PhD in Physical Therapy
After graduation, our students will be able to:
- Professionally utilises fundamental knowledge, analytical and problem-solving skills in the field of Physical Therapy to articulate and work through evidence-based clinical decision making based on research evidences and practical knowledge.
- Acquiring knowledge and advance skills for planning, analysing and investigating different diseases for attaining lifelong learning and displaying commitment to the community.
- Exploring new and emerging areas (sub-specialities) in the field of rehabilitation science by utilising different tools and rehabilitative techniques for treatment purposes.
- Effectively communicating with patients/clients and peers by adhering to an ethical and professional code of conduct while working meritoriously as a leader in the multidisciplinary teams of hospitals and institutions. Â
At least 18 years of education in the relevant discipline, Minimum CGPA 3.0/4.00 or 60% marks (in annual system) from HEC recognized institute (essentially the undergraduate and postgraduate degrees should be HEC attested or / and having HEC Equivalence certificate in case of foreign university education or equivalent local education).
The candidate should have cleared both:
- University Aptitude Test equivalent to GRE/HAT/ with the passing score of 60%. OR Equivalent Test with a passing score of 60%
- Interview with the PhD Admission CommitteeÂ
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
| Semester I | ||
| ZU-RM-901 | Research Methodology I (Core) | 3 |
| ZU-BSMBG-905 | Fundamentals Of Biomedical Sciences, Advancement In Molecular Biology & Genetics (Core) | 3 |
| ZU-MDPT-907 | Elective | 3 |
ZUGE-009/ ZUGE-012 | Understanding of the Holy Quran – I or Philosophy of Life I | 1  1 |
| Â | Total | 10 |
| Semester II | ||
| ZU-RM-902 | Research Methodology II (Core) | 3 |
| ZU-MDPT-900 | Â (Elective) | 3 |
| ZU-MDPT-904 | Â (Elective) | 3 |
ZUGE-010/ ZUGE-013 | Understanding of the Holy Quran – II or Philosophy of Life II | 1   1 |
| Â | Total | 10 |
| TH-003 | Thesis | 30 |
| Â | Â | 50 |
List of Elective Courses (any three electives need to be selected)
| Ziauddin University | ||||
| S. No. | Code | Title of course | Credit Hours | |
| 1 | ZU-MDPT-907 | Major Discipline – I | 3 | |
| 2 | ZU-MDPT-900 | Major Discipline – II | 3 | |
| 3 | ZU-MDPT-904 | Major Discipline – III | 3 | |
| 4 | ZU-TM-906 | Teaching Methodology | 3 | |
| 5 | ZU-AI-908 | Artificial Intelligence and Digital Health in Rehabilitation | 3 | |
| 6 | ZU-AE-909 | Advanced Epidemiology for Health Care Professionals | 3 | |
| 7 | ZU-SD-910 | Sustainable Development Goals and Global Health Systems | 3 | |
| 8 | ZU-AH-911 | Advanced Health and Wellness Promotion Across the Lifespan | 3 | |
| 9 | ZU-HP-912 | Health Policy, Ethics, and Governance in Rehabilitation Science | 3 | |
| 10 | ZU-PH-913 | Population Health, Prevention, and Sustainable Healthcare Models | 3 | |
| 11 | ZU-AP-914 | Advanced Pedagogy and Curriculum Design in Health Professions Education | 3 | |
| 12 | ZU-EL-915 | Educational Leadership and Policy in Health and Rehabilitation | 3 | |
| 13 | ZU-CB-916 | Community-Based and Inclusive Rehabilitation | 3 | |
| 14 | ZU-PP-917 | Preventive and Promotive Rehabilitation | 3 | |
| 15 | ZU-PC-918 | Palliative Care and Long-Term Rehabilitation | 3 | |
| 16 | ZU-SP-919 | Sports & Performance Rehabilitation | 3 | |
Learning Outcome 1: Demonstrate in-dept. learning in research with respect to Physical Therapy
Learning Outcome 2: Inculcate the advance knowledge of research through article writing and dissertation writing
Learning Outcome 3: Critically appraise research articles and synthesizing novel approach
Learning Outcome 4: Perform independent research professionally and ethically
Learning Outcome 5: Utilize the skills in formulating evidence-based action plan for patients/clients in the field of physical therapy
Learning Outcome 6: Implement advanced and innovative techniques in patients/clients and contribute to original scholarly work
Learning Outcome 7: Exhibit leadership skills for professional guidance, ethical practice and future career development
Learning Outcome 8: Demonstrate Lifelong learning through continuous professional development in response to societal and professional needsÂ
Graduates of a PhD programme in Physical Therapy have diverse career opportunities, including academia as professors or researchers, clinical research roles in hospitals or rehabilitation centres, consulting for healthcare organisations, industry positions in medical device or pharmaceutical companies, government or non-profit work in research or policy development, entrepreneurship in developing innovative therapies or technologies, and providing continuing education for practising physical therapists. With their advanced knowledge and research skills, PhD graduates play vital roles in advancing the field of physical therapy, improving patient care, and contributing to the overall health and well-being of individuals and communities.
