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Master of Science in Applied Parasitology & Vector Biology

<p>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.

Duration
2 years
Next intake January 2027
Public tuition
Ksh 365,500
Ksh 731,000 total
Job market
Moderate
Market demand for graduates

The short answer

What it costs
Up to Ksh 365,500 a year at a public institution, Ksh 731,000 for the whole course.The detail
Who can get in
A KCSE mean grade of N/A (Postgraduate) or above. There is another way in without it.The detail
How long, and when
Takes 2 years, full-time, part-time, with 0 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 1 institution.The detail
Where it leads
8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Early Childhood Strategist, at 10 out of 100.The detail

The programme

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

Overview

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.

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 favourAgainst it
Steady demand for parasitology professionals with persistent tropical diseases, emerging parasitic infections, vector control needs, and public health challenges in Kenya.UoN fees are higher at approximately KES 365,500/year (KES 731,000 total).
Programme is offered by four public universities (UoN, KU, Maseno, TUM), providing wide institutional choice.No private university confirmed offering this programme, limiting options.
KU offers competitive fees at KES 295,800/year.Career prospects may be concentrated in research and public health sectors, limiting private sector opportunities.
Programme combines parasitology with molecular biology, epidemiology, and vector control, providing versatile skills for research and public health.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.

Scholarships you could apply for

2 usable where it is taught
Save one and be reminded before it closes

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade
N/A (Postgraduate)minimum entry
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.

When it next starts

Taught at 1 institution
January 20271 institution

Including Maseno University.

May 20271 institution

Including Maseno University.

September 20271 institution

Including Maseno University.

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

  • 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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Further reading

Read next