Health Sciences

Master of Education (Speech and Language Pathology)

The Master of Education (Speech and Language Pathology) is a postgraduate programme that prepares educators and therapists for advanced practice in speech, language, and communication disorders in educational settings. The programme combines speech-language science with educational pedagogy.

Core areas include speech and language development, communication disorders, assessment and diagnosis of speech-language disorders, intervention strategies, audiology foundations, augmentative and alternative communication, educational research methods, and thesis research. Students engage with both clinical and educational perspectives.

The programme is offered by Kenyatta University and Moi University. Both are public universities offering the programme over two academic years through full-time and distance learning modes.

Students develop competencies in speech-language assessment, intervention design, communication disorder management, collaborative practice with educators and families, augmentative communication, and educational research methods. The programme includes coursework, examinations, clinical practicum, and thesis research.

Kenyatta University charges KES 295,800/year for East Africans. Moi University fees are not independently verified from official sources. Entry requires a Bachelor's degree in Education, Speech and Language Therapy, or a related field with at least Second Class Honours Upper Division.

Graduates pursue careers as speech and language therapists, special needs teachers, communication disorder specialists, educational assessors, and lecturers in schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centres, and educational institutions.

Skills Required

Speech and Language Development
Communication Disorder Assessment
Speech-Language Intervention Strategies
Audiology Foundations
Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Phonological and Articulation Disorders
Language Disorder Management
Collaborative Practice with Educators and Families
Educational Research Methods
Academic Writing and Thesis Research

Key Subjects

Speech and Language Development
Communication Disorders
Assessment and Diagnosis of Speech-Language Disorders
Intervention Strategies for Speech-Language Disorders
Audiology Foundations
Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Phonological and Articulation Disorders
Language Disorder Management
Educational Research Methods
Thesis Research

Certifications

TSC Special Needs Teacher Registration
Kenya Association of Speech and Language Therapists Membership

Specializations

Speech Disorders

Focuses on assessment and intervention for articulation, phonological, fluency, and voice disorders in educational settings.

Language Disorders

Examines assessment and intervention for receptive, expressive, and pragmatic language disorders in children and adolescents.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Covers augmentative and alternative communication systems for individuals with severe communication impairments.

Audiology in Education

Focuses on hearing assessment, hearing impairment management, and auditory rehabilitation in educational settings.

Swallowing Disorders in Education

Examines feeding and swallowing disorders in children, covering assessment and management in educational contexts.

Bilingual and Multilingual Speech-Language Practice

Covers speech-language assessment and intervention in bilingual and multilingual contexts relevant to Kenya's linguistic diversity.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 295,800
Private, up to: Ksh 0
Job market: High

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Online
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 15 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Speech and Language Development
Communication Disorders
Assessment and Diagnosis of Speech-Language Disorders
Intervention Strategies for Speech-Language Disorders
Audiology Foundations
Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Phonological and Articulation Disorders
Language Disorder Management
Educational Research Methods
Thesis Research

Modules

12 in the programme

Speech and Language Development
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines typical and atypical development of speech, language, and communication across the lifespan, including developmental milestones and red flags.
Communication Disorders
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers articulation, phonological, fluency, voice, receptive, expressive, and pragmatic language disorders and their educational implications.
Assessment and Diagnosis of Speech-Language Disorders
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines standardised and informal assessment tools, diagnostic procedures, and interpreting assessment results for communication disorders.
Educational Research Methods
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers research design, data collection, analysis, and conducting speech-language pathology research, preparing students for their thesis.
Intervention Strategies for Speech-Language Disorders
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers designing and implementing evidence-based intervention plans for various communication disorders in educational settings.
Audiology Foundations
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines hearing assessment, hearing impairment, auditory rehabilitation, and the relationship between hearing and speech-language development.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers AAC systems and strategies for individuals with severe communication impairments, including assessment, selection, and implementation.
Phonological and Articulation Disorders
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines assessment and intervention for phonological and articulation disorders, including phonological processes and motor speech disorders.
Language Disorder Management
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers assessment and intervention for receptive, expressive, and pragmatic language disorders in children and adolescents.
Clinical Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Supervised clinical practicum providing hands-on experience assessing and treating individuals with communication disorders in educational or clinical settings.
Research Seminar
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Preparation of research proposal, including research design, literature review, methodology, and proposal presentation for thesis development.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research thesis on a speech and language pathology topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Speech Disorders
Focuses on assessment and intervention for articulation, phonological, fluency, and voice disorders in educational settings.
Language Disorders
Examines assessment and intervention for receptive, expressive, and pragmatic language disorders in children and adolescents.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Covers augmentative and alternative communication systems for individuals with severe communication impairments.
Audiology in Education
Focuses on hearing assessment, hearing impairment management, and auditory rehabilitation in educational settings.
Swallowing Disorders in Education
Examines feeding and swallowing disorders in children, covering assessment and management in educational contexts.
Bilingual and Multilingual Speech-Language Practice
Covers speech-language assessment and intervention in bilingual and multilingual contexts relevant to Kenya's linguistic diversity.

