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Overview of the programme
The master of science in Immunology is a two-year graduate program that studies the immune system and its functions. Students learn about the development of the immune system, clinical immunology, immunological mechanisms, Reproductive immunology, host-pathogen interactions, parasitology, and vaccinology, autoimmunity and immunological techniques among other topics. The course work is completed during the first year of study and is tested through both formative and summative assessments. During the second year of study, students carry out supervised Thesis research project.

Rationale of the programme
With the many human and animal diseases, including infectious, emerging, reemerging and non- communicable diseases (cancer, diabetes and autoimmune diseases) diseases facing the world, including Kenya, results of needs assessment indicated that there is a need to train immunologists who can provide solutions to these diseases. Immunology involves theoretical understanding of diseases as well as practical approaches to provide rationale for methodologies in disease control. Needs assessment was carried out as part of stakeholder surveys involving employers and consumers of the programme. The review of M.Sc. (Immunology) programme was carried out in consultation with stakeholders to ensure that the graduates are equipped with skills relevant to the current and foreseeable job market. Stakeholders were drawn from institutions of higher learning, research organization, governmental departments, and former students. The MSc (Immunology) programme at ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ will equip graduates with knowledge on diseases and skills to investigate the impact of these diseases on humans and animals with a view to developing effective strategies for disease control and management. Further, the graduates will have the potential to contribute in the achievement Development Goals and the economic and social pillars of the Kenya vision 2030 as well as the UN developmental goals of human health and disease control.

Objectives of the programme
The programme aims at training graduates through transformative learning approaches to become professionals with adequate knowledge and skills in immunology, to be able to devise sustainable solutions to real world challenges through cutting-edge research and innovation for societal development.

Mode of delivery of the programme
The programme is delivered through both face-to-face as a regular programme and in a blended method as a Continuing Education Programme (CEP) A variety of approaches including lectures, tutorials, discussions, assignments, student presentations, laboratory and field-based practical lessons, and Thesis Research Project taken after the course work.

Admission requirements for the programme
The common regulations for all Masters’ degrees in the University shall apply. The general regulations for master’s degrees in the School of Pure and Applied Sciences shall apply. The following shall be eligible for registration in the Master of Science (Immunology):

• A holder of a Bachelor of Science degree with at least an upper second class Honour’s with Zoology as a single subject or as one of the two science subjects;
• A holder of a Bachelor of Education degree who has studied Zoology courses to degree level and has attained at least an upper second class Honour’s degree;
• A holder of a Bachelor’s degree in any other relevant areas of study such as Biology, microbiology, molecular biology, medical laboratory science; Biochemistry, Medicine among other biological degree courses with at least an upper second Honour’s degree (or pass where applicable) and has taken units related to Immunology.
• A holder of Bachelor’s degree with a lower second class may be considered with grade C in the area of specialization.

Fee Structure Information

Career opportunities for the programme
Graduates holding M. Sc. in immunology have a wide range of career paths including:

• Research scientists in life sciences ï‚· Consultants in immunology and life sciences
• Sales people in pharmaceuticals and for biomedical research equipment
• Tutorial fellows and lecturers at the University
• Drug and vaccine development experts