Health Sciences

Master of Science in Molecular Pharmacology

The Master of Science in Molecular Pharmacology is a postgraduate programme that trains graduates in molecular pharmacology, drug discovery, receptor pharmacology, and drug development. The programme prepares graduates for advanced careers in pharmaceutical research, drug discovery, clinical pharmacology, and molecular therapeutics.

Core areas include molecular pharmacology, receptor pharmacology, drug discovery, drug design, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, molecular signalling, drug development, pharmacogenomics, toxicology, and research methods. Students engage with theoretical foundations and practical molecular pharmacology applications.

The programme is offered by Kirinyaga University, Strathmore University, and Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, with University of Nairobi as a college. UoN offers MSc in Molecular Pharmacology (code HPC63, 2 years) through its Department of Pharmacy. JKUAT offers related MSc Pharmacology (Drug Design and Development) at KES 357,000. MMUST offers related MSc Pharmacology and Therapeutics.

Students develop competencies in receptor pharmacology, drug screening, molecular signalling, pharmacokinetics, drug design, and research. The programme includes coursework, laboratory practicals, examinations, supervised research, and thesis.

The programme is delivered over two years. JKUAT MSc Pharmacology total fees are KES 357,000. UoN MSc Molecular Pharmacology is offered through the Department of Pharmacy. Entry requires Bachelor's degree in pharmacy, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, or related fields with Upper Second or Lower with experience.

Graduates pursue careers as molecular pharmacologists, drug discovery scientists, clinical pharmacologists, research scientists, and lecturers in pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, hospitals, and universities.

Skills Required

Molecular Pharmacology and Receptor Biology
Drug Discovery and Drug Design
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
Molecular Signalling and Signal Transduction
Pharmacogenomics and Personalised Medicine
Drug Screening and Bioassay Techniques
Toxicology and Drug Safety
Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics
Molecular Modelling and Computational Pharmacology
Molecular Pharmacology Research Methods

Key Subjects

Molecular Pharmacology
Receptor Pharmacology
Drug Discovery and Design
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
Molecular Signalling
Pharmacogenomics
Toxicology and Drug Safety
Clinical Pharmacology
Molecular Modelling
Molecular Pharmacology Research Methods

Certifications

PPB Pharmacy Certification
IUPHAR Pharmacology Certification

Specializations

Receptor Pharmacology

Focuses on receptor pharmacology, GPCRs, ion channels, ligand binding, receptor signalling, and understanding drug-receptor interactions at the molecular level.

Drug Discovery and Design

Examines drug discovery, lead compounds, high-throughput screening, structure-based design, molecular docking, and discovering and designing new drugs.

Pharmacogenomics

Covers pharmacogenomics, genetic variation in drug response, personalised medicine, pharmacogenetics, and applying genomics in pharmacology and therapeutics.

Molecular Signalling

Focuses on molecular signalling, signal transduction, second messengers, kinase cascades, apoptosis, and understanding cellular signalling pathways.

Clinical Pharmacology

Examines clinical pharmacology, therapeutics, drug therapy, clinical trials, drug interactions, and applying pharmacology in clinical practice.

Toxicology and Drug Safety

Covers toxicology, drug toxicity, safety pharmacology, adverse drug reactions, toxicity testing, and ensuring drug safety and toxicity assessment.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 178,500
Private, up to: Ksh 319,500
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 Pharmacology
Receptor Pharmacology
Drug Discovery and Design
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
Molecular Signalling
Pharmacogenomics
Toxicology and Drug Safety
Clinical Pharmacology
Molecular Modelling
Molecular Pharmacology Research Methods

