What Are Psychology Conversion Courses?

A Psychology Masters Conversion Course is designed for people who didn’t study psychology as their first degree but now want to pursue a career in the field. It’s usually offered as an MSc that covers all the core areas you’d need for further training or professional accreditation, or a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip). These courses typically take one year full-time (or two years part-time) and include both theoretical learning and practical research skills. By the end of the course, you’ll have the foundational knowledge needed to move on to further study or work in psychology, and it’s a great way to change direction without having to start from scratch.

Ever wondered how you can switch gears and start a career in psychology, even if your first degree was in something totally different? That’s where a psychology conversion course comes in! On this page, I’ll walk you through the basics of what a psychology conversion course is and how it can help you get started in this fascinating field. I’ll cover the two main options—the MSc in Psychology and the Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Psychology—so you can figure out which route might suit you best. Whether you’re looking for a full Masters or a Diploma, I’m here to break it all down and help you take your first steps towards becoming a psychologist.

Or, if you simply want to begin your search for a Psychology conversion course – have a look at our course listings.

The MSc in Psychology

An MSc Psychology is a psychology conversion Masters course designed to help non-psychology graduates gain the skills needed to register with the British Psychological Society (BPS). Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the BPS is vital if you want to pursue a career in psychology in the UK. Graduates will hold a full Masters in Psychology without a Bachelors in the subject.

If you take a BPS-accredited MSc Psychology, you’ll study modules that cover the core areas of psychology. These are defined by the BPS as:

• Biological psychology
• Cognitive psychology
• Developmental psychology
• Individual differences
• Social psychology
• Conceptual and historical issues in psychology
• Research methods

In addition to these, you’ll usually be able to take electives based on the research interests of your lecturers.

How much does an MSc Psychology cost?

Tuition fees for psychology conversion courses are largely in line with the average cost of a Masters in the UK, which currently comes in around £8,000 for UK students. However, some institutions charge more (or less) than this.

Am I eligible for a Masters in Psychology?

Most university entry requirements ask for at least a 2:2 undergraduate degree to enrol on an MSc Psychology conversion course. This can be in any subject – including a psychology degree that wasn’t accredited by the BPS.

Our guide to Masters degree entry requirements has more information on university applications.

Where can I study an MSc Psychology?

The MSc Psychology is offered across the United Kingdom. Several universities also run an online version of these courses, which is a great option if you have busy family commitments or want to work while you study.

Accreditation in Psychology doesn’t differ between UK nations (unlike Law), so it’s not a problem if you want to become a psychologist in Scotland but studied in England.

Worldwide, it’s common for universities to allow non-Psychology graduates onto postgraduate Psychology programmes. Australian universities also have a Graduate Diploma in Psychology, which follows the same principles and has the same function as the UK equivalent.

What’s it like to study an MSc Psychology?

You’ll cover the core areas of psychology as defined by the BPS, via a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials and independent study. Sometimes these modules will be the same as those offered by the university at second and third year undergraduate level.

How is an MSc Psychology assessed?

You’ll usually complete a series of exams at the end of each term, along with written assignments and reports (both practical and research-based). If your course involves a dissertation or an extended research project, you’ll be assessed on this too.

The Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Psychology

A PGDip is a shorter, employability-focused course that generally requires nine months of full-time study. These courses are BPS-accredited and generally cover the same core topics of psychological study that form the basis of an MSc. However, they do not require as much independent research as an MSc and may not involve writing a dissertation.

How much does a PGDip in Psychology cost?

A PGDip in Psychology will generally cost around £6,310, but this varies considerably between universities.

It’s important to note that English and Welsh postgraduate loans are not available to those studying PGDip courses (this is not the case in Northern Ireland and Scotland, however) so you may have to rely on alternative sources of funding, such as a scholarship or bursary from your university, or employer sponsorship.

Am I eligible for a PGDip in Psychology?

Unlike MSc conversion courses, which are generally open to applicants with any academic background, some PGDip courses may require you to have studied 60 credits worth of Psychology at undergraduate level.

What’s it like to study a PGDip in Psychology?

Studying a PGDip in Psychology will be fairly similar to studying an MSc. You’ll cover the same core topics that are required for BPS-accreditation and modules will generally be organised in a similar way.

You will generally be assessed through written assignments submitted at the end of each module. It’s unlikely that you’ll have to take exams or complete a dissertation.

PGDip courses in Psychology are graded in the same way as full Masters degrees – you’ll be awarded either a Pass, Merit or Distinction grade.

Make sure the course Is officially recognised: Double-check that the course is approved by the British Psychological Society (BPS)—you’ll need this if you want to keep studying or eventually become a chartered psychologist.

Get set for a busy, action-packed course: These courses squeeze a tonne into just one year, so get ready for a busy and intense study schedule!

Pick up some hands-on experience: Getting involved in volunteering or working in mental health or support roles is a great way to get a head start and boost your CV.