Bachelor of Science in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology (BSc. ASLP)
College of Health Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (BSc ASLP) program at Gulf Medical University is a unique program integrating both Audiology and Speech-language Pathology into a unified, comprehensive curriculum. This pioneering four-year program of 137 credits, equips students with specialized knowledge and skills to pursue careers in diagnosing, managing, and treating a wide range of communication disorders.
BSc ASLP curriculum prepares graduates to work as independent Audiologists or Speech-Language Pathologists. The program emphasizes modern trends in clinical practice, ensuring that students are expert at utilizing the latest technologies and methodologies in the field.
Graduates of the BSc ASLP program are prepared to conduct independent assessments and interventions for hearing, balance, speech, language, and swallowing disorders across diverse patient populations. They will be trained to demonstrate critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and communication skills essential for effective patient care. The program prepares students to work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools, and rehabilitation centers. Graduates are also committed to lifelong learning and professional development to stay current with advancements in audiology and speech-language pathology.
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates receive the BSc ASLP degree, which serves as a gateway to rewarding careers in the field. They are eligible to obtain professional licensure from regulatory authorities in the UAE (MOH, DHA, and DOH), allowing them to practice as licensed Audiologists or Speech-Language Pathologists. Additionally, the BSc ASLP degree provides a strong foundation for those interested in pursuing advanced postgraduate studies in related fields.
Who is an Audiologist?
An Audiologist is a healthcare professional specializing in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of hearing and balance disorders. They work with patients of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, to assess hearing function.
Audiologists are skilled in fitting and programming hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other assistive listening devices, providing patients with tailored solutions to improve their hearing abilities. Additionally, audiologists offer rehabilitation services such as auditory training, balance therapy, and counseling to support patients and their families in managing hearing loss, tinnitus, and dizziness. Audiologists play a crucial role in improving communication, social interaction, and overall well-being.
Audiologists work in various settings, including hospitals, private clinics, schools, rehabilitation centers, and research institutions, where they diagnose and treat hearing and balance disorders.
Who is a Speech-Language Pathologist?
A speech-language pathologist (SLP) is a healthcare professional specializing in evaluating, diagnosing, and treating communication and swallowing disorders. SLPs work with individuals across the lifespan, from infants with feeding difficulties to adults recovering from strokes or traumatic brain injuries. They address a wide range of issues, including speech articulation, language comprehension and expression, voice quality, fluency (stuttering), and cognitive-communication challenges.
Speech-language pathologists develop personalized treatment plans to help patients overcome difficulties in speaking, comprehending language, and swallowing safely. They use evidence-based therapeutic techniques to improve speech clarity, language skills, and swallowing function, providing both direct therapy and family education to support long-term outcomes. SLPs work in diverse settings, such as hospitals, schools, clinics, and rehabilitation centers, playing an essential role in enhancing their patients’ ability to communicate effectively.
Local Accreditation
Approved by the Ministry of Higher Education & Research, UAE.
Vision
The Bachelor of Science in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology program at Gulf Medical University aspires to be recognized both nationally and internationally for its high-quality education, groundbreaking research, and innovative clinical practices. This program envisions shaping leaders in audiology and speech-language pathology whose actions, discoveries, and advocacy transform healthcare practices for individuals and communities worldwide.
Mission
The program aims to advance the professions of audiology and speech-language pathology in the UAE and globally by graduating highly competent professionals who demonstrate evidence-based practice, ethical conduct, and professionalism in a dynamic healthcare environment.
- Promote healthcare services by graduating highly skilled audiologists and speech-language pathologists who can provide services to assess, diagnose, and treat communication disorders aligning with the national and international policies and guidelines.
- Provide graduates with intellectual capacity, problem-solving and abilities to work efficiently as an individual and a team member to serve patients and their families.
- Produce healthcare professionals with research capabilities and lifelong learning to contribute to the developments of professional practice in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology.
The intended program learning outcomes (PLOs) upon the successful completion of BSc. in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology Program at GMU are:
A. Knowledge
PLO1: Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge about normal and abnormal auditory, vestibular, and speech-language functions, across the lifespan and assess their impact on individuals and families.
PLO2: Employ a deep understanding of assessment principles, including diagnostic techniques, and the use of professional devices and procedures in speech-language and hearing evaluations.
PLO3: Analyze the predisposing epidemiological, environmental, and genetic factors that impact speech, language, and hearing disorders
PLO4: Demonstrate proficiency in critically evaluating current research literature, an understanding of ethical, professional, and healthcare communication practices in both audiology and speech-language pathology.
