Health Sciences

Master of Science in Applied Immunology

The Master of Science in Applied Immunology is a postgraduate programme that trains graduates in advanced immunology, immune system function, and clinical applications. The programme prepares graduates for careers in biomedical research, clinical immunology, and vaccine development.

Core areas include immunology, clinical immunology, molecular medicine, vaccinology, immunological techniques, host-pathogen interactions, autoimmunity, reproductive immunology, cancer immunology, and research methods. Students engage with theoretical foundations and practical laboratory applications.

The programme is offered by Kirinyaga University, Strathmore University, and Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, with JKUAT as a college. JKUAT offers MSc in Molecular Medicine specialising in Applied Immunology. MMUST offers MSc in Immunology. Kenyatta University and Moi University also offer related MSc in Immunology.

Students develop competencies in immunological techniques, immune system analysis, vaccine development, clinical immunology diagnostics, research, and data analysis. The programme includes coursework, laboratory sessions, examinations, and a research thesis. JKUAT's programme is full-time only.

The programme is delivered over two years. JKUAT's programme covers taught courses and research. MMUST offers full-time and part-time modes. The programme accommodates biomedical science, medical, and biological science graduates.

Graduates pursue careers as immunologists, biomedical researchers, clinical immunologists, vaccine researchers, laboratory managers, and lecturers in research institutions, hospitals, universities, and pharmaceutical companies.

Skills Required

Advanced Immunological Techniques
Clinical Immunology and Diagnostics
Vaccine Development and Evaluation
Molecular Medicine and Immunology
Host-Pathogen Interaction Analysis
Autoimmunity and Immune Disorders
Flow Cytometry and Cell Sorting
Immunoassay Development
Biomedical Research Methods
Immunological Data Analysis

Key Subjects

Advanced Immunology
Clinical Immunology
Molecular Medicine
Vaccinology
Immunological Techniques
Host-Pathogen Interactions
Autoimmunity and Immune Disorders
Cancer Immunology
Reproductive Immunology
Research Methods in Biomedical Science

Certifications

KMPDC Clinical Immunology Certification
IUIS Immunology Certification

Specializations

Clinical Immunology

Focuses on clinical immunology, immune system disorders, immunodeficiency, allergy, autoimmune diseases, and applying immunology to clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Vaccinology

Examines vaccinology, vaccine development, vaccine evaluation, immune response to vaccines, and developing and testing vaccines for disease prevention.

Molecular Immunology

Covers molecular immunology, molecular mechanisms of immune response, molecular techniques in immunology, and understanding immunity at molecular level.

Cancer Immunology

Focuses on cancer immunology, tumour immunology, immunotherapy, and understanding and applying immune system approaches to cancer treatment.

Reproductive Immunology

Examines reproductive immunology, maternal-foetal immunology, reproductive immune disorders, and applying immunology to reproductive health.

Infectious Disease Immunology

Covers infectious disease immunology, host-pathogen interactions, immune response to infections, and applying immunology to infectious disease control.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 248,000
Job market: High

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Part-time
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 15 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Advanced Immunology
Clinical Immunology
Molecular Medicine
Vaccinology
Immunological Techniques
Host-Pathogen Interactions
Autoimmunity and Immune Disorders
Cancer Immunology
Reproductive Immunology
Research Methods in Biomedical Science

