Science

Master of Science in Genetics

The Master of Science in Genetics is a postgraduate programme that prepares professionals for advanced practice in molecular genetics, population genetics, genomics, and genetic biotechnology. The programme combines genetic theory with practical laboratory work, molecular techniques, and research application.

Core areas include molecular genetics, population genetics, quantitative genetics, recombinant DNA technology, genomics, proteomics, developmental genetics, biochemical genetics, research methods, and thesis. Students engage with both theoretical and practical work through coursework, laboratory sessions, and research.

The programme is offered by JKUAT as MSc in Genetics, the University of Nairobi as MSc in Genetics within the MSc Biological Sciences programme through the Department of Biology, Kenyatta University through the School of Pure and Applied Sciences, and the University of Embu through the Department of Biological Sciences. All are public universities offering programmes over two academic years through full-time and part-time modes.

Students develop competencies in molecular genetics, recombinant DNA technology, genomics, population genetics, and genetic analysis. The programme includes coursework, examinations, laboratory sessions, and a supervised research thesis, with 10 to 13 taught units depending on the institution.

JKUAT charges approximately KES 140,000/year for MSc in Genetics. University of Nairobi charges approximately KES 365,500/year (KES 731,000 total) based on the MSc Biological Sciences fee structure. Entry requires a Bachelor's degree with Second Class Honours Upper Division in biological sciences, genetics, or related fields from a recognised university.

Graduates pursue careers as geneticists, molecular biologists, genomics researchers, biotechnology specialists, genetic counsellors, and lecturers in genetics across research institutions, biotechnology companies, hospitals, agricultural organisations, pharmaceutical companies, and universities.

Skills Required

Molecular Genetics and Recombinant DNA Technology
Population and Quantitative Genetics
Genomics and Proteomics
Biochemical Genetics and Metabolism
Developmental Genetics and Gene Regulation
Ecological and Behavioural Genetics
Genetic Data Analysis and Bioinformatics
Plant and Animal Breeding Genetics
Research Methods in Genetics
Academic Writing and Thesis Research

Key Subjects

Molecular Genetics and Recombinant DNA Technology
Population and Quantitative Genetics
Genomics and Proteomics
Biochemical Genetics and Metabolism
Developmental Genetics and Gene Regulation
Ecological and Behavioural Genetics
Genetic Data Analysis and Bioinformatics
Plant and Animal Breeding Genetics
Research Methods in Genetics
Thesis Research

Certifications

KEMRI Research Certification
Genetics Society Certification

Specializations

Molecular Genetics

Focuses on molecular genetics, covering DNA, RNA, protein, gene expression, and managing molecular genetics.

Population Genetics

Examines population genetics, covering variation, evolution, drift, selection, and managing population genetics.

Genomics

Covers genomics, covering sequencing, annotation, comparative, functional, and managing genomics.

Plant and Animal Breeding

Focuses on plant and animal breeding, covering selection, hybridisation, markers, improvement, and managing breeding genetics.

Medical Genetics

Examines medical genetics, covering disease, diagnosis, counselling, therapy, and managing medical genetics.

Biotechnology

Covers biotechnology, covering recombinant DNA, transformation, expression, products, and managing genetic biotechnology.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 354,000
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: 15 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Molecular Genetics and Recombinant DNA Technology
Population and Quantitative Genetics
Genomics and Proteomics
Biochemical Genetics and Metabolism
Developmental Genetics and Gene Regulation
Ecological and Behavioural Genetics
Genetic Data Analysis and Bioinformatics
Plant and Animal Breeding Genetics
Research Methods in Genetics
Thesis Research