B. Skills
PLO5: Apply clinical skills to assess and diagnose speech, language, and hearing impairments, ensuring high-quality evaluations conducted with professional responsibility, sensitivity, and adherence to ethical standards.
PLO6: Design and perform targeted diagnostic and therapeutic procedures aligned with evidence-based practices and global standards, facilitating effective delivery of speech and hearing healthcare services.
PLO7: Communicate proficiently with patients, families, and interdisciplinary teams through various modalities (oral, written, digital) to manage complex cases, demonstrating adaptability in diverse healthcare environments.
C. Competence
C.1. Autonomy and Responsibility
PLO8: Demonstrate the ability to adapt clinical procedures and resources in response to unpredictable and diverse patient needs, and critically assess the effectiveness of these approaches through measurable patient outcomes.
PLO9: Collaborate within multidisciplinary teams by managing technical and clinical tasks in diverse healthcare settings upholding ethical standards and embrace socio-cultural norms, while contributing positively to the broader society.
C.2. Role in Context
PLO10: Establish and achieve individual and team objectives by interacting effectively with clients and colleagues, adapting to different clinical and community-based environments.
C.3. Self-Development
PLO11: Engage in lifelong learning and professional development by developing abilities to appraise and assimilate scientific evidence, engage in active research, and continuously improve patient care.
This four-year Bachelor of Science in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology program emphasizes extensive clinical teaching and training, preparing graduates for advanced studies and professional practice, aligned with QF Emirates Level 7.
Study Plan 2024
Year 1 Semester – 1
| Course Code | Course Title | C H | L H | N L H | Pre-requisites |
| ENG 101 | English Language | 3 | 3 | 0 | None |
| BSE 101 | Behavioral Sciences and Ethics | 3 | 3 | 0 | None |
| AS 110 | Arabic Language for Speech Pathology students | 2 | 2 | 0 | None |
| EMS101 | Emirati Studies | 3 | 3 | 0 | None |
| AS 111 | Introduction to Communication Sciences and Disorders | 3 | 3 | 0 | None |
| AS 112 | Linguistics | 2 | 2 | 0 | None |
| Semester Credit Hours | 16 | 16 | 0 | ||
Year 1 Semester – 2
| Course Code | Course Title | C H | L H | N L H | Pre-requisites |
| ITE 101 | Information Technology | 2 | 1 | 2 | None |
| AS 113 | Human Body Systems I (Anatomy and Physiology) | 4 | 2 | 4 | None |
| AS 114 | Patient Care and Professional Conduct | 1 | 1 | 0 | None |
| AS 115 | Acoustics and Sound Perception | 2 | 2 | 0 | None |
| AS 116 | Clinical Phonetics | 2 | 2 | 0 | AS 112 |
| AS 117 | Language Acquisition | 2 | 2 | 0 | AS 112 |
| AS 118 | Human Growth and Development | 2 | 2 | 0 | None |
| AS 119 | Anatomy and Physiology of Hearing and Speech | 3 | 3 | 0 | None |
| Semester Credit Hours | 18 | 15 | 6 | ||
Year 2 Semester – 3
| Course Code | Course Title | C H | L H | N L H | Pre-requisites |
| AS 210 | Human Body Systems – II (Anatomy and Physiology) | 4 | 2 | 4 | AS 113 |
| AS 211 | Articulation & Phonological Disorders | 3 | 3 | 0 | AS 116 |
| AS 212 | Disorders of the Auditory System | 2 | 2 | 0 | AS 119 |
| AS 213 | Audiological Evaluation I | 3 | 2 | 2 | AS 115 AS 119 |
| AS 214 | Audiology Clinical Practicum I | 3 | 0 | 9 | AS 114 |
| AS 215 | Speech Language Pathology Clinical Practicum I | 3 | 0 | 9 | AS 114 |
| Semester Credit Hours | 18 | 9 | 24 | ||
Year 2 Semester – 4
| Course Code | Course Title | C H | L H | N L H | Pre-requisites |
| BIS 101 | Biostatistics | 3 | 2 | 2 | None |
