The Neurology (English) Doctorate program at Istanbul University aims to train high-level researchers and clinicians in neurological sciences, focusing on both basic neuroscience and clinical neurology. The program combines advanced coursework with in-depth research, covering neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neuropathology, neurogenetics, neuroimaging, and translational medicine. Students undertake a doctoral dissertation to contribute original research in understanding, diagnosing or treating neurological disorders. With instruction in English, the program targets both national and international academic and clinical communities.
Based in Istanbul — a city with established medical infrastructure and academic institutions — the program provides access to clinical environments, research labs, and diverse patient populations, enabling translational research from bench to bedside. Graduates emerge equipped for work in academia, hospitals, neuroscience research centers, or international collaborations in neurology and neuroscience.
Key information
Key Facts
- Degree: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Neurology / Neurological Sciences
- Standard period of study: Typically 3–5 years (depending on research progress)
- Location: Istanbul
- Study Type: Doctoral (full-time, English-taught)
- Admission modality: Department / Institute doctoral admission procedures
- Area of study: Neuroscience, Neurology, Neurobiology, Neurophysiology, Neurogenetics, Clinical & Translational Neurology
- Main language: English
Program Structure
Initial Coursework & Seminar Phase
- Advanced Neuroanatomy & Neurophysiology
- Neurobiology, Cellular & Molecular Neuroscience
- Neurogenetics, Neuroimmunology / Neuropathology
- Neuroimaging & Neural Diagnostics / Neurophysiological Methods
- Research Methods, Biostatistics & Scientific Ethics
Qualifying / Research Proposal Phase
- Development of doctoral research proposal (basic, translational or clinical)
- Literature review, methodological planning, experimental/clinical design
Doctoral Research & Dissertation Work
- Original research (laboratory-based, clinical, translational or epidemiological)
- Data collection, analysis (can include neuroimaging, electrophysiology, molecular methods, patient studies depending on topic)
- Regular seminars, collaboration with clinical/research departments, progress monitoring
Thesis Completion & Defense
- Compilation of dissertation, data interpretation and writing
- Publication of results (if applicable), submission and defense of thesis
- Possible participation in academic conferences or clinical/research collaborations
Career Opportunities
Graduates may pursue careers as neuroscientists, clinical neurologists (depending on medical licensing requirements), research scientists in neurobiology or neurology, academic faculty, clinical researchers, neurologic disease specialists, neuroimaging experts, or work in pharmaceutical/biotech companies focused on neurological disorders. They may also engage in translational medicine, neuro-research projects, or international collaborations on brain health and neurological disease research.
Why Choose This Program
Choosing the Neurology (English) Doctorate Program at Istanbul University offers advanced research training in neurological sciences with access to clinical and laboratory facilities. The English-taught structure provides an international academic environment and supports global scientific engagement.
The program equips students with the expertise needed for academic, clinical, or research careers in neurology and neuroscience. With strong faculty guidance and a research-focused curriculum, graduates gain the skills to contribute to neurological science and patient-centered innovation.
Contact Information
Istanbul University – Department / Institute of Neurological Sciences / Neurology Doctorate Program Office
Istanbul, Turkey
Tel: +90 212 440 00 00
Email: neurologyphd@istanbul.edu.tr
Graduate & Doctoral Affairs Office – Istanbul University
Istanbul, Turkey
Tel: +90 212 440 00 00
Email: graduateoffice@istanbul.edu.tr
International Office – Istanbul University
Beyazıt Campus, Istanbul, Turkey
Tel: +90 212 440 00 00
Email: international@istanbul.edu.tr
