Master of Science in Biomedical Science
<p>The Master of Science in Biomedical Science is a postgraduate programme that prepares professionals for advanced practice in biomedical research, medical laboratory science, and clinical diagnostics. The programme combines biomedical theory with practical laboratory and clinical application.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 248,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 496,000 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 179,100 a year at a private one.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 4 institutions.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 microbiology, medical immunology, medical parasitology, clinical chemistry, medical haematology, medical biotechnology, pharmaceutical science, molecular biology, research methods, and thesis. Students engage with both biomedical theory and practical laboratory work through coursework and research.
The programme is offered by Maseno University and JKUAT. Both are public universities offering the programme over two academic years through full-time and part-time modes of study.
Students develop competencies in medical microbiology, immunology, parasitology, clinical chemistry, haematology, biotechnology, molecular biology, and research methods. The programme includes coursework, examinations, laboratory work, and a research thesis with specialisation options in various biomedical fields.
Maseno University charges approximately KES 179,400/year. JKUAT charges approximately KES 248,000/year (KES 496,000 total). Entry requires a Bachelor's degree with Second Class Honours in biomedical sciences, medical laboratory science, medicine, pharmacy, nursing, or related fields from a recognised university.
Graduates pursue careers as biomedical scientists, medical laboratory scientists, research scientists, clinical scientists, biotechnology specialists, and lecturers across hospitals, research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and universities.
Skills Required
- Medical Microbiology and Pathogen Identification
- Medical Immunology and Immune Response Analysis
- Medical Parasitology and Vector Biology
- Clinical Chemistry and Diagnostic Analysis
- Medical Haematology and Blood Disorder Analysis
- Medical Biotechnology and Molecular Techniques
- Pharmaceutical Science and Drug Development
- Molecular Biology and Genetic Analysis
- Research Methods in Biomedical Science
- Academic Writing and Thesis Research
Key Subjects
- Medical Microbiology and Pathogen Identification
- Medical Immunology and Immune Response Analysis
- Medical Parasitology and Vector Biology
- Clinical Chemistry and Diagnostic Analysis
- Medical Haematology and Blood Disorder Analysis
- Medical Biotechnology and Molecular Techniques
- Pharmaceutical Science and Drug Development
- Molecular Biology and Genetic Analysis
- Research Methods in Biomedical Science
- Thesis Research
Certifications
- KMLTTB Laboratory Certification
- IFBLS Biomedical Science Certification
Specializations
Medical Microbiology
Focuses on medical microbiology, covering bacterial pathogens, viral pathogens, antimicrobial resistance, diagnostic microbiology, and managing medical microbiology.
Medical Immunology
Examines medical immunology, covering immune response, immunological disorders, immunodiagnostics, vaccine development, and managing medical immunology.
Clinical Chemistry
Covers clinical chemistry, covering biochemical analysis, metabolic disorders, liver function, kidney function, endocrine analysis, and managing clinical chemistry.
Medical Haematology
Focuses on medical haematology, covering blood disorders, haematological analysis, transfusion science, coagulation, and managing medical haematology.
Medical Biotechnology
Examines medical biotechnology, covering molecular techniques, genetic engineering, biopharmaceuticals, diagnostics, and managing medical biotechnology.
Pharmaceutical Science
Covers pharmaceutical science, covering drug development, pharmacology, pharmaceutical analysis, drug delivery, and managing pharmaceutical science.
What you study
10 subjects- Medical Microbiology and Pathogen Identification
- Medical Immunology and Immune Response Analysis
- Medical Parasitology and Vector Biology
- Clinical Chemistry and Diagnostic Analysis
- Medical Haematology and Blood Disorder Analysis
- Medical Biotechnology and Molecular Techniques
- Pharmaceutical Science and Drug Development
- Molecular Biology and Genetic Analysis
- Research Methods in Biomedical Science
- Thesis Research
Modules
12 in the programmeMedical Microbiology and Pathogen Identification
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines bacterial pathogens, viral pathogens, fungal pathogens, antimicrobial resistance, diagnostic microbiology, and managing medical microbiology.
Medical Immunology and Immune Response
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers immune response, immunological disorders, immunodiagnostics, vaccine development, autoimmunity, and managing medical immunology.
Research Methods in Biomedical Science
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research design, data collection, analysis, ethical issues, laboratory safety, and conducting biomedical research, preparing students for their thesis.
Medical Parasitology and Vector Biology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines parasitic infections, vector biology, diagnostic parasitology, tropical diseases, epidemiology, and managing medical parasitology.
Clinical Chemistry and Diagnostic Analysis
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers biochemical analysis, metabolic disorders, liver function, kidney function, endocrine analysis, and managing clinical chemistry.
Medical Haematology and Blood Disorders
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines blood disorders, haematological analysis, transfusion science, coagulation, anaemia, leukaemia, and managing medical haematology.
