Health Sciences

Master of Science in Medical Mycobacteriology

The Master of Science in Medical Mycobacteriology is a postgraduate programme that trains graduates in mycobacteriology, tuberculosis diagnostics, leprosy research, and mycobacterial disease management. The programme prepares graduates for advanced careers in tuberculosis laboratory management, mycobacterial research, public health microbiology, and diagnostic services.

Core areas include mycobacteriology, tuberculosis diagnostics, mycobacterial culture, molecular diagnostics, drug susceptibility testing, leprosy, non-tuberculous mycobacteria, laboratory management, biosafety, epidemiology, and research methods. Students engage with theoretical foundations and practical mycobacteriology applications.

The programme is offered by Zetech University, Great Lakes University of Kisumu, and University of Kabianga, with JKUAT as a college. JKUAT offers MSc in Mycobacteriology at KES 496,000 total. JKUAT also offers related MSc Medical Microbiology at KES 357,000 and MSc Medical Mycology at KES 496,000. Great Lakes offers MSc programmes at KES 60,000 per semester.

Students develop competencies in mycobacterial isolation, culture, identification, molecular diagnostics, drug susceptibility testing, laboratory management, biosafety, and research. The programme includes coursework, laboratory practicals, clinical rotations, examinations, supervised research, and thesis.

The programme is delivered over two years. JKUAT MSc Mycobacteriology total fees are KES 496,000. Great Lakes MSc fees are KES 60,000 per semester for 4 semesters (~KES 240,000 total). Entry requires Bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science, microbiology, or related fields with Upper Second or Lower with research ability.

Graduates pursue careers as mycobacteriology laboratory managers, TB diagnostic specialists, research scientists, public health microbiologists, and lecturers in TB laboratories, research institutions, hospitals, and universities.

Skills Required

Mycobacteriology and Mycobacterial Identification
Tuberculosis Diagnostics and Laboratory Methods
Mycobacterial Culture and Isolation Techniques
Molecular Diagnostics for Mycobacteria
Drug Susceptibility Testing and Resistance Detection
Biosafety and Laboratory Management
Leprosy and Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria
TB Epidemiology and Public Health
Quality Assurance in Mycobacteriology
Medical Mycobacteriology Research Methods

Key Subjects

Mycobacteriology
Tuberculosis Diagnostics
Mycobacterial Culture and Identification
Molecular Diagnostics for Mycobacteria
Drug Susceptibility Testing
Leprosy and NTM
Biosafety and Laboratory Management
TB Epidemiology and Public Health
Quality Assurance in Mycobacteriology
Medical Mycobacteriology Research Methods

Certifications

KMLTTB Laboratory Certification
The Union TB Certification

Specializations

Tuberculosis Diagnostics

Focuses on TB diagnostics, smear microscopy, culture, GeneXpert, line probe assay, molecular diagnostics, and diagnosing tuberculosis infections.

Mycobacterial Culture and Identification

Examines mycobacterial culture, solid culture, liquid culture, MGIT, identification methods, biochemical tests, and culturing and identifying mycobacteria.

Drug Resistance and Susceptibility

Covers drug susceptibility testing, phenotypic DST, molecular DST, MDR-TB, XDR-TB, resistance mechanisms, and detecting and managing drug-resistant TB.

Leprosy Research

Focuses on leprosy, Mycobacterium leprae, leprosy diagnostics, leprosy pathology, leprosy treatment, and researching and managing leprosy.

Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria

Examines non-tuberculous mycobacteria, NTM identification, NTM infections, clinical significance, and identifying and managing NTM infections.

