Skip to main content
Temerty Faculty of Medicine
Search this site
Menu

Doctor of Philosophy

research_fair

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program provides advanced research training for future researchers, clinician-scientists, educators, and leaders in rehabilitation science. Through original research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and mentorship from faculty across the University of Toronto and its affiliated hospitals and research institutes, students develop the expertise to address real-world challenges and drive impact in practice, policy, and innovation. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in academia, healthcare, government, industry, and the non-profit sector.

The program is offered on a full-time basis.

Program Objectives

Program Objectives

Program Requirements

  • Coursework. Students must successfully complete a total of 2.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs)  

  • Candidacy Examination. Students must successfully complete a candidacy examination, with written and oral components, to be taken in the first 18 months of the program. 

  • Research Progress Evaluation. Proof of satisfactory completion of two Supervisory Committee Meetings annually , demonstrating research progress

  • Research Presentation. Students must attend and present at RSI Research Day (in Year 2, 3 and 4) 

  • Thesis. Students must complete several research projects that would result in completion and submission of a research thesis and complete an oral examination of the thesis. 

Mode of Delivery: In person. Students are expected to be on campus and participating full-time until all program requirements are completed. 

Program Length:  

  • PhD following master's entry: 4 years full-time; 6-year full-time time limit 

  • PhD following MSc transfer: 5 years full-time; 7-year full-time time limit 

Direct-Entry

Well-qualified students with excellent research potential holding a bachelor’s degree may be considered for direct admission to the PhD program. Students will be required to complete additional coursework (4.0 FCEs total) and may have a different program timeline. More information on the Direct-Entry PhD program can be found on the SGS Graduate Calendar. 

Program Length:  

  •  5 years full-time; 7-year full-time time limit