Modules

12 in the programme

Molecular Pharmacology and Receptor Biology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines drug-receptor interactions, receptor theory, agonists, antagonists, affinity, efficacy, GPCRs, ion channels, and understanding drug action at the molecular level.
Drug Discovery and Development
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers lead compounds, high-throughput screening, hit identification, lead optimisation, preclinical development, clinical trials, and discovering and developing new drugs.
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines ADME, absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, bioavailability, half-life, dose-response, efficacy, potency, and understanding drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
Molecular Signalling and Signal Transduction
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers signal transduction, second messengers, cAMP, calcium, kinase cascades, phosphorylation, apoptosis, G-proteins, and understanding cellular signalling pathways.
Pharmacogenomics and Personalised Medicine
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines genetic variation, drug response, personalised medicine, pharmacogenetics, CYP polymorphisms, biomarkers, and applying genomics in pharmacology and therapeutics.
Drug Screening and Bioassay Techniques
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers receptor binding assays, cell-based assays, enzyme assays, high-throughput screening, bioassays, and applying screening techniques in drug discovery.
Toxicology and Drug Safety
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines drug toxicity, safety pharmacology, adverse drug reactions, hepatotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, toxicity testing, risk assessment, and ensuring drug safety.
Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers therapeutics, drug therapy, clinical trials, drug interactions, rational drug use, evidence-based medicine, and applying pharmacology in clinical practice.
Molecular Modelling and Computational Pharmacology
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines computational pharmacology, molecular docking, virtual screening, QSAR, ADMET prediction, homology modelling, and applying computational methods in drug discovery.
Molecular Pharmacology Research Methods
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research methods for molecular pharmacology, experimental design, laboratory methods, data analysis, statistical methods, and conducting pharmacology research, preparing students for their thesis.
Drug Design and Medicinal Chemistry
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines structure-based design, ligand-based design, molecular docking, QSAR, medicinal chemistry, lead optimisation, and designing new drug molecules.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research thesis on a molecular pharmacology topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and molecular pharmacology knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Receptor Pharmacology
Focuses on receptor pharmacology, GPCRs, ion channels, ligand binding, receptor signalling, and understanding drug-receptor interactions at the molecular level.
Drug Discovery and Design
Examines drug discovery, lead compounds, high-throughput screening, structure-based design, molecular docking, and discovering and designing new drugs.
Pharmacogenomics
Covers pharmacogenomics, genetic variation in drug response, personalised medicine, pharmacogenetics, and applying genomics in pharmacology and therapeutics.
Molecular Signalling
Focuses on molecular signalling, signal transduction, second messengers, kinase cascades, apoptosis, and understanding cellular signalling pathways.
Clinical Pharmacology
Examines clinical pharmacology, therapeutics, drug therapy, clinical trials, drug interactions, and applying pharmacology in clinical practice.
Toxicology and Drug Safety
Covers toxicology, drug toxicity, safety pharmacology, adverse drug reactions, toxicity testing, and ensuring drug safety and toxicity assessment.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc Molecular Pharmacology programme begins with morning lectures on molecular pharmacology, receptor pharmacology, or drug discovery. Students engage in theoretical discussions on drug-receptor interactions, molecular signalling, and drug development. Molecular pharmacology sessions cover drug-receptor interactions, receptor theory, agonists, antagonists, affinity, efficacy, and understanding drug action at the molecular level. Receptor pharmacology sessions examine GPCRs, ion channels, nuclear receptors, enzyme receptors, ligand binding, receptor signalling, and understanding receptor pharmacology. Drug discovery sessions cover lead compounds, high-throughput screening, hit identification, lead optimisation, and discovering new drugs. Drug design sessions examine structure-based design, ligand-based design, molecular docking, QSAR, and designing new drugs. Pharmacokinetics sessions cover ADME, absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, bioavailability, half-life, and understanding drug pharmacokinetics. Pharmacodynamics sessions examine dose-response, efficacy, potency, drug-receptor interactions, and understanding drug pharmacodynamics. Molecular signalling sessions cover signal transduction, second messengers, cAMP, calcium, kinase cascades, phosphorylation, apoptosis, and understanding cellular signalling pathways. Pharmacogenomics sessions examine genetic variation, drug response, personalised medicine, pharmacogenetics, CYP polymorphisms, and applying genomics in pharmacology. Toxicology sessions cover drug toxicity, safety pharmacology, adverse drug reactions, hepatotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, toxicity testing, and ensuring drug safety. Clinical pharmacology sessions examine therapeutics, drug therapy, clinical trials, drug interactions, rational drug use, and applying pharmacology in clinical practice. Molecular modelling sessions cover computational pharmacology, molecular docking, virtual screening, QSAR, ADMET prediction, and applying computational methods in drug discovery. Laboratory sessions provide hands-on experience with receptor binding assays, cell-based assays, enzyme assays, drug screening, and pharmacological techniques. Research methodology sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering pharmacology research methods, experimental design, and data analysis. Guest lectures from UoN pharmacy professors, KEMRI researchers, PPB officials, pharmaceutical industry scientists, and international pharmacology experts provide real-world insights. The two-year programme culminates in a research thesis.

The trade offs

In its favour

Kenya's growing pharmaceutical industry, drug regulation, clinical trials, and research needs create high demand for qualified molecular pharmacology professionals.
UoN offers MSc in Molecular Pharmacology (HPC63) through its Department of Pharmacy, with established pharmacology and drug discovery research.
JKUAT offers related MSc Pharmacology (Drug Design and Development) at KES 357,000, providing accessible training.
Career opportunities with pharmaceutical companies, KEMRI, PPB, hospitals, research institutions, and international organisations like IUPHAR and ASCPT.

Against it

Programme requires pharmacy, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, or related background, which may exclude some graduates.
Laboratory work requires access to pharmacology laboratories, cell culture, and molecular biology facilities, which may vary across institutions.
Strathmore fees at KES 150,000 per semester (~KES 300,000/year) are relatively expensive compared to public universities.
Programme involves advanced pharmacology and molecular biology, which may be challenging for students without pharmacology background.

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

Public150k to 179k

150k at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology179k at Kirinyaga University

Private149k to 320k

149k at Mount Kenya University320k at United States International University Africa

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

Kirinyaga, MMUST, USIU & MKU unverified for this specific course.

