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Doctor of Philosophy in Biological Sciences

The Doctor of Philosophy in Biological Sciences is a doctoral programme offered at the University of Nairobi through the Department of Biology, School of Biological Sciences. It is a comprehensive programme offering ten specialisations covering the full breadth of biological research. The programme is designed to produce world-class scholars capable of advancing biological knowledge and its application to Kenyan and global challenges.

Duration
3-7 years
Next intake January 2027
Public tuition
Ksh 392,000
Ksh 1,176,000 to Ksh 2,744,000 total
Private tuition
Ksh 168,000
Ksh 504,000 to Ksh 1,176,000 total
Job market
High
Market demand for graduates

The short answer

What it costs
Up to Ksh 392,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 1,176,000 to Ksh 2,744,000 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 168,000 a year at a private one.The detail
Who can get in
A KCSE mean grade of Masters Degree or above, plus 1 subject grade. There is another way in without it.The detail
How long, and when
Takes 3-7 years, full-time, part-time, with 0 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 1 institution.The detail
Where it leads
8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Forensic DNA Scientist, at 15 out of 100.The detail

The programme

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

Overview

The programme offers ten specialisations: Plant Taxonomy and Economic Botany, Plant Ecology, Mycology, Medical Entomology, Genetics, Entomology, Hydrobiology, Biology of Conservation, Agricultural Entomology and general Biological Sciences. Students engage with advanced theoretical and practical topics relevant to their specialisation, supported by rigorous research methodology training.

Kenya's rich biodiversity, the need for conservation research, agricultural pest management and medical entomology for disease control create demand for doctoral-level biological sciences expertise. The programme supports Kenya's biodiversity conservation goals, agricultural development and public health initiatives.

Teaching is delivered through coursework and supervised research at the University of Nairobi's Chiromo campus. The programme runs for a minimum of three years and maximum of seven years. Annual tuition fees are KSh 360,000, with Year 1 total of KSh 392,000 and Year 3 total of KSh 437,000 including thesis examination.

Graduates pursue careers as university professors, biological researchers, conservation biologists, entomologists, geneticists and mycologists. They work in universities, KEMRI, KALRO, National Museums of Kenya, Kenya Wildlife Service and international research organisations.

The programme is ideal for individuals with backgrounds in biology, zoology, botany, genetics or related life sciences who wish to contribute original research to biological sciences.

What you study

10 subjects
  • Plant Taxonomy and Economic Botany
  • Plant Ecology
  • Mycology
  • Medical Entomology
  • Genetics
  • Entomology
  • Hydrobiology
  • Biology of Conservation
  • Agricultural Entomology
  • Research Methods in Biological Sciences

Modules

8 in the programme

  • Advanced Topics in Biological Sciences

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Advanced theoretical and practical topics in the chosen specialisation, exploring cutting-edge developments, theoretical frameworks, and research methodologies at the forefront of the discipline.

  • Research Methods in Biological Sciences

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Research design, methodology and statistical analysis, covering quantitative and qualitative approaches, data collection techniques, and analytical frameworks relevant to doctoral-level research.

  • Specialisation Coursework

    Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore

    Specialised courses in one of 10 areas of biological sciences, covering theoretical foundations, practical methodologies, and contemporary research developments relevant to doctoral study in this.

  • Field and Laboratory Techniques

    Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore

    Advanced field and laboratory methods for biological research, providing hands-on experience through laboratory work, field exercises, and practical applications of theoretical concepts.

  • Biostatistics and Data Analysis

    Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore

    Statistical methods for biological data analysis, including probability theory, hypothesis testing, regression analysis, and statistical software applications for doctoral research.

  • Scientific Communication

    Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore

    Writing and presenting scientific research, covering communication theories, media analysis, and their application in contemporary information environments.

  • Departmental Seminars

    Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore

    Research presentations and peer review of doctoral work, providing a platform for doctoral candidates to present research findings, engage with peer feedback, and explore contemporary debates in.

  • Thesis Research

    Year 3Semester 26 creditsCore

    Doctoral thesis research and dissertation writing, involving original research, literature review, data analysis, and the production of a doctoral dissertation contributing new knowledge to the.