TB Laboratory Management

Covers TB laboratory management, biosafety, quality assurance, laboratory accreditation, workflow, and managing mycobacteriology laboratories.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 248,000
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

Mycobacteriology
Tuberculosis Diagnostics
Mycobacterial Culture and Identification
Molecular Diagnostics for Mycobacteria
Drug Susceptibility Testing
Leprosy and NTM
Biosafety and Laboratory Management
TB Epidemiology and Public Health
Quality Assurance in Mycobacteriology
Medical Mycobacteriology Research Methods

Modules

12 in the programme

Mycobacteriology and Mycobacterial Biology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines mycobacterial biology, cell wall structure, mycobacterial taxonomy, pathogenesis, immune response, mycobacterial genetics, and understanding mycobacteria.
Tuberculosis Diagnostics and Laboratory Methods
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers smear microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, culture methods, GeneXpert MTB/RIF, line probe assay, molecular diagnostics, and diagnosing tuberculosis infections.
Mycobacterial Culture and Identification
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines solid culture, Lowenstein-Jensen, liquid culture, MGIT, contamination control, culture identification, biochemical tests, and culturing and identifying mycobacteria.
Molecular Diagnostics for Mycobacteria
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers PCR, real-time PCR, GeneXpert, line probe assay, sequencing, genotyping, spoligotyping, whole genome sequencing, and applying molecular methods in mycobacteriology.
Drug Susceptibility Testing and Resistance
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines phenotypic DST, molecular DST, MDR-TB, XDR-TB, resistance mechanisms, rifampicin resistance, isoniazid resistance, and detecting and managing drug-resistant TB.
Leprosy and Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers Mycobacterium leprae, leprosy diagnostics, leprosy pathology, leprosy treatment, NTM identification, NTM infections, and researching and managing leprosy and NTM.
Biosafety and Laboratory Management
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines biosafety levels, BSL-3, laboratory safety, PPE, decontamination, waste management, laboratory design, workflow, and ensuring biosafety in mycobacteriology laboratories.
Quality Assurance in Mycobacteriology
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers quality control, proficiency testing, external quality assessment, ISO 15189, laboratory accreditation, SOPs, and ensuring quality in mycobacteriology laboratories.
TB Epidemiology and Public Health
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines TB epidemiology, TB surveillance, TB transmission, TB burden, TB-HIV co-infection, infection control, and understanding TB epidemiology and public health programmes.
Medical Mycobacteriology Research Methods
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research methods for mycobacteriology, laboratory methods, diagnostic evaluation, clinical research, data analysis, and conducting mycobacteriology research, preparing students for their thesis.
TB-HIV Co-Infection and Management
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines TB-HIV co-infection, immune reconstitution, diagnostic challenges, treatment interactions, ART-TB treatment, and managing TB-HIV co-infection.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research thesis on a medical mycobacteriology topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and mycobacteriology knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Tuberculosis Diagnostics
Focuses on TB diagnostics, smear microscopy, culture, GeneXpert, line probe assay, molecular diagnostics, and diagnosing tuberculosis infections.
Mycobacterial Culture and Identification
Examines mycobacterial culture, solid culture, liquid culture, MGIT, identification methods, biochemical tests, and culturing and identifying mycobacteria.
Drug Resistance and Susceptibility
Covers drug susceptibility testing, phenotypic DST, molecular DST, MDR-TB, XDR-TB, resistance mechanisms, and detecting and managing drug-resistant TB.
Leprosy Research
Focuses on leprosy, Mycobacterium leprae, leprosy diagnostics, leprosy pathology, leprosy treatment, and researching and managing leprosy.
Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria
Examines non-tuberculous mycobacteria, NTM identification, NTM infections, clinical significance, and identifying and managing NTM infections.
TB Laboratory Management
Covers TB laboratory management, biosafety, quality assurance, laboratory accreditation, workflow, and managing mycobacteriology laboratories.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc Medical Mycobacteriology programme begins with morning lectures on mycobacteriology, TB diagnostics, or laboratory methods. Students engage in theoretical discussions on mycobacterial biology, pathogenesis, and diagnostic approaches. Mycobacteriology sessions cover mycobacterial biology, cell wall structure, mycobacterial taxonomy, pathogenesis, immune response, and understanding mycobacteria. TB diagnostics sessions examine smear microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, culture methods, GeneXpert MTB/RIF, line probe assay, molecular diagnostics, and diagnosing tuberculosis. Culture sessions cover solid culture, Lowenstein-Jensen, liquid culture, MGIT, contamination control, culture identification, and culturing and identifying mycobacteria. Molecular diagnostics sessions examine PCR, real-time PCR, GeneXpert, line probe assay, sequencing, genotyping, and applying molecular methods in mycobacteriology. Drug susceptibility sessions cover phenotypic DST, molecular DST, MDR-TB, XDR-TB, resistance mechanisms, rifampicin resistance, isoniazid resistance, and detecting and managing drug-resistant TB. Leprosy sessions examine Mycobacterium leprae, leprosy diagnostics, leprosy pathology, leprosy treatment, leprosy surveillance, and researching and managing leprosy. NTM sessions cover non-tuberculous mycobacteria, NTM identification, NTM infections, clinical significance, treatment, and identifying and managing NTM infections. Biosafety sessions examine biosafety levels, BSL-3, laboratory safety, PPE, decontamination, waste management, and ensuring biosafety in mycobacteriology laboratories. Quality assurance sessions cover quality control, proficiency testing, external quality assessment, ISO standards, laboratory accreditation, and ensuring quality in mycobacteriology. Epidemiology sessions examine TB epidemiology, TB surveillance, TB transmission, TB burden, TB-HIV co-infection, and understanding TB epidemiology and public health. Laboratory sessions provide hands-on experience with smear microscopy, culture, identification, molecular diagnostics, DST, and biosafety procedures. Clinical rotations provide hands-on experience with TB diagnostic laboratories, patient samples, and laboratory workflow. Research methodology sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering mycobacteriology research methods, laboratory methods, and data analysis. Guest lectures from KEMRI researchers, NTLD-P officials, KMLTTB inspectors, The Union experts, and WHO consultants provide real-world insights. The two-year programme culminates in a research thesis.