Modules

12 in the programme

Advanced Immunology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines advanced immunology, immune system function, innate and adaptive immunity, immune cells, cytokines, and immunological mechanisms in health and disease.
Clinical Immunology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers clinical immunology, immune disorders, immunodeficiency, allergy, autoimmune diseases, and applying immunology to clinical diagnosis and treatment.
Immunological Techniques
Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore
Examines immunological techniques, ELISA, flow cytometry, western blotting, immunohistochemistry, cell culture, and laboratory methods in immunology.
Molecular Medicine
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers molecular medicine, molecular techniques in immunology, gene expression, molecular diagnostics, and applying molecular biology to immunology and medicine.
Vaccinology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines vaccinology, vaccine development, vaccine types, immune response to vaccines, vaccine evaluation, and vaccine production and testing.
Host-Pathogen Interactions
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers host-pathogen interactions, immune response to infections, pathogen immune evasion, and understanding how pathogens interact with the immune system.
Autoimmunity and Immune Disorders
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines autoimmunity, autoimmune diseases, immune tolerance, hypersensitivity, transplant immunology, and immune system disorders.
Cancer Immunology
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers cancer immunology, tumour immunology, immune surveillance, immunotherapy, and applying immune system approaches to cancer treatment.
Reproductive Immunology
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines reproductive immunology, maternal-foetal immunology, reproductive immune disorders, and applying immunology to reproductive health.
Research Methods in Biomedical Science
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research methods for biomedical science, experimental design, data analysis, and conducting immunology research, preparing students for their thesis.
Immunoassay Development
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines immunoassay development, designing and validating immunological assays, quality control, and developing diagnostic immunoassays.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research thesis on an applied immunology topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and immunological knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Clinical Immunology
Focuses on clinical immunology, immune system disorders, immunodeficiency, allergy, autoimmune diseases, and applying immunology to clinical diagnosis and treatment.
Vaccinology
Examines vaccinology, vaccine development, vaccine evaluation, immune response to vaccines, and developing and testing vaccines for disease prevention.
Molecular Immunology
Covers molecular immunology, molecular mechanisms of immune response, molecular techniques in immunology, and understanding immunity at molecular level.
Cancer Immunology
Focuses on cancer immunology, tumour immunology, immunotherapy, and understanding and applying immune system approaches to cancer treatment.
Reproductive Immunology
Examines reproductive immunology, maternal-foetal immunology, reproductive immune disorders, and applying immunology to reproductive health.
Infectious Disease Immunology
Covers infectious disease immunology, host-pathogen interactions, immune response to infections, and applying immunology to infectious disease control.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc Applied Immunology programme begins with morning lectures on immunology, clinical immunology, or molecular medicine. Students engage in theoretical discussions on immune system function, immune responses, and immunological mechanisms. Laboratory sessions form a central part of the programme, involving immunological techniques such as ELISA, flow cytometry, western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and cell culture. Clinical immunology sessions cover immune disorders, immunodeficiency, allergy, autoimmune diseases, and clinical immunology diagnostics. Vaccinology sessions examine vaccine development, immune response to vaccines, vaccine evaluation, and vaccine production. Molecular medicine sessions cover molecular techniques, gene expression, molecular diagnostics, and applying molecular biology to immunology. Host-pathogen interaction sessions examine how pathogens interact with the immune system and immune evasion mechanisms. Cancer immunology sessions explore tumour immunology, immunotherapy, and immune approaches to cancer treatment. Research methodology sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering biomedical research methods, experimental design, and data analysis. Guest lectures from KEMRI researchers, clinical immunologists, and vaccine experts provide real-world insights. JKUAT's programme is full-time only with taught courses and research components. The small class size allows for close supervision and hands-on laboratory experience. The two-year programme culminates in a research thesis.

The trade offs

In its favour

Immunology is a rapidly advancing field with high demand for qualified professionals in biomedical research, clinical diagnostics, and vaccine development.
JKUAT offers MSc in Molecular Medicine specialising in Applied Immunology through its College of Health Sciences with research facilities.
Programme combines immunology with molecular medicine, vaccinology, and clinical applications, providing comprehensive biomedical science training.
Strong career opportunities with KEMRI, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, vaccine research institutions, and international health organisations.

Against it

JKUAT's programme is full-time only, limiting flexibility for working professionals.
Programme requires strong background in biomedical sciences or biological sciences, which may exclude some graduates.
Laboratory facilities and reagent availability may vary across universities, affecting practical training quality.
Immunology is a specialised field, and career options may be perceived as narrow compared to broader biomedical science programmes.

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

Public248k to 248k

248k at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology248k at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

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 MSc Molecular Med 496K/2=248K/yr. Kirinyaga/private unverified. Src: kenyaeducationguide.com

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. WHO provides immunization grants for vaccine research and immunology capacity building. KEMRI supports biomedical research including immunology. The programme's biomedical research focus attracts health research donor funding.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
WHO Immunization Grants
KEMRI Research Grants

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate immunology and biomedical science studies at recognised universities.
WHO Immunization Grants
GrantKsh 500,000
WHO provides grants for immunization and vaccine research capacity building in developing countries, supporting postgraduate training in immunology.
KEMRI Research Grants
GrantKsh 400,000Kenyan
KEMRI provides research grants for biomedical research in Kenya, supporting postgraduate research in immunology and related fields.

