Master of Science (Rehabilitation Research - Physiotherapy) (MSc)

This thesis-based program provides graduates with knowledge and skills to design, conduct and mobilize research in diverse areas of rehabilitation science, informing evidence-based practice to improve health.

The Master of Science (Rehabilitation Research-Physiotherapy) does not prepare graduates to take the physiotherapy licensure exams; applicants who want to study to become physiotherapists need to apply to the MSc (Physiotherapy) program.

Individuals seeking enrichment for their professional development may also apply for admission to single graduate level courses, through the Special Student-Graduate Studies category as detailed in Section 5.7.7.

Admission Requirements

Candidates must satisfy the general requirements for admission to the Faculty of Graduate Studies. In addition, an applicant's four-year Bachelor's degree must be in an area of study related to the MSc (Rehabiltiation Research-Physiotherapy) program, including (but not limited to) physiotherapy, kinesiology, psychology, neuroscience and health sciences. Students with degrees unrelated to the MSc (Rehabilitiation Research-Physiotherapy) program should contact the School to determine eligibility.

Application

Applicants must

1. Students need to identify and connect with a supervisor in the School of Physiotherapy within their area of interest.
2. Complete the application form for admission to the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
   Include a one page statement of their experience, their goals and objectives, and the area of rehabilitation research to be studied.
3. Meet the English language competency requirements as outlined by Graduate Studies.
4. Include two academic references. A work reference from someone who may comment objectively on your goals may be included in addition to the two required academic references.
5. Include an official transcript from all universities attended, sent directly to the School of Physiotherapy from the Registrar's Office of the home institution.

In addition applicants are strongly advised to:

1. Include a copy of a recent paper authored in the area in which the applicant is planning to pursue studies (if available).
2. Submit a recent GRE score.

Scholarship Deadlines

A minimum GPA of 3.7 (out of 4.3) is required for scholarship consideration, for students enrolled in full-time studies.

Applicants who wish to be considered for scholarships are strongly urged to contact potential supervisors in the fall of the year preceding their application year, as deadlines for external agencies are usually late fall.

Applications completed by January 31 will be considered for FGS and School level scholarships, however applicants are expected to seek external funding before other sources will be considered. Further information for sources of funding may be obtained from the Graduate Studies office.

For more information regarding admission and program requirements, please write to the Graduate Coordinator, School of Physiotherapy, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS  B3H 3J5 or email MScRRAdmin@dal.ca.

Program Requirements

Students registered in the program will be expected to obtain a minimum of 24 credit hours as follows: Thesis - 12 credit hours, Course work - 12 credit hours.

Course Work

Nine credit hours are obtained via required courses. A minimum of an additional three credit hours of elective courses will be selected based on the individual program of study approved by the Supervisory Committee.

Residency

For full-time students the typical duration of the program is two years, as it is expected upon completion of course work that an additional year will be required to complete the thesis. Part of the residency period may, with permission, include time off campus. There are options to complete the program on a part-time basis.