Science

Master of Science Zoological Sciences

The Master of Science in Zoological Sciences is a postgraduate programme that prepares professionals for advanced practice in zoological research, animal biology, and wildlife conservation. The programme combines zoological science theory with research methodology and practical field application.

Core areas include animal ecology, entomology, parasitology, animal physiology, aquatic ecology, fisheries science, conservation biology, research methods, and thesis. Students engage with both zoological theory and practical field and laboratory research through coursework and thesis.

The programme is offered by Kenyatta University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Pwani University, and University of Eldoret. All are public universities offering the programme over two academic years through full-time and part-time modes of study.

Students develop competencies in animal ecology, entomology, parasitology, animal physiology, aquatic ecology, fisheries science, conservation biology, and research methods. The programme includes coursework, laboratory practicals, field research, examinations, and a research thesis.

JKUAT charges KES 140,000/year. Pwani University charges KES 130,000/year. MMUST charges approximately KES 124,000/year (KES 62,000/semester). Entry requires a Bachelor's degree with Second Class Honours Upper Division in zoology, biological sciences, or related fields from a recognised university.

Graduates pursue careers as zoological researchers, conservation biologists, entomologists, parasitologists, fisheries scientists, and lecturers in zoological sciences across research institutions, government, wildlife organisations, and universities.

Skills Required

Zoological Research and Analysis
Animal Ecology and Conservation
Entomology and Pest Management
Parasitology and Disease Control
Animal Physiology and Biochemistry
Aquatic Ecology and Fisheries Science
Conservation Biology and Wildlife Management
Field Research and Data Collection
Research Methods in Zoological Sciences
Academic Writing and Thesis Research

Key Subjects

Animal Ecology and Behaviour
Systematic Zoology and Taxonomy
Entomology and Pest Management
Parasitology and Vector Biology
Animal Physiology and Biochemistry
Aquatic Ecology and Fisheries
Conservation Biology and Wildlife Management
Research Methods in Zoological Sciences
Biostatistics
Thesis Research

Certifications

KWS Wildlife Professional Certification
Kenya Veterinary Board Parasitology Certification

Specializations

Animal Ecology

Focuses on animal ecology, covering population ecology, community ecology, behavioural ecology, ecosystem dynamics, and managing animal ecology research.

Entomology

Examines entomology, covering insect biology, insect taxonomy, pest management, medical entomology, and managing entomological research.

Parasitology

Covers parasitology, covering parasite biology, host-parasite relationships, parasitic diseases, vector biology, and managing parasitological research.

Animal Physiology

Focuses on animal physiology, covering comparative physiology, ecological physiology, reproductive physiology, and managing physiological research.

Aquatic Ecology

Examines aquatic ecology, covering freshwater ecology, marine ecology, aquatic ecosystems, fisheries, and managing aquatic ecology research.

Conservation Biology

Covers conservation biology, covering biodiversity conservation, endangered species, protected area management, and managing conservation programmes.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 326,400
Private, up to: Ksh 350,000
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

Animal Ecology and Behaviour
Systematic Zoology and Taxonomy
Entomology and Pest Management
Parasitology and Vector Biology
Animal Physiology and Biochemistry
Aquatic Ecology and Fisheries
Conservation Biology and Wildlife Management
Research Methods in Zoological Sciences
Biostatistics
Thesis Research