Modules

12 in the programme

Biostatistical Methods
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines statistics, probability, distributions, hypothesis testing, experimental design, and managing genetic data analysis.
Biochemical Genetics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers metabolism, enzymes, pathways, disorders, biochemical basis, and managing biochemical genetics.
Research Methods in Genetics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research design, data collection, analysis, genetics research methods, and conducting research, preparing students for their thesis.
Population and Quantitative Genetics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines variation, evolution, drift, selection, Hardy-Weinberg, QTL, and managing population genetics.
Recombinant DNA Technology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers cloning, vectors, transformation, PCR, expression, and managing recombinant DNA technology.
Developmental Genetics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines embryology, differentiation, morphogenesis, signalling, gene regulation, and managing developmental genetics.
Ecological and Behavioural Genetics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers adaptation, behaviour, environment, evolution, conservation, and managing ecological genetics.
Genomics and Proteomics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines sequencing, annotation, comparative, functional, proteomics, bioinformatics, and managing genomics.
Molecular Biology in Bacteriology and Virology
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers bacterial genetics, viral genetics, pathogenesis, immunity, and managing molecular microbiology.
Advanced Plant and Animal Breeding
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines selection, hybridisation, markers, QTL, improvement, and managing breeding genetics.
Medical Genetics and Genetic Counselling
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers disease, diagnosis, counselling, therapy, ethics, and managing medical genetics.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 29 creditsCore
Original supervised research thesis on a genetics topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and genetics knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Molecular Genetics
Focuses on molecular genetics, covering DNA, RNA, protein, gene expression, and managing molecular genetics.
Population Genetics
Examines population genetics, covering variation, evolution, drift, selection, and managing population genetics.
Genomics
Covers genomics, covering sequencing, annotation, comparative, functional, and managing genomics.
Plant and Animal Breeding
Focuses on plant and animal breeding, covering selection, hybridisation, markers, improvement, and managing breeding genetics.
Medical Genetics
Examines medical genetics, covering disease, diagnosis, counselling, therapy, and managing medical genetics.
Biotechnology
Covers biotechnology, covering recombinant DNA, transformation, expression, products, and managing genetic biotechnology.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc in Genetics programme combines lectures, laboratory sessions, practical workshops, seminars, and independent study. Sessions cover molecular genetics, population genetics, genomics, biochemical genetics, and developmental genetics. Molecular genetics sessions examine DNA, RNA, protein, gene expression, regulation, and managing molecular genetics. Population genetics sessions cover variation, evolution, drift, selection, Hardy-Weinberg, and managing population genetics. Genomics sessions cover sequencing, annotation, comparative, functional, bioinformatics, and managing genomics. Biochemical genetics sessions cover metabolism, enzymes, pathways, disorders, and managing biochemical genetics. Developmental genetics sessions cover embryology, differentiation, morphogenesis, signalling, and managing developmental genetics. Recombinant DNA sessions cover cloning, vectors, transformation, PCR, and managing recombinant DNA technology. Ecological genetics sessions cover adaptation, behaviour, environment, and managing ecological genetics. Plant and animal breeding sessions cover selection, hybridisation, markers, QTL, and managing breeding genetics. Research methods sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering research design, data collection, and analysis. Laboratory sessions provide hands-on experience with DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, sequencing, and bioinformatics. Practical workshops provide hands-on experience with molecular techniques, genetic analysis, and bioinformatics tools. Seminars and discussion groups provide opportunities for debating current issues in genetics and presenting research findings. Guest lectures from experienced geneticists, molecular biologists, and researchers provide practical insights. The programme culminates in a supervised research thesis on a genetics topic.

The trade offs

In its favour

High demand for genetics professionals with growing biotechnology, medical genetics, and agricultural biotechnology sectors in Kenya.
Programme offered by four public universities (JKUAT, UoN, KU, Embu), providing institutional choice.
JKUAT offers competitive fees at approximately KES 140,000/year for MSc in Genetics.
Graduates are eligible for KEMRI and Genetics Society certifications, enhancing career prospects.

Against it

UoN charges relatively high fees at approximately KES 365,500/year (KES 731,000 total).
KU and Embu specific genetics fees not independently verified.
No private university confirmed offering this programme.
Programme requires biological sciences or genetics background, limiting 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

Public179k to 354k

179k at JKUAT354k 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

UoN Bio Sci ~354K/yr (biology.uonbi.ac.ke). JKUAT ~179K/yr (kenyaeducationguide.com). Private: unverified.

