Bachelor of Science in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology (BSc. ASLP)

Gulf Medical University > College of Health Sciences > Bachelor of Science in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology (BSc. ASLP)

Overview

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 & Mission

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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Produce healthcare professionals with research capabilities and lifelong learning to contribute to the developments of professional practice in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology.

Program Learning Outcomes

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.

Program Outline

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

Admission Criteria for the proposed BSc in Audiology & Speech Language Pathology AY2024-25 (Spring)

  • 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:
  • 500 in TOEFL (CBT 173 – iBT 61)
  • 5.0 in IELTS for Academic

A valid English Proficiency Score is mandatory before admission.

  • Applicants from any other non-UAE educational systems must submit an Equivalency Certificate of their High School certificate from the Ministry of Education, UAE. Failing this the student is on conditional admission for the first semester and required to fulfill the requirements as specified in the General requirements.

Applicants from various educational systems must comply with the minimum criteria as listed below:

Country Education System Minimum Grade requirements as per UAE Grade Equivalence for ASLP
UAE UAE

(Advanced or General Track/Stream or Abu Dhabi Education Council criteria)

 Student should secure an overall minimum score in the 12th Grade as follows:

Elite track -60%

Advance track -65%

General track -70%

Students should complete all three Science subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) in 10th, 11th or 12th Grade.
India Indian State Board or

Indian Central Board-CBSE/ICSE

 Students should secure an overall minimum score of 50% in the 12th Grade.

Students should complete all three Science subjects (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics in 10th, 11th, and 12th Grades).
Pakistan Bangladesh Pakistan Board
Bangladeshi Board		 Students should secure an overall minimum score of 50% in the 12th Grade.

Students should complete all three Science subjects (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics in 10th, 11th, and 12th Grades).
UK IGCSE/GCE Student should have studied all the 3 Science subjects (Biology, Physics, Chemistry in with a Minimum of

●        ‘C’ in all ‘O’ level (Grade 11) subjects and

●        ‘E’ in any of the two Science subjects in AS (Grade 12)  or A Level (Grade 13)

Science subjects are Biology, Physics, Chemistry or Mathematics.
IB International
Baccalaureate		 Student should have secured an overall minimum of 24 points.

Must have at least 2 Science subjects (e.g. Biology, Physics, Chemistry or Mathematics)
USA/SABIS American Diploma/SABIS Student should have secured an overall minimum score of 70%.

Students should complete all Science subjects (Biology, Physics ,Chemistry in 10th11th, or 12th Grades).
Africa WAEC

NECO

 Student should secure an overall minimum score of 50% in the 12th Grade.

Students should complete all three Science subjects (Biology, Physics and Chemistry in 10th, 11th, and 12th Grades).

Applicants from any other non-UAE educational systems not listed above must have secured a minimum aggregate score equivalent to UAE 70% as per the International Grade Conversion Table published by the World Education System (WES).

The applicant must have passed any one of the following tests and have subject Proficiency with a minimum score as stipulated for selection:

  • Pass scores in GMU admission tests with Mathematics, and two science subjects (Biology and Physics preferable or Chemistry) and Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs)    offered by GMU.

OR

  • Proficiency tests approved by the Ministry in relevant school subjects approved by the ministry (AP Biology and AP Physics, AP Calculus under College Board and above and SAT Math with a score of 550.

OR

  • Scores in relevant school subjects studied in a school system with centralized
    • UAE and American system – 80% in Mathematics and Biology and Physics
    • Indian, Pakistan Bangladesh, African – 60% in Mathematics and each in Biology and Chemistry or Physics
    • British system: ‘D’ grade in Mathematics and above in Biology and Chemistry or Physics
    • IB Diploma: with a score of 3 for Mathematics and 4 and above for Biology, Chemistry or Physics
  • All other international educational systems achieved 75% in Mathematics and in two science subjects (Biology, Physics, Chemistry)

On successful completion of the above, the applicant and parent meet the admissions committee. Admission is finalized on a competitive basis.

All applicants shall be evaluated for cognitive and non-cognitive traits demonstrating their aptitude for the chosen area of study by the Admissions Committee of the College.

Applicants who lack sufficient background in science subjects may register for the non-credit remedial course offered by the University.

The decision of the Admission Committee shall be final and binding.

Special needs applications

  • GMU is committed to admitting students who need 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: Technical Standards and Accommodations for the proposed ASLP Program

Required Documents:

  • Attested High School Transcript of Grades 10 or 11, & 12 covering Biology, Physics, Chemistry or Mathematics & English.
  • Equivalency Certificate from the Ministry of Education, UAE for international curriculum
  • Passport copy ( Applicant and Parent)
  • Valid Emirates ID Card
  • Valid English Language Proficiency Score sheet (IELTS/TOEFL etc.)
  • All UAE Nationals shall submit a copy of UAE nationality ID (Khulasat Al-Kayd) and family    Book/card with identification number.
  • Good Conduct Certificate from School
  • Passport size photograph with white background
  • Medical Fitness Certificate from Thumbay Hospital.

Apply Now: [link]

Highlights & Clinical Training

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:

  1. 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
  2. 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.
  3. State-of-the-art Centre for Advanced Simulation in Healthcare within GMU.

Graduation Requirements

  • 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.

Career Opportunities

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.
Bachelor of Science in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology
Duration: 4 Years
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