Modules

12 in the programme

Animal Ecology and Behaviour
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines population dynamics, community ecology, behavioural ecology, ecosystem interactions, and managing animal ecology research.
Systematic Zoology and Taxonomy
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers animal classification, systematics, phylogenetics, taxonomy, biodiversity, and managing zoological classification.
Research Methods in Zoological Sciences
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research design, data collection, analysis, ethical issues, and conducting zoological research, preparing students for their thesis.
Biostatistics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines statistical methods, data analysis, experimental design, biological statistics, and managing zoological data analysis.
Entomology and Pest Management
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers insect biology, insect taxonomy, pest management, medical entomology, vector control, and managing entomological research.
Parasitology and Vector Biology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines parasite biology, host-parasite relationships, parasitic diseases, vector biology, epidemiology, and managing parasitological research.
Animal Physiology and Biochemistry
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers comparative physiology, ecological physiology, reproductive physiology, enzymology, biochemistry, and managing physiological research.
Aquatic Ecology and Fisheries
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines freshwater ecology, marine ecology, aquatic ecosystems, fisheries science, aquaculture, and managing aquatic ecology research.
Conservation Biology and Wildlife Management
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers biodiversity conservation, endangered species, protected area management, habitat management, human-wildlife conflict, and managing conservation programmes.
Cell and Molecular Biology
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, genomics, molecular techniques, and managing molecular zoological research.
Environmental Toxicology
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers environmental toxicology, ecotoxicology, pollutant effects, bioaccumulation, risk assessment, and managing environmental toxicology research.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research thesis on a zoological sciences topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and zoological knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Animal Ecology
Focuses on animal ecology, covering population ecology, community ecology, behavioural ecology, ecosystem dynamics, and managing animal ecology research.
Entomology
Examines entomology, covering insect biology, insect taxonomy, pest management, medical entomology, and managing entomological research.
Parasitology
Covers parasitology, covering parasite biology, host-parasite relationships, parasitic diseases, vector biology, and managing parasitological research.
Animal Physiology
Focuses on animal physiology, covering comparative physiology, ecological physiology, reproductive physiology, and managing physiological research.
Aquatic Ecology
Examines aquatic ecology, covering freshwater ecology, marine ecology, aquatic ecosystems, fisheries, and managing aquatic ecology research.
Conservation Biology
Covers conservation biology, covering biodiversity conservation, endangered species, protected area management, and managing conservation programmes.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc in Zoological Sciences programme combines lectures, laboratory practicals, field exercises, seminars, and independent study. Sessions cover animal ecology, entomology, parasitology, animal physiology, and conservation biology. Animal ecology sessions examine population dynamics, community ecology, behavioural ecology, ecosystem interactions, and managing animal ecology research. Entomology sessions cover insect biology, insect taxonomy, pest management, medical entomology, and managing entomological research. Parasitology sessions cover parasite biology, host-parasite relationships, parasitic diseases, vector biology, and managing parasitological research. Animal physiology sessions cover comparative physiology, ecological physiology, reproductive physiology, enzymology, and managing physiological research. Aquatic ecology sessions cover freshwater ecology, marine ecology, aquatic ecosystems, fisheries science, and managing aquatic ecology research. Conservation biology sessions cover biodiversity conservation, endangered species, protected area management, habitat management, and managing conservation programmes. Research methods sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering research design, data collection, statistical analysis, and scientific writing. Laboratory practicals provide hands-on experience with microscopy, specimen identification, physiological measurements, parasitological techniques, and entomological methods. Field exercises provide practical experience with animal surveys, ecological sampling, field data collection, and wildlife monitoring. Seminars and discussion groups provide opportunities for debating current issues in zoological sciences. Guest lectures from experienced zoologists, conservationists, and researchers provide practical insights. The programme culminates in a research thesis on a zoological sciences topic.

The trade offs

In its favour

Programme is offered by multiple universities (KU, JKUAT, Pwani, UoE), providing institutional choice.
Programme offers diverse specialisations including ecology, entomology, parasitology, physiology, and conservation.
Fees are relatively affordable, ranging from KES 124,000/year (MMUST) to KES 140,000/year (JKUAT).
Programme combines theoretical science with practical field and laboratory research, providing versatile skills.

Against it

Career prospects may be concentrated in research institutions and government, limiting private sector options.
Programme requires science background in zoology or biological sciences, which limits access.
No private university confirmed offering this exact programme, limiting options.
Some specialisations may have limited job market demand compared to applied sciences.