| AS 216 | Language disorders in children | 2 | 2 | 0 | AS 119 |
| AS 217 | Neuroscience for Audiology and Speech Pathology | 2 | 2 | 0 | AS 119 |
| AS 218 | Audiological Evaluation II | 3 | 2 | 2 | AS 213 AS 119 |
| AS 219 | Introduction to Psychology | 2 | 2 | 0 | None |
| AS 220 | Audiology Clinical Practicum II | 3 | 0 | 9 | AS 214 |
| AS 221 | Speech Language Pathology Clinical Practicum II | 3 | 0 | 9 | AS 215 |
| Semester Credit Hours | 18 | 10 | 22 | ||
Year 3 Semester – 5
| Course Code | Course Title | C H | L H | N L H | Pre-requisites |
| AS 310 | Pediatric Audiology | 3 | 2 | 2 | AS 218 AS 213 |
| AS 311 | Fluency Disorders | 2 | 2 | 0 | AS 119 |
| AS 312 | Hearing Aids | 2 | 2 | 0 | AS 218 |
| AS 313 | Neurogenic Speech Disorders | 3 | 3 | 0 | AS 119 |
| AS 315 | Audiology Clinical Practicum III | 4 | 0 | 12 | AS 220 AS 310 |
| AS 316 | Speech Language Pathology Clinical Practicum III | 4 | 0 | 12 | AS 221 |
| Semester Credit Hours | 18 | 9 | 26 | ||
Year 3 Semester – 6
| Course Code | Course Title | C H | L H | N L H | Pre-requisites |
| AS 317 | Aural Rehabilitation | 2 | 2 | 0 | AS 312 AS 310 |
| AS 318 | Neurogenic Language Disorders | 2 | 2 | 0 | AS 119 |
| AS 319 | Swallowing Disorders | 2 | 2 | 0 | AS 119 |
| AS 320 | Cochlear Implant and Implantable Auditory devices | 2 | 2 | 0 | AS 312 |
| AS 321 | Counseling in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology | 2 | 2 | 0 | AS 218 |
| AS 322 | Audiology Clinical Practicum IV | 4 | 0 | 12 | AS 315 |
| AS 323 | Speech Language Pathology Clinical Practicum IV | 4 | 0 | 12 | AS 316 |
| Semester Credit Hours | 18 | 10 | 24 | ||
Year 4 Semester – 7
| Course Code | Course Title | C H | L H | N L H | Pre-requisites |
| AS 410 | Research Methodology and Epidemiology | 2 | 1 | 2 | BIS 101 |
| AS 411 | Vestibular Disorders and Management | 3 | 3 | 0 | AS 119 |
| AS 412 | Voice Disorders | 2 | 2 | 0 | AS 212 |
| EIS 101 | Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Sustainability | 2 | 1 | 2 | None |
| AS 413 | Audiology Clinical Practicum V | 4 | 0 | 12 | AS 322 |
| AS 414 | Speech Language Pathology Clinical Practicum V | 4 | 0 | 12 | AS 323 |
| Semester Credit Hours | 17 | 7 | 28 | ||
Year 4 Semester – 8
| Course Code | Course Title | C H | L H | N L H | Pre-requisites | |
| AS 415 | Research Project | 2 | 0 | 4 | AS 410 | |
| AS 416 | Audiology Practicum Clinical VI | 6 | 0 | 18 | Successful completion of All Courses from Semester 1 to 7 | |
| AS 417 | Speech Language Pathology Clinical Practicum VI | 6 | 0 | 18 | Successful completion of All Courses from Semester 1 to 7 | |
| Semester Credit Hours | 14 | 0 | 40 | |||
| Total Credit Hours 137 | ||||||
CH – Credit hours; LH – Lecture hours; NLH – Non-lecture hours
Admission requirements BSc. ASLP (Academic Year 2026–27)
- The applicant must have completed a minimum of 12 years of school education.
- The applicant must have passed any one of the following English Language Proficiency Tests with a minimum score as follows:
- All UAE education system scoring minimum 80% in English in Grade 12
- For those completed English medium of instruction in high school
- Minimum 80% (UAE education system or its equivalent) in Grade 11/12
- Those not meeting the minimum 80% in English shall be on conditional admission and completing a remedial course in English for the first semester with a minimum passing score of 80%.
- for those international students who completed high school in their native language, any one of the English proficiency test scores to be submitted:
- TOEFL CBT 173 – iBT 61
- 5.0 in IELTS for Academic
- Applicants from UAE educational systems (all tracks) must have secured a minimum aggregate score equivalent to 65% in Grade 12.
