Health Sciences

Master of Science in Public Reproductive Health

The Master of Science in Public Reproductive Health is a postgraduate programme that trains graduates in reproductive health, maternal health, family planning, adolescent health, and public health approaches to reproductive health. The programme prepares graduates for advanced careers in reproductive health programmes, maternal health services, family planning, and public health policy.

Core areas include reproductive health, maternal and child health, family planning, adolescent reproductive health, reproductive epidemiology, HIV and reproductive health, sexual health, reproductive health policy, programme management, and research methods. Students engage with theoretical foundations and practical public reproductive health applications.

The programme is offered by Zetech University, Great Lakes University of Kisumu, and University of Kabianga, with Kenyatta University as a college. KU offers MPH in Reproductive Health through its School of Health Sciences. GLUK offers MSc Public Health at KES 60,000 per semester. JKUAT offers MSc Public Reproductive Health requiring BSc Public Health with Upper Second. University of Kabianga offers Masters in Global Public Health.

Students develop competencies in reproductive health programme design, maternal health services, family planning counselling, reproductive epidemiology, adolescent health, and research. The programme includes coursework, field practicum, examinations, supervised research, and thesis.

The programme is delivered over two years. GLUK MSc Public Health fees are KES 60,000 per semester (~KES 120,000/year). JKUAT MSc Public Reproductive Health is a 1-year programme. Entry requires Bachelor's degree in public health, nursing, medicine, or related health fields with Upper Second or Lower with experience.

Graduates pursue careers as reproductive health officers, maternal health coordinators, family planning programme managers, public health officers, and lecturers in health ministries, NGOs, international organisations, and universities.

Skills Required

Reproductive Health Programme Management
Maternal and Child Health Services
Family Planning and Contraceptive Services
Adolescent Reproductive Health
Reproductive Epidemiology and Surveillance
HIV and Reproductive Health Integration
Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Response
Reproductive Health Policy and Advocacy
Community Reproductive Health Education
Public Reproductive Health Research Methods

Key Subjects

Public Reproductive Health
Maternal and Child Health
Family Planning
Adolescent Reproductive Health
Reproductive Epidemiology
HIV and Reproductive Health
Sexual Health
Reproductive Health Policy
Reproductive Health Programme Management
Public Reproductive Health Research Methods

Certifications

PHOTC Public Health Certification
IPPF Reproductive Health Certification

Specializations

Maternal Health

Focuses on maternal health, antenatal care, safe delivery, postnatal care, maternal mortality, obstetric care, and improving maternal health outcomes.

Family Planning

Examines family planning, contraceptive methods, contraceptive counselling, family planning services, unmet need, and improving access to family planning.

Adolescent Reproductive Health

Covers adolescent reproductive health, adolescent sexuality, teen pregnancy, adolescent-friendly services, and addressing reproductive health needs of adolescents.

Reproductive Epidemiology

Focuses on reproductive epidemiology, maternal mortality, reproductive morbidity, fertility, reproductive health indicators, and studying reproductive health patterns.

HIV and Reproductive Health

Examines HIV and reproductive health, PMTCT, HIV testing, HIV and pregnancy, STI, and integrating HIV services with reproductive health.

Reproductive Health Policy

Covers reproductive health policy, reproductive rights, gender, policy advocacy, programme design, and developing and implementing reproductive health policy.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 120,000
Private, up to: Ksh 218,900
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: 20 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Public Reproductive Health
Maternal and Child Health
Family Planning
Adolescent Reproductive Health
Reproductive Epidemiology
HIV and Reproductive Health
Sexual Health
Reproductive Health Policy
Reproductive Health Programme Management
Public Reproductive Health Research Methods

