Science

Master of Science in Applied Parasitology

The Master of Science in Applied Parasitology is a postgraduate programme that trains graduates in advanced parasitology, incorporating molecular biology tools for disease diagnosis and taxonomy. The programme prepares graduates for careers in research, teaching, and public health parasitology.

Core areas include medical parasitology, veterinary parasitology, molecular parasitology, parasite taxonomy, vector biology, host-parasite interactions, parasitic diseases, diagnostic techniques, epidemiology of parasitic infections, and research methods. Students engage with theoretical foundations and practical laboratory and field applications.

The programme is offered by 60 universities across Kenya, with the University of Nairobi as a college. UoN offers MSc in Applied Parasitology through its School of Biological Sciences at Chiromo Campus. The programme incorporates current trends in parasitology including molecular biology, with emphasis on field course components and industrial attachment.

Students develop competencies in parasite identification, diagnostic techniques, molecular parasitology, vector control, parasitic disease management, research, and data analysis. The programme includes coursework, laboratory sessions, field courses, examinations, and a research thesis. UoN's programme runs for a minimum of four semesters and a maximum of twelve semesters.

The programme is delivered over two years with full-time and part-time study modes. UoN offers the programme through coursework, examination, and thesis. The programme accommodates biological science graduates and health professionals.

Graduates pursue careers as parasitologists, biomedical researchers, public health specialists, laboratory managers, and lecturers in research institutions, hospitals, universities, and public health organisations.

Skills Required

Parasite Identification and Taxonomy
Molecular Parasitology and Diagnostics
Medical and Veterinary Parasitology
Vector Biology and Control
Host-Parasite Interaction Analysis
Parasitic Disease Diagnosis
Epidemiology of Parasitic Infections
Microscopy and Laboratory Techniques
Field Parasitology and Surveillance
Biomedical Research Methods

Key Subjects

Medical Parasitology
Veterinary Parasitology
Molecular Parasitology
Parasite Taxonomy and Systematics
Vector Biology and Control
Host-Parasite Interactions
Diagnostic Techniques in Parasitology
Epidemiology of Parasitic Infections
Field Parasitology
Research Methods in Biomedical Science

Certifications

KMPDC Professional Registration
KEMRI Research Certification

Specializations

Medical Parasitology

Focuses on medical parasitology, human parasitic diseases, parasite diagnosis, treatment, and controlling parasitic infections in human populations.

Veterinary Parasitology

Examines veterinary parasitology, animal parasitic diseases, livestock parasites, and controlling parasitic infections in domestic and wild animals.

Molecular Parasitology

Covers molecular parasitology, applying molecular biology tools to parasite taxonomy, diagnosis, and understanding parasite biology at molecular level.

Vector Biology and Control

Focuses on vector biology, insect vectors of parasitic diseases, vector ecology, and developing and implementing vector control strategies.

Parasite Taxonomy and Systematics

Examines parasite taxonomy, systematics, classification, identification, and understanding parasite diversity and evolutionary relationships.

Epidemiology of Parasitic Infections

Covers epidemiology of parasitic infections, disease distribution, transmission patterns, surveillance, and applying epidemiological methods to parasitic disease control.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 365,500
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: 20 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Medical Parasitology
Veterinary Parasitology
Molecular Parasitology
Parasite Taxonomy and Systematics
Vector Biology and Control
Host-Parasite Interactions
Diagnostic Techniques in Parasitology
Epidemiology of Parasitic Infections
Field Parasitology
Research Methods in Biomedical Science

