Conversion courses
What is a
conversion course
Conversion courses are intensive postgraduate programmes that allow you to pursue a career that your undergraduate degree or professional career hasn’t prