Science

Master of Science in Applied Parasitology & Vector Biology

The Master of Science in Applied Parasitology and Vector Biology is a postgraduate programme that prepares professionals for advanced practice in parasitology, vector biology, and disease control. The programme combines parasitology with molecular biology and epidemiological application.

Core areas include medical parasitology, vector biology and identification, epidemiology, molecular biology, immunology, parasitic diseases, vector control, research methods, and thesis. Students engage with both parasitology theory and practical disease control application through coursework and research.

The programme is offered by the University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, Maseno University, and Technical University of Mombasa. All are public universities offering the programme over two academic years through full-time and part-time modes of study.

Students develop competencies in parasite identification, vector biology, epidemiology, molecular diagnostics, immunology, disease surveillance, vector control, and research methods. The programme includes coursework, examinations, field work, and a research thesis.

UoN charges approximately KES 365,500/year (KES 731,000 total). KU charges approximately KES 295,800/year. Entry requires a Bachelor's degree with Second Class Honours Upper Division in biological sciences, medical laboratory sciences, biomedical sciences, medicine, or related fields with at least one unit in parasitology from a recognised university.

Graduates pursue careers as parasitologists, vector control specialists, medical research scientists, public health officers, laboratory managers, and lecturers in parasitology across research institutions, public health organisations, hospitals, and universities.

Skills Required

Medical Parasitology and Parasite Identification
Vector Biology and Vector Identification
Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance
Molecular Biology and Molecular Diagnostics
Immunology and Immunodiagnostics
Vector Control and Pest Management
Parasitic Disease Diagnosis and Management
Laboratory Techniques in Parasitology
Research Methods in Parasitology
Academic Writing and Thesis Research

Key Subjects

Medical Parasitology and Parasite Identification
Vector Biology and Vector Identification
Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance
Molecular Biology and Molecular Diagnostics
Immunology and Immunodiagnostics
Vector Control and Integrated Vector Management
Parasitic Diseases and Public Health
Research Methods in Parasitology
Laboratory Techniques in Parasitology
Thesis Research

Certifications

KEMRI Research Certification
WHO Tropical Disease Certification

Specializations

Medical Parasitology

Focuses on medical parasitology, covering parasite identification, parasitic diseases, diagnosis, treatment, and managing medical parasitology.

Vector Biology

Examines vector biology, covering vector identification, vector ecology, vector-pathogen interactions, vector control, and managing vector biology.

Molecular Parasitology

Covers molecular parasitology, covering molecular diagnostics, DNA analysis, molecular taxonomy, genomics, and managing molecular parasitology.

Epidemiology

Focuses on epidemiology, covering disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, epidemiological methods, transmission dynamics, and managing epidemiology.

Immunology

Examines immunology, covering immune response, immunodiagnostics, vaccine development, immunopathology, and managing immunology.

Vector Control

Covers vector control, covering insecticide resistance, biological control, integrated vector management, surveillance, and managing vector control.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 365,500
Job market: Moderate

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

Medical Parasitology and Parasite Identification
Vector Biology and Vector Identification
Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance
Molecular Biology and Molecular Diagnostics
Immunology and Immunodiagnostics
Vector Control and Integrated Vector Management
Parasitic Diseases and Public Health
Research Methods in Parasitology
Laboratory Techniques in Parasitology
Thesis Research

