Doctorate in Philosophy Rehabilitation Sciences

Summary

• Degree offered: Doctorate in Philosophy (PhD)
• Registration status option: Full-time
• Language of instruction:
  • French
  • English
• Program option (expected duration of the program):
  • with thesis (12 full-time terms; 48 consecutive months)
• Academic units: Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Rehabilitation Sciences.

Program Description

The degree prepares candidates from both professional and research backgrounds for a career involving research in rehabilitation sciences, including issues ranging from basic science questions to psychosocial repercussions of health conditions in a rehabilitation context. PhD graduates will develop independent and collaborative research skills and will be equipped to contribute to the knowledge base that informs the practice of rehabilitation professionals.

Main Areas of Research

• Impairment and rehabilitation: This field concerns the impact of motor, sensory, cognitive, and mental health impairments on the individuals daily functioning. It includes research on fundamental views of disease and disease etiology as risks factors for eventual difficulties in functioning.
• The environment and rehabilitation: This field focuses on the way social and physical environmental factors can either enable or hinder an individuals functioning.
• Participation in life situations and rehabilitation: This field focuses on how the individual is re-integrated into the community and takes part in life activities while gaining functional autonomy following the onset of disease, disorder, or trauma.

Other Programs Offered Within the Same Discipline or in a Related Area

• Master of Health Sciences in Audiology (MScS)
• Master of Health Sciences Speech-Language Pathology (MScS)
• Master of Health Sciences in Occupational Therapy (MScS)
• Master of Health Sciences Physiotherapy (MScS)

Fees and Funding

• Program fees:

The estimated amount for university fees associated with this program are available under the section Finance your studies.

International students enrolled in a French-language program of study may be eligible for a differential tuition fee exemption.

• To learn about possibilities for financing your graduate studies, consult the Awards and financial support section.

Notes

• Programs are governed by the general regulations in effect for graduate studies.
• In accordance with the University of Ottawa regulation, students have the right to complete their assignments, examinations, research papers, and theses in French or in English.

Program Contact Information

Academic Office, Faculty of Health Sciences
125 University Private, Room 242
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
K1N 6N5

Tel.: 613-562-5853
Toll free: 1-877-868-8292, ext. 5853
Email: healthsc@uOttawa.ca

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For the most accurate and up to date information on application deadlines, language tests and other admission requirements, please visit the specific requirements webpage.

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Have a master’s degree in a rehabilitation profession (Audiology, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Speech-Language Pathology) or a related discipline (e.g., Engineering, Nursing, Psychology, Social Work). We will also consider applicants who wish to research areas related to disability and rehabilitation who have completed graduate work in other areas. Successful applicants must meet minimum requirements for graduate admission including an average of 75% (B+).
• Applicants from non-thesis master's degree programs (e.g., professional or course-based only) must submit at the time of application documentation demonstrating research competence either as part of their program of studies and/or through activities completed during practice. Students will be required to present a dossier demonstrating research skills that may include, publications in peer-reviewed journals, research reports, program development and evaluation reports, abstracts, presentations, or similar documents. 

Note: International applicants must verify the admission equivalencies for the diploma they received in their country of origin.

• Applicants must identify at least one professor who is willing to supervise their research and thesis. It is recommended that students contact potential thesis supervisors as soon as possible. A professor has to accept to serve as thesis supervisor and his or her confirmation is required at the time of the application. 

Language Requirements

Applicants must be able to understand and fluently speak the language of instruction (French or English) in the program to which they are applying. Proof of linguistic proficiency may be required.

Applicants whose first language is neither French nor English must provide proof of proficiency in the language of instruction. To be admitted, one of the two official languages must be mastered as demonstrated by a satisfactory score on one of the language tests recognized by the University.

Note: Applicants are responsible for any fees associated with the language tests.

Note: Doctoral courses are offered in French and/or English depending on the number of students admitted. 

Notes

• The admission requirements listed above are minimum requirements and do not guarantee admission to the program.

• Admissions are governed by the general regulations in effect for graduate studies.

Fast-Track from Master’s to PhD

Students enrolled in a Health Sciences research master’s program at the University of Ottawa (for instance, Nursing, Human Kinetics, Interdisciplinary Health Sciences) may be eligible to fast-track directly into the doctoral program without writing a master’s thesis, provided the following conditions are met:

• Achievement of an 80% (A-) average in their last two years of undergraduate studies (or exceptional professional experience);
• Completion of a minimum of 9 graduate course units with a grade of A- or better in each;
• Satisfactory progress in the research program;
• Written recommendation from the supervisor and the thesis advisory committee after successful completion of a master's proposal, where required;
• Approval by the graduate studies committee after evaluation of the student's file, including an academic curriculum vitae.

Note: The transfer must take place within 16 months of initial enrollment in the master’s. Following transfer, all requirements of the doctoral program must be met.

• Apply online through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC), by completing form 105.
• Declare all your current and previous postsecondary studies, completed or not, even if they are not related to your application. Failure to do so may lead to the cancellation of your application or the withdrawal of your offer of admission at any time.
• Enter your email address, making sure it is accurate. We will use this address to communicate with you for all matters. Also, check your inbox (and junk mail folder) regularly for messages from the University of Ottawa.
• Pay the application fees for all your admission applications. Applications are forwarded to the University of Ottawa only after fees are paid in full and the payment has cleared. Learn more about application fees.
• Note that OUAC is not part of the University of Ottawa. It handles applications to all Ontario universities and is responsible for transferring your application to our admission office.