The trade offs

In its favour

Kenya's high TB burden, MDR-TB challenge, TB-HIV co-infection, and NTLD-P programmes create high demand for qualified mycobacteriology professionals.
JKUAT offers established MSc Mycobacteriology at KES 496,000 through its College of Health Sciences, with related MSc Medical Microbiology and MSc Medical Mycology programmes.
Career opportunities with KEMRI, NTLD-P, KMLTTB, TB laboratories, hospitals, and international organisations like WHO, The Union, and Stop TB Partnership.
Programme addresses critical public health challenge with global health significance, attracting research and international funding.

Against it

Programme requires medical laboratory science, microbiology, biomedical science, or related background, which may exclude some graduates.
Laboratory work requires BSL-3 facilities for mycobacterial culture, which may not be available at all institutions.
JKUAT total fees of KES 496,000 are relatively high compared to other public university postgraduate programmes.
Programme involves working with infectious mycobacteria, requiring strict biosafety protocols and potential health risks.

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 courses

Public248k to 248k

248k at JKUAT248k at JKUAT

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

JKUAT MSc Mycobacteriology 248K/yr. Kabianga/AKU/GLUK unverified. Src: kenyaeducationguide

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. KEMRI supports medical research including TB. The Union supports TB training and capacity building. Stop TB Partnership supports TB control efforts. WHO supports TB professional development. The programme's TB and mycobacteriology focus attracts research and global health funding.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
KEMRI Research Funding
The Union Training Funding

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate medical mycobacteriology studies at recognised universities.
KEMRI Research Funding
GrantKsh 400,000Kenyan
KEMRI supports medical research including TB and mycobacteriology, providing funding for postgraduate research in TB diagnostics and drug resistance.
The Union Training Funding
GrantKsh 400,000
The Union supports TB training and capacity building, providing funding for postgraduate study and training in TB and lung disease control.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: The programme accepts graduates from medical laboratory science, microbiology, biomedical science, medicine, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, nursing, public health, and related fields. JKUAT requires Upper Second or Lower with research ability. Two-year programme with full-time and part-time modes. JKUAT total fees KES 496,000. Great Lakes fees KES 60,000/semester for 4 semesters.

