Rare Diseases (English) Doctorate Program
The Rare Diseases (English) Doctorate program at Istanbul University offers advanced academic and research training focused on rare diseases, genetic disorders, diagnostics, treatment approaches, and epidemiology. Designed for students with relevant backgrounds (medicine, molecular biology, biotechnology, health sciences or related), the program combines coursework, seminars, and doctoral-level research to deepen understanding of rare diseases and contribute to scientific knowledge, public health strategies, and patient care innovations. Graduates are trained to conduct original research, engage in clinical or translational studies, and address medical and scientific challenges related to rare diseases.
Based in Istanbul — a city with strong academic and medical infrastructure — the program benefits from access to research facilities, clinical settings, and collaborative opportunities in health sciences. With English as the language of instruction, the program enables international scientific exchange and prepares students for research careers, academia, clinical research, or roles in genetic counselling, health policy or rare disease advocacy.
Key information
Key Facts
- Degree: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Rare Diseases
- Standard period of study: Typically 3–5 years (depending on research progress)
- Location: Istanbul
- Study Type: Doctoral (full-time, English-taught)
- Admission modality: Department doctoral admission process
- Area of study: Rare Diseases, Genetic Disorders, Biomedical Research, Epidemiology, Clinical & Translational Medicine
- Main language: English
Program Structure
Initial Coursework & Seminars
- Advanced Genetics & Genomics
- Molecular Biology & Disease Mechanisms
- Clinical Research Methods, Biostatistics & Epidemiology
- Ethics, Patient Care, Rare Diseases Policy & Advocacy
- Elective courses aligned to research focus (e.g. bioinformatics, pharmacology, public health)
Qualifying Phase & Research Proposal Development
- Comprehensive evaluation or qualifying exam (if required)
- Research proposal development & planning (laboratory, clinical or epidemiological study)
- Literature review and methodology design
Doctoral Research & Dissertation Work
- Conduct original research on rare disease mechanisms, diagnostics, therapy, epidemiology or public health aspects
- Laboratory, clinical or data-driven study depending on specialization
- Regular seminars, collaboration with clinical or research centers, and progress reporting
Dissertation Completion & Defense
- Data analysis, interpretation and result validation
- Dissertation writing, revision and submission
- Ph.D. defense / presentation
- Possible publication of results, participation in conferences, collaboration with international research networks
Career Opportunities
Graduates may pursue careers in academic research, clinical research, genetic counseling, healthcare policy, public health institutions, pharmaceutical or biotech industry, patient advocacy groups, or international research organizations. They may also lead research projects, contribute to rare disease registries, drug development, diagnostics, or healthcare policy and management related to rare conditions.
Why Choose This Program
The combination of genetics, molecular biology, clinical research and public health perspectives — all under an English-taught, research-oriented curriculum — equips students to contribute significantly to rare disease science, patient care, and global health challenges.
With access to Istanbul’s academic and medical infrastructure, possibility for translational research, and an environment supporting scientific innovation and collaboration, graduates are positioned to make meaningful contributions to rare disease research, treatment development, and global health policy.
Contact Information
Istanbul University – Graduate Program Office for Rare Diseases
Institute of Health Sciences / Rare Diseases Department
Istanbul, Turkey
Tel: +90 212 440 00 00
Email: rarediseasesphd@istanbul.edu.tr
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
