Science

Master of Science in Reproductive Biology

The Master of Science in Reproductive Biology is a postgraduate programme that prepares professionals for advanced practice in reproductive biology, fertility studies, and reproductive health research. The programme provides specialised training in reproductive physiology, endocrinology, gamete biology, embryology, reproductive pathology, and assisted reproductive technologies.

Core areas include reproductive physiology, reproductive endocrinology, gamete and embryo biology, reproductive pathology, assisted reproductive technologies, research methods, and thesis. Students engage with both theoretical and practical work through coursework, laboratory sessions, and research.

The programme is offered by South Eastern Kenya University and the University of Eldoret as public institutions. The programme is available in full-time and part-time modes over two years, combining coursework with research.

Students develop competencies in reproductive physiology, endocrinology, gamete biology, embryology, reproductive pathology, and research. The programme includes coursework, examinations, laboratory work, and a supervised research thesis, preparing graduates for reproductive biology research and clinical roles.

SEKU charges approximately KES 232,000 per year. The University of Eldoret also offers the programme but fee data is not publicly available. No private university confirmed offering this programme. Entry requires at least an Upper Second Class Honours degree in a relevant biological or medical field from a recognised institution.

Graduates pursue careers as reproductive biologists, embryologists, fertility researchers, reproductive health specialists, clinical scientists, and lecturers across research institutions, hospitals, fertility clinics, universities, and health organisations.

Skills Required

Reproductive Physiology and Endocrinology
Gamete and Embryo Biology
Assisted Reproductive Technologies
Reproductive Pathology
Fertility Research Methods
Cell and Molecular Biology of Reproduction
Reproductive Health and Epidemiology
Laboratory Techniques in Reproductive Biology
Research Methods in Reproductive Science
Academic Writing and Thesis Research

Key Subjects

Reproductive Physiology and Endocrinology
Gamete and Embryo Biology
Assisted Reproductive Technologies
Reproductive Pathology
Cell and Molecular Biology of Reproduction
Fertility Research Methods
Reproductive Health and Epidemiology
Laboratory Techniques in Reproductive Biology
Research Methods in Reproductive Science
Thesis Research

Certifications

KEMRI Professional Membership
IFFS Professional Membership

Specializations

Reproductive Physiology

Focuses on reproductive physiology, covering physiology, reproduction, endocrinology, hormones, and managing reproductive physiology and endocrine systems.

Gamete and Embryo Biology

Examines gamete and embryo biology, covering gametes, embryos, fertilisation, development, and managing gamete and embryo biology.

Assisted Reproductive Technologies

Covers assisted reproductive technologies, covering ART, IVF, ICSI, embryology, and managing assisted reproductive technologies.

Reproductive Pathology

Focuses on reproductive pathology, covering pathology, reproduction, diseases, disorders, and managing reproductive pathology and disorders.

Reproductive Endocrinology

Examines reproductive endocrinology, covering endocrinology, hormones, reproduction, regulation, and managing reproductive endocrine systems.

Fertility Preservation

Covers fertility preservation, covering fertility, preservation, cryopreservation, gametes, and managing fertility preservation techniques.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 150,000
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: 20 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Reproductive Physiology and Endocrinology
Gamete and Embryo Biology
Assisted Reproductive Technologies
Reproductive Pathology
Cell and Molecular Biology of Reproduction
Fertility Research Methods
Reproductive Health and Epidemiology
Laboratory Techniques in Reproductive Biology
Research Methods in Reproductive Science
Thesis Research