Modules

12 in the programme

Advanced Medical Parasitology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines advanced medical parasitology, human parasitic diseases, malaria, schistosomiasis, filariasis, and diagnosing and managing human parasitic infections.
Molecular Parasitology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers molecular parasitology, applying molecular biology tools to parasite taxonomy, diagnosis, DNA extraction, PCR, and understanding parasite biology at molecular level.
Parasite Taxonomy and Systematics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines parasite taxonomy, systematics, classification, identification, and understanding parasite diversity and evolutionary relationships.
Vector Biology and Control
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers vector biology, insect vectors of parasitic diseases, vector ecology, vector-parasite interactions, and developing and implementing vector control strategies.
Veterinary Parasitology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines veterinary parasitology, animal parasitic diseases, livestock parasites, zoonotic parasites, and controlling parasitic infections in domestic and wild animals.
Host-Parasite Interactions
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers host-parasite interactions, immune response to parasites, parasite evasion mechanisms, and understanding how parasites interact with host biology.
Diagnostic Techniques in Parasitology
Year 2Semester 14 creditsCore
Examines diagnostic techniques in parasitology, microscopy, serological tests, molecular diagnostics, and laboratory methods for parasite detection and identification.
Epidemiology of Parasitic Infections
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers epidemiology of parasitic infections, disease distribution, transmission patterns, surveillance, and applying epidemiological methods to parasitic disease control.
Field Parasitology and Surveillance
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines field parasitology, field sampling, surveillance methods, conducting field studies in endemic areas, and practical parasitology in field settings.
Research Methods in Biomedical Science
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research methods for biomedical science, experimental design, data analysis, and conducting parasitology research, preparing students for their thesis.
Parasitic Disease Control and Management
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines parasitic disease control and management, control programmes, drug treatment, prevention strategies, and managing parasitic disease at population level.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research thesis on an applied parasitology topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and parasitological knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Medical Parasitology
Focuses on medical parasitology, human parasitic diseases, parasite diagnosis, treatment, and controlling parasitic infections in human populations.
Veterinary Parasitology
Examines veterinary parasitology, animal parasitic diseases, livestock parasites, and controlling parasitic infections in domestic and wild animals.
Molecular Parasitology
Covers molecular parasitology, applying molecular biology tools to parasite taxonomy, diagnosis, and understanding parasite biology at molecular level.
Vector Biology and Control
Focuses on vector biology, insect vectors of parasitic diseases, vector ecology, and developing and implementing vector control strategies.
Parasite Taxonomy and Systematics
Examines parasite taxonomy, systematics, classification, identification, and understanding parasite diversity and evolutionary relationships.
Epidemiology of Parasitic Infections
Covers epidemiology of parasitic infections, disease distribution, transmission patterns, surveillance, and applying epidemiological methods to parasitic disease control.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc Applied Parasitology programme begins with morning lectures on medical parasitology, molecular parasitology, or vector biology. Students engage in theoretical discussions on parasite biology, host-parasite interactions, and parasitic disease transmission. Laboratory sessions form a central part of the programme, involving parasite identification, microscopy, diagnostic techniques, and molecular parasitology methods. Medical parasitology sessions cover human parasites including malaria parasites, schistosomes, filarial worms, and intestinal parasites. Veterinary parasitology sessions examine animal parasites, livestock parasitic diseases, and zoonotic parasites. Molecular parasitology sessions involve DNA extraction, PCR, molecular diagnostics, and applying molecular tools to parasite taxonomy and diagnosis. Vector biology sessions cover insect vectors, vector ecology, and vector control strategies. Field courses take students to endemic areas where they observe parasite transmission, collect samples, and conduct field surveillance. Diagnostic technique sessions involve microscopy, serological tests, and molecular diagnostics for parasite detection. Research methodology sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering biomedical research methods, experimental design, and data analysis. Guest lectures from KEMRI researchers, public health specialists, and icipe scientists provide real-world insights. UoN's programme at Chiromo Campus offers well-equipped laboratories, insectaries, and museums. The two-year programme culminates in a research thesis.

The trade offs

In its favour

Parasitic diseases remain a major health burden in Kenya and the tropics, creating high demand for qualified parasitologists.
UoN offers a well-established MSc programme through its School of Biological Sciences at Chiromo Campus with laboratories, insectaries, and museums.
Programme is offered at 60 universities across Kenya, providing wide geographic access for prospective students.
Programme incorporates molecular biology tools, field courses, and industrial attachment, providing comprehensive practical training.

Against it

Programme quality may vary significantly across 60 universities, with some institutions lacking adequate laboratory facilities.
Field work in endemic areas may expose students to parasitic infections, requiring health precautions.
Programme requires strong background in biological sciences, which may exclude some graduates.
Career opportunities may be concentrated in research institutions and public health, with limited private sector demand.

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

Public326k to 366k

326k at Kenyatta University366k at University of Nairobi

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

KU 326.4K/yr (mawese.com). UoN ~365.5K/yr (biology.uonbi.ac.ke). Private null.