Modules

12 in the programme

Medical Parasitology and Parasite Identification
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines parasite identification, parasitic diseases, life cycles, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and managing medical parasitology.
Vector Biology and Identification
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers vector identification, vector ecology, vector-pathogen interactions, vector behaviour, breeding, and managing vector biology.
Research Methods in Parasitology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research design, data collection, analysis, ethical issues, and conducting parasitological research, preparing students for their thesis.
Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, epidemiological methods, transmission dynamics, risk factors, and managing epidemiology.
Molecular Biology and Molecular Diagnostics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers molecular diagnostics, DNA analysis, PCR, molecular taxonomy, genomics, gene expression, and managing molecular parasitology.
Immunology and Immunodiagnostics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines immune response, immunodiagnostics, serology, vaccine development, immunopathology, and managing immunology.
Vector Control and Integrated Vector Management
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers insecticide resistance, biological control, integrated vector management, surveillance, environmental management, and managing vector control.
Parasitic Diseases and Public Health
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines malaria, schistosomiasis, lymphatic filariasis, soil-transmitted helminths, trypanosomiasis, leishmaniasis, and managing parasitic diseases.
Laboratory Techniques in Parasitology
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers microscopy, culture methods, serological tests, molecular diagnostics, specimen handling, quality assurance, and managing laboratory techniques.
Biostatistics and Bio-analysis
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines statistical methods, data analysis, experimental design, biological statistics, epidemiological statistics, and managing parasitological data.
Advances in Cell and Molecular Biology II
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers advanced molecular techniques, gene editing, proteomics, bioinformatics, functional genomics, and managing advanced molecular biology.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research thesis on an applied parasitology or vector biology topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and parasitology knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Medical Parasitology
Focuses on medical parasitology, covering parasite identification, parasitic diseases, diagnosis, treatment, and managing medical parasitology.
Vector Biology
Examines vector biology, covering vector identification, vector ecology, vector-pathogen interactions, vector control, and managing vector biology.
Molecular Parasitology
Covers molecular parasitology, covering molecular diagnostics, DNA analysis, molecular taxonomy, genomics, and managing molecular parasitology.
Epidemiology
Focuses on epidemiology, covering disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, epidemiological methods, transmission dynamics, and managing epidemiology.
Immunology
Examines immunology, covering immune response, immunodiagnostics, vaccine development, immunopathology, and managing immunology.
Vector Control
Covers vector control, covering insecticide resistance, biological control, integrated vector management, surveillance, and managing vector control.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc in Applied Parasitology and Vector Biology programme combines lectures, laboratory sessions, field visits, seminars, and independent study. Sessions cover medical parasitology, vector biology, epidemiology, molecular biology, and immunology. Medical parasitology sessions examine parasite identification, parasitic diseases, life cycles, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and managing medical parasitology. Vector biology sessions cover vector identification, vector ecology, vector-pathogen interactions, vector behaviour, and managing vector biology. Epidemiology sessions cover disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, epidemiological methods, transmission dynamics, risk factors, and managing epidemiology. Molecular biology sessions cover molecular diagnostics, DNA analysis, PCR, molecular taxonomy, genomics, and managing molecular parasitology. Immunology sessions cover immune response, immunodiagnostics, serology, vaccine development, immunopathology, and managing immunology. Vector control sessions cover insecticide resistance, biological control, integrated vector management, surveillance, and managing vector control. Parasitic diseases sessions cover malaria, schistosomiasis, lymphatic filariasis, soil-transmitted helminths, trypanosomiasis, leishmaniasis, and managing parasitic diseases. Laboratory techniques sessions cover microscopy, culture methods, serological tests, molecular diagnostics, specimen handling, and managing laboratory techniques. Research methods sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering research design, data collection, and analysis. Laboratory sessions provide hands-on experience with parasite identification, microscopy, culture, serological testing, and molecular diagnostics. Field visits provide practical exposure to disease-endemic areas, vector breeding sites, health facilities, and research stations. Seminars and discussion groups provide opportunities for debating current issues in parasitology and vector biology. Guest lectures from experienced parasitologists, public health experts, and researchers provide practical insights. The programme culminates in a research thesis on an applied parasitology or vector biology topic.

The trade offs

In its favour

Steady demand for parasitology professionals with persistent tropical diseases, emerging parasitic infections, vector control needs, and public health challenges in Kenya.
Programme is offered by four public universities (UoN, KU, Maseno, TUM), providing wide institutional choice.
KU offers competitive fees at KES 295,800/year.
Programme combines parasitology with molecular biology, epidemiology, and vector control, providing versatile skills for research and public health.

Against it

UoN fees are higher at approximately KES 365,500/year (KES 731,000 total).
No private university confirmed offering this programme, limiting options.
Career prospects may be concentrated in research and public health sectors, limiting private sector opportunities.
Programme requires biological sciences or medical background with parasitology unit, which may limit access for non-related graduates.