A day as a student

A typical day during the M.Ed. (Speech and Language Pathology) programme combines lectures, clinical practicum, case studies, seminars, and independent study. Sessions cover speech-language development, communication disorders, assessment, and intervention. Speech and language development sessions examine typical and atypical development of speech, language, and communication across the lifespan. Communication disorders sessions cover articulation, phonological, fluency, voice, receptive, expressive, and pragmatic language disorders. Assessment sessions examine standardised and informal assessment tools, diagnostic procedures, and interpreting assessment results. Intervention sessions cover designing and implementing intervention plans for various communication disorders. Audiology sessions examine hearing assessment, hearing impairment, and auditory rehabilitation. Augmentative and alternative communication sessions cover AAC systems for individuals with severe communication impairments. Clinical practicum provides hands-on experience assessing and treating individuals with communication disorders under supervision. Case studies provide practical application of theory to real clinical scenarios. Research methods sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering research design, data collection, and analysis. Seminars and discussion groups provide opportunities for case consultation and peer learning. Guest lectures from experienced speech-language therapists and audiologists provide practical insights. The programme culminates in a research thesis on a speech and language pathology topic.

The trade offs

In its favour

Severe shortage of speech-language therapists in Kenya creates very high demand and excellent career prospects.
Kenyatta University was the first to offer this programme in East Africa, providing established expertise and resources.
Programme combines clinical speech-language pathology with educational practice, enabling work in both health and education sectors.
Diverse career settings including schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centres, and private practice.

Against it

Only two universities offer this programme, limiting institutional choice and geographic accessibility.
Kenyatta University fees are relatively high at KES 295,800/year compared to other M.Ed. programmes.
Moi University fee data not independently verified, limiting cost comparison.
Clinical practicum component requires significant time commitment and access to clinical placement sites.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 349 health sciences courses

Public187k to 296k

187k at Moi University296k at Kenyatta University

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

KU 295,800/yr (ku.ac.ke). Moi ~187K/yr. No private provider confirmed.

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. TSC supports teacher professional development. KISE may provide training support for special needs professionals. Speech-language pathology is a high-demand field that may attract targeted funding from health and education sector development partners.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
TSC Teacher Professional Development
KISE Training Support

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate education studies at recognised universities.
TSC Teacher Professional Development
ScholarshipKsh 150,000Kenyan
Teachers Service Commission supports professional development for registered teachers pursuing postgraduate speech-language pathology qualifications.
KISE Training Support
ScholarshipKsh 100,000Kenyan
Kenya Institute of Special Education supports training and professional development for special needs professionals including speech-language pathology.

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: Most universities require a Bachelor's degree in Education, Speech and Language Therapy, or a related health science field with Upper Second Class Honours. Lower Second Division holders with relevant experience may be considered. Contact respective universities for specific admission requirements.

How you are assessed

4 components

Coursework and Continuous Assessment
Coursework25% of the mark
Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, case study analysis, seminar presentations, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination35% of the mark
Written examinations covering speech-language development, communication disorders, assessment methods, and intervention strategies.
Clinical Practicum Assessment
Practical40% of the mark
Practical assessment through supervised clinical practicum, demonstrating assessment skills, intervention competency, and professional practice.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on a speech and language pathology topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Kenyatta University and Moi University (both public) offer speech and language pathology programmes at master's level. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate speech-language pathology training. Graduates are eligible for TSC registration with special needs endorsement and KASLT membership.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. Kenyatta University and Moi University (both public) offer speech and language pathology programmes at master's level. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate speech-language pathology training. Graduates are eligible for TSC registration with special needs endorsement and KASLT membership.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Speech and Language Therapist
High demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Assesses and treats individuals with communication disorders in schools, hospitals, or private practice, overseeing assessment, intervention, and progress monitoring.
Special Needs Teacher (Communication)
High demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 300,000
Teaches learners with communication disorders in special or inclusive settings, overseeing individualised instruction and communication support.
Communication Disorder Specialist
High demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 450,000
Specialises in supporting individuals with specific communication disorders, providing assessment, intervention, and advisory services.
Educational Assessor (Speech-Language)
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 400,000
Conducts speech-language assessments for learners with suspected communication disorders, overseeing assessment, diagnosis, and recommending interventions.
Rehabilitation Centre Therapist
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 400,000
Provides speech-language therapy in rehabilitation centres, overseeing treatment, recovery support, and family education for individuals with communication disorders.
Speech-Language Pathology Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches speech and language pathology at university or college level, overseeing instruction, clinical supervision, and research.

Graduate outcomes

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

SPSS
SoftwarePrimary
Statistical analysis software for speech-language pathology research, data analysis, and analysing and interpreting research data for thesis.
Assessment Tool Kits
Software
Standardised speech-language assessment tools and protocols for diagnosing communication disorders and tracking intervention progress.
AAC Software
Software
Augmentative and alternative communication software and apps for supporting individuals with severe communication impairments.
Microsoft Word
Software
Word processing software for assessment reports, intervention plans, research papers, thesis writing, and producing clinical and academic documents.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Speech and language pathology is just about helping people pronounce words correctly.
The programme covers a wide range of communication disorders including language, fluency, voice, swallowing, and cognitive-communication disorders, not just articulation.
Speech therapists only work with children.
Speech-language pathologists work with individuals across the lifespan, from infants to elderly, in schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centres, and private practice.
This is the same as a general special needs education qualification.
Speech and language pathology is a specialised clinical field requiring specific knowledge of anatomy, neurology, linguistics, and communication science, beyond general special needs education.
Speech and language pathology has limited career prospects in Kenya.
There is a severe shortage of speech-language therapists in Kenya, creating high demand in schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centres, and private practice.
Anyone with good communication skills can be a speech therapist.
Effective speech-language pathology requires extensive theoretical knowledge, clinical skills, assessment expertise, and research skills developed through rigorous postgraduate study.
The programme is purely clinical with no education focus.
As an M.Ed. programme, it combines clinical speech-language pathology with educational practice, preparing graduates to work in educational settings and collaborate with teachers.