Career Prospects
The career prospects for individuals completing a PhD in Physical Therapy can work in the following sectors:
- Academia: Opportunities exist for teaching and research positions in universities and colleges, where graduates can contribute to educating future physical therapists and advancing knowledge in the field.
- Clinical Research: Graduates can engage in clinical research in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, or research institutions, focusing on improving patient care and outcomes through evidence-based practices.
- Consulting: PhD holders can work as consultants for healthcare organisations, advising on research methodologies, data analysis, and programme evaluation to enhance physical therapy services.
- Industry: Career options include roles in medical device companies, pharmaceutical firms, or healthcare technology companies, contributing to research, product development, and clinical trials.
- Government and Non-profit Work: Opportunities exist in government agencies, non-profit organisations, or international health organisations, focusing on research, policy development, or programme management in physical therapy and rehabilitation.
- Entrepreneurship: Some graduates may start their own businesses, developing innovative therapies, assistive devices, or healthcare technologies to address local needs in the field.
- Continuing Education: Graduates can provide continuing education and professional development opportunities for practising physical therapists, helping them stay updated with the latest research and best practices in the field. Â
| ZIAUDDIN COLLEGE OF PHYSICAL THERAPY-KARACHI | ||||
| ZIAUDDIN UNIVERSITY | ||||
| Doctor of Philosophy in Physical Therapy | ||||
| Fees Structure 2026-2027 | ||||
| 1st Semester | ||||
| Description | Frequency | Fee/Cr. Hr | # of Cr. Hr | Total Fee |
| Admission Fee | One-Time | N/A | 200,000 | |
| Application Fees | One-Time | N/A | 5,000 | |
| Semester Registration Fees | Per Semester | N/A | 5,000 | |
| Tuition Fee | Per Semester / Per Credit Hour | 11,489 | 10 | 114,890 |
| Examination Fee | Per Credit Hour | 1500 | 10 | 15,000 |
| AHPC Student Registration | Per Annum | N/A | 1,000 | |
| Total Fees 1st Semester | 340,890 | |||
| 2nd Semester | ||||
| Tuition Fee | Per Semester / Per Credit Hour | 11,489 | 10 | 114,890 |
| Examination Fee | Per Semester / Per Credit Hour | 1500 | 10 | 15,000 |
| Semester Registration Fees | Per Semester | N/A | 5,000 | |
| Total Fees 2nd Semester | 134,890 | |||
| 3rd Semester | ||||
| Comprehensive Fees | Per Annum | N/A | 25,000 | |
| AHPC Student Registration | Per Annum | N/A | 1,000 | |
| 4th Semester onward till the completion of thesis | ||||
| Research Supervision Fees | Per Semester | 37,000 | ||
| GEC Fee | Per Semester | 8,000 | ||
| Semester Registration Fees | Per Semester | N/A | 5,000 | |
| Total Fees 4th Semester (Research) | 50,000 | |||
| Thesis Defense Fees | 100,000 | |||
| Foreign Evaluation Fees | $600 | |||