Modules

12 in the programme

Reproductive Physiology and Endocrinology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines reproductive physiology, covering physiology, reproduction, endocrinology, hormones, and managing reproductive physiology and endocrine systems.
Gamete and Embryo Biology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers gamete and embryo biology, covering gametes, embryos, fertilisation, development, and managing gamete and embryo biology.
Cell and Molecular Biology of Reproduction
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines cell and molecular biology, covering cells, molecular, reproduction, genetics, and managing cell and molecular biology of reproduction.
Reproductive Pathology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers reproductive pathology, covering pathology, reproduction, diseases, disorders, and managing reproductive pathology and disorders.
Assisted Reproductive Technologies
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines assisted reproductive technologies, covering ART, IVF, ICSI, embryology, and managing assisted reproductive technologies.
Reproductive Health and Epidemiology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers reproductive health and epidemiology, covering health, reproduction, epidemiology, public, and managing reproductive health and epidemiology.
Laboratory Techniques in Reproductive Biology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines laboratory techniques, covering techniques, laboratory, reproductive, microscopy, and managing laboratory techniques in reproductive biology.
Research Methods in Reproductive Science
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers research, methods, reproductive, design, and conducting research in reproductive science, preparing students for their thesis.
Comparative Reproductive Biology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines comparative reproductive biology, covering comparative, reproduction, animals, species, and managing comparative reproductive biology.
Fertility Preservation and Cryopreservation
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers fertility preservation, covering fertility, preservation, cryopreservation, gametes, and managing fertility preservation techniques.
Reproductive Toxicology
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines reproductive toxicology, covering toxicology, reproduction, toxins, effects, and managing reproductive toxicology and environmental effects.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 212 creditsCore
Original supervised research thesis on a reproductive biology topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and reproductive biology knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Reproductive Physiology
Focuses on reproductive physiology, covering physiology, reproduction, endocrinology, hormones, and managing reproductive physiology and endocrine systems.
Gamete and Embryo Biology
Examines gamete and embryo biology, covering gametes, embryos, fertilisation, development, and managing gamete and embryo biology.
Assisted Reproductive Technologies
Covers assisted reproductive technologies, covering ART, IVF, ICSI, embryology, and managing assisted reproductive technologies.
Reproductive Pathology
Focuses on reproductive pathology, covering pathology, reproduction, diseases, disorders, and managing reproductive pathology and disorders.
Reproductive Endocrinology
Examines reproductive endocrinology, covering endocrinology, hormones, reproduction, regulation, and managing reproductive endocrine systems.
Fertility Preservation
Covers fertility preservation, covering fertility, preservation, cryopreservation, gametes, and managing fertility preservation techniques.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc in Reproductive Biology programme combines lectures, laboratory sessions, seminars, and independent study. Sessions cover reproductive physiology, endocrinology, gamete biology, embryology, and reproductive pathology. Reproductive physiology sessions examine physiology, reproduction, endocrinology, hormones, and managing reproductive physiology. Endocrinology sessions cover endocrinology, hormones, reproduction, regulation, and managing reproductive endocrine systems. Gamete biology sessions cover gametes, sperm, oocytes, biology, and managing gamete biology. Embryology sessions cover embryos, development, fertilisation, cleavage, and managing embryo biology and development. Assisted reproductive technology sessions cover ART, IVF, ICSI, embryology, and managing assisted reproductive technologies. Reproductive pathology sessions cover pathology, reproduction, diseases, disorders, and managing reproductive pathology. Cell and molecular biology sessions cover cells, molecular, reproduction, genetics, and managing cell and molecular biology of reproduction. Research methods sessions cover research, methods, reproductive, design, and conducting research in reproductive science. Laboratory sessions provide practical experience in gamete handling, embryo culture, hormonal assays, and microscopy techniques. Seminars provide opportunities for presenting research findings and discussing current developments in reproductive biology. The programme culminates in a supervised research thesis on a reproductive biology topic.

The trade offs

In its favour

Programme provides specialised training in reproductive biology, a growing field in Kenya and globally.
Programme combines theoretical knowledge with practical laboratory sessions.
Graduates are eligible for KEMRI professional membership and IFFS certification.
Programme is relevant to fertility clinics, wildlife conservation, and livestock breeding sectors.

Against it

Only two public universities confirmed offering this programme with limited fee data.
No private university confirmed offering this programme.
Programme requires strong background in biological sciences or medicine.
Career paths may be limited compared to broader biological science programmes.