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 326k

131k at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology326k at Kenyatta University

Private150k to 350k

150k at Kabarak University350k at USIU-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

KU 326K/yr ku.ac.ke; MMUST 131K/yr. Private unverified.

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. KWS may provide training support for wildlife professionals. National Research Fund may provide research grants for zoological sciences research. Some research institutions and conservation organisations may sponsor staff for postgraduate study.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
KWS Training Support
National Research Fund (NRF)

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities.
KWS Training Support
ScholarshipKsh 150,000Kenyan
Kenya Wildlife Service provides training support for wildlife professionals.
National Research Fund Grant
GrantKsh 500,000Kenyan
National Research Fund provides research grants for postgraduate research in Kenya.

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 Upper Second Class Honours in zoology, biological sciences, or related field. Lower Second Division holders with relevant experience or research publications are considered. 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
Examination40% of the mark
Written examinations covering animal ecology, entomology, parasitology, animal physiology, and conservation biology.
Laboratory and Field Assessment
Practical30% of the mark
Practical assessment through laboratory exercises, field surveys, specimen identification, ecological sampling, and demonstrating zoological skills.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on a zoological sciences topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and zoological knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Kenyatta University, JKUAT, Pwani University, and University of Eldoret (all public) offer MSc in Zoology or Zoological Sciences. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate training in zoological sciences. Graduates are eligible for KWS wildlife professional certification and Kenya Veterinary Board parasitology certification.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. Kenyatta University, JKUAT, Pwani University, and University of Eldoret (all public) offer MSc in Zoology or Zoological Sciences. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate training in zoological sciences. Graduates are eligible for KWS wildlife professional certification and Kenya Veterinary Board parasitology certification.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Zoological Researcher
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Conducts zoological research, overseeing animal biology research, data analysis, publication, and managing zoological research projects.
Conservation Biologist
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Manages conservation programmes, overseeing biodiversity assessment, species monitoring, habitat management, and managing conservation operations.
Entomologist
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Conducts entomological research, overseeing insect studies, pest management, vector control, and managing entomological programmes.
Parasitologist
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Conducts parasitological research, overseeing parasite studies, disease surveillance, vector management, and managing parasitological programmes.
Fisheries Scientist
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Manages fisheries programmes, overseeing fisheries assessment, aquatic ecosystem monitoring, stock management, and managing fisheries research.
Zoology Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches zoological sciences at university or college level, overseeing instruction, research, field supervision, and academic supervision.

Graduate outcomes

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

SPSS
SoftwarePrimary
SPSS statistical software for zoological research, covering data analysis, statistical tests, and managing research data.
R
Software
R statistical software for ecological data analysis, covering statistical modelling, biodiversity analysis, and managing ecological data.
GIS
Software
GIS for ecological mapping, covering spatial analysis, habitat mapping, species distribution, and managing ecological spatial data.
Microscopy Imaging Software
Software
Microscopy imaging software for zoological specimens, covering image analysis, morphometrics, specimen identification, and managing microscopy data.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Zoological sciences is just about studying animals in zoos.
Zoological sciences covers comprehensive animal biology including ecology, physiology, parasitology, entomology, conservation, and fisheries science.
This programme is only for those working in wildlife conservation.
Zoological sciences skills are valuable in research institutions, public health, agriculture, veterinary services, environmental management, and any organisation dealing with animal biology.
Zoological sciences has limited career prospects in Kenya.
With growing conservation needs, public health challenges, and agricultural development, demand for zoological sciences professionals remains steady in Kenya.
Parasitology is just about worms.
Parasitology covers comprehensive parasite biology including protozoa, helminths, arthropods, host-parasite interactions, and disease ecology.
Entomology is just about collecting insects.
Entomology covers insect biology, pest management, medical entomology, pollination ecology, and forensic entomology.
Conservation biology is just about protecting animals.
Conservation biology covers biodiversity, habitat management, human-wildlife conflict, policy, and sustainable resource use.