How you are assessed

4 components

Coursework and Continuous Assessment
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, laboratory reports, case studies, diagnostic exercises, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination30% of the mark
Written examinations covering mycobacteriology, TB diagnostics, drug resistance, and biosafety, conducted at end of each semester.
Laboratory Practical Assessment
Practical40% of the mark
Assessment of laboratory work, smear microscopy, culture, identification, molecular diagnostics, DST, biosafety procedures, and practical reports.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on a medical mycobacteriology topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and mycobacteriology knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). JKUAT offers MSc in Mycobacteriology at KES 496,000 total through its College of Health Sciences. JKUAT also offers related MSc Medical Microbiology and MSc Medical Mycology. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate medical mycobacteriology training. KMLTTB regulates medical laboratory professionals and NTLD-P coordinates TB control in Kenya.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. JKUAT offers MSc in Mycobacteriology at KES 496,000 through its College of Health Sciences. JKUAT also offers related MSc Medical Microbiology and MSc Medical Mycology. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate medical mycobacteriology training.
Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Board (KMLTTB)
Professional accreditation
KMLTTB regulates medical laboratory professionals in Kenya. Graduates working in mycobacteriology laboratories may benefit from KMLTTB certification and licensing.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Mycobacteriology Laboratory Manager
High demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Manages mycobacteriology laboratories, overseeing TB diagnostics, culture, quality assurance, biosafety, and supporting TB laboratory operations.
TB Diagnostic Specialist
High demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 450,000
Specialises in TB diagnostics, overseeing diagnostic testing, molecular diagnostics, DST, and supporting TB diagnostic services.
Research Scientist
High demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Conducts mycobacteriology research, overseeing research projects, TB studies, drug resistance research, and supporting mycobacterial research.
Public Health Microbiologist
High demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 450,000
Applies microbiology in public health, overseeing TB surveillance, laboratory services, outbreak investigation, and supporting public health microbiology.
Quality Assurance Officer
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 400,000
Manages quality assurance in TB laboratories, overseeing QC, proficiency testing, accreditation, and ensuring laboratory quality.
University Lecturer
High demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches medical mycobacteriology in universities, conducting research and training future mycobacteriology professionals.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as mycobacteriology laboratory managers, TB diagnostic specialists, and research scientists in TB laboratories, research institutions, and hospitals.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

GeneXpert Software
SoftwarePrimary
GeneXpert diagnostic system software for TB molecular diagnostics, GeneXpert MTB/RIF testing, rifampicin resistance detection, and TB diagnosis.
BD MGIT Software
SoftwarePrimary
BD MGIT (Mycobacterial Growth Indicator Tube) system software for automated mycobacterial culture, growth detection, and culture management.
SPSS
Software
Statistical software for mycobacteriology research data analysis, diagnostic evaluation, epidemiological data, and statistical modelling in TB research.
BioNumerics
Software
Bioinformatics software for mycobacterial genotyping, molecular epidemiology, strain typing, and analysing mycobacterial genetic data.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Medical mycobacteriology is just about TB testing.
The programme involves mycobacterial biology, culture, molecular diagnostics, drug resistance, leprosy, NTM, biosafety, quality assurance, and research, covering comprehensive mycobacteriology.
This programme is only for medical laboratory science graduates.
The programme accepts graduates from medical laboratory science, microbiology, biomedical science, medicine, veterinary medicine, and related fields.
There is limited demand for mycobacteriology professionals in Kenya.
Kenya's high TB burden, MDR-TB challenge, TB-HIV co-infection, and NTLD-P programmes create high demand for qualified mycobacteriology professionals.
Mycobacteriology is outdated with modern molecular diagnostics.
Modern mycobacteriology integrates molecular diagnostics with traditional methods, requiring advanced skills in both culture-based and molecular techniques.
TB is no longer a major health problem in Kenya.
TB remains a major health challenge in Kenya, with high burden, MDR-TB, TB-HIV co-infection, making mycobacteriology skills critical.
A master's in mycobacteriology is redundant after a bachelor's in medical laboratory science.
The master's provides specialised mycobacteriology skills, research capability, and career progression to senior laboratory management and research positions.