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.

The Faculty of Health Sciences of Palacký University in Olomouc announces the admission procedure for the doctoral study programme of Applied Clinical Rehabilitation (the standard length of study is 4 years).

The admission requirement to the study is graduation from the Master’s programme of Physiotherapy or Occupational Therapy, specialising in healthcare, or graduation from the undergraduate studies of other faculties or universities specialising in medical rehabilitation. Another admission requirement is fulfilling the entrance procedure conditions.

The candidate chooses one of the dissertation topics approved by the Applied Clinical Rehabilitation Doctoral Board and specifies it in their study application – the choice of the dissertation topic from the list is a condition for the registration of the application. The candidate may consult with the supervisor (listed on the chosen topic).

Deadline for the electronic application: 17.03.2025 – 31.05.2025

The documents listed below (see Application attachments) must be delivered by 01.06.2025 in PDF format to the email address of the Student Affairs Officer for the doctoral study programme, Lucie Sehnálková (lucie.sehnalkova@upol.cz).

Application attachments

• proof of payment of the application fee (confirmation of the bank transfer)
• motivation letter
• structured Curriculum Vitae of the candidate (with the topic of their Master’s or Rigorous Thesis mentioned)
• proof of completion of the Master’s university education with diploma supplement, including a certified translation of the Master’s diploma if the original is in a language other than Czech or English.
• list of publications and lectures given by the candidate
• research project on the dissertation topic for which the candidate is applying. It must include the analysis of scientific knowledge of issues related to the dissertation topic, based on Czech and foreign sources, the definition of the problem under study, the aim, the proposed methodology and bibliographic sources. The scope of the project is 5–10 standard pages.

Application fee (a fee related to entrance exam administration): 60 EUR/application.

The application fee must be paid immediately after choosing the study programme in the electronic application. Information on the payment method and payment details are provided in the electronic application. The application fee is non-refundable.

Only upon successful payment of the application fee will the candidate be deemed to have delivered their application to study. Invitations to the entrance exam will be available for download via the electronic application. This method of distributing invitations replaces the traditional method of delivery by the Czech Post.

The date of the entrance exam: 25. 06. 2025

Form of the exam: oral + presentation of the dissertation project in English (online interview)

General content of the entrance exam:

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

Evaluation criteria: Adequate level of professional knowledge; prerequisites for independent research work (ability to creatively search for and formulate solutions to research problems).

Estimated number of accepted students: 8 in the distance form, 0 in the full-time form

Upon passing the entrance exam and receiving a letter of admission to study, the prospective doctoral students must pay the annual tuition fee of EUR 200 EUR by 31st July 2025 and send proof of payment to the Student Affairs Office via email at lucie.sehnalkova@upol.cz.

From the second year of study, doctoral students are obliged to pay the annual tuition fee of 200 EUR by 30th September of the respective year.

Students without proof of tuition payment cannot be enrolled to study and commence their studies at Palacký University in Olomouc.

Students with a foreign diploma and diploma supplement must send their education certificate for assessment. Please contact the International Relations Officer Mr. Salih Hadžiabdić at salih.hadziabdic@upol.cz.

The fee for an assessment of a foreign university education must be paid upon request from Palacký University after the assessment is completed.

Following Section 50(6) of the Higher Education Act No.111/1998 Coll., a candidate may appeal against the decision of the Dean of the Faculty within 30 days of receiving written notification of the result of the entrance examination. The appeal shall be submitted in writing and sent to the address of the faculty to Mrs. Irena Jedličková. You may use the form below to file an appeal.

• Appeal against a decision for non-admission to study