Master of Science in Biomedical Science & Technology
The Master of Science in Biomedical Science & Technology is a master's programme offered at Kenyan universities. This postgraduate degree prepares professionals for advanced practice and research careers in health sciences.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 248,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 248,000 to 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 Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science, Medical Laboratory Science, Biomedical Engineering, or equivalent or above, plus 4 subject grades. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 1-2 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 Dental Ceramist, at 3 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
What you study
10 subjects- Epidemiology
- Biostatistics
- Health Systems Management
- Public Health Research Methods
- Health Policy and Planning
- Clinical Research Methods
- Health Economics
- Disease Control
- Nutrition Assessment
- Healthcare Ethics
Modules
10 in the programmeBiomedical Instrumentation and Analytical Equipment
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Biomedical instrumentation, spectrophotometry, HPLC, mass spectrometry, centrifuges, microscopes, autoclaves, and operating analytical instruments
Laboratory Automation and Information Systems
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Laboratory automation, automated analysers, laboratory information systems (LIS), sample tracking, barcoding, workflow automation, and managing laboratory automation
Molecular Diagnostics Technology
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Molecular diagnostics technology, PCR machines, real-time PCR, next-generation sequencing, microarrays, genotyping platforms, and operating molecular diagnostics technology
Clinical Chemistry and Haematology Analyser Technology
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Clinical chemistry analysers, haematology analysers, flow cytometry, coagulation analysers, immunoassay analysers, and operating clinical analysers
Medical Imaging and Point-of-Care Testing Technology
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Medical imaging technology, X-ray, ultrasound, CT, MRI, point-of-care testing devices, glucometers, rapid tests, and applying imaging and POC technology
Biomedical Equipment Maintenance and Calibration
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Equipment maintenance, calibration, troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, service contracts, equipment lifecycle, and managing biomedical equipment
Laboratory Quality Control and Technology Validation
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Quality control, technology validation, method verification, IQC, EQA, ISO 15189, performance verification, and validating laboratory technology
Telemedicine, Digital Health and Biosensors
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Telemedicine, digital health, mHealth, biosensors, wearable devices, diagnostic device development, point-of-care innovation, and applying digital health technology
Laboratory Practicum and Research Methods
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Laboratory practicum at KEMRI, hospital labs, or diagnostic centres, technology evaluation project, research methods, and preparing for the research thesis
Thesis
Year 4Semester 16 creditsCore
Original research on a biomedical technology topic such as laboratory automation, point-of-care testing, equipment maintenance, technology validation, telemedicine, or diagnostic device development in Kenya
Specialisations
Molecular Diagnostics Technology
Focus on PCR, real-time PCR, next-generation sequencing, microarrays, genotyping platforms, and operating molecular diagnostics technology
Laboratory Automation and Information Systems
Specialisation in automated analysers, laboratory information systems, sample tracking, workflow automation, and managing laboratory automation
Point-of-Care Testing and Digital Health
Specialisation in point-of-care testing devices, telemedicine, mHealth, biosensors, wearable devices, and applying digital health technology
Biomedical Equipment Management
Focus on equipment maintenance, calibration, troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, service contracts, and managing biomedical equipment lifecycle
Diagnostic Device Development and Innovation
Focus on biosensor development, diagnostic device innovation, prototype design, technology transfer, and developing new diagnostic devices
A day as a student
A typical day involves attending public health lectures, analysing epidemiological data, participating in field visits, reviewing medical literature, presenting at journal clubs, and meeting with supervisors to discuss research projects.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Growing demand with technology adoption — as Kenyan laboratories adopt more advanced technology and automation, demand for biomedical technology specialists is growing | Rapidly evolving technology — biomedical technology changes rapidly, requiring continuous learning and professional development to stay current |
| Bridges science and technology — this programme combines biomedical science with technology skills, making graduates versatile and valuable in both laboratory and technology settings | Limited awareness in Kenya — biomedical technology as a distinct specialisation is still developing in Kenya, with limited dedicated positions in some institutions |
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
WHO, KEMRI, and AMREF offer research grants. HELB provides postgraduate loans. CDC, NIH, and Fogarty International support health research in Kenya.