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. KEMRI may offer research grants for genetics research. International genetics organisations may offer research fellowships. Some biotechnology companies may sponsor staff for postgraduate study.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
KEMRI Research Grant
IUFRO Research Fellowship

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities.
KEMRI Research Grant
ScholarshipKsh 500,000Kenyan
KEMRI provides research grants for medical and genetics research.
Genetics Society Fellowship
ScholarshipKsh 500,000
International genetics organisations provide research fellowships for genetics research.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: JKUAT requires Upper Second from JKUAT or recognised institution, or Lower Second with three years of relevant experience. UoN requires Upper Second in relevant discipline from UoN or equivalent, or lower qualifications with publications and postgraduate diplomas. KU requires BSc or BEd with Upper Second and genetics to degree level, or Lower Second with proven research ability or two years of work experience. Embu requires Upper Second in Biological Sciences from Embu or equivalent, or Lower Second with evidence of research or relevant work for at least two years. 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, seminar presentations, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination70% of the mark
Written examinations covering molecular genetics, population genetics, genomics, and biochemical genetics.
Practical and Laboratory Assessment
Practical30% of the mark
Practical assessment through laboratory work, DNA analysis, molecular techniques, and demonstrating genetics skills.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original supervised research thesis on a genetics topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and genetics knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). JKUAT, University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, and University of Embu (all public) offer MSc programmes in Genetics. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate training in genetics. Graduates are eligible for KEMRI research certification and Genetics Society certification.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. JKUAT, University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, and University of Embu (all public) offer MSc programmes in Genetics. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate training in genetics. Graduates are eligible for KEMRI research certification and Genetics Society certification.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Geneticist
High demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 450,000
Conducts genetics research, overseeing experiments, analysis, publications, and managing research projects.
Molecular Biologist
High demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 450,000
Conducts molecular biology research, overseeing DNA, RNA, protein, and managing molecular analysis.
Genomics Researcher
High demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 480,000
Conducts genomics research, overseeing sequencing, analysis, bioinformatics, and managing genomics projects.
Biotechnology Specialist
High demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 450,000
Develops biotechnology products, overseeing research, development, production, and managing biotechnology.
Genetic Counsellor
Moderate demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 400,000
Provides genetic counselling, overseeing assessment, counselling, support, and managing genetic counselling.
Genetics Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 450,000
Teaches genetics at university or college level, overseeing instruction, research, and academic supervision.

Graduate outcomes

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

PCR Thermal Cycler
EquipmentPrimary
PCR thermal cycler for DNA amplification, covering PCR, qPCR, RT-PCR, and managing DNA amplification.
Gel Electrophoresis System
Equipment
Gel electrophoresis system for DNA analysis, covering separation, visualisation, and managing DNA analysis.
DNA Sequencer
Equipment
DNA sequencer for genomics, covering sequencing, reads, assembly, and managing DNA sequencing.
Bioinformatics Tools
Software
Bioinformatics tools for genetic data analysis, covering BLAST, alignment, annotation, and managing genetic data.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Genetics is just about heredity.
Genetics covers comprehensive molecular, population, genomics, biochemical, developmental, and ecological genetics beyond just heredity.
This programme is only for medical professionals.
Genetics skills are valuable for agriculture, biotechnology, conservation, forensics, and research beyond just medicine.
Molecular genetics is just about DNA.
Molecular genetics covers comprehensive DNA, RNA, protein, gene expression, regulation, and recombinant DNA technology.
Population genetics is just about statistics.
Population genetics covers comprehensive variation, evolution, drift, selection, and adaptation beyond just statistics.
Genomics is just about sequencing.
Genomics covers comprehensive sequencing, annotation, comparative, functional, and bioinformatics beyond just sequencing.
Plant breeding is just about crossing plants.
Plant breeding covers comprehensive selection, hybridisation, markers, QTL, and biotechnology beyond just crossing plants.