Doctor of Philosophy in Infection Biology
The Doctor of Philosophy in Infection Biology provides advanced research training in the biology of infectious diseases, covering host-pathogen interactions, immune responses, and molecular mechanisms of infection. Students study bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections, developing advanced research skills in infection biology. The programme is designed for graduates in biomedical sciences seeking doctoral research qualifications.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 250,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 750,000 to Ksh 1,000,000 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 300,000 a year at a private one.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of Master's Degree (Postgraduate) or above. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 3-4 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 Dental Ceramist, at 3 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
Students develop advanced competencies in molecular microbiology, immunology, pathogenesis, host-pathogen interactions, and diagnostic development. The curriculum covers advanced infection biology concepts and a doctoral thesis. Research skills are developed through independent laboratory research and field work.
Infection biology research is critical for Kenya's health sector. Infectious diseases remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Kenya. Research institutions, hospitals, and public health agencies require trained infection biologists. The programme addresses the demand for doctoral-level research training in infection biology.
The programme combines coursework with independent research, laboratory work, and thesis writing. Students study advanced infection biology concepts, design research projects, conduct laboratory research, and write a doctoral thesis. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, laboratory sessions, and research supervision.
Graduates find employment as research scientists, university lecturers, clinical microbiologists, or public health specialists in research institutions, universities, hospitals, and international health organisations. The doctoral degree supports careers in infection biology research, education, and public health.
This programme is ideal for biomedical science graduates seeking advanced research qualifications in infection biology. The programme provides advanced skills for pathogen research, diagnostic development, and public health microbiology.
What you study
8 subjects- Infection Biology
- Host-Pathogen Interactions
- Molecular Microbiology
- Immunology
- Pathogenesis
- Diagnostic Microbiology
- Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases
- Thesis Research
Modules
5 in the programmeAdvanced Infection Biology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Advanced study of host-pathogen interactions, infection mechanisms, and immune evasion strategies.
Molecular Microbiology of Infections
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Molecular techniques for studying pathogen genetics, virulence factors, and antimicrobial resistance.
Immunology of Infectious Diseases
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Advanced study of immune responses to infections, vaccine development, and immunopathology.
Diagnostic Microbiology and Epidemiology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Diagnostic methods for infectious diseases, molecular epidemiology, and outbreak investigation.
Doctoral Thesis Research
Year 2Semester 112 creditsCore
Independent doctoral research on an infection biology topic, demonstrating research competence and contributing to scientific knowledge.
Specialisations
Bacterial Pathogenesis
Focus on mechanisms of bacterial virulence, antibiotic resistance, and host immune responses to bacterial infections.
Viral Infections
Focus on viral pathogenesis, emerging viral infections, and antiviral strategies.
Antimicrobial Resistance
Focus on mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance, surveillance, and development of new treatment strategies.
A day as a student
A typical day combines laboratory research with academic writing and seminars. Students conduct molecular biology experiments, cell culture work, pathogen characterisation, and data analysis. Laboratory work provides hands-on experience with diagnostic and research techniques. Seminars develop analytical and presentation skills. Research involves real clinical isolates and public health challenges.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Infection biology research is critical for managing infectious diseases in Kenya and globally. | The programme is offered at only one institution, limiting accessibility. |
| Offered at JKUAT, a leading science and technology university with strong laboratory infrastructure. | Research funding can be competitive and limited. |
| Growing demand for infection biology expertise due to emerging pathogens and antimicrobial resistance. | Laboratory-based research requires significant time investment and specialised equipment. |
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 coursesAnnual 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
JKUAT ~170k/yr verified (jkuat.ac.ke). UoN 250k unverified. KeMU 144k/yr verified. AKU unverified.
HELB loans are available for eligible Kenyan students. International research grants may be available from WHO, CDC, and other health research organisations.
Funding options
HELB Loan
Scholarships
1 recordedHELB Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in doctoral programmes at chartered universities
Scholarships you could apply for
2 usable where it is taught- Chevening Scholarships Kenya
Closes 30 November 2026FullUK Government
Full masters in UK
- AfDB Japan Scholarship Program
Closes 28 February 2027FullAfrican Development Bank
Full graduate study abroad
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
Master's degree in Microbiology, Biomedical Sciences, or related discipline from a recognised university. Relevant research experience may be required.
When it next starts
Taught at 1 institutionIncluding Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.
Including Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.
Including Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.
How you are assessed
3 componentsCoursework and Seminars
Written examination30% of the mark
Coursework assessments, seminar presentations, and assignments evaluating understanding of infection biology concepts.
Research Proposal
Project20% of the mark
A research proposal for the doctoral thesis, evaluated and approved by a supervisory committee.
Doctoral Thesis Defence
Project50% of the mark
A doctoral thesis demonstrating original research in infection biology, defended before an examination panel.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Accredited by CUE through JKUAT, a chartered university.
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) through JKUAT, a chartered university.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesResearch Scientist
Moderate demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 450,000
Conducts infection biology research in research institutions, universities, or international health organisations.
University Lecturer
Moderate demand
Teaches microbiology and infection biology at universities, conducting research and supervising student projects.
Clinical Microbiologist
Moderate demand
Works in hospital laboratories diagnosing infectious diseases and advising on treatment strategies.
Public Health Specialist
Moderate demand
Advises public health agencies on infectious disease surveillance, prevention, and control programmes.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates find employment as research scientists, university lecturers, clinical microbiologists, and public health specialists in research institutions, universities, hospitals, and international health organisations.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Dental CeramistHealth Sciences3Low exposure
- Occupational Therapist AssistantHealth Sciences3Low exposure
- PsychologyHealth Sciences3Low exposure
- Dental ProsthetistHealth Sciences4Low exposure
- Dental Laboratory TechnicianHealth Sciences5Low exposure
- General DentistHealth Sciences5Low exposure
- Veterinary PathologistHealth Sciences5Low exposure
- Community Health NurseHealth Sciences6Low exposure
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Infection biology is the same as general microbiology.
Infection biology focuses specifically on the mechanisms of host-pathogen interactions and disease processes, integrating microbiology, immunology, and molecular biology.
A PhD in infection biology only leads to laboratory careers.
Graduates work in research institutions, universities, hospitals, public health agencies, pharmaceutical companies, and international health organisations.
Infection biology research is only relevant to tropical diseases.
Infection biology covers all infectious diseases, including emerging pathogens, antimicrobial resistance, and global health threats.
There are limited career opportunities for infection biology PhDs in Kenya.
Kenya's burden of infectious diseases creates significant demand for trained infection biologists in research and public health.