr (kabarak.ac.ke). KU ~326K/yr (ku.ac.ke). Moi ~187K/yr (worldscholarshipforum).

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. Kabarak University offers financial aid for eligible students. WHO provides cancer training grants for developing countries. The programme's critical cancer care focus attracts health sector and donor funding.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
Kabarak University Financial Aid
WHO Cancer Training Grants

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate pharmacy studies at recognised universities.
Kabarak University Financial Aid
ScholarshipKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kabarak University offers financial aid for eligible postgraduate students based on need and merit.
WHO Cancer Training Grants
ScholarshipKsh 500,000
WHO provides cancer training grants for developing countries to strengthen cancer care systems and train cancer care professionals.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: The programme requires supporting recommendations from at least two persons acquainted with the applicant's academic work and professional experience, a detailed curriculum vitae, and evidence of English proficiency for international applicants from non-English speaking countries. Two-year full-time programme with six trimesters including coursework, laboratory sessions, clinical rotations, industrial attachment, and research project.

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, laboratory practicals, case studies, and class participation throughout the programme.
Written Examinations
Examination30% of the mark
Trimester examinations covering cancer biology, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, supportive care, and oncology pharmacy practice.
Clinical Rotation Assessment
Practical40% of the mark
Assessment of clinical rotation performance, evaluating chemotherapy preparation, patient assessment, pharmacotherapy management, and professional conduct.
Research Project
Research100% of the mark
Original research project on an oncology pharmacy topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and oncology pharmacy knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Kenya (PPB). Kabarak University's MPharm Oncology Pharmacy is offered through its School of Pharmacy. The programme meets CUE and PPB standards for postgraduate pharmacy training in oncology specialisation.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. Kabarak University's MPharm Oncology Pharmacy is offered through its School of Pharmacy.
Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Kenya (PPB)
Professional accreditationRequired
PPB accredits and regulates pharmacy training and practice. Graduates must register with PPB to practise as specialist oncology pharmacists in Kenya.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Oncology Pharmacist
Very high demandKsh 250,000 to Ksh 700,000
Provides specialised pharmaceutical care to cancer patients in cancer centres and hospitals, managing chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and supportive care.
Chemotherapy Preparation Specialist
High demandKsh 220,000 to Ksh 600,000
Specialises in chemotherapy preparation and compounding, ensuring safe handling of hazardous drugs, and managing chemotherapy dispensing operations.
Palliative Care Pharmacist
High demandKsh 200,000 to Ksh 550,000
Provides pharmaceutical care in palliative settings, managing pain, symptoms, and medication for patients with advanced cancer and terminal illness.
Oncology Pharmacy Researcher
Moderate demandKsh 200,000 to Ksh 600,000
Conducts oncology pharmacy research, evaluating chemotherapy outcomes, drug safety, and contributing to evidence-based oncology practice.
Pharmaceutical Industry Oncology Specialist
Moderate demandKsh 300,000 to Ksh 800,000
Works in pharmaceutical industry managing oncology drug development, clinical trials, medical affairs, and supporting oncology product launches.
Pharmacy Educator
High demandKsh 200,000 to Ksh 550,000
Teaches oncology pharmacy in universities and training institutions, conducting research, training pharmacy students, and providing clinical pharmacy services.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as oncology pharmacists, chemotherapy preparation specialists, and palliative care pharmacists in cancer centres and hospitals.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Biological Safety Cabinet
EquipmentPrimary
Biological safety cabinet for aseptic compounding of chemotherapy and hazardous drugs, ensuring safe preparation of cytotoxic medications.
Oncology Drug Information Database
SoftwarePrimary
Clinical decision support database providing evidence-based oncology drug information, chemotherapy regimens, and treatment guidelines.
Chemotherapy Dose Calculation Software
Software
Software for calculating chemotherapy doses based on body surface area, renal function, and patient-specific factors.
SPSS
Software
Statistical analysis software for oncology pharmacy research, analysing treatment outcomes, and conducting clinical research studies.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Oncology pharmacy is just about dispensing chemotherapy.
Oncology pharmacy involves complex chemotherapy preparation, pharmacotherapy optimisation, managing adverse effects, supportive care, palliative care, and interpreting clinical trials, far beyond dispensing.
Oncology pharmacy is too specialised for the Kenyan market.
Kenya's cancer burden is growing rapidly with increasing chemotherapy use, creating very high demand for specialist oncology pharmacists in cancer centres and hospitals.
Oncology pharmacy is depressing because patients die.
While oncology involves serious illness, oncology pharmacy also offers immense satisfaction in improving patient outcomes, managing symptoms, and supporting patients through treatment.
A general pharmacy degree is sufficient for oncology practice.
Oncology pharmacy requires specialised knowledge of chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and hazardous drug handling that general pharmacy training does not provide.
Only one university offers this programme, making it less credible.
Kabarak University is CUE and PPB accredited, with clinical rotations at the International Cancer Institute, meeting international oncology pharmacy standards.
Oncology pharmacy has limited career options.
Graduates work in cancer centres, hospitals, pharmaceutical industry, regulatory bodies, research institutions, and academia, with diverse career paths in the growing oncology field.