Medical Biotechnology and Molecular Techniques
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers molecular techniques, genetic engineering, biopharmaceuticals, diagnostics, biosensors, and managing medical biotechnology.
Pharmaceutical Science and Drug Development
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines drug development, pharmacology, pharmaceutical analysis, drug delivery, pharmacokinetics, and managing pharmaceutical science.
Molecular Biology and Genetic Analysis
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers DNA technology, gene expression, molecular diagnostics, genomics, proteomics, and managing molecular biology.
Diagnostic Techniques and Laboratory Management
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines diagnostic techniques, laboratory management, quality assurance, biosafety, automation, and managing diagnostic laboratories.
Epidemiology and Public Health Biomedical Science
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, epidemiological methods, public health laboratory, and managing biomedical public health.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 29 creditsCore
Original research thesis on a biomedical science topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and biomedical knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.
Specialisations
Medical Microbiology
Focuses on medical microbiology, covering bacterial pathogens, viral pathogens, antimicrobial resistance, diagnostic microbiology, and managing medical microbiology.
Medical Immunology
Examines medical immunology, covering immune response, immunological disorders, immunodiagnostics, vaccine development, and managing medical immunology.
Clinical Chemistry
Covers clinical chemistry, covering biochemical analysis, metabolic disorders, liver function, kidney function, endocrine analysis, and managing clinical chemistry.
Medical Haematology
Focuses on medical haematology, covering blood disorders, haematological analysis, transfusion science, coagulation, and managing medical haematology.
Medical Biotechnology
Examines medical biotechnology, covering molecular techniques, genetic engineering, biopharmaceuticals, diagnostics, and managing medical biotechnology.
Pharmaceutical Science
Covers pharmaceutical science, covering drug development, pharmacology, pharmaceutical analysis, drug delivery, and managing pharmaceutical science.
A day as a student
A typical day during the MSc in Biomedical Science programme combines lectures, laboratory sessions, practical workshops, seminars, and independent study. Sessions cover medical microbiology, immunology, parasitology, clinical chemistry, haematology, and biotechnology. Medical microbiology sessions examine bacterial pathogens, viral pathogens, fungal pathogens, antimicrobial resistance, diagnostic microbiology, and managing medical microbiology. Medical immunology sessions cover immune response, immunological disorders, immunodiagnostics, vaccine development, autoimmunity, and managing medical immunology. Medical parasitology sessions cover parasitic infections, vector biology, diagnostic parasitology, tropical diseases, and managing medical parasitology. Clinical chemistry sessions cover biochemical analysis, metabolic disorders, liver function, kidney function, endocrine analysis, and managing clinical chemistry. Medical haematology sessions cover blood disorders, haematological analysis, transfusion science, coagulation, anaemia, and managing medical haematology. Medical biotechnology sessions cover molecular techniques, genetic engineering, biopharmaceuticals, diagnostics, biosensors, and managing medical biotechnology. Pharmaceutical science sessions cover drug development, pharmacology, pharmaceutical analysis, drug delivery, pharmacokinetics, and managing pharmaceutical science. Molecular biology sessions cover DNA technology, gene expression, molecular diagnostics, genomics, proteomics, and managing molecular biology. Research methods sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering research design, data collection, and analysis. Laboratory sessions provide hands-on experience with microbiological techniques, immunological assays, clinical chemistry analysers, haematological analysis, molecular techniques, and diagnostic procedures. Seminars and discussion groups provide opportunities for debating current issues in biomedical science. Guest lectures from experienced biomedical scientists, clinical scientists, and researchers provide practical insights. The programme culminates in a research thesis on a biomedical science topic.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| High demand for biomedical science professionals with growing healthcare needs, infectious disease research, pharmaceutical industry, and biotechnology advancement in Kenya. | JKUAT fees are higher at approximately KES 248,000/year (KES 496,000 total). |
| Maseno University offers 9 MSc specialisations, providing wide choice in biomedical fields including microbiology, immunology, haematology, and biotechnology. | Only two public universities confirmed offering this programme, limiting institutional choice. |
| Maseno offers competitive fees at approximately KES 179,400/year. | No private university confirmed offering this programme, limiting options. |
| Strong industry links with KEMRI, KMLTTB, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies providing collaboration and career opportunities. | Programme requires biomedical sciences, medical laboratory, or health sciences background, which limits 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 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
JKUAT 496K/2=248K/yr. MKU MSc MLS 89.55K/sem=179.1K/yr. Maseno unverified. Src: kenyaeducationguide.com
HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. JKUAT may offer postgraduate bursaries for eligible students. KEMRI and partner organisations may provide training support for biomedical research professionals. Some pharmaceutical companies may sponsor staff for postgraduate study.
Funding options
HELB Postgraduate Loan
JKUAT Postgraduate Bursary
KEMRI Training Support
Scholarships
3 recordedHELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities.