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. KU may offer postgraduate bursaries for eligible students. KEMRI, CDC, and WHO may provide training support for parasitology professionals. Some research institutions may sponsor staff for postgraduate study.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
KU Postgraduate Bursary
KEMRI Training Support

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities.
KU Postgraduate Bursary
ScholarshipKsh 100,000Kenyan
Kenyatta University offers postgraduate bursaries for eligible students.
KEMRI Training Support
GrantKsh 300,000Kenyan
KEMRI and partner organisations may provide training support for parasitology and medical research professionals.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: Most universities require Upper Second Class Honours in biological sciences, medical sciences, or related field with at least one parasitology unit. Lower Second Division holders with relevant research experience are considered. Contact respective universities for specific admission requirements.

How you are assessed

4 components

Coursework and Continuous Assessment
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, laboratory reports, field reports, seminar presentations, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination40% of the mark
Written examinations covering medical parasitology, vector biology, epidemiology, molecular biology, and immunology.
Laboratory and Field Assessment
Practical30% of the mark
Practical assessment through laboratory exercises, parasite identification, microscopy, molecular diagnostics, field collection, and demonstrating parasitology skills.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on an applied parasitology or vector biology topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and parasitology knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, Maseno University, and Technical University of Mombasa (all public) offer MSc in Applied Parasitology and Vector Biology. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate training in parasitology. Graduates are eligible for KEMRI research certification and WHO tropical disease certification.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, Maseno University, and Technical University of Mombasa (all public) offer MSc in Applied Parasitology and Vector Biology. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate training in parasitology. Graduates are eligible for KEMRI research certification and WHO tropical disease certification.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Parasitologist
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Conducts parasitological research, overseeing parasite identification, disease diagnosis, research, and managing parasitology.
Vector Control Specialist
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Manages vector control programmes, overseeing vector surveillance, insecticide resistance, integrated vector management, and managing vector control.
Medical Research Scientist
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Conducts medical research, overseeing research design, parasitology, molecular diagnostics, publication, and managing medical research.
Public Health Officer
Moderate demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 450,000
Manages public health programmes, overseeing disease surveillance, outbreak response, prevention programmes, and managing public health.
Laboratory Manager
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Manages parasitology laboratories, overseeing laboratory operations, quality assurance, diagnostic services, and managing laboratory management.
Parasitology Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches parasitology at university or college level, overseeing instruction, research, laboratory supervision, and academic supervision.

Graduate outcomes

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

R
SoftwarePrimary
R statistical software for parasitological research, covering statistical analysis, epidemiological modelling, data analysis, and managing research data.
SPSS
Software
SPSS statistical software for parasitology research, covering data analysis, statistical tests, epidemiological analysis, and managing research data.
BLAST
Software
BLAST for molecular parasitology, covering sequence comparison, molecular taxonomy, DNA analysis, and managing molecular data.
ArcGIS
Software
ArcGIS for spatial epidemiology, covering disease mapping, risk analysis, spatial modelling, and managing spatial epidemiological data.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Applied parasitology is just about studying worms.
Applied parasitology covers comprehensive parasite biology including protozoa, helminths, arthropods, molecular diagnostics, epidemiology, and vector biology beyond just worms.
This programme is only for those who want to work in laboratories.
Parasitology skills are valuable for field research, public health, epidemiology, disease control, policy, and teaching beyond just laboratory work.
Parasitology has limited career prospects in Kenya.
With persistent tropical diseases, emerging parasitic infections, vector control needs, and public health challenges, demand for parasitology professionals is steady in Kenya.
Vector biology is just about mosquitoes.
Vector biology covers comprehensive vector biology including mosquitoes, ticks, tsetse flies, sandflies, snails, and other disease vectors.
Molecular parasitology is just about DNA testing.
Molecular parasitology covers comprehensive molecular diagnostics, genomics, molecular taxonomy, gene expression, and molecular epidemiology.
Epidemiology is just about counting cases.
Epidemiology covers comprehensive disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, transmission dynamics, risk analysis, and public health intervention design.