Overview
The MPT/PhD stream is offered in partnership between the Rehabilitation Science Graduate Program (RHSC) and the Department of Physical Therapy. This stream is designed for outstanding students with an interest in both clinical and research training relevant to physical therapy.
Students must start with the MPT program and will be expected to transition into a PhD in the RHSC program.
The expected completion time is five years for both degrees.
MPT/PhD Stream Schedule
Year of study considered September – following August
| Y1 | MPT 1 | Identify a faculty member in the Department of Physical Therapy who will act as your supervisor in the RHSC program (by June) |
| Y2 | MPT 2 | – Apply for doctoral funding (typically September) – Register your intent with the RHSC and MPT programs prior to December 1st – Apply to PhD in RHSC Program (January) |
| Y3 | MPT 3 / PhD | – MPT and PhD programs run concurrently during Winter Term 1 – The last placement is a research placement – Enroll in RHSC 500 (Winter Term 1) – Enroll in RHSC 502 and 530 (Winter Term 2) |
| Y4 | PhD | – Complete the comprehensive exam process |
| Y5 | PhD | – Advance to Candidacy and complete thesis work |
Note: The MPT program is a fixed program at 26 months in length.
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission to MPT/PhD, prospective students must meet the following requirements.
- 4.0 GPA in undergraduate studies
- Average over 85% in each year of MPT courses
- Demonstrated research experience
- Completion of a research-based Master’s degree prior to starting the MPT program
OR
- Formal experience in a research setting that has produced a co-authored paper in a peer-reviewed journal relevant to physical therapy research. Note that preference will be given to students who have received research training as part of a Master’s degree.
- Note: Candidates who demonstrate a high level of research experience may be exempt from taking RHSC 500
- Identification of a Physical Therapy faculty member who will supervise the research components of the MPT/PhD program. For a list of eligible faculty members, click here.
For a complete list of requirements, please visit the following web pages:
MPT Admission requirements
PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences Admission requirements
Application process
- Secure a supervisor.
- Email the RHSC program (rehab.gradprogram@ubc.ca) to register your intent on applying to the MPT/PhD stream prior to December 1st of your second year, and attach the following documentation:
- a one-page summary describing your research experiences
- a curriculum vitae outlining education and research credentials. This can also include honours and awards, volunteer experience, as well as a list of published papers and scientific presentations
- a brief overview of the research you are interested in conducting during your doctoral studies (250-word maximum)
*Candidates are strongly encouraged to identify a supervisor in the first year of their MPT program and apply for funding in September of their second year in the MPT program.
- Complete the online application to the Rehabilitation Sciences Research (RHSC) PhD program by January of your second year in the MPT program. For a list of instructions and deadlines, click here.
- Example timeline: If you start the MPT program in September 2025, you should apply for funding in September 2026 and apply for the RHSC program by January 2027 to start the PhD portion by September 2027. You will then be enrolled concurrently in the MPT program and the PhD program for during the fall term of 2027. Please note, this timeline refers to academic years which span from September to August.
If you have any questions related to the MPT program or the MPT/PhD Stream that are not currently answered by our website, you are welcome to direct them to mpt.admissions@ubc.ca
If you have any questions related to the PhD program, that are not currently answered by our website, you are welcome to direct them to rehab.gradprogram@ubc.ca