Doctoral studies aim to develop in-depth scientific research and train scientists capable of contributing to the advancement of science, research and applications in the field of sport and exercise
science and rehabilitation.

Upon successful completion of the PhD in Exercise Science, Sport & Rehabilitation, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the theoretical foundations and key concepts within exercise science, sports, and rehabilitation.
2. Critically analyze and evaluate current research literature in exercise science, sports, and rehabilitation, demonstrating the ability to synthesize complex information.
3. Develop advanced research skills, including the ability to design, implement, and evaluate research projects in exercise science, sports, and rehabilitation.
4. Apply knowledge and research findings to inform evidence-based practice in exercise science, sports performance, and rehabilitation settings.
5. Demonstrate proficiency in communicating research findings and theoretical concepts effectively through oral presentations, scholarly writing, and other relevant mediums.
6. Engage in interdisciplinary collaboration and contribute to the advancement of knowledge within the field of exercise science, sports, and rehabilitation.
7. Demonstrate ethical reasoning and decision-making skills in research and professional practice contexts within exercise science, sports, and rehabilitation.
8. Critically evaluate and apply emerging technologies and methodologies relevant to exercise science, sports performance, and rehabilitation practice.

Upon completing the PhD program, graduates will possess a comprehensive body of knowledge and skills in Exercise Science, Sports, and Rehabilitation. They will be well-versed in scientific research methods and will have gained practical experience.

In recent years, the need for research documentation and support of professional practice has been increasing. This trend will provide graduates with a wide range of professional employment opportunities in Cyprus, including:

Public Sector: Employment in various bodies of the wider public sector of Cyprus or abroad, focusing on prevention through exercise for health and well-being, as well as healthcare at all levels, particularly in rehabilitation. Opportunities include roles in central or decentralized units of the Ministry of Health, hospitals, health centers, other public health services, and research and rehabilitation centers.

Freelancing: PhD holders in "Exercise Science, Sports, and Rehabilitation" can work as specialized freelancers in Cyprus and abroad. There is an increasing demand for specialized professionals in the fields of prevention, fitness for health and wellness, and rehabilitation for clinical populations or individuals recovering from sports and other injuries.

Research Programs and Working Groups: Graduates can participate in research programs as research associates or serve as coordinators of funded research proposals. The continuous increase in research funding from the Government of Cyprus, the European Union, and other international organizations creates significant employment prospects in this sector.

Higher Education: Graduates will have the opportunity to work in higher education, where there is a limited number of specialized individuals in Exercise Science, Sports, and Rehabilitation. They can train future scientists, collaborate with international peers, innovate, and secure European research and innovation funding to explore specialized fields of interest.

Graduates will be well-prepared to meet the growing demands in their field and to contribute to the advancement of Exercise Science, Sports, and Rehabilitation in various professional contexts.

For an application for a doctoral dissertation to be accepted, the following conditions must be met:

1. Candidates must hold an accredited Master's degree. Any work experience in the field will be considered as an additional qualification.
2. The preparation of a Doctoral Thesis (PhD) must meet high scientific level requirements and meet
real needs of modern Exercise Science, Sports and Rehabilitation. In addition, the proposed topic
of the dissertation must be part of the wider scientific area covered by the Department and meet
its general research and educational goals.
3. The candidate must have a proven sufficient knowledge of the English language in order to be able to easily consult the foreign literature on the topic of his/her research.

The following are eligible to apply:

a. Candidates holding an accredited university master's degree or other accredited equivalent
qualification relevant to the subject matter of the post advertised.
b. Persons who, until the beginning of registrations, will hold everything mentioned in the above
paragraph or Graduation Certificate.

The application must be accompanied by the following information:

i. certified copies of the relevant diplomas,
ii. a certified copy of the transcript of the relevant diplomas,
iii. two letters of recommendation from academics who know the candidate,
iv. other evidence, such as publications, language certificates, etc.

The evaluation and ranking criteria for candidates are:

i. the degree of relevance of the qualification to the post advertised,
ii. the grades of the relevant diplomas,
iii. the content of the two letters of recommendation,
iv. other criteria such as interview, minimum degree grade, foreign language certificates
and others, as provided for in the operating regulations of the Doctoral Program.

PhD students who hold a university degree that is not relevant to the subject of the advertised position may also be accepted, provided that in these cases the student is obliged to attend and be successfully examined in a number of undergraduate and/or postgraduate courses set by the Doctoral Program Committee.

The program is structured in six (6) semesters of 30 ECTS credits each. The minimum duration of the program is six semesters (180 ECTS).

A doctoral student is awarded the doctoral title after a successful completion of the requirements specified in the program structure. These requirements include the successful completion of the following:

- Doctoral Level Courses
- Comprehensive Exam
- Graduate Seminar Courses
- Defence of Research Proposal
- Paper Publications
- Doctoral Dissertation Submission
- Doctoral Dissertation Defence