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

Public150k to 150k

150k at South Eastern Kenya University150k at South Eastern Kenya 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

SEKU ~150K/yr (tuition 120K+statutory 32.5K) tuko.co.ke. Private unverified.

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. Universities may offer scholarships for eligible students. KEMRI and international health research organisations may offer research grants and fellowships for reproductive biology research.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
University Scholarship
KEMRI Research Grant

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities.
University Scholarship
ScholarshipKsh 232,000Kenyan
Universities may offer scholarships for eligible postgraduate reproductive biology students.
KEMRI Research Grant
ScholarshipKsh 300,000Kenyan
KEMRI and international health research organisations may offer research grants for reproductive biology research.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: Most universities require at least an Upper Second Class Honours degree in a relevant field. Lower Second Class may be considered with relevant work experience or postgraduate diplomas. 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 reproductive physiology, endocrinology, gamete biology, embryology, and reproductive pathology.
Laboratory Assessment
Project40% of the mark
Practical assessment through laboratory work, demonstrating gamete handling, embryo culture, hormonal assays, and microscopy skills.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original supervised research thesis on a reproductive biology topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and reproductive biology knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). South Eastern Kenya University and University of Eldoret (public) offer MSc in Reproductive Biology. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate training in reproductive biology. Graduates may interact with KEMRI for medical research standards and IFFS for international reproductive science standards. The programme aligns with ESHRE global reproductive science frameworks.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. South Eastern Kenya University and University of Eldoret (public) offer MSc in Reproductive Biology. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate training in reproductive biology. Graduates may interact with KEMRI for medical research standards and IFFS for international reproductive science standards. The programme aligns with ESHRE global reproductive science frameworks.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Reproductive Biologist
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 400,000
Conducts reproductive biology research, overseeing research, reproduction, biology, and managing reproductive biology research.
Embryologist
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 450,000
Manages embryology laboratory, covering embryos, IVF, culture, and managing embryology and assisted reproduction.
Fertility Researcher
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 400,000
Conducts fertility research, covering fertility, research, reproduction, and managing fertility research and development.
Reproductive Health Specialist
High demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 450,000
Manages reproductive health programmes, covering health, reproduction, programmes, and managing reproductive health programmes.
Clinical Scientist
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 450,000
Conducts clinical laboratory science, covering clinical, laboratory, reproduction, and managing clinical reproductive science.
Reproductive Biology Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 400,000
Teaches reproductive biology at university or college level, overseeing instruction, research, and academic supervision.

Graduate outcomes

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Microscopy Software
SoftwarePrimary
Microscopy software for gamete and embryo analysis, covering microscopy, imaging, gametes, and managing microscopic analysis of reproductive cells.
SPSS
Software
SPSS for statistical analysis of reproductive data, covering statistics, analysis, data, and managing reproductive research data.
ImageJ
Software
ImageJ for biological image analysis, covering imaging, analysis, biology, and managing biological image analysis.
R Statistical Software
Software
R for statistical analysis of reproductive biology data, covering statistics, analysis, data, and managing reproductive biology data analysis.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Reproductive biology is just about human reproduction.
Reproductive biology covers both human and animal reproduction, including comparative reproductive physiology, wildlife reproduction, and livestock fertility.
This programme is only for medical doctors.
Reproductive biology is for professionals from biology, zoology, biochemistry, physiology, and veterinary medicine backgrounds, not just medical doctors.
Reproductive biology has limited career prospects in Kenya.
Reproductive biology graduates are in demand in research institutions, fertility clinics, universities, wildlife conservation, and livestock breeding programmes.
This programme is the same as reproductive health.
Reproductive biology focuses on the biological and physiological mechanisms of reproduction, while reproductive health focuses on public health, policy, and clinical care.
Reproductive biology is only about fertility treatment.
Reproductive biology covers gamete biology, embryology, endocrinology, pathology, and conservation beyond just fertility treatment.
You need to work in a hospital with this degree.
Reproductive biology graduates work in research laboratories, universities, wildlife conservation, livestock breeding, and pharmaceutical companies, not just hospitals.