Science

Master of Science in Mycology

The Master of Science in Mycology is a postgraduate programme that trains graduates in mycology, fungal biology, fungal taxonomy, and applied mycology. The programme prepares graduates for advanced careers in fungal research, plant pathology, mushroom cultivation, medical mycology, and fungal biotechnology.

Core areas include mycology, fungal taxonomy, fungal physiology, fungal genetics, plant pathology, mushroom cultivation, medical mycology, fungal biotechnology, lichenology, and research methods. Students engage with theoretical foundations and practical mycology applications.

The programme is offered by Kirinyaga University, Strathmore University, and Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, with University of Eldoret and University of Nairobi as colleges. UoN offers MSc in Mycology through its Department of Biology with total fees KES 731,000. University of Eldoret offers MSc Mycology with 2-year duration. JKUAT offers related MSc Mycology at KES 140,000 per year.

Students develop competencies in fungal identification, taxonomy, cultivation, molecular mycology, plant pathology, and research. The programme includes coursework, laboratory practicals, field work, examinations, supervised research, and thesis.

The programme is delivered over two years. UoN MSc Mycology total fees are KES 731,000 (~KES 365,500/year). JKUAT MSc Mycology fees are KES 140,000 per year. University of Eldoret requires BSc in Biology, Botany, Crop Protection, Zoology, or Agriculture with Upper Second or Lower with 2 years experience. Entry requires Bachelor's degree in biology, botany, microbiology, or related fields.

Graduates pursue careers as mycologists, plant pathologists, mushroom cultivation specialists, research scientists, and lecturers in research institutions, agricultural organisations, universities, and biotechnology companies.

Skills Required

Mycology and Fungal Identification
Fungal Taxonomy and Systematics
Fungal Physiology and Genetics
Plant Pathology and Fungal Diseases
Mushroom Cultivation and Production
Medical Mycology and Fungal Infections
Fungal Biotechnology and Industrial Applications
Molecular Mycology and Diagnostics
Lichenology and Fungal Ecology
Mycology Research Methods

Key Subjects

Mycology
Fungal Taxonomy and Systematics
Fungal Physiology and Genetics
Plant Pathology
Mushroom Cultivation
Medical Mycology
Fungal Biotechnology
Molecular Mycology
Lichenology and Fungal Ecology
Mycology Research Methods

Certifications

ISHAM Medical Mycology Certification
IMA Mycology Certification

Specializations

Fungal Taxonomy

Focuses on fungal taxonomy, classification, systematics, nomenclature, fungal diversity, identification keys, and classifying and identifying fungi.

Plant Pathology

Examines fungal plant pathogens, plant diseases, disease diagnosis, disease management, crop protection, and understanding and managing fungal plant diseases.

Mushroom Cultivation

Covers mushroom cultivation, oyster mushrooms, button mushrooms, substrate preparation, spawn production, and cultivating and producing edible mushrooms.

Medical Mycology

Focuses on medical mycology, fungal infections, candidiasis, aspergillosis, cryptococcosis, dermatophytes, and understanding and managing fungal infections.

Fungal Biotechnology

Examines fungal biotechnology, industrial mycology, fungal enzymes, fermentation, bioactive compounds, and applying fungi in biotechnology and industry.

Molecular Mycology

Covers molecular mycology, fungal genetics, PCR, sequencing, molecular identification, phylogenetics, and applying molecular methods in mycology.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 354,000
Private, up to: Ksh 300,000
Job market: Moderate

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

Mycology
Fungal Taxonomy and Systematics
Fungal Physiology and Genetics
Plant Pathology
Mushroom Cultivation
Medical Mycology
Fungal Biotechnology
Molecular Mycology
Lichenology and Fungal Ecology
Mycology Research Methods

