Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy

DURATION
6 semesters / 3 years
SCOPE
180 ECTS
ACADEMIC TITLE OBTAINED
Doctor of Philosophy
LOCATION
Maribor, Ljubljana
MODE OF STUDY
part-time
START OF LECTURES
November
CLASSIFICATION
SOC 10 / EOC 8 / EOVC third level

The doctoral study programme in Physiotherapy represents a turning point in the development of health sciences in Slovenia. As the first programme of its kind at the national level, it offers structured and scientifically in-depth education in the field of physiotherapy, in line with the best practices of leading international universities.

Health is wealth, and physiotherapy is the key to preserving it

The program is designed for those who want to actively shape modern healthcare through research, clinical excellence, and innovation. The focus is on interdisciplinarity, global trends, and the development of advanced competencies to address complex challenges in healthcare.

The only doctoral program in physiotherapy in Slovenia.

1ST YEAR

  Course unit ECTS
Total for 1st year 60
1 Quantitative and qualitative research methods and statistics 15
2 Selected chapters in Physiotherapy 15
3 Evidence-based physiotherapy 10
4 Applied research project in the field of physiotherapy 10
5 Development of an individual research project 10

2ND YEAR

  Course unit ECTS
Total for 2nd year 60
6 Methodology for preparing a doctoral thesis 10
7 Ethics and cultural diversity in healthcare 10
8 Elective course unit 10
9 Elective course unit 10
10 Individual research work 1 20

3RD YEAR

  Course unit ECTS
Total for the entire programme
180
11 Individual research work 2 30
12 Doctoral dissertation 30
Total for 3rd year  60

Within the course units IRD1 and IRD2, students must complete the following requirement:

  • Individual research work 1 - Preparation and approval of the doctoral dissertation proposal by the supervisor, and presentation before the members of the dissertation proposal assessment committee.
  • Individual research work 2 - Preparation and approval of the doctoral dissertation by the supervisor and the members of the dissertation assessment committee.

Once an individual requirement has been completed, the student notifies the Student Affairs Office at tina.kavticnik@almamater.si so that the requirement can be entered into their record book.

ELECTIVE COURSE UNITS

  ELECTIVE COURSE UNITS ECTS
1 Informatics as a tool for research and development in healthcare 10
2 Health promotion in the community 10
3 Leadership and professional development 10
4 Psychosocial determinants of health 10
5 Approaches to pain management 10
6 Special rehabilitation - selected chapters 10
7 Quality and safety in healthcare 10
8 Evidence-based medicine and clinical practice 10
9 Interdisciplinary management and prevention of sports injuries 10
10 Multidisciplinary management in the rehabilitation of sports injuries and functional diagnostics 10
11 Biomechanics in physiotherapy 10
12 Evidence-based neurophysiotherapy
10
13 Neuromodulation 10

Speakers

Bastič
Bastič
Prof.

Majda Bastič

E-mail majda.bastic@almamater.si
Berčan
Assist. Prof.

Mateja Berčan

E-mail mateja.bercan@almamater.si
Hernja Rumpf
Assist. Prof.

Tadeja Hernja Rumpf

E-mail tadeja.hernja@almamater.si
Kovačič
Assist. Prof.

Tine Kovačič

Holder of the study program Health Sciences and Autism
E-mail tine.kovacic@almamater.si
Marušič
Prof.

Uroš Marušič

E-mail uros.marusic@almamater.si
Schuster
Assist. Prof.

Snježana Schuster

E-mail snjezana.schuster@almamater.si
Strojnik
Prof.

Tadej Strojnik

Head of the Physiotherapy Study Program (3rd level)
E-mail tadej.strojnik@almamater.si

Why is a PhD in Physiotherapy at Alma Mater Europaea University the right choice?

Global perspective on physiotherapy
The programme encourages international cooperation in European and global research projects and enables exchanges with universities and clinics abroad.

Innovative learning
Teaching approaches include the use of the latest technologies and tools in physiotherapy. Students learn through simulations, advanced diagnostic tools, and interactive methods that enable in-depth understanding and better preparation for real-life challenges in practice.

Clinical opportunities
A wide range of clinical experience through partnerships with leading healthcare institutions, sports clubs, and rehabilitation centres. Students have the opportunity for hands-on work in various settings, enabling them to develop practical skills and gain experience across different therapeutic fields.

Connection with the Institute of Sport (IŠDF)
Close collaboration with the Institute for Sports Diagnostics and Physiotherapy, where students engage in advanced research projects. The focus is on applied research into human movement, rehabilitation, and the optimisation of physical activities, including work with various target groups such as athletes, older adults, and recreational participants.

A key step for the development of healthcare

A doctoral programme in physiotherapy offers highly qualified professionals broad employment opportunities in leading positions. Doctoral students are trained to develop new rehabilitation methods, lead research projects, and introduce innovations in the field of physiotherapy.

Employment opportunities include:

Academic and research institutions
Leading research and developing new therapeutic approaches.

Healthcare institutions
Leadership positions in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, and specific departments where advanced therapies are developed and introduced.

Institutes for sports rehabilitation and research
Designing new approaches in sports physiotherapy and the rehabilitation of athletes.

Private practice and consulting
The option to establish consulting companies or provide advanced therapeutic services.

Governmental and international organisations
Project leadership and professional consulting in the field of physiotherapy at national and global levels.

DURATION
6 semesters / 3 years
SCOPE
180 ECTS
ACADEMIC TITLE OBTAINED
Doctor of Philosophy
LOCATION
Maribor, Ljubljana
MODE OF STUDY
part-time
START OF LECTURES
November
CLASSIFICATION
SOC 10 / EOC 8 / EOVC third level

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