Specialisations

  • Medical Entomology

    Insects of medical importance and disease vectors

  • Conservation Biology

    Conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems

  • Plant Taxonomy and Economic Botany

    Classification and economic uses of plants

  • Genetics

    Genetic research across organisms

A day as a student

A typical day varies by specialisation but generally involves conducting field or laboratory research, examining biological specimens under the microscope, analysing data using statistical software, reviewing scientific literature, attending seminars on biological sciences, meeting with supervisors to discuss research progress, and engaging with research institutions for collaboration.

The trade-offs

In its favourAgainst it
10 specialisations covering the full breadth of biological sciencesField research can be logistically challenging and expensive
Kenya's rich biodiversity provides exceptional research opportunitiesLimited funding for biological research in Kenya
Access to NMK, KWS, KEMRI and KALRO for research collaborationBroad programme may require self-directed specialisation

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
Public367k to 392k
367k at Kenyatta University392k at University of Nairobi
Private150k to 168k
150k at Mount Kenya University168k at Kenya Methodist 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 392K/yr (biology.uonbi.ac.ke). KU 367.2K (ku.ac.ke). MKU 150K, KeMU 168K/yr (eafinder).

HELB provides postgraduate loans. DAAD offers scholarships for postgraduate study. NACOSTI provides research grants for science and technology research. KWS and NMK may offer research collaboration opportunities for conservation-related research.

Funding options

  • HELB Postgraduate Loan

  • DAAD Kenya Scholarship

  • NACOSTI Research Grant

Scholarships

3 recorded

  • DAAD Kenya Scholarship

    ScholarshipKenyan

    Postgraduate students in Kenya

  • HELB Postgraduate Scholarship

    LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan

    Kenyan postgraduate students

  • NACOSTI Research Grant

    GrantKenyan

    Science and technology researchers in Kenya

Scholarships you could apply for

2 usable where it is taught
Save one and be reminded before it closes

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade
Masters Degreeminimum entry
Alternative entry

Holders of MSc in Biological and Physical Sciences, Bioinformatics, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry from UoN or equivalent from a recognised university. Must submit a detailed doctoral research proposal at the time of applying for admission.

Subject requirements
MSc in Biological Sciences, Bioinformatics, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacy or DentistryRelevant Masters from recognised university

When it next starts

Taught at 1 institution
January 20271 institution

Including Moi University.

May 20271 institution

Including Moi University.

September 20271 institution

Including Moi University.

How you are assessed

3 components

  • Thesis

    Thesis50% of the mark

    Doctoral thesis research, submission and oral defence

  • Thesis Proposal Defence

    Oral defence20% of the mark

    Defence of detailed doctoral research proposal before departmental panel

  • Coursework

    Continuous assessment30% of the mark

    Assignments, laboratory reports and seminar presentations

Accreditation

  • Commission for University Education

    AcademicRequired

    Statutory body responsible for accreditation of university programmes in Kenya

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Offered at the University of Nairobi (Department of Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Chiromo campus). Programme code I80. The programme offers 10 specialisations and runs for 3-7 years.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

  • Geneticist

    High demandKsh 170,000 to Ksh 420,000

    Genetics research at universities and research institutes

  • Entomology Researcher

    High demandKsh 160,000 to Ksh 400,000

    Research on insects at KEMRI, KALRO and research institutes

  • University Professor

    High demandKsh 180,000 to Ksh 450,000

    Teaching and research in biology and life science departments

  • Conservation Biologist

    Moderate demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 380,000

    Conservation research at KWS, NMK and conservation organisations

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as university professors, biological researchers, conservation biologists and entomologists. They work at NMK, KWS, KEMRI, KALRO, universities and international research organisations.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Certifications

Common misconceptions

  • Biological sciences is a general degree with no focus.

    The programme offers 10 distinct specialisations from plant taxonomy to medical entomology.

  • There is no demand for biology PhDs in Kenya.

    Kenya's biodiversity, conservation needs and disease challenges create demand across specialisations.

  • Biological research is purely descriptive.

    The programme uses molecular techniques, statistical analysis, field experiments and computational methods.

  • Biology is only for teaching careers.

    Graduates work in research, conservation, agriculture, health and environmental management.

Further reading

Read next