Modules

12 in the programme

Foundations of Public Reproductive Health
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines reproductive health concepts, reproductive anatomy, reproductive physiology, reproductive rights, sexual health, ICPD, SDGs, and understanding reproductive health.
Maternal and Child Health
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers antenatal care, safe delivery, postnatal care, maternal mortality, obstetric complications, emergency obstetric care, child health, immunisation, and improving maternal and child health outcomes.
Family Planning and Contraceptive Services
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines contraceptive methods, contraceptive counselling, family planning services, unmet need, long-acting methods, postpartum family planning, and improving access to family planning.
Adolescent Reproductive Health
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers adolescent sexuality, teen pregnancy, adolescent-friendly services, puberty, menstrual health, adolescent STI, and addressing reproductive health needs of adolescents.
Reproductive Epidemiology and Surveillance
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines maternal mortality, reproductive morbidity, fertility, reproductive health indicators, DHS, surveillance, and studying reproductive health patterns and trends.
HIV and Reproductive Health Integration
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers PMTCT, HIV testing, HIV and pregnancy, STI, cervical cancer, HIV integration, and integrating HIV services with reproductive health programmes.
Sexual Health and Gender-Based Violence
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines sexual health, sexual dysfunction, sexual violence, FGM, gender-based violence, response services, and addressing sexual health and gender-based violence.
Reproductive Health Policy and Advocacy
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers reproductive health policy, reproductive rights, gender, policy advocacy, ICPD, SDG, policy analysis, and developing and implementing reproductive health policy.
Reproductive Health Programme Management
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines reproductive health programme design, programme management, monitoring and evaluation, logistics, supervision, BCC, and managing reproductive health programmes.
Public Reproductive Health Research Methods
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research methods for public reproductive health, study design, qualitative methods, quantitative methods, data analysis, and conducting reproductive health research, preparing students for their thesis.
Community Reproductive Health and Social Mobilisation
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines community reproductive health, community mobilisation, health education, BCC, male engagement, youth engagement, and engaging communities in reproductive health.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research thesis on a public reproductive health topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and reproductive health knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Maternal Health
Focuses on maternal health, antenatal care, safe delivery, postnatal care, maternal mortality, obstetric care, and improving maternal health outcomes.
Family Planning
Examines family planning, contraceptive methods, contraceptive counselling, family planning services, unmet need, and improving access to family planning.
Adolescent Reproductive Health
Covers adolescent reproductive health, adolescent sexuality, teen pregnancy, adolescent-friendly services, and addressing reproductive health needs of adolescents.
Reproductive Epidemiology
Focuses on reproductive epidemiology, maternal mortality, reproductive morbidity, fertility, reproductive health indicators, and studying reproductive health patterns.
HIV and Reproductive Health
Examines HIV and reproductive health, PMTCT, HIV testing, HIV and pregnancy, STI, and integrating HIV services with reproductive health.
Reproductive Health Policy
Covers reproductive health policy, reproductive rights, gender, policy advocacy, programme design, and developing and implementing reproductive health policy.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc Public Reproductive Health programme begins with morning lectures on reproductive health, maternal health, or family planning. Students engage in theoretical discussions on reproductive health principles, maternal care, and public health approaches. Reproductive health sessions cover reproductive anatomy, reproductive physiology, reproductive health concepts, reproductive rights, sexual health, and understanding reproductive health. Maternal health sessions examine antenatal care, safe delivery, postnatal care, maternal mortality, obstetric complications, emergency obstetric care, and improving maternal health outcomes. Family planning sessions cover contraceptive methods, contraceptive counselling, family planning services, unmet need, long-acting methods, and improving access to family planning. Adolescent reproductive health sessions examine adolescent sexuality, teen pregnancy, adolescent-friendly services, puberty, and addressing reproductive health needs of adolescents. Reproductive epidemiology sessions cover maternal mortality, reproductive morbidity, fertility, reproductive health indicators, DHS, and studying reproductive health patterns. HIV and reproductive health sessions examine PMTCT, HIV testing, HIV and pregnancy, STI, cervical cancer, and integrating HIV services with reproductive health. Sexual health sessions cover sexual health, sexual dysfunction, sexual violence, FGM, gender-based violence, and addressing sexual health issues. Reproductive health policy sessions examine reproductive health policy, reproductive rights, gender, policy advocacy, ICPD, SDG, and developing and implementing reproductive health policy. Programme management sessions cover reproductive health programme design, programme management, monitoring and evaluation, logistics, supervision, and managing reproductive health programmes. Community health sessions examine community reproductive health, community mobilisation, health education, BCC, and engaging communities in reproductive health. Field practicum provides hands-on experience with reproductive health programmes, maternal health services, family planning clinics, and community reproductive health. Research methodology sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering public reproductive health research methods, experimental design, and data analysis. Guest lectures from KU faculty, MoH officials, UNFPA advisors, KEMRI researchers, NGO reproductive health experts, and international reproductive health experts provide real-world insights. The two-year programme culminates in a research thesis.

The trade offs

In its favour

Kenya's maternal mortality, teen pregnancy, family planning needs, HIV, and reproductive health policy create high demand for qualified reproductive health professionals.
KU offers MPH in Reproductive Health, and GLUK offers MSc Public Health at KES 60,000 per semester, providing accessible training options.
Career opportunities with MoH, KEMRI, UNFPA, WHO, IPPF, NGOs, and international organisations supporting reproductive health.
Programme addresses Kenya's maternal health, family planning, adolescent health, HIV, and reproductive health policy needs.

Against it

Programme requires health, social science, or related background, which may exclude some graduates.
Field practicum requires access to reproductive health facilities, clinics, and community programmes, which may be limited.
Zetech University (private) fees at KES 200,000/year are relatively expensive compared to public universities.
Programme involves sensitive topics including sexual health, gender-based violence, and FGM, requiring cultural sensitivity and ethical awareness.

