Health Sciences

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.

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.

Duration: 3-4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 250,000
Private, up to: Ksh 300,000
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: 8 students
Award: PhD

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 programme

Advanced 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

Infection biology research is critical for managing infectious diseases in Kenya and globally.
Offered at JKUAT, a leading science and technology university with strong laboratory infrastructure.
Growing demand for infection biology expertise due to emerging pathogens and antimicrobial resistance.

Against it

The programme is offered at only one institution, limiting accessibility.
Research funding can be competitive and limited.
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 courses

Public170k to 250k

170k at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology250k at University of Nairobi

Private144k to 300k

144k at Kenya Methodist University300k at Aga Khan 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

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 recorded

HELB Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in doctoral programmes at chartered universities

Getting in

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

What you need

Alternative entry: Master's degree in Microbiology, Biomedical Sciences, or related discipline from a recognised university. Relevant research experience may be required.

How you are assessed

3 components

Coursework 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

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) through JKUAT, a chartered university.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Accredited by CUE through JKUAT, a chartered university.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

Research 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

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.