Health Sciences

Master of Veterinary Theriogenology

The Master of Veterinary Theriogenology provides advanced training in animal reproduction, obstetrics, andrology, and reproductive biotechnology. Students learn theriogenology, reproductive physiology, artificial insemination, embryo transfer, and reproductive disease management. The programme is designed for veterinary graduates seeking advanced animal reproduction qualifications.

Students develop advanced competencies in animal reproduction, reproductive surgery, artificial insemination, embryo transfer, pregnancy diagnosis, and reproductive disease management. The curriculum covers theriogenology, reproductive physiology, research methods, and a research thesis. Practical skills are developed through clinical work and laboratory sessions.

Theriogenology expertise is critical for Kenya's livestock and veterinary sectors. Livestock farmers, veterinary practices, research institutions, and breeding organisations require trained theriogenologists. Kenya's livestock industry and food security goals create demand for animal reproduction expertise. The programme addresses the demand for advanced veterinary theriogenology training.

The programme combines classroom lectures with clinical work, laboratory sessions, and research. Students study theriogenology concepts, handle reproductive cases, perform reproductive procedures, and conduct research. Teaching methods include lectures, clinical rotations, laboratory sessions, and research supervision. The programme is offered through the Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.

Graduates find employment as veterinary theriogenologists, reproductive consultants, or veterinary researchers in veterinary practices, breeding organisations, research institutions, and government agencies. The master's degree supports careers in animal reproduction, veterinary practice, and reproductive biotechnology. Graduates can register as consultants with the Kenya Veterinary Board.

This programme is ideal for veterinary graduates seeking advanced animal reproduction qualifications. The programme provides advanced skills for managing reproductive problems, performing reproductive procedures, and improving animal productivity.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 722,500
Job market: Low

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 10 students
Award: Master

What you study

10 subjects

Theriogenology and Animal Reproduction
Reproductive Physiology
Artificial Insemination and Semen Technology
Embryo Transfer and Reproductive Biotechnology
Obstetrics and Parturition
Reproductive Diseases and Disorders
Andrology and Male Reproduction
Research Methods
Pregnancy Diagnosis and Management
Thesis Research

Modules

8 in the programme

Theriogenology and Reproductive Physiology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Theriogenology covering reproductive physiology of male and female animals, reproductive cycles, hormonal regulation, and reproductive organ function.
Artificial Insemination and Semen Technology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Artificial insemination covering semen collection, evaluation, processing, cryopreservation, and insemination techniques in various animal species.
Obstetrics and Parturition
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Obstetrics covering normal and abnormal parturition, dystocia management, caesarean section, and post-partum care in animals.
Research Methods and Statistics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Research methods covering research design, statistical analysis, veterinary research, and research ethics.
Embryo Transfer and Reproductive Biotechnology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Embryo transfer covering superovulation, embryo collection, embryo transfer techniques, and reproductive biotechnology including IVF and cloning.
Reproductive Diseases and Disorders
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Reproductive diseases covering infectious and non-infectious reproductive disorders, infertility, abortion, and reproductive disease management.
Andrology and Clinical Reproduction
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Andrology covering male reproduction, semen disorders, breeding soundness evaluation, and clinical reproduction practice.
Thesis Research and Defence
Year 2Semester 16 creditsCore
A research thesis on a veterinary theriogenology topic, demonstrating research competence and contributing to animal reproduction knowledge.

Specialisations

Artificial Insemination and Semen Technology
Focus on semen collection, processing, cryopreservation, and artificial insemination techniques.
Embryo Transfer and Biotechnology
Focus on embryo transfer, superovulation, IVF, and reproductive biotechnology.
Reproductive Surgery and Obstetrics
Focus on reproductive surgery, caesarean section, dystocia management, and obstetric procedures.

A day as a student

A typical day combines morning lectures on theriogenology or reproductive physiology with afternoon clinical rotations and laboratory sessions. Students study animal reproduction concepts, handle reproductive cases, perform reproductive procedures, and conduct research. Clinical work provides hands-on experience with pregnancy diagnosis, artificial insemination, and reproductive surgery. Laboratory sessions develop skills in semen analysis and embryo transfer. Research projects involve real animal reproduction challenges. The programme emphasises clinical competence, reproductive skills, and research capabilities.

The trade offs

In its favour

Graduates can register as consultants with the Kenya Veterinary Board, providing professional recognition.
Offered at UoN's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kenya's premier veterinary training institution.
Animal reproduction expertise is critical for Kenya's livestock industry and food security goals.

Against it

The programme is expensive at KES 722,500/year for a public university programme.
Requires a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine degree, limiting eligibility to veterinary graduates only.
Career opportunities are specialised and may be limited in number, particularly outside major agricultural areas.

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

Public241k to 723k

241k at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology723k at University of Nairobi

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 722,500/yr (uonbi.ac.ke). JKUAT & private unverified.

HELB loans are available for eligible Kenyan students. Veterinary research grants may be available from livestock and agricultural research organisations. International veterinary organisations may offer scholarships.

Funding options

HELB Loan

Scholarships

1 recorded

HELB Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in master's programmes at chartered universities

Getting in

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

What you need

Alternative entry: Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine degree from a recognised university. The programme is designed for qualified veterinarians seeking specialised training in animal reproduction.

How you are assessed

3 components

Coursework and Examinations
Written examination40% of the mark
Coursework assessments, written examinations, and assignments evaluating understanding of veterinary theriogenology concepts.
Clinical and Laboratory Work
Practical30% of the mark
Clinical rotation assessments, laboratory evaluations, and practical assignments evaluating reproductive clinical skills.
Thesis Defence
Project30% of the mark
A research thesis demonstrating research competence in veterinary theriogenology, defended before an examination panel.

Accreditation

UoN is chartered by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The Master's programme is accredited by CUE. Graduates can register as consultants with the Kenya Veterinary Board.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
UoN is chartered by CUE. Master's programme accredited by CUE. Graduates can register as consultants with the Kenya Veterinary Board.
Kenya Veterinary Board
ProfessionalRequired
Graduates eligible for consultant registration with the Kenya Veterinary Board.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

3 roles

Veterinary Theriogenologist
Low demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 500,000
Specialises in animal reproduction in veterinary practices or breeding organisations, managing reproductive health, artificial insemination, and embryo transfer.
Reproductive Consultant
Moderate demand
Provides consultancy on animal reproduction and breeding for livestock farms, breeding organisations, and government agencies, registered with the Kenya Veterinary Board.
Veterinary Researcher
Low demand
Conducts research in animal reproduction, reproductive biotechnology, and reproductive diseases in research institutions or universities.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates find employment as veterinary theriogenologists and reproductive consultants in veterinary practices, breeding organisations, research institutions, and government agencies, with opportunities for animal reproduction and reproductive biotechnology.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Theriogenology is just about helping animals mate.
Theriogenology covers the full spectrum of animal reproduction including reproductive physiology, diseases, surgery, biotechnology, and obstetrics, not just mating assistance.
Veterinary theriogenology has limited career opportunities.
Theriogenologists are in demand in breeding organisations, veterinary practices, research institutions, and the livestock industry, with opportunities for consultancy.
Artificial insemination is the main skill in theriogenology.
While artificial insemination is important, theriogenology also covers embryo transfer, reproductive surgery, disease management, and reproductive biotechnology.
Theriogenology is only for livestock.
Theriogenology covers reproduction in all animal species including livestock, companion animals, wildlife, and exotic species.