Dissertations
We have identified a list of possible topics for student dissertations. The topics listed below would yield information of potential value to the Specialist Section.
- Why do students join the College of Occupational Therapists Specialist Section – Children, Young People & Families?
- How useful do student members find their membership?
- What are the main paediatric research topics chosen by students?
- How many paediatric placements are available to students at each training school?
- Opportunities around Britain for paediatric placements for 1st year OT students compared to 2nd and 3rd year students. Is there a difference?
- Student experience of paediatric placements. Differences between those on 1st placements compared to those on final placements
- Comparison of paediatric modules on offer at OT schools throughout Britain
- Opportunities available to OT students for placements in child and adolescent mental health settings
- Opportunities available to students in childrens social service placements
- Opportunities for students in paediatric acute hospital settings
- Preparation for paediatric placement. Are their any special requirements? Study/booklists etc
For students undertaking literature reviews
Occasionally we get requests for lists of papers relevant to the research topic each student has chosen. Whilst we like to help as much as we can, we are unable to do literature searches for you.
We recommend that you search the following major journals. Do not limit your search to Britain. If your college library subscribes to OTDBASE.ORG abstracts from all these journals can be found on that site ( access to OTDBASE from NAPOT is available to all members). If not, your library will have CINAHL and Med-line from which you will get some references. Your library may also subscribe to some of the individual journals listed here. Do not forget that the COT library produces bulletins on various topics which your library may have.
- British Journal of Occupational Therapy
- Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy
- American Journal of Occupational Therapy
- Australian Journal of Occupational Therapy
- British Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation
- Journal of Occupational Science
- Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy
- Irish Journal of Occupational Therapy
- New Zealand Journal of Occupational Therapy
- South African Journal of Occupational Therapy
- Ergotherapie & Rehabilitation
- Physical & Occupational Therapy in Paediatrics
For students wanting to interview / send questionnaires to Paediatric Occupational Therapists
We have a database of OTs who are specialists in certain clinical areas. If you are a student member we can approach some of these people on your behalf. However, evidence that you have ethical approval is required, written support from supervisors is no longer sufficient. (Please refer to: Assistance for Members engaged in Research and COT guidelines on ethics).
We would be grateful if you:
Could inform us of any research you are conducting in order that we can keep the above list up to date.
On completion of your dissertation we would appreciate a copy on disc or via e-mail.
We hope you have found the above useful.

