Doctoral programmes

The aim of the doctoral study programme is to prepare highly qualified experts who independently carry out scientific research, publication, projects and conceptual activities in the field of applied clinical rehabilitation. The doctoral study programme is primarily focused on the systematic development of knowledge, deeper understanding of theories, concepts and classification systems of applied clinical rehabilitation. An integral part of the programme is the education of future academic staff, training professionals in the fields of clinical rehabilitation and related disciplines, which are guaranteed by supervisors. After completing all study obligations and successfully defending the dissertation, graduates are awarded the degree of Ph.D. of Applied Clinical Rehabilitation.

Doctoral study programme of Applied Clinical Rehabilitation focuses on:

• research of application of modern therapeutic techniques and protocols of comprehensive rehabilitation
• analysis and application of classification systems for diagnosis and assessment of rehabilitation interventions
• research of new therapeutic interventions in Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Medical Rehabilitation, Physical Medicine and other multidisciplinary approaches to improve clinical practice using the principles of Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) and Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)
• study of Aetiology, Pathophysiology, new diagnostic and therapeutic principals of musculoskeletal disorder
• development of interventions and programs for active lifestyle as a critical element for prevention and long-term health management, motivating to regular physical activity and healthy habits
• implementation of scientific research, creative and publication activities in the field of clinical rehabilitation

The requirements for admission to study are specified in Act No. 111/1998 Coll. on Higher Education, Section 49(1), as amended. The admission criteria are determined by the internal regulations and standards of Palacký University in Olomouc.

The requirement for admission to the doctoral study programme (DSP) of Applied Clinical Rehabilitation is the completion of studies in a Master's degree programme in health and biomedical sciences at a university. Graduates of study programmes in related fields of science must demonstrate sufficient theoretical and methodological orientation in rehabilitation issues that will be the focus of their dissertation research.

The entrance examination is in a form of an interview, focusing on the assessment of the applicant's general aptitude for independent work in the field of science and research. The professional part of the examination is directed towards a discussion of the submitted dissertation project, which the applicant, in cooperation with his/her potential supervisor, prepares and submits together with the application form. Selecting the dissertation topic is a condition for the registration of the application. The examination also includes verification of language skills and experience in studying foreign language literature in relation to the chosen dissertation topic.

The Department of Clinical Rehabilitation of the Faculty of Physical Therapy of the University of Olomouc intends to admit the maximum of 10 students to the doctoral programme of Applied Clinical Rehabilitation for the academic year 2025/2026.

Deadline for electronic application: 01.09.2024 – 31.05.2025

The prospective student must complete the online application form in the Electronic Application and pay the administrative fee of 790 CZK for every registered application. The administrative fee must be paid immediately after choosing the study programme. The payment methods and further details are provided in the electronic application. The administrative fee is non-refundable.

As part of the application, the prospective student chooses one of the dissertation topics approved by the Board of the Doctoral Programme in Applied Clinical Rehabilitation and indicates it in the application form – choosing a dissertation topic is one of the conditions for registering the application. The supervisor of the selected topic can be contacted for a consultation.

Topics of dissertation project for the academic year 2025/2026

By 01.06.2025, the prospective student must send the below listed documents to the address:

Together with the application, the prospective student attaches:

• confirmation of payment of the administrative fee (the copy of the deposit slip or bank transfer receipt) – not required when paying online by credit card
• cover letter
• Curriculum Vitae (including the selected topic of dissertation)
• proof of completed university education (certified photocopy)
• a list of applicant’s publications and lectures
• a research project of 5-10 standard pages on the selected topic of the dissertation (analysis of scientific knowledge of issues related to the topic of the dissertation, based on the results of a search of Czech and foreign publications, definition of the problem under study, the aim of the dissertation, proposal of methodology, bibliographic sources)

The application is considered valid only if the administrative fee of 790 CZK is paid and all documents are delivered to the Student Affairs Office by 01.06.2025.

The date of the entrance exam: June 2025 (the exact date of the exam will be specified by email)

Form of the exam: oral + presentation of the research project

General content of the entrance exam:

• presentation of the research project
• verification of knowledge on the topic of the dissertation
• verification of the ability to communicate in English on a professional topic

Evaluation criteria: appropriate level of professional knowledge, prerequisites for independent research work (ability to creatively seek and formulate solutions to research problems).

Estimated number of accepted students: 10