Welcome to the International Doctoral Program of the School of Physical Education, Sport Sciences and Dietetics of the University of Thessaly, one of the most vibrant research Schools in this field in Europe. 

This Doctoral Program is the center of our Strategy for Research Excellence and Internationalization, aiming at top-level Education for highly motivated International Doctoral students who aspire to produce world-class research in Physical Education, Sport Science and Dietetics.  Our aim is to educate the future international research leaders in these fields.

The Doctoral Program is founded on the following strengths:

• The international network of world-class universities in Sport Science, Psychology and Technology participating in the co-supervision and training of doctoral students. 
• Option for joint supervision and joint doctoral degree from the University of Thessaly and collaborating European institutions.  
• The world-class research of the faculty of this School.
• The experience of our faculty members in supervising international students that produce high-quality research outputs addressing global challenges.
• The friendly environment of our School and of our collaborating international institutions for international students.

The Doctoral program is fully in English, providing education for researchers in the areas of biology, technology, psychology and education in sports and in nutrition. In combination with two international Master programs in the areas of biology, technology, psychology and education in sports of our School, they create a vibrant international community of young scholars and a friendly multicultural atmosphere.

Doctoral students can opt to receive joined supervision from professors of top European universities, which provides them access to different research labs and cultures in Europe. This option might lead them to a joined or double Doctoral degree, if they meet all the requirements specified in the bilateral agreement between the two institutions.

Priority of our faculty members and supervisors is the support of doctoral students at both research and human level and their preparation for successful research careers. International doctoral students can also enjoy the warm Greek culture, beautiful Mediterranean weather and nature, unique Greek cuisine and history, low cost of living for the European standards and a very hospitable atmosphere in our School and the town of Trikala where most citizens speak English

The Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, with 29 faculty members who are research active in the areas of biology, technology, psychology and education in sports, accepted its first undergraduate students in 1994. Despite its young age and small size, it managed to emerge within the top 150 sport science universities and departments in the world, according to Shanghai ranking that focuses on research productivity. Six faculty members are included within the top 2% researchers with larger research impact according to Stanford list, while one of them and two additional faculty members are included within the top researchers in psychology according to research.com. Example of recognition of research impact of their research is the inclusion of one faculty member in 2023 Times 100 future leaders.  Many other faculty members gained international acclaim, serving in boards of international organizations and scientific journals.  The Department of Dietetics and Nutrition with 10 faculty members was established in 2019 and since then it has been extremely research active too.

We are confident that we can fulfill your dreams for a successful research career in the field of Physical Education, Sport Science and Dietetics. You are most welcome to visit the pages of this site and communicate with us for anything you might need to ask for this Doctoral Program.

 

Athanasios Papaioannou, Professor

Dean of School and Director of the Doctoral Program