Modules

12 in the programme

Mycology and Fungal Biology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines fungal biology, fungal structure, fungal growth, fungal reproduction, fungal nutrition, fungal metabolism, and understanding fungi and fungal biology.
Fungal Taxonomy and Systematics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers classification, systematics, nomenclature, fungal diversity, identification keys, ascomycetes, basidiomycetes, zygomycetes, deuteromycetes, and classifying and identifying fungi.
Fungal Physiology and Genetics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines fungal metabolism, fungal nutrition, growth kinetics, environmental factors, secondary metabolites, mating types, recombination, mutation, fungal genomics, and understanding fungal physiology and genetics.
Plant Pathology and Fungal Diseases
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers fungal plant pathogens, plant diseases, disease diagnosis, disease cycle, epidemiology, disease management, crop protection, and understanding and managing fungal plant diseases.
Mushroom Cultivation and Production
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines oyster mushrooms, button mushrooms, shiitake, substrate preparation, spawn production, fruiting, harvesting, post-harvest, and cultivating and producing edible mushrooms.
Medical Mycology and Fungal Infections
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers fungal infections, candidiasis, aspergillosis, cryptococcosis, dermatophytes, opportunistic mycoses, antifungal therapy, and understanding and managing fungal infections.
Fungal Biotechnology and Industrial Applications
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines industrial mycology, fungal enzymes, fermentation, bioactive compounds, antibiotics, organic acids, bioremediation, and applying fungi in biotechnology and industry.
Molecular Mycology and Diagnostics
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers PCR, sequencing, molecular identification, MALDI-TOF, phylogenetics, DNA barcoding, whole genome sequencing, and applying molecular methods in mycology.
Lichenology and Fungal Ecology
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines lichens, lichen taxonomy, lichen ecology, lichen biology, symbiosis, fungal ecology, decomposer fungi, mycorrhizal fungi, and understanding lichens and fungal ecology.
Mycology Research Methods
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research methods for mycology, field methods, laboratory methods, fungal collection, identification, data analysis, and conducting mycology research, preparing students for their thesis.
Fungal Secondary Metabolites and Bioactive Compounds
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines fungal secondary metabolites, mycotoxins, antibiotics, pigments, flavonoids, alkaloids, bioactive compounds, and understanding and applying fungal metabolites.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research thesis on a mycology topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and mycology knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Fungal Taxonomy
Focuses on fungal taxonomy, classification, systematics, nomenclature, fungal diversity, identification keys, and classifying and identifying fungi.
Plant Pathology
Examines fungal plant pathogens, plant diseases, disease diagnosis, disease management, crop protection, and understanding and managing fungal plant diseases.
Mushroom Cultivation
Covers mushroom cultivation, oyster mushrooms, button mushrooms, substrate preparation, spawn production, and cultivating and producing edible mushrooms.
Medical Mycology
Focuses on medical mycology, fungal infections, candidiasis, aspergillosis, cryptococcosis, dermatophytes, and understanding and managing fungal infections.
Fungal Biotechnology
Examines fungal biotechnology, industrial mycology, fungal enzymes, fermentation, bioactive compounds, and applying fungi in biotechnology and industry.
Molecular Mycology
Covers molecular mycology, fungal genetics, PCR, sequencing, molecular identification, phylogenetics, and applying molecular methods in mycology.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc Mycology programme begins with morning lectures on mycology, fungal taxonomy, or fungal physiology. Students engage in theoretical discussions on fungal biology, classification, and applications. Mycology sessions cover fungal biology, fungal structure, fungal growth, fungal reproduction, fungal nutrition, and understanding fungi. Fungal taxonomy sessions examine classification, systematics, nomenclature, fungal diversity, identification keys, ascomycetes, basidiomycetes, zygomycetes, and classifying and identifying fungi. Fungal physiology sessions cover fungal metabolism, fungal nutrition, growth kinetics, environmental factors, secondary metabolites, and understanding fungal physiology. Fungal genetics sessions examine fungal genetics, mating types, recombination, mutation, fungal genomics, and understanding fungal genetics. Plant pathology sessions cover fungal plant pathogens, plant diseases, disease diagnosis, disease cycle, disease management, crop protection, and understanding and managing fungal plant diseases. Mushroom cultivation sessions examine oyster mushrooms, button mushrooms, substrate preparation, spawn production, fruiting, harvesting, post-harvest, and cultivating and producing edible mushrooms. Medical mycology sessions cover fungal infections, candidiasis, aspergillosis, cryptococcosis, dermatophytes, opportunistic mycoses, and understanding and managing fungal infections. Fungal biotechnology sessions examine industrial mycology, fungal enzymes, fermentation, bioactive compounds, antibiotics, organic acids, and applying fungi in biotechnology. Molecular mycology sessions cover PCR, sequencing, molecular identification, MALDI-TOF, phylogenetics, barcoding, and applying molecular methods in mycology. Lichenology sessions examine lichens, lichen taxonomy, lichen ecology, lichen biology, symbiosis, and understanding lichens and fungal ecology. Laboratory sessions provide hands-on experience with fungal culture, identification, microscopy, antimicrobial testing, and molecular techniques. Field work provides hands-on experience with fungal collection, identification, ecological surveys, and plant disease assessment. Research methodology sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering mycology research methods, field methods, and data analysis. Guest lectures from UoN professors, KALRO researchers, KEFRI scientists, mushroom industry professionals, and international mycology experts provide real-world insights. The two-year programme culminates in a research thesis.

The trade offs

In its favour

Kenya's agricultural sector, plant disease management, mushroom industry, medical mycology needs, and fungal biotechnology create moderate demand for qualified mycology professionals.
UoN offers MSc in Mycology through its Department of Biology, and University of Eldoret offers MSc Mycology, providing established training options.
JKUAT offers MSc Mycology at KES 140,000 per year, providing affordable and accessible training.
Career opportunities with KALRO, KEFRI, research institutions, mushroom industry, agricultural companies, and international mycology organisations.