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 biomedical science, medical, and biological science graduates. Two-year programme. JKUAT's programme is full-time only. MMUST offers full-time and part-time modes. JKUAT offers MSc in Molecular Medicine specialising in Applied Immunology. The programme accommodates graduates from diverse health and biological science backgrounds.

How you are assessed

4 components

Coursework and Assignments
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, laboratory reports, case studies, and class participation throughout the programme.
Written Examinations
Examination30% of the mark
Written examinations covering immunology, clinical immunology, vaccinology, and immunological techniques, conducted at end of each semester.
Laboratory Practical Assessment
Practical40% of the mark
Assessment of laboratory practical skills including immunological techniques, assay performance, equipment operation, and laboratory reports.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on an applied immunology topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and immunological knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). JKUAT offers MSc in Molecular Medicine specialising in Applied Immunology through its College of Health Sciences. MMUST offers MSc in Immunology. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate immunology and biomedical science training.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. JKUAT offers MSc in Molecular Medicine specialising in Applied Immunology through its College of Health Sciences. MMUST offers MSc in Immunology. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate immunology training.
Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC)
Professional accreditation
KMPDC regulates medical practice in Kenya. Graduates working in clinical immunology may require KMPDC registration and certification.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Immunologist
High demandKsh 140,000 to Ksh 550,000
Conducts immunological research, studying immune system function, developing diagnostics, and contributing to biomedical knowledge in research institutions.
Clinical Immunologist
Moderate demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 600,000
Applies immunology to clinical diagnosis and treatment, managing immune disorders, and providing clinical immunology services in hospitals.
Vaccine Researcher
High demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 600,000
Develops and evaluates vaccines, conducting vaccine research, clinical trials, and contributing to vaccine development in research institutions.
Biomedical Researcher
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 500,000
Conducts biomedical research in immunology and related fields, developing new diagnostics and contributing to medical knowledge.
Laboratory Manager
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 500,000
Manages immunology laboratories, overseeing operations, quality control, staff supervision, and ensuring laboratory compliance with standards.
University Lecturer
High demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches immunology and biomedical science in universities, conducting research and training future biomedical scientists and health professionals.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as immunologists, biomedical researchers, and clinical immunologists in research institutions, hospitals, universities, and pharmaceutical companies.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Flow Cytometer
EquipmentPrimary
Flow cytometer for cell analysis and sorting, identifying immune cell populations, and conducting immunological research.
ELISA Reader
EquipmentPrimary
ELISA microplate reader for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, detecting and quantifying antigens, antibodies, and cytokines.
SPSS/R for Data Analysis
Software
Statistical analysis software for immunological research, analysing experimental data, and conducting biomedical research.
Cell Culture Equipment
Equipment
Cell culture equipment including biosafety cabinets, CO2 incubators, and microscopes for growing and studying immune cells in vitro.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Immunology is just about vaccines.
Immunology covers the entire immune system including autoimmune diseases, cancer immunology, transplant immunology, allergy, and immunodeficiency, far beyond vaccines.
Immunology careers are limited in Kenya.
Kenya's disease burden, vaccine development initiatives, and growing biomedical research sector create demand for qualified immunologists.
This programme is only for medical graduates.
The programme accepts graduates from biomedical sciences, microbiology, biochemistry, zoology, medical laboratory science, and related biological sciences.
Applied immunology is less rigorous than pure immunology.
Applied immunology combines scientific rigour with clinical and practical applications, ensuring research translates to clinical and public health benefits.
Immunology is too specialised for broad career prospects.
Immunology graduates pursue diverse careers in research, clinical diagnostics, vaccine development, pharmaceutical industry, and academia.
Immunology techniques are becoming automated, reducing need for professionals.
Automation increases demand for skilled professionals who can develop assays, interpret results, and conduct complex immunological research.