Example alternative therapies dissertation topic 8:

Evaluating the worth of alternative therapy training – A cost benefit analysis.

That universities such as the University of Derby have been forced to close their Complementary Medicine Department suggests that with the rise of university tuition fees, many who might previously have enrolled in university are instead furthering their education in this field through the undertaking of apprenticeships. Combining the theory and practice of massage (as an alternative therapy) with the costs involved in training as a massage therapist; this dissertation presents a cost-benefit analysis of undertaking such ‘on the job’ training rather than undertaking a degree in alternative medicines. This is, accordingly, a cross-disciplinary dissertation that not only evaluates core components of the courses offered but also comments on issues of student finance, the graduate job market and public perception as to the relevance of certain degree courses.

Suggested initial topic reading:

• Dieckhoff, M. (2008). ‘Skills and occupational attainment: a comparative study of Germany, Denmark and the UK’. Work, Employment & Society, vol. 22(1), pp. 89-108.
• Mauldin, B. (2011). Apprenticeships in the health care industry. Washington, DC: US Department of Health & Human Services.
• Tait, J. and Cummings, M. (2004). ‘Education, training and continuing professional development in medical acupuncture – A contemporary overview’. Acupuncture in Medicine, vol. 22(2), pp. 75-82.