Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy
The Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy provides advanced training in systemic family therapy, grounded in a Christian worldview that presents a holistic perspective of human nature. The programme focuses on the strengths and resiliency of family systems and communal resources to restore and build healthy family relationships. Students develop advanced clinical, research, and teaching competencies in marriage and family therapy.
Students develop advanced competencies in systemic family therapy theories, clinical practice, research methodology, and therapeutic interventions. The curriculum covers advanced topics in family systems, psychopathology, therapeutic models, and research methods. Clinical skills are developed through supervised practice, retreats, and dissertation research.
Marriage and family therapy is an emerging field in Kenya's mental health sector. The programme addresses the growing demand for qualified family therapists who can provide culturally sensitive therapeutic services. Graduates contribute to mental health services, academic scholarship, and community wellbeing through systemic therapeutic approaches.
The programme combines coursework with clinical practice, research, and dissertation writing. Students study advanced family therapy concepts, engage in supervised clinical practice, design research projects, and write a doctoral dissertation. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, clinical supervision, retreats, and research supervision. The programme is offered on a full-time basis.
Graduates find employment as university lecturers, clinical therapists, researchers, consultants, or programme directors in universities, hospitals, counselling centres, faith-based organisations, and non-governmental organisations. The doctoral degree supports careers in family therapy practice, education, research, and consultancy.
This programme is ideal for mental health professionals seeking advanced qualifications in marriage and family therapy. The programme provides advanced clinical and research skills for therapeutic practice and academic scholarship.
- Duration
- 3 years
- Public, up to
- Ksh 259,200
- Private, up to
- Ksh 355,590
- 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
- PhD
What you study
8 subjects- Systemic Family Therapy
- Marriage and Family Therapy
- Psychopathology
- Therapeutic Interventions
- Research Methodology
- Family Systems Theory
- Clinical Supervision
- Counselling Psychology
Modules
5 in the programmeAdvanced Systemic Family Therapy Theories
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Advanced study of systemic family therapy models, including structural, strategic, narrative, and solution-focused approaches.
Advanced Psychopathology and the Family
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Advanced study of psychopathology within family systems, including diagnostic frameworks and family-based interventions.
Research Methodology in Family Therapy
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Research methods and approaches in marriage and family therapy research, including qualitative and quantitative designs.
Clinical Supervision and Practice
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Supervised clinical practice in marriage and family therapy, developing advanced therapeutic competencies.
Doctoral Dissertation Research
Year 2Semester 112 creditsCore
Independent doctoral research on a marriage and family therapy topic, demonstrating original scholarly and clinical contribution.
Specialisations
Systemic Family Therapy
Focus on systemic models of family therapy, including structural, strategic, and narrative approaches.
Clinical Family Therapy
Focus on clinical practice with families experiencing mental health challenges, trauma, or relational difficulties.
Family Therapy Research
Focus on research methodology and evidence-based practice in marriage and family therapy.
A day as a student
A typical day combines classroom learning with clinical practice and research. Students attend seminars on family therapy theories, participate in supervised clinical sessions, engage in case discussions, and work on dissertation research. Retreats provide intensive training in therapeutic skills. The programme emphasises clinical competence, research skills, and ethical practice in marriage and family therapy.
The trade offs
In its favour
- Marriage and family therapy is an emerging field with growing demand in Kenya's mental health sector.
- Offered at PAC University with a holistic Christian worldview approach integrating faith and therapy.
- The programme combines clinical training with research, preparing graduates for both practice and academia.
Against it
- Offered at only one institution in Kenya, limiting accessibility.
- Private university fees are relatively high compared to public institutions.
- Career opportunities are still developing as the field is relatively new in Kenya.
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 241 social 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
PAC PhD MFT 355.6K/yr (pacuniversity.ac.ke). Kabarak 288K/yr. UoN/Maseno unverified.
HELB loans may be available for eligible Kenyan students. PAC University may offer institutional scholarships or financial aid for doctoral students.
Funding options
HELB Loan
Scholarships
1 recordedHELB 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 Systemic Family Therapy, Counselling Psychology, or related mental health discipline from an accredited university with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Non-MFT Master's graduates may need prerequisite courses.
How you are assessed
3 componentsCoursework and Seminars
Written examination30% of the mark
Coursework assessments, seminar presentations, and clinical case evaluations.
Clinical Practice Evaluation
Practical20% of the mark
Supervised clinical practice evaluation assessing therapeutic competencies and ethical practice.
Doctoral Dissertation Defence
Project50% of the mark
A doctoral dissertation demonstrating original research in marriage and family therapy, defended before an examination panel.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) through PAC University, a chartered private university.
Accredited by
Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Accredited by CUE through PAC University, a chartered private university.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesUniversity Lecturer
Low demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 350,000
Teaches marriage and family therapy, counselling psychology, or related disciplines at universities.
Clinical Family Therapist
Moderate demand
Provides marriage and family therapy services in hospitals, counselling centres, or private practice.
Researcher
Low demand
Conducts research on family systems, mental health, and therapeutic interventions in research institutions or universities.
Programme Director
Low demand
Leads family therapy or mental health programmes in faith-based organisations, NGOs, or community organisations.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates find employment as university lecturers, clinical therapists, researchers, consultants, and programme directors in universities, hospitals, counselling centres, faith-based organisations, and NGOs.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Dental CeramistHealth Sciences3Low exposure
- Occupational Therapist Assistant (Junior)Health 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
Marriage and family therapy is just couples counselling.
Marriage and family therapy is a systemic approach addressing complex family dynamics, mental health, and relational patterns across multiple family systems.
A PhD in marriage and family therapy is only for pastors.
While grounded in a Christian worldview at PAC, the programme prepares clinicians, researchers, and educators for diverse mental health settings.
Family therapy is not relevant in African contexts.
Family systems approaches are highly relevant in African communal cultures, where family and community networks play central roles in wellbeing.
There are no career opportunities for family therapy PhDs in Kenya.
Growing mental health awareness in Kenya is creating demand for qualified family therapists in clinical, academic, and community settings.
Related courses
Further reading
Fees and entry marks for Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy are restated every intake. Save it and the app keeps this version, so you can see what changed when it does.