University of Nairobi

What you'll study

The BASLP programme combines foundational biomedical science with specialised modules in audiology and speech-language pathology, taught through lectures, practical laboratories and supervised clinical placements. Early years focus on biological sciences and communication foundations: human anatomy and physiology, neuroanatomy, general pathology, acoustics, phonetics, and language development. Core professional modules include assessment and intervention for hearing disorders (audiometry, otoacoustic emissions, tympanometry), amplification and rehabilitation (hearing aids, assistive listening devices), paediatric and adult speech and language disorders, voice and fluency disorders, and dysphagia (swallowing disorders).

Students also study clinical practice skills such as case history taking, differential diagnosis, client-centred therapy planning, outcome measurement and multicultural communication. Research methods, statistics, ethics and professional practice are integrated throughout the degree, and students undertake progressively longer clinical placements in hospitals, community health settings, schools and special education centres. The programme typically culminates in a capstone clinical project or practicum that demonstrates readiness for entry-level professional practice.

Entry requirements

• Completion of secondary education with a recognised high school leaving certificate.
• Strong passes in science subjects are normally required, typically including biology and chemistry, and good competence in English. Mathematics and physics are advantageous.
• Applicants must meet the University of Nairobi's general admission criteria for undergraduate programmes; selection may be competitive and based on academic grades, and may include interviews or additional assessments where required.
• Candidates with equivalent international qualifications are considered, subject to meeting the university's equivalency and language requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for clinical roles assessing and managing hearing, speech, language, voice and swallowing disorders. Typical employment sectors include:

• Public and private hospitals and ENT clinics (audiology and speech-language therapy services)
• Community health and rehabilitation centres, including early intervention services
• Special needs and inclusive education settings (schools and resource centres)
• Private practice and consultancy in hearing screening, therapy and workplace hearing conservation
• Hearing aid and assistive technology companies, cochlear implant programmes and diagnostic laboratories
• Non-governmental organisations working in maternal and child health, disability and community rehabilitation
• Further academic and clinical specialisation through postgraduate study and research in areas such as paediatric language disorders, neurogenic communication disorders, audiology and auditory sciences

Why study at University of Nairobi

The University of Nairobi is one of the region's leading research and teaching universities with an established health sciences faculty and strong clinical partnerships. BASLP students benefit from supervised clinical placements in major referral hospitals and community facilities, multidisciplinary teaching with allied health professions, and access to laboratory and diagnostic resources for hands-on learning. The programme emphasises both evidence-based practice and community engagement, preparing graduates to work across clinical, educational and public-health settings. Graduates also have pathways to postgraduate study and professional development locally and internationally.