What is a Conversion Course?

A conversion course trains graduates in a new subject and prepares them for specific careers. These courses are built for those looking to change careers but studied something unrelated at undergraduate level. Conversion courses are often Masters-level courses but there are shorter courses out there which focus on practical training in place of a dissertation. An MSc Psychology and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) are two popular conversion courses.

Not having done a specific undergraduate degree shouldn’t hold you back from your dreams! If you’re looking to change careers, a postgraduate conversion course might be the way to go.

In this guide, I’ve explained what some of the different conversion courses are, popular subjects you can study and how you can fund it.

There are four main types of postgraduate conversion course:

• Graduate diploma (GDip) – Although taken by graduates, this is a Level 6 qualification, comprising a selection of modules that would have been studied on a full undergraduate degree. A GDip is usually worth 120 CATS / 60 ECTS credits.
• Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) – This is a Level 7 qualification, often comprising modules you'd study on a Masters course, but without a final dissertation. A PGDip is normally worth 120 CATS / 60 ECTS credits.
• Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) – Usually worth 60 CATS / 30 ECTS Masters-level credits, a PGCert is a shorter alternative to a PGDip.
• Masters conversion courses – These are Masters courses aimed at graduates with little to no prior experience of the subject in question. Usually worth 180 CATS / 90 ECTS, a Masters takes longer to complete than the other options in this list, and will normally include a dissertation.
• Graduate entry courses – These are fast-track, Bachelor-level programmes aimed at graduates, allowing them to study a new degree in a subject like Medicine or Engineering.

Conversion courses are designed to prepare you for a career unrelated to your undergraduate degree. Other Masters courses accept students with little prior experience as well, but conversion courses are more curated and aimed at specific careers.

These are some of the most popular subjects you could choose to take a conversion course in:

• Psychology – If you take a British Psychological Society (BPS)-accredited PGDip or MSc Psychology, you can gain the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) that you need to start a career in psychology. Search for Psychology conversion courses.
• Law – If you want to become a lawyer but didn’t study Law at undergraduate level, the first step is to study a Graduate Diploma in Law (or another programme that will prepare you for the Solicitors Qualification Exam). Search for Law conversion courses.
• Teaching – There are lots of graduate routes into teaching, and the PGCE is one of the most common. This qualification will usually lead to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Find out more about postgraduate teacher training courses.
• Computer Science– Many universities offer courses like an MSc Computer Science, designed for people who don’t have an undergraduate background in IT. Search for Computer Science conversion courses.
• Business and Management – The Masters in Management (MiM) is an increasingly popular qualification aimed at new graduates who don’t necessarily have prior experience of Business or Finance. Search for Business conversion courses.
• Accounting – Some universities offer Masters-level courses in Accounting for graduates without a relevant academic background. Search for Accounting conversion courses.
• Journalism – If you want to pursue a career in journalism, most Journalism-related Masters don’t ask for an undergraduate degree in the subject. Often accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ), these courses allow you to switch your career direction. Search for Journalism conversion courses.
• Marketing – Some Marketing Masters are accredited by the Chartered Institute for Marketing, but don’t require any prior experience in the area. Search for Marketing conversion courses.
• Nursing – You can train for a career in nursing by studying an accelerated qualification accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council. Specialisms are available in areas such as Mental Health Nursing and Midwifery. Search for Nursing conversion courses.
• Engineering – Fast-track Engineering conversion courses are available for students who have a degree in a STEM-related subject. Search for Engineering conversion courses.
• Physiotherapy – If you have an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject area, you can take an MSc Physiotherapy conversion course accredited by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Search for Physiotherapy conversion courses.
• Medicine: If you’re looking to qualify as a doctor, you can take a four-year accelerated Graduate Entry Medicine course. You’ll graduate with a full degree accredited by the GMC, which will allow you to complete your hospital foundation training as a junior doctor. Search for Medicine conversion courses.
• Social Work: A Masters in Social Work is a degree to prepare you for a career as a registered social worker. It typically takes two years to complete and anyone who can demonstrate a passion for social work is welcome. Search for Social Work conversion courses.

Postgraduate conversion courses will give you a solid grounding in what you might have missed in the subject at undergraduate level.

If it’s a level 6 graduate diploma (like the Graduate Diploma in Law), the programme will most likely condense 18 months of undergraduate study into one intensive year.

Meanwhile, if you take a level 7 conversion course – i.e. a Masters or a PGDip – you’ll learn the undergraduate essentials of the subject in preparation before studying Masters-level modules.

Can I study part-time?

Many postgraduate conversion courses are offered on a part-time basis – universities recognise that students who are interested in changing their career direction often have extra commitments, and part-time study is one way of accommodating them when full-time study isn’t an option.

Sometimes there’s also the option of studying a conversion course online or via distance learning methods. This can be ideal if you’re unable to attend university on a regular basis, for whatever reason. And, as long as they’re accredited by the relevant organisation, these courses will give you the same opportunities to register as a professional in your sector.

How will I learn?

The ins and outs of the programme length and structure depends on the qualification. Most courses will be very hands-on, some even involving work placements. You’ll have to complete essays, assessments and exams. And, if you’re studying a full Masters conversion course, you might have to submit a final dissertation as well.

How much does a conversion course cost?

Tuition fees for conversion courses vary immensely, depending on length and subject. A Masters conversion course tuition fee will probably be comparable to a taught Masters degree. In the UK, a taught Masters costs an average of £8,740 for home students. Two year courses like a Masters in Social Work will probably cost more and shorter courses like Postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas will probably cost slightly less.

International students usually pay more than home students for most conversion courses.

This depends on what type of postgraduate conversion course you’re taking, so it’s best to check the relevant advice page on FindAMasters.com, or to consult our funding guide. However, there are a few rules of thumb:

• If you’re studying a PGCE and satisfy certain conditions, you could be eligible for PGCE-specific funding, including generous government-funded bursaries or scholarships.
• Masters courses (but not PGDips/PGCerts) are eligible for the UK postgraduate loan scheme.
• Scholarships and bursaries are offered by many universities to help outstanding students finance their studies.

Tips from the author

#1 Treat your application like a pitch

Despite the fact that conversion courses are built for students with no prior experience, you’ll have to show that you’re genuinely interested in the course and have the skills to do well. You’ll usually do this in the personal statement bit of the application. This is your chance to explain the story of your transition. Show how your past experience gives you transferable skills that will help you succeed in the new discipline.

#2 You’ll have to do a lot of the heavy lifting

You’re in a course where you don’t have a lot of prior experience. At the same time, you’re being trained in advance level topics for a whole new career. This means a lot rides on your self-study time. You’ll be spending time reading and studying on any other Masters as well, but be prepared to go above and beyond on a conversion course.

#3 Use your outsider’s perspective to your advantage

Coming from another discipline often means you approach problems differently. Professors, and eventually employers, value this fresh perspective. You’ll be better at spotting blind spots, bridging gaps and finding niche solutions

Frequently Asked Questions

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