Master of Science in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Sciences At Mbarara University of Science and Technology

Master of Science in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Sciences At Mbarara University of Science and Technology

A Master of Science in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Sciences is relevant for Uganda and Africa with abundant biodiversity because it promotes discovery, identification, conservation, protection and sustainable utilization of the flora and fauna for healthcare in humans and animals.

Master of Science in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Sciences At Mbarara University of Science and Technology Entry Requirements

Minimum Entry Requirements

  1. Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) or its equivalent with at least 5 passes
  2. Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) or its equivalent with at least 2 principal passes.
  3. An Honors degree from an accredited degree awarding institution
  4. Candidates who have a Pass degree should have at least a Postgraduate Diploma with at least a credit from an accredited degree awarding institution.

Additionally, for international applicants:

  1. Applicants whose first language or medium of instruction is not English, must provide evidence from a recognized English language training institution that they have sufficient command of English language.
  2. Applicants should have their documents verified by NCHE.
  3. Applicants should have their degree certificate and transcript translated and converted into an equivalent of Ugandan Universities’ CGPA

Apply for Mbarara University of Science and Technology Online Application

Specific Requirements

An honors degree in Health Sciences, Chemistry or Biological Sciences

Motivation letter indicating why you are in pursuing this programme

Two letters of recommendation from employer and former university

A 2-page concept paper of a proposed research topic in the field of interest. The concept paper should have the following structure: 1. Background, 2. Problem Statement, 3. Objectives, 4. Proposed methods, 5. Significance and 6. References

Duration: 2 Years

Career and employment opportunities

The students of this program will graduate as Pharmacognosist with added knowledge of Traditional Medicine Science and pharmacobiotechnology.

They will be able to advance their career through Research PhD in areas of natural products chemistry, pharmacobiotechnology, biopharmaceuticals, phytopharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals etc.

They will be able to do research and develop cures and products derived from natural sources. As the world turns to natural products due to their preferred safety, availability and efficacy, a career as a pharmacognosist holds a lot of promise.

Pharmacognosists work in a variety of settings. They may be hired by;

  1. pharmaceutical firms as part of their team that develops new drugs,
  2. Agricultural companies to develop feeds and pesticides
  • Consumer products companies to come up with different kinds of consumer products like food, preservatives and others.
  1. Government agencies are also another work setting for pharmacognosists especially regulatory agencies, health ministries, etc.
  2. Research and medical Institutions such as the Natural Chemotherapeutics Research Institutes, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Tropical Disease Research Institute etc
  3. Herbal medicine industries which are expected to grow exponentially due to increasing demand for natural healthcare products
  • Cosmetic and perfume industries that utilize natural products for perfumes, hair products etc
  • Teaching and research institutions including schools of pharmacy in Uganda and the region.
  1. Businesses and supply chain material production
  2. Pharmacy, Herbal and food supplement stores