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

Public100k to 120k

100k at University of Kabianga120k at Technical University of Kenya

Private120k to 219k

120k at Great Lakes University of Kisumu219k at Amref International 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

Amref ~218.9K/yr, GLUK ~120K/yr verified. TUK, Kabianga unverified.

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. UNFPA supports reproductive health programmes and research. WHO supports maternal and reproductive health. IPPF supports sexual and reproductive health and rights. The programme's reproductive health focus attracts health, development, and international funding.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
UNFPA Reproductive Health Funding
WHO Reproductive Health Funding

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate public reproductive health studies at recognised universities.
UNFPA Reproductive Health Funding
GrantKsh 300,000
UNFPA supports reproductive health programmes and research in Kenya, providing funding for postgraduate study and research in reproductive health.
WHO Reproductive Health Funding
GrantKsh 300,000
WHO supports maternal and reproductive health globally, providing funding for postgraduate study and research in reproductive health.

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 public health, nursing, medicine, sociology, social work, biological sciences, and related health and social science fields. JKUAT requires BSc Public Health with Upper Second or relevant degree with Lower plus evidence of research ability. GLUK requires Bachelor's degree with Upper Second or Lower with 2 years experience. 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, case studies, programme proposals, field reports, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination30% of the mark
Written examinations covering reproductive health, maternal health, family planning, epidemiology, and policy, conducted at end of each semester.
Field Practicum and Project Assessment
Practical40% of the mark
Assessment of field practicum, reproductive health programme design, community projects, and practical reports.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on a public reproductive health topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and reproductive health knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). KU offers MPH in Reproductive Health through its School of Health Sciences. GLUK offers MSc Public Health at KES 60,000 per semester. JKUAT offers MSc Public Reproductive Health. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate public reproductive health training. MoH oversees reproductive health services in Kenya, and UNFPA and WHO support reproductive health programmes internationally.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. KU offers MPH in Reproductive Health through its School of Health Sciences. GLUK offers MSc Public Health at KES 60,000 per semester. JKUAT offers MSc Public Reproductive Health. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate public reproductive health training.
Public Health Officers and Technicians Council (PHOTC)
Professional accreditation
PHOTC regulates public health practice in Kenya. Graduates working in public health or reproductive health may benefit from PHOTC registration and certification.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Reproductive Health Officer
High demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Manages reproductive health programmes, overseeing maternal health, family planning, adolescent health, and supporting reproductive health services and programmes.
Maternal Health Coordinator
High demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Coordinates maternal health programmes, overseeing antenatal care, safe delivery, postnatal care, and supporting maternal health services and outcomes.
Family Planning Programme Manager
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Manages family planning programmes, overseeing contraceptive services, counselling, supply chain, and supporting family planning access and uptake.
Public Health Officer
High demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 450,000
Provides public health services, overseeing reproductive health, health education, disease prevention, and supporting public health programmes.
Reproductive Health Researcher
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Conducts reproductive health research, overseeing research projects, data collection, analysis, and supporting reproductive health evidence and policy.
University Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches public reproductive health in universities, conducting research and training future reproductive health professionals.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as reproductive health officers, maternal health coordinators, and family planning programme managers in health ministries, NGOs, and international organisations.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

SPSS
SoftwarePrimary
Statistical software for reproductive health research data analysis, survey data, maternal health data, family planning data, and statistical analysis.
Stata
SoftwarePrimary
Statistical software for epidemiological analysis, reproductive health data, survey analysis, DHS analysis, and research data analysis.
EpiInfo
Software
Public health software for data collection, surveillance, outbreak investigation, reproductive health data management, and epidemiological analysis.
DHIS2
Software
Health management information system for reproductive health data, maternal health indicators, family planning data, and health programme monitoring.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Public reproductive health is just about family planning.
The programme involves maternal health, adolescent health, reproductive epidemiology, HIV, sexual health, policy, programme management, and research, covering comprehensive public reproductive health.
This programme is only for nurses and midwives.
The programme accepts graduates from public health, nursing, medicine, sociology, social work, and related health and social science fields.
There is limited demand for reproductive health professionals in Kenya.
Kenya's maternal mortality, teen pregnancy, family planning needs, HIV, and reproductive health policy create high demand for qualified reproductive health professionals.
Reproductive health is only a women's issue.
Reproductive health involves men, youth, couples, and communities, and addressing it requires engaging all stakeholders, not just women.
Reproductive health programmes are only about clinical services.
Reproductive health programmes involve community education, policy advocacy, behaviour change, supply chain, and health systems strengthening, not just clinical services.
A master's in reproductive health is redundant after a public health degree.
The master's provides specialised reproductive health skills, programme management expertise, research capability, and career progression to senior reproductive health positions.