Doctorate (PhD)
The School has a strong research programme, which in part is evidenced by its growing cohort of PhD candidates many of whom hold scholarships (Health Research Council, University of Otago). This cohort of candidates conducts research in a diverse range of disciplines and is acquiring skills and knowledge that will underpin the rest of their careers whether it be in further research or teaching.
Study at the doctoral level, usually for a minimum of three years' full-time study, is by advanced research thesis. The School welcomes applicants wishing to enrol in a PhD either as a full time or part time candidate. As such, candidates are expected to be appropriately qualified, usually having a research based Honours or Masters degree. They are expected to be able to develop, in conjunction with their supervisory team, a research thesis that leads to an original and significant contribution to the body of knowledge.
Supervisory teams are compiled of School and University staff with experience in the candidates’ field of research. The School’s Research Groups have a number of staff able to supervise candidates and provide them with the guidance and support necessary to complete a PhD programme. The School’s international links (International Advisory Board) enable the School, through the provision of advisors, to ensure that candidates’ work is of a world-class standard. PhD candidates are supported and encouraged to publish, attend conferences, apply for grants and begin the relationships with their peers that will eventually lead to collaborative work in the post-doctoral phases of their careers.
There are a number of PhD
projects currently available, but discussion is also welcomed
from those who have a project in mind and would like to know what is
possible. Should you wish to discuss your ideas with one of our
researchers, or if you would like more information, please contact:
Research Administrator:
Emma Tumilty
If you are intending to apply for PhD study at the School of
Physiotherapy you will need to obtain appropriate forms, information
and contacts from:
Research Higher Degrees
& Scholarships PhD study website
Non-resident and international
students wishing to enrol for a PhD at the University of Otago will
initially need to contact the
International office where you can seek advice and download the
appropriate forms for application.
International office website
The University also has a number of Scholarships available for
application. Both international and domestic applicants for PhD
study are eligible to apply for these Scholarships. Further
information on the University’s Scholarship application process can
be found on the:
Postgraduate Scholarships and Awards page
Qualified Physiotherapists intending to apply for PhD research
will need to be appropriately registered with the Physiotherapy
Board of New Zealand. The Board can be contacted and forms
downloaded from:
Physiotherapy Board of New
Zealand web site
PhD Projects
The School welcomes enquiries from all students wishing to undertake a PhD in a physiotherapy-related area and is happy to discuss any ideas you may have. Staff members at the School of Physiotherapy often have projects linked to their own work available for potential PhD candidates to consider. These projects are listed below by Research Group and should you wish to discuss them further please feel free to either contact the staff member involved or our research administrator for information.
REAL Neurological Research Group
AMOCK Research Group
Supervisor: Dr Allan Carman
- Biomechanics (Computational) - Musculoskeletal Modelling
- Biomechanics (Clinical) – Cerebral Palsy
- Musculoskeletal Modelling
- Biomechanics Software
- Assistive Devices
Supervisor: Dr Steve Tumilty
- Clinical Studies of Musculoskeletal interventions:
- Therapeutic application of Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT):
SPEX Research Group
These projects could accommodate students with backgrounds in: physiotherapy; occupational therapy; physical education/sports science/exercise science; sports medicine, physical medicine/rehabilitation or education.
Members of the SPEX team collaborate on many projects. Consequently projects offered by members of the SPEX team are frequently co-supervised to provide students with a wide range of expertise and a total approach to a successful and timely thesis completion.
Supervisor: Prof. John Sullivan
- Sports-related concussion
- Mobility scooters in the aging population
- Therapeutic and Sports Massage
- Clinical measurement
Supervisor: Dr Tony Schneiders
- Sports injury prevention and management
- Laterality, limb dominance and polymorphism
- Nutritional supplementation for chronic musculoskeletal conditions
- Musculoskeletal systems re-evaluation and classification
PhD Procedures
The School of Physiotherapy recommends that throughout their PhD
candidacy all PhD candidates
utilize the:
University of Otago PhD Handbook
In addition to this, the School of Physiotherapy also has its own procedures relating to the PhD process.
PhD Administrative Forms
A number of administration forms exist that a necessary
throughout the course a PhD candidacy. The general forms used
by the University of Otago can be found:
http://www.otago.ac.nz/study/phd/#forms
In addition, the School of Physiotherapy also has the following forms (word documents):
- PhD Self Review Report – This form is used each time you have a PhD review (held at 3, 6, 12, 24 and 36 months)
- PhD Request for Assistance Form – This form is to be used by candidates and supervisors to request funding for research-related costs or conference/presentation related costs.
- Memorandum of Understanding (PhD Candidates) – This is a template for PhD candidates and supervisors to use to construct their own student agreement for the term of the candidacy
Should you require any help with these forms or need further information, please contact either your primary supervisors or our research administrator.