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. WHO provides tropical disease research grants for parasitology capacity building. KEMRI supports biomedical research including parasitology. The programme's public health importance attracts significant donor and international health organisation funding.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
WHO Tropical Disease Grants
KEMRI Research Grants

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate parasitology and biomedical science studies at recognised universities.
WHO Tropical Disease Grants
GrantKsh 500,000
WHO provides grants for tropical disease research and parasitology capacity building in developing countries, supporting postgraduate training.
KEMRI Research Grants
GrantKsh 400,000Kenyan
KEMRI provides research grants for biomedical research in Kenya, supporting postgraduate research in parasitology 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 biological science and health graduates. Two-year programme with full-time and part-time study modes at UoN. Minimum four semesters and maximum twelve semesters. UoN offers the programme through coursework, examination, and thesis at Chiromo Campus. The programme incorporates molecular biology, field courses, and industrial attachment.

How you are assessed

4 components

Coursework and Assignments
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, laboratory reports, parasite identification exercises, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination30% of the mark
Written examinations covering medical parasitology, molecular parasitology, vector biology, and diagnostic techniques, conducted at end of each semester.
Laboratory and Field Assessment
Practical40% of the mark
Assessment of practical skills including parasite identification, microscopy, molecular techniques, field surveillance, and laboratory reports.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on an applied parasitology topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and parasitological knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). UoN offers MSc in Applied Parasitology through its School of Biological Sciences at Chiromo Campus. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate parasitology and biomedical science training. The programme is one of the most broadly offered master's programmes in Kenya, available at 60 universities.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. UoN offers MSc in Applied Parasitology through its School of Biological Sciences at Chiromo Campus. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate parasitology and biomedical science training.
Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC)
Professional accreditation
KMPDC regulates medical practice in Kenya. Graduates working in clinical parasitology may require KMPDC registration.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Parasitologist
High demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Conducts parasitology research, identifying parasites, developing diagnostics, and contributing to parasitic disease control in research institutions.
Biomedical Researcher
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 450,000
Conducts biomedical research in parasitology and related fields, developing new diagnostics and contributing to medical knowledge.
Public Health Specialist
High demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 500,000
Applies parasitology to public health, managing parasitic disease control programmes, surveillance, and prevention in health organisations.
Laboratory Manager
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 450,000
Manages parasitology laboratories, overseeing operations, quality control, diagnostic services, and ensuring laboratory compliance with standards.
Vector Control Officer
Moderate demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 400,000
Manages vector control programmes, implementing vector surveillance, control strategies, and preventing vector-borne parasitic diseases.
University Lecturer
High demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches parasitology and biomedical science in universities, conducting research and training future biomedical scientists and health professionals.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as parasitologists, biomedical researchers, and public health specialists in research institutions, hospitals, universities, and public health organisations.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Light Microscope
EquipmentPrimary
Light microscope for parasite identification, examining blood smears, stool samples, and tissue sections for parasitology diagnosis.
PCR Machine
EquipmentPrimary
PCR machine for molecular parasitology, amplifying parasite DNA for diagnosis, taxonomy, and molecular research.
SPSS/R for Data Analysis
Software
Statistical analysis software for parasitology research, analysing epidemiological data, and conducting biomedical research.
Centrifuge
Equipment
Centrifuge for separating parasite samples, concentrating parasites from clinical samples, and preparing specimens for microscopy.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Parasitology is just about identifying worms.
Parasitology covers protozoa, helminths, arthropods, molecular diagnostics, epidemiology, and vector control, far beyond worm identification.
Parasitology is outdated in modern medicine.
Parasitic diseases remain a major health burden in Kenya and tropics, making parasitology critically important for public health.
This programme is only for medical graduates.
The programme accepts graduates from biological sciences, zoology, microbiology, biochemistry, veterinary medicine, and related fields.
Molecular parasitology is too specialised for applied work.
Molecular tools are essential for modern parasitology, enabling precise diagnosis, taxonomy, and understanding drug resistance.
Parasitology careers are limited to research only.
Graduates pursue diverse careers in public health, diagnostics, pharmaceutical industry, vector control, and academia, not just research.
Parasitic diseases are being eradicated, reducing need for parasitologists.
While some programmes target specific diseases, many parasitic infections remain endemic, and emerging parasites create ongoing demand for parasitologists.