OVERVIEW OF PHD PHYSICAL THERAPY PROGRAM
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Physical Therapy at the NUR School of Physical Therapy, NUR International University, Lahore, is a research-oriented doctoral program designed to prepare advanced scholars, researchers, clinicians, and academic leaders in the field of rehabilitation sciences. The program is developed in accordance with the guidelines of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and focuses on evidence-based practice, innovation, and interdisciplinary healthcare research.
This three-year full-time program comprises advanced coursework in physical therapy specialties, research methodology, artificial intelligence, healthcare leadership, and scientific writing, followed by supervised research and dissertation work. The curriculum aims to enhance clinical expertise, research capacity, critical thinking, and academic leadership skills.
The program also includes mandatory workshops, seminars, teaching assistantship, and publication requirements to ensure comprehensive professional and scholarly development. Graduates of the program will be equipped to contribute effectively in academia, clinical practice, healthcare management, and advanced rehabilitation research at national and international levels.
PROGRAM SPECIFICATION
| Program Title | Doctor of Philosophy in Physical Therapy |
| Specialty | Physical Therapy |
| Program Duration | Three years, full time |
| Type of Study | Regular |
| Study System | Semester System |
| Total Semesters |
• 2 Semesters in 1st Year • 2 Semesters in 2nd Year • 2 Semesters in 3rd Year |
| Distribution of Modules |
1st YEAR: • 1st Semester: 4 Courses • 2nd Semester: 4 Courses 2nd YEAR: 3rd YEAR: |
| Credit Hours |
• 22 Credit Hours of Course Work • 30 Credit Hours of Research/Dissertation |
| Department | Nur School of Physical Therapy |
| Faculty | Faculty of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences |
PHD PHYSICAL THERAPY ROADMAP
| SEMESTER-1 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sr. no. | Course Code | Course Title (Compulsory courses) | Cr. Hrs (L+P) |
| 1. | PPAR-811 | Advanced research methodology and biostatistics in Physical Therapy | 3(2+1) |
| 2. | PPMP-812 | Advanced Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy | 3(2+1) |
| 3. | PPAI-813 | Artificial Intelligence in physical therapy practice | 2(2+0) |
| 4. | PPHM-814 | Health care leadership and strategic management | 2(2+0) |
| 5. | PPUG-815 | Understanding Quran | 1(1+0) |
| Total CR | 11 | ||
| SEMESTER-2 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sr. no. | Course Code | Course Title (Compulsory courses) | Cr. Hrs (L+P) |
| 1. | PPNP-821 | Advanced Neurological Physical Therapy | 3(2+1) |
| 2. | PPNR-822 | Nutrition in Physical Rehabilitation | 2(2+0) |
| 3. | PPCP-823 | Advanced Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy | 3(2+1) |
| 4. | PPSG-824 | Scientific Writing, Publishing & Grant Proposal Development | 2(1+1) |
| 5. | PPUG-825 | Understanding Quran | 1(1+0) |
| Total CH | 11 | ||
| SEMESTER-3 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
| – | Comprehensive Examination | – |
| – | Research Thesis / Dissertation (Synopsis Defense/IRB/BASR) | 6 |
| Total | 6 | |
| SEMESTER-4 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
| – | Research Thesis / Dissertation | 6 |
| Total | 6 | |
| SEMESTER-5 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
| – | Research Thesis / Dissertation | 9 |
| Total | 9 | |
| SEMESTER-6 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
| – | Research Thesis / Dissertation | 9 |
| Total | 9 | |
| Semester | Workshop Title |
|---|---|
| Semester 1 | Communication & Presentation Skill |
| Semester 2 | Good Clinical Practice |
| Semester 3 | Study Design Selection in Health Research |
| Semester 4 | SPSS Workshop / R Software / Advanced Statistical Analysis |
| Semester 4 | Bioethics & Research Ethics |
| Semester 5 | Academic Leadership |
| Semester 6 | Occupational Hazards and Biosafety in Healthcare Settings |
SEMINAR
One Seminar to be organized by student during 3 years on a topic related to thesis title.
MANDATORY TEACHING ASSISTANTSHIP (TA SHIP)
Equivalent to at least 3 credit hours for one semester at NIU-FMH system.
MANDATORY PUBLICATION FOR DEGREE AWARD
- Criteria 1: One International Publication (W category) + One National Publication in Health-Related Journal (X category)
- Criteria 2: Two National Publications (Y category) + One National Publication (X category)
- Criteria 3: As per HEC guidelines
NIU ADMISSION POLICY
10 admissions annually OR as per availability of supervisor.
PHD ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
According to the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Graduate Education Policy guidelines, the minimum requirements for admission into the PhD Physical Therapy program are as follows:
1. EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION
Applicant must have:
- 18 years of education
- DPT + MS / MPhil / t-DPT / PP-DPT (with Equivalence Certificate)
- Degree must be from an HEC-recognized university/institution
2. MINIMUM ACADEMIC REQUIREMENT
Candidate must have:
- Minimum CGPA = 3.00 / 4.00 OR
- 60% marks in annual system in MS / MPhil / equivalent degree
3. ADMISSION TEST REQUIREMENT
As per recent HEC notification for Fall-2026 onward, admissions will be based on:
- GRE / HAT General + relevant Subject test through HEC-ETC
4. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE & RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Candidate must provide:
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Research proposal
5. INTERVIEW
NSPT-NIU will conduct:
- Interview / Presentation / Supervisor assessment
FEE STRUCTURE & SEAT DISTRIBUTION
| Category / Quota | Total Seats |
|---|---|
| Open Merit | 08 |
| NIU + FMS Faculty and Staff | 02 |
| Total Annual Seats | 10 |
*In case if no (NIU+FMS) quota candidate is available, then all seats will be offered as open merit.
| Program | Duration (years) | Total Semesters | Semester Tuition Fee (PKR) | Total Degree Fee (PKR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PhD in Physical Therapy | 3 | 6 | 170,000 | 1,020,000 |
Scholarships are available and awarded as per the existing NIU Scholarship Policy.