Against it

Job market demand is moderate, with fewer dedicated mycology positions compared to general biology or microbiology.
Programme requires biology, botany, microbiology, or related background, which may exclude some graduates.
UoN total fees of KES 731,000 are relatively high compared to JKUAT at KES 140,000/year.
Laboratory work requires access to fungal culture facilities, microscopy, and molecular equipment, which may vary across institutions.

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

Public131k to 354k

131k at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology354k at University of Nairobi

Private300k to 300k

300k at Strathmore University300k at Strathmore University

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 ~354K/yr (uonbi.ac.ke). MMUST ~131K/yr. Private unverified

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. KALRO supports agricultural research including plant pathology. KEFRI supports forestry research including fungal diversity. ISHAM and IMA support mycology professional development. The programme's mycology focus attracts research and agricultural funding.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
KALRO Research Funding
KEFRI Research Funding

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate mycology studies at recognised universities.
KALRO Research Funding
GrantKsh 300,000Kenyan
KALRO supports agricultural research including plant pathology and fungal diseases, providing funding for postgraduate research in applied mycology.
KEFRI Research Funding
GrantKsh 300,000Kenyan
KEFRI supports forestry research including fungal diversity and mycorrhizal fungi, providing funding for postgraduate research in forest mycology.

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 biology, botany, crop protection, zoology, agriculture, microbiology, plant science, environmental science, and related fields. University of Eldoret requires BSc in Biology, Botany, Crop Protection, Zoology, or Agriculture with Upper Second or Lower with 2 years experience. JKUAT requires Bachelor's degree in Mycology or relevant discipline with Upper Second. 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, fungal identification projects, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination30% of the mark
Written examinations covering mycology, fungal taxonomy, plant pathology, and fungal biotechnology, conducted at end of each semester.
Laboratory and Field Assessment
Practical40% of the mark
Assessment of laboratory work, fungal culture, identification, microscopy, field collection, and practical reports.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on a mycology topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and mycology knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). UoN offers MSc in Mycology through its Department of Biology with total fees KES 731,000. University of Eldoret offers MSc Mycology with 2-year duration. JKUAT offers related MSc Mycology at KES 140,000/year. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate mycology training. KALRO supports applied mycology research in Kenya.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. UoN offers MSc in Mycology through its Department of Biology with total fees KES 731,000. University of Eldoret offers MSc Mycology. JKUAT offers related MSc Mycology at KES 140,000/year. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate mycology training.
Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO)
Professional accreditation
KALRO supports agricultural research including plant pathology and fungal diseases. Graduates may benefit from KALRO collaboration and agricultural research opportunities.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Mycologist
Moderate demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 450,000
Conducts mycology research, overseeing fungal identification, taxonomy, research, and supporting mycological research and applications.
Plant Pathologist
High demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 450,000
Specialises in fungal plant diseases, overseeing disease diagnosis, management, crop protection, and supporting plant disease control.
Mushroom Cultivation Specialist
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 400,000
Manages mushroom cultivation operations, overseeing substrate preparation, spawn production, fruiting, and supporting mushroom production.
Research Scientist
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Conducts mycology research, overseeing research projects, fungal studies, biotechnology research, and supporting mycological research.
Fungal Biotechnologist
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Applies fungi in biotechnology, overseeing enzyme production, fermentation, bioactive compounds, and supporting fungal biotechnology.
University Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches mycology in universities, conducting research and training future mycology professionals.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as mycologists, plant pathologists, and mushroom cultivation specialists in research institutions, agricultural organisations, and universities.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

BLAST
SoftwarePrimary
Bioinformatics tool for fungal sequence identification, DNA barcoding, fungal gene analysis, and comparing fungal DNA sequences in molecular mycology.
SPSS
SoftwarePrimary
Statistical software for mycology research data analysis, ecological data, disease data, and statistical modelling in mycology research.
R Statistical Computing
Software
Open-source statistical computing for fungal ecology analysis, diversity analysis, community analysis, and research data analysis in mycology.
Geneious
Software
Bioinformatics software for fungal sequence analysis, phylogenetics, barcoding, genome assembly, and analysing fungal molecular data.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Mycology is just about identifying mushrooms.
The programme involves fungal taxonomy, physiology, genetics, plant pathology, medical mycology, biotechnology, and research, covering comprehensive mycology.
This programme is only for botany graduates.
The programme accepts graduates from biology, botany, microbiology, crop protection, zoology, agriculture, and related fields.
There is limited demand for mycologists in Kenya.
Kenya's agricultural sector, plant disease management, mushroom industry, medical mycology needs, and fungal biotechnology create moderate demand for qualified mycology professionals.
Mycology is only about edible mushrooms.
Mycology covers fungal taxonomy, plant pathogens, medical mycology, industrial mycology, lichenology, and fungal ecology, not just edible mushrooms.
Fungi are not economically important in Kenya.
Fungi cause major crop diseases, have industrial applications, provide food through mushroom cultivation, and cause medical infections, making mycology economically important.
A master's in mycology is redundant after a bachelor's in biology.
The master's provides specialised mycology skills, research capability, and career progression to senior research and applied mycology positions.