- Applicants from any other non-UAE educational systems not listed above must have secured a minimum aggregate score equivalent to UAE 65% as per International Grade Conversion Table published by World Education Services (WES). [link]
- Applicants from any other non-UAE educational systems must submit an Equivalency Certificate of their High School certificate from Ministry of Education, UAE. Failing to submit the equivalency certificate, the student would be on conditional admission and is required to fulfil the requirements as specified in the General admission requirements. [link]
- Applicants must have passed any three science subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics in any of the following grades: 11th or 12th.
- Applicants who lack any one of the required science subjects must complete and pass the non-credit remedial course offered by the University.
- If the applicant lack two or more science subjects in Grades 11 or 12 are required to do the Foundation program offered by the University.
- All applicants shall complete an interview with admission committee of the College. The decision of the Admission Committee shall be final and binding.
Special needs applications
GMU is committed to admit students who needs special attention and management. Applications are open for students who disclose their condition on the special determination form and the applications are reviewed by the admission committee and admitted as per the policy for different programs.
Ref: BSc. ASLP Program am Students – Technical Standards and Accommodations Policy Link
Required documents
- Applicant Passport (Ethbara for UAE nationals)
- Emirates ID
- Family book for UAE nationals
- 10thgrade and 12th or O level and AS/A level High school certificate
- Equivalency certificate for international curriculum students
- Valid English proficiency certificate (High school English score or IELTS or TOEFL)
- Good conduct certificate
- Health Insurance document for UAE residents
- Scanned passport size photograph with white background
All originals shall be scanned and returned to applicant.
Apply Now: [link]
Program Highlights
- First Program in the UAE Combining Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology
- Accreditation: Program is accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education.
- Internationally Benchmarked Curriculum: The program aligns with global standards, ensuring that graduates meet the professional competencies required in countries such as Australia, Canada, and the United States.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: 137 credits over 4 years, blending theoretical knowledge with clinical practice.
- Dual Career Pathways: Choose between careers as an Audiologist or Speech-Language Pathologist.
- Innovative Teaching Approach: Emphasis on problem-based, patient-centered learning to build practical skills and confidence in clinical settings.
- Hands-On Training: Structured training in pre-clinical labs with state-of-the-art equipment, supported by clinical placements at leading healthcare facilities.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Learn alongside other health professions to gain a holistic understanding of patient care.
Clinical Training
Audiology and Speech pathology students will have the chance to practice pre-clinical skills in the audiological speech pathology field in the labs built for this purpose and containing all of the needed equipment.
Availability of Clinical Training Facilities
- GMU Academic Hospitals, The Audiology and Speech Language Pathology clinics are available on campus within Thumbay University, Thumbay Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Hospital and Thumbay Ajman Hospitals will serve clinical training sites
- Collaboration with Sheikh Khalifa Medical City – Ajman, American Hospital, Rashid Hospital (DHA), Kings Hospital Opportunities, Al Noor Training Centre for Persons with Disabilities to develop practical skills.
- State-of-the-art Centre for Advanced Simulation in Healthcare within GMU.
- Complete successfully the 137 CR of the BSc ASLP Study Plan
- Attendance of not less than 80% for each of the courses on the study plan.
- Obtaining a minimum pass mark of 65%.
- Each course must be passed individually for completion of all requirements needed to sit the final examination.
Graduates of this program have an opportunity to choose between practicing as Audiologist or Speech Language Pathologist pursuing various career paths, including:
Career Opportunities for Audiologists
- Hospitals & Medical Centers: Hearing assessments, neonatal hearing screening, auditory rehabilitation.
- Private Practice Clinics: Hearing aids fitting, tinnitus management, auditory processing evaluations.
- Schools & Educational Services: Support children with hearing impairments, manage assistive listening devices.
- Research & Academia: Hearing science research, teaching audiology courses, developing new hearing technologies.
- Hearing Aid & Cochlear Implant Companies: Product development, clinical training, customer support.
- Industrial Audiology: Workplace hearing assessments, hearing conservation programs, noise-induced hearing loss prevention.
Career Opportunities for Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs)
- Hospitals & Rehabilitation Centers: Assessment and treatment of speech, language, and swallowing disorders.
- Schools & Educational Services: Speech therapy for children with language delays, articulation issues, and social communication challenges.
- Private Practice: Therapy for stuttering, voice disorders, and language impairments.
- Nursing Homes & Geriatric Care: Therapy for cognitive-communication and swallowing difficulties in older adults.
- Research & Academia: Conducting research on communication disorders, teaching future SLPs.