JKUAT Postgraduate Bursary
ScholarshipKsh 100,000Kenyan
JKUAT offers postgraduate bursaries for eligible students.
KEMRI Training Support
GrantKsh 300,000Kenyan
KEMRI and partner organisations may provide training support for biomedical research professionals.
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
Most universities require Upper Second Class Honours in biomedical sciences, medical laboratory science, medicine, pharmacy, or related fields. Lower Second Division holders with relevant experience are considered. MBChB, BDS, BPharm, BVM, or Nursing graduates are also eligible. Contact respective universities for specific admission requirements.
When it next starts
Taught at 4 institutionsIncluding Maseno University, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.
Including Maseno University, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.
Including Maseno University, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.
How you are assessed
4 componentsCoursework and Continuous Assessment
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, laboratory reports, seminar presentations, case studies, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination70% of the mark
Written examinations covering medical microbiology, immunology, parasitology, clinical chemistry, haematology, and biotechnology.
Laboratory Assessment
Practical30% of the mark
Practical assessment through laboratory exercises, diagnostic techniques, microbiological analysis, molecular techniques, and demonstrating biomedical skills.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on a biomedical science topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and biomedical knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. Maseno University and JKUAT (both public) offer MSc in Biomedical Science or related biomedical programmes. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate training in biomedical sciences. Graduates are eligible for KMLTTB laboratory certification and IFBLS biomedical science certification.
The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Maseno University and JKUAT (both public) offer MSc in Biomedical Science or related biomedical programmes. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate training in biomedical sciences. Graduates are eligible for KMLTTB laboratory certification and IFBLS biomedical science certification.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
6 rolesBiomedical Scientist
High demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Conducts biomedical research and diagnostics, overseeing laboratory analysis, research, quality assurance, and managing biomedical science.
Medical Laboratory Scientist
High demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Manages medical laboratory operations, overseeing diagnostic testing, quality control, equipment management, and managing laboratory services.
Research Scientist
High demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Conducts biomedical research, overseeing research design, experimentation, analysis, publication, and managing scientific research.
Clinical Scientist
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Provides clinical scientific expertise, overseeing diagnostic interpretation, clinical research, quality assurance, and managing clinical science.
Biotechnology Specialist
High demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Develops biotechnology solutions, overseeing molecular techniques, biopharmaceuticals, diagnostics, and managing medical biotechnology.
Biomedical Science Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches biomedical science at university or college level, overseeing instruction, research, laboratory supervision, and academic supervision.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates pursue careers as biomedical scientists, medical laboratory scientists, research scientists, clinical scientists, biotechnology specialists, and lecturers across hospitals, research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and universities.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Early Childhood StrategistEducation10Low exposure
- Special Needs EducatorEducation10Low exposure
- Career Guidance CounselorEducation11Low exposure
- Cloud Security EngineerTechnology14Low exposure
- Early Literacy SpecialistEducation14Low exposure
- Industrial Robotics ProgrammerTechnology14Low exposure
- STEM Laboratory EducatorEducation14Low exposure
- TVET Competency AssessorEducation14Low exposure
Tools you will learn
Python
SoftwarePrimary
Python for bioinformatics and data analysis, covering biopython, data analysis, molecular modelling, and managing biomedical data.
BLAST
Software
BLAST for sequence analysis, covering DNA sequence comparison, pathogen identification, sequence alignment, and managing molecular data.
SPSS
Software
SPSS for statistical analysis, covering data analysis, statistical tests, research data, and managing research data.
LIMS
Software
Laboratory Information Management System for laboratory management, covering sample tracking, quality control, data management, and managing laboratory operations.
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Biomedical science is just about blood tests.
Biomedical science covers comprehensive medical microbiology, immunology, parasitology, clinical chemistry, haematology, biotechnology, and molecular biology beyond just blood tests.
This programme is only for those who want to work in hospital labs.
Biomedical science skills are valuable for research, pharmaceutical industry, biotechnology, public health, academia, and regulatory affairs beyond just hospital laboratories.
Biomedical science has limited career prospects in Kenya.
With growing healthcare needs, infectious disease research, pharmaceutical industry, and biotechnology advancement, demand for biomedical science professionals is high in Kenya.
Medical biotechnology is just about genetic engineering.
Medical biotechnology covers comprehensive molecular techniques, biopharmaceuticals, diagnostics, biosensors, vaccine development, and personalised medicine.
Clinical chemistry is just about measuring chemicals.
Clinical chemistry covers comprehensive biochemical analysis, metabolic disorders, organ function, endocrine disorders, and therapeutic drug monitoring.
Medical immunology is just about antibodies.
Medical immunology covers comprehensive immune response, immunological disorders, immunodiagnostics, vaccine development, autoimmunity, and immunotherapy.