Master of Science in Animal Physiology
The Master of Science in Animal Physiology is a postgraduate programme offered at Kenyatta University and the University of Nairobi. The programme provides advanced training in the physiological functions of animals, including comparative physiology, cellular physiology, reproductive physiology, environmental physiology, and animal production. It prepares graduates for research, teaching, and technical roles in animal science, veterinary medicine, and biomedical fields in Kenya and globally.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 398,500 a year at a public institution, Ksh 797,000 for the whole course.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 2 years, full-time, with 0 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 5 institutions.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Forensic DNA Scientist, at 15 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
Students engage with advanced animal physiology, cellular and molecular physiology, endocrinology, neurophysiology, and research methodology. The programme combines coursework, laboratory work, and a research project, requiring candidates to produce a master's thesis that contributes to the field of animal physiology.
Kenya's livestock and wildlife sectors are central to food security, livelihoods, and conservation. The programme addresses national priorities under Vision 2030 and the Big Four Agenda by training scientists who can improve animal health, reproduction, and productivity through physiological research.
Teaching methods include lectures, laboratory practicals, field research, and supervised thesis work. Students have access to KU's School of Health Sciences and UoN's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, and collaborate with KALRO, KWS, veterinary research institutes, and biomedical institutions.
Graduates pursue careers as animal physiologists, researchers, lecturers, and technical officers in universities, KALRO, KWS, veterinary laboratories, and agricultural research institutions.
This programme is ideal for holders of a Bachelor's degree in zoology, biology, veterinary medicine, animal science, or related biological sciences who are committed to advancing knowledge in animal physiology.
What you study
10 subjects- Comparative Animal Physiology
- Cellular Physiology
- Endocrinology
- Reproductive Physiology
- Neurophysiology
- Research Methodology
- Environmental Physiology
- Thesis Research
- Biostatistics
- Animal Production
Modules
10 in the programmeComparative Animal Physiology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Physiological systems across animal species including cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, and digestive physiology
Cellular and Molecular Physiology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Cell function, membrane transport, signal transduction, and molecular mechanisms of physiological processes
Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Hormonal control, reproduction, and reproductive technologies in animals
Neurophysiology
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Nervous system function including sensory, motor, and autonomic physiology
Environmental and Ecological Physiology
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Physiological responses to environmental stressors including heat, altitude, drought, and pollution
Physiology of Animal Production
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Application of physiology to livestock production, growth, lactation, and nutrition
Research Methodology and Biostatistics
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Research design, data analysis, and statistical methods for physiology research
Physiology Laboratory Techniques
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Laboratory methods for physiological measurement including histology, electrophysiology, and biochemical assays
Thesis Proposal Development
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Development and defence of a master's research proposal on an animal physiology topic
Thesis Research and Writing
Year 4Semester 16 creditsCore
Independent master's research culminating in a thesis defended before internal and external examiners
Specialisations
Animal Physiology Research
Specialization in Animal Physiology Research, preparing graduates for careers such as university-lecturer.
Animal Nutrition
Specialization in Animal Nutrition, preparing graduates for careers such as animal-nutritionist.
Veterinary Medicine
Specialization in Veterinary Medicine, preparing graduates for careers such as veterinary-medicine.
Agricultural Science Research
Specialization in Agricultural Science Research, preparing graduates for careers such as agricultural-scientist-junior.
Wildlife Biology
Specialization in Wildlife Biology, preparing graduates for careers such as wildlife-biologist.
Veterinary Research
Specialization in Veterinary Research, preparing graduates for careers such as veterinary-research-scientist.
A day as a student
A typical day combines lectures with laboratory physiology experiments, animal or tissue studies, data analysis, literature review, and thesis work. Students attend research seminars, present findings, and collaborate with KALRO and KWS for field research.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Relevant to livestock, wildlife, and biomedical research in Kenya | Laboratory animal research requires ethical and regulatory compliance |
| Two public universities offer the programme providing choice and fee range | UoN fees are higher at KES 348,000 per year |
| Strong links with KALRO, KWS, and veterinary institutions | Research funding can be limited for basic animal science |
| Diverse career paths in academia, research, and animal production | Career progression may require further doctoral training |
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 coursesAnnual 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
Public: Egerton 189K (egerton.ac.ke), UoN 399K/yr (uonbi.ac.ke). Private: unverified.
Students may access HELB postgraduate loans, DAAD scholarships, NRF research grants, and Wellcome Trust grants for animal physiology research.
Funding options
HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 80,000
DAAD Scholarship
Scholarship
NRF Research Grant
Grant
Wellcome Trust Research Grant
Grant
Scholarships
3 recordedDAAD Scholarship
ScholarshipKenyan
African graduates meeting academic criteria for master's study
HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 80,000Kenyan
Kenyan postgraduate students enrolled in recognised universities
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- Chevening Scholarships Kenya
Closes 30 November 2026FullUK Government
Full masters in UK
- AfDB Japan Scholarship Program
Closes 28 February 2027FullAfrican Development Bank
Full graduate study abroad
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
Relevant diploma or equivalent qualification
When it next starts
Taught at 5 institutionsIncluding Chuka University, Moi University, Kenyatta University.
Including Chuka University, Moi University, Kenyatta University.
Including Chuka University, Moi University, Kenyatta University.
How you are assessed
4 componentsContinuous Assessment Tests (CATs)
Coursework30% of the mark
Oral Viva Voce
Coursework100% of the mark
Thesis Examination
Coursework100% of the mark
Laboratory Reports
Coursework20% 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).
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesAnimal Physiologist
Moderate demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 180,000
Conducts research on animal physiological functions at research institutions or universities
Veterinary Research Scientist
Moderate demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 200,000
Applies physiological knowledge to veterinary and biomedical research
Research Officer
Moderate demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 180,000
Conducts research at KALRO, KWS, or veterinary research laboratories
University Lecturer (Animal Physiology)
High demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 200,000
Teaches animal physiology and conducts research in university science departments
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work as animal physiologists, researchers, lecturers, and technical officers in universities, KALRO, KWS, veterinary laboratories, and agricultural research institutions.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Forensic DNA ScientistScience15Low exposure
- Neuromorphic Computing ResearcherScience15Low exposure
- Agricultural EntomologistScience17Low exposure
- Neurotechnology Research EngineerScience17Low exposure
- Phage Therapy ResearcherScience17Low exposure
- Applied GeochemistScience18Low exposure
- Computational ToxicologistScience18Low exposure
- Computational Toxicology SpecialistScience18Low exposure
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Animal physiology is just about farm animals
Animal physiology covers all animals including wildlife, livestock, laboratory animals, and aquatic species, with applications in medicine, conservation, and agriculture.
A master's in animal physiology has limited career prospects
Graduates are needed in research, veterinary science, wildlife management, and education sectors in Kenya.
Animal physiology is the same as veterinary medicine
Animal physiology is the study of how animal bodies function, while veterinary medicine is the clinical practice of diagnosing and treating animal diseases.
Animal physiology research is not relevant to human health
Animal physiology research provides fundamental knowledge that underpins biomedical science, drug development, and conservation.