Funding options
HELB Postgraduate Loan
Loan
Kenyan citizens enrolled in accredited postgraduate programmes
WHO Research Grant
Grant
Public health researchers in WHO priority areas
KEMRI Research Grant
Grant
Health researchers affiliated with KEMRI
Scholarships
5 recordedHELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan citizens pursuing postgraduate studies.
DAAD Biomedical Sciences Scholarship
FullKsh 4,000,000Kenyan
Kenyan; Academic excellence; Biomedical sciences programme
WHO Medical Device Technology Scholarship
PartialKsh 200,000
Kenyan; Biomedical technology graduate; WHO-supported programme; Medical device focus
KEMRI Technology Grant
PartialKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan; Biomedical technology graduate; KEMRI-supported research; Technology focus
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
FullKsh 8,000,000Kenyan
Kenyan; Academic excellence; Financial need; Leadership
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
BSc in Biomedical Science, Medical Laboratory Science, or Biomedical Engineering. At least 1 year of relevant work experience preferred.
When it next starts
Taught at 1 institutionIncluding University of Eldoret.
Including University of Eldoret.
Including University of Eldoret.
How you are assessed
4 componentsLaboratory Examinations and Technology Project
Project30% of the mark
Instrument operation assessments, technology evaluation project, equipment calibration assessment, and technology validation report
Laboratory Practicum and Seminars
Cat15% of the mark
Laboratory practicum assessments, equipment operation evaluations, seminar presentations, and project presentations
End of Semester Examinations
Exam25% of the mark
Formal written examinations covering biomedical instrumentation, laboratory automation, molecular diagnostics, clinical analysers, imaging technology, equipment maintenance, quality control, and digital health
Thesis
Research30% of the mark
Original research on a biomedical technology topic examined by oral defence
Accreditation
Commission for University Education
Academic accreditationRequired
Mandatory accreditation for university programmes in Kenya.
Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Board
Professional regulationRequired
Regulates medical laboratory professionals and technology in Kenya.
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Health programmes are also regulated by KMPDC, Pharmacy and Poisons Board, Nursing Council of Kenya, or Clinical Officers Council as applicable.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
5 rolesBiomedical Technology Specialist
Medium demandKsh 160,000 to Ksh 500,000
Operates and manages biomedical instruments, evaluates diagnostic systems, manages laboratory technology, and works at hospitals or research institutions
Biomedical Equipment Consultant
Medium demandKsh 180,000 to Ksh 600,000
Consults on biomedical equipment selection, procurement, maintenance, and technology adoption, and works independently or with consulting firms
Laboratory Technology Manager
Medium demandKsh 180,000 to Ksh 550,000
Manages laboratory technology, oversees equipment procurement and maintenance, ensures quality, and works at hospital or diagnostic laboratories
Academic Lecturer (Biomedical Technology)
Medium demandKsh 140,000 to Ksh 420,000
Teaches biomedical technology, supervises laboratory training, conducts research, and works at University of Nairobi or JKUAT
Diagnostic Equipment Specialist
Medium demandKsh 170,000 to Ksh 520,000
Specialises in diagnostic equipment operation, calibration, troubleshooting, training, and works at equipment suppliers or large laboratories
Graduate outcomes
Graduates pursue careers as public health officers, clinical specialists, health programme managers, medical researchers, and health policy advisors in Kenya's health sector.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Dental CeramistHealth Sciences3Low exposure
- Occupational Therapist AssistantHealth Sciences3Low exposure
- PsychologyHealth Sciences3Low exposure
- Dental ProsthetistHealth Sciences4Low exposure
- Dental Laboratory TechnicianHealth Sciences5Low exposure
- General DentistHealth Sciences5Low exposure
- Veterinary PathologistHealth Sciences5Low exposure
- Community Health NurseHealth Sciences6Low exposure
Common misconceptions
A Masters in Public Health is only for doctors.
MPH programmes accept applicants from diverse backgrounds including nursing, pharmacy, social sciences, and environmental health.
All health Masters require clinical practice experience.
While clinical experience is valuable, many public health and health systems Masters require a relevant bachelor's degree, not clinical practice.
Health Masters graduates only work in hospitals.
Graduates work in ministries, NGOs, international organisations, research institutions, insurance companies, and private sector.
A Masters in Nursing is the same as a PhD in Nursing.
A Masters prepares for advanced practice and education roles, while a PhD is focused on research and academic scholarship.