PhD Programme in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation

Programme Overview

The PhD Programme in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation at Lokman Hekim University was approved by a decision of the Higher Education Executive Board on 17 March 2021 and is offered under the Institute of Health Sciences. The programme is delivered by academic staff with recognised expertise in physiotherapy and rehabilitation sciences. The language of instruction is Turkish.

Degree Awarded

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation

Admission and Registration Requirements

Applications are processed in accordance with the Graduate Education Directive of the Institute of Health Sciences at Lokman Hekim University. Prior to each application period, the relevant Department proposes any additional requirements, and the Institute Administrative Board determines the examination schedule and venue. These details are announced before applications open.

Applicants are eligible if they hold a thesis-based master’s degree in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, or Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, including degrees awarded by equivalent programmes abroad.

Candidates whose master’s degree is deemed appropriate upon the recommendation of the Department Academic Board and approval of the Institute Board may also apply.

Applicants who completed their master’s degree abroad must hold an official recognition or equivalence certificate issued by the Council of Higher Education (YÖK).

Applicants are required to obtain:

• A minimum score of 55 in the ALES examination (Quantitative), as determined by the Institute, and

• A minimum score of 55 in a recognised foreign language examination, taken in a language other than the applicant’s native language, from exams accepted by YÖK or equivalent international examinations recognised by ÖSYM.

Eligible candidates are invited to a scientific assessment, consisting of a written examination and/or an interview. Final placement is based on a composite evaluation of ALES score, foreign language proficiency, master’s grade point average, and scientific assessment results, within the announced quota.

Programme Objectives

The programme aims to train doctoral-level physiotherapists who approach physiotherapy and rehabilitation from a holistic and evidence-based perspective, analyse and interpret assessment outcomes, design and implement appropriate rehabilitation programmes, and effectively integrate advanced therapeutic modalities and rehabilitation technologies.

Graduates are expected to formulate research hypotheses, select appropriate research methodologies, conduct scientific projects, and combine clinical expertise with academic knowledge to contribute to the advancement of physiotherapy and rehabilitation. The programme is designed to cultivate professionals who can adapt to rapid scientific developments, demonstrate strong clinical competence, uphold ethical and professional standards, and embrace lifelong learning.

Programme Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the programme will be able to:

• Monitor current developments in physiotherapy and rehabilitation through international literature and scientific events, and transfer this knowledge to clinical practice and research.

• Use technological equipment required for assessment and treatment methods in both clinical and research settings.

• Plan, conduct, analyse, and disseminate scientific research and projects through academic publications and conferences.

• Adhere to ethical principles throughout research and publication processes.

• Deliver clinical practice within ethical and legal frameworks and collaborate effectively with other health professionals in multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary contexts.

• Apply physiotherapy and rehabilitation knowledge to initiatives aimed at improving public health and contribute to national and international health policies.

• Develop educational programmes and contribute to teaching and training in physiotherapy and rehabilitation.

• Communicate effectively in international clinical and academic environments through advanced foreign language proficiency and produce international scientific publications.

Programme Structure, Credits and ECTS

The doctoral programme consists of at least 240 ECTS, including a minimum of seven courses, a seminar, doctoral qualifying preparation, and the doctoral thesis. Of the total workload, 120 ECTS are allocated to coursework, seminars, and qualifying preparation, while 120 ECTS are devoted to thesis research.

Academic Regulations and Progression Rules

The standard duration of the programme is eight semesters, excluding any scientific preparatory period. The maximum period of study is twelve semesters, regardless of registration status in individual semesters.

Students are required to complete at least half of the total programme credits within their registered programme. With the approval of the academic supervisor, courses may also be selected from other programmes.

Doctoral coursework must be completed within four semesters with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00. Students who fail to meet these requirements are dismissed from the programme. Academic progression is governed by the Lokman Hekim University Graduate Education and Examination Regulations.

The doctoral qualifying examination assesses whether students possess sufficient theoretical knowledge and research competence in their field. Students may attempt the qualifying examination a maximum of two times per year. Successful candidates must defend a thesis proposal before the Thesis Monitoring Committee within six months.

The committee convenes at least twice a year, and students submit progress reports prior to each meeting. Thesis progress is evaluated by absolute majority. Students who are deemed unsuccessful twice consecutively or three times in total are dismissed from the programme.

Assessment and Evaluation

Assessment and evaluation are conducted in accordance with the Lokman Hekim University Graduate Education and Examination Regulations, based on course learning outcomes specified in the official course descriptions.

Graduation Requirements

To graduate from the programme, students must:

• Successfully complete all required coursework,

• Achieve at least 240 ECTS,

• Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00 out of 4.00, and

• Pass the doctoral qualifying examination and successfully defend an original doctoral thesis before a jury.

Following a successful defence, students must submit three bound copies of the approved thesis to the Institute within one month. The official graduation date is the date of the successful thesis defence. The maximum period of study is twelve semesters.

Further Study Opportunities (Doctoral/PhD)

Graduates who meet the required academic criteria may pursue postdoctoral research, academic appointments, or apply for the national associate professorship process in the relevant field.

Career Prospects

Graduates may pursue academic and clinical careers in universities, research and application centres, and national or international institutions. Employment opportunities also include private education centres, rehabilitation and sports facilities, prosthetics and orthotics centres, and hospital departments such as physical medicine and rehabilitation, orthopaedics, cardiology, pulmonology, neurosurgery, neurology, and paediatrics, depending on areas of specialisation.

Mode of Study and Class Timetable

The programme is offered on a full-time basis. When necessary, courses and examinations may be scheduled outside standard working hours on weekdays, at weekends, or delivered through synchronous online learning.

Programme Contact

Prof. Dr. Nilgün Bek
Email: nilgun.bek@lokmanhekim.edu.tr
Phone: 444 8 548