Master’s Programme in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation (Thesis)

Programme Overview

The Master’s Programme in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation (Thesis) was approved at the Council of Higher Education Executive Board meeting dated 21 October 2020 and was established within the Lokman Hekim University Institute of Health Sciences. The programme is delivered by faculty members with expertise in the field. The language of instruction is Turkish.

Degree Awarded and Academic Title

Graduates are awarded a Master’s Degree (Thesis) in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation and receive the academic title of Master of Science (MSc) upon successful completion of programme requirements.

Admission and Registration Requirements

Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation (or an equivalent qualification accepted as relevant by the programme). Applicants who completed their undergraduate education abroad must provide an equivalency/recognition document issued by the Council of Higher Education. Candidates are expected to meet the minimum ALES score set by the Institute Board (not below 55) and may be invited to a scientific evaluation (written assessment and/or interview). Final admission is offered within the announced quota based on an overall evaluation of ALES, undergraduate GPA and the scientific evaluation outcome.

Transfer and Credit Recognition

Students who have successfully completed at least one semester in a graduate programme may apply for horizontal transfer, subject to availability of a transfer quota and meeting the admission requirements of the target programme. Decisions on transfer and credit recognition are made in accordance with the University’s graduate regulations.

Programme Objectives

The programme aims to deepen the theoretical and practical knowledge acquired during undergraduate education through a continuous learning approach and to advance professional knowledge and skills through research-informed and evidence-based practice. It supports the development of the ability to apply clinical knowledge creatively across different contexts and to further develop physiotherapy and rehabilitation techniques. The programme also builds capacity for interdisciplinary research and project development with professionals working in rehabilitation and health, strengthens research and information literacy, and supports the dissemination of practice- and research-based outcomes through publications that contribute to national and international literature. In addition, it seeks to prepare graduates to contribute to the development of national health policies by building the level of competence and academic quality required for leadership and impact.

Programme Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to identify their learning needs and goals, sustain lifelong learning and contribute to quality improvement and professional development activities. They can plan research, take roles in projects, select appropriate statistical methods, interpret findings, prepare reports and present or publish outcomes in scientific settings. They can conduct field-specific practice and research in line with ethical principles and contribute their professional responsibilities to team work. They can follow conceptual and clinical developments related to measurement, assessment and intervention techniques in physiotherapy and rehabilitation, contribute to public health and health policies through educational, preventive and rehabilitative approaches, and communicate effectively in professional and academic contexts using at least one foreign language.

Programme Structure, Credits and ECTS

Detailed information on the curriculum, credits and ECTS is provided in the official programme curriculum. The thesis-based structure includes taught courses, a seminar course and a master’s thesis.

Academic Regulations and Progression Rules

To graduate, students must complete at least 21 local credits and at least 120 ECTS, including coursework, a seminar and a thesis. Even when credit transfer applies, students are required to complete at least half of the total required credits within their own programme. With the supervisor’s approval, students may take courses offered by other programmes. Assessment and academic obligations are governed by the University’s Graduate Education and Examination Regulations.

Assessment and Evaluation

A course grade is issued for each course at the end of the semester. Grades are determined through combined evaluation of in-term work and final examinations. Coursework must be completed within two years with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 out of 4.00.

Graduation Requirements

To graduate, students must meet the requirements specified in the University’s Graduate Education and Examination Regulations and successfully complete the thesis process. After completing coursework, students prepare a thesis in their field, write it in line with institutional thesis writing guidelines and defend it orally before an academic jury. The official graduation date corresponds to the thesis defence date on which the thesis is accepted.

Further Study Opportunities (PhD)

Graduates may apply to relevant PhD programmes provided that they meet legal and institutional admission requirements. Timelines, documentation and evaluation criteria are announced through the relevant institutes and programme calls.

Career Prospects

Depending on their area of specialisation, graduates may pursue academic roles at universities and take active responsibilities in national and international research and practice centres, including the development and implementation of research and projects. They may also work in special education centres and schools, sports centres and clubs, prosthetics and orthotics workshops, and in hospital units such as physical medicine and rehabilitation, orthopaedics, cardiology, respiratory medicine, neurosurgery, neurology and paediatrics.

Mode of Study and Class Timetable

The programme is delivered on a full-time basis. Courses and examinations are normally scheduled on weekdays. When necessary, they may also be arranged after working hours or on Saturdays and Sundays. Where appropriate, synchronous online delivery and or assessment may also be used.

Programme Contact

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