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. KEMRI supports medical research including pharmacology. PPB supports pharmacy research and regulation. IUPHAR and ASCPT support pharmacology professional development. The programme's molecular pharmacology focus attracts research and pharmaceutical industry funding.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
KEMRI Research Funding
PPB Research Funding

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate molecular pharmacology studies at recognised universities.
KEMRI Research Funding
GrantKsh 400,000Kenyan
KEMRI supports medical research including pharmacology and drug discovery, providing funding for postgraduate research in molecular pharmacology.
IUPHAR Research Funding
GrantKsh 400,000
IUPHAR supports pharmacology research and education globally, providing funding for postgraduate study and research in molecular pharmacology.

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 pharmacy, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, medicine, chemistry, and related fields. UoN requires BSc in Biomedical Technology, Biochemistry, or Bachelor of Pharmacy with Upper Second, or Lower Second with 2 years experience. JKUAT requires relevant degree with Upper Second or Lower with research ability. Two-year programme with full-time and part-time modes.

How you are assessed

4 components

Coursework and Continuous Assessment
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, laboratory reports, case studies, pharmacological analysis projects, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination30% of the mark
Written examinations covering molecular pharmacology, drug discovery, pharmacokinetics, and toxicology, conducted at end of each semester.
Laboratory Practical Assessment
Practical40% of the mark
Assessment of laboratory work, receptor binding assays, cell-based assays, drug screening, pharmacological techniques, and practical reports.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on a molecular pharmacology topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and molecular pharmacology knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). UoN offers MSc in Molecular Pharmacology (HPC63, 2 years) through its Department of Pharmacy. JKUAT offers related MSc Pharmacology (Drug Design and Development) at KES 357,000. MMUST offers related MSc Pharmacology and Therapeutics. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate molecular pharmacology training. PPB regulates pharmacy and medicines in Kenya.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. UoN offers MSc in Molecular Pharmacology (HPC63) through its Department of Pharmacy. JKUAT offers related MSc Pharmacology (Drug Design and Development) at KES 357,000. MMUST offers related MSc Pharmacology and Therapeutics. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate molecular pharmacology training.
Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB)
Professional accreditation
PPB regulates pharmacy and medicines in Kenya. Graduates working in pharmaceutical research or clinical pharmacology may benefit from PPB knowledge and regulatory compliance.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Molecular Pharmacologist
High demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Conducts molecular pharmacology research, overseeing drug-receptor studies, molecular signalling, drug screening, and supporting pharmacology research and development.
Drug Discovery Scientist
High demandKsh 140,000 to Ksh 580,000
Discovers and develops new drugs, overseeing drug screening, lead optimisation, preclinical studies, and supporting drug discovery programmes.
Clinical Pharmacologist
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Applies pharmacology in clinical settings, overseeing clinical trials, drug therapy, drug interactions, and supporting clinical pharmacology services.
Research Scientist
High demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Conducts pharmacology research, overseeing research projects, drug studies, molecular pharmacology, and supporting pharmaceutical research.
Regulatory Affairs Officer
Moderate demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 450,000
Manages regulatory affairs for pharmaceuticals, overseeing drug registration, compliance, PPB regulations, and supporting pharmaceutical regulation.
University Lecturer
High demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches pharmacology in universities, conducting research and training future pharmacology professionals.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as molecular pharmacologists, drug discovery scientists, and clinical pharmacologists in pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, and hospitals.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

GraphPad Prism
SoftwarePrimary
Statistical and graphing software for pharmacology data analysis, dose-response curves, receptor binding analysis, and pharmacological data visualisation.
AutoDock
SoftwarePrimary
Molecular docking software for drug design, virtual screening, protein-ligand docking, and computational drug discovery in molecular pharmacology.
SPSS
Software
Statistical software for pharmacology research data analysis, clinical trial data, toxicity data, and statistical modelling in pharmacology research.
Schrodinger Suite
Software
Computational drug discovery suite for molecular modelling, docking, QSAR, ADMET prediction, and computational pharmacology applications.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Molecular pharmacology is just about studying drug effects.
The programme involves receptor pharmacology, drug discovery, molecular signalling, pharmacogenomics, toxicology, and research, covering advanced molecular pharmacology.
This programme is only for pharmacy graduates.
The programme accepts graduates from pharmacy, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, medicine, chemistry, and related fields.
There is limited demand for molecular pharmacologists in Kenya.
Kenya's growing pharmaceutical industry, drug regulation, clinical trials, and research needs create high demand for qualified molecular pharmacology professionals.
Molecular pharmacology is only relevant for drug companies.
Molecular pharmacology skills are relevant for hospitals, research institutions, regulatory bodies, universities, and clinical trials, not just pharmaceutical companies.
Drug discovery is only done in Western countries.
Kenya and Africa have growing drug discovery research, particularly for tropical diseases, traditional medicine, and personalised medicine, making molecular pharmacology highly relevant.
A master's in molecular pharmacology is redundant after a pharmacy degree.
The master's provides specialised molecular pharmacology skills, research capability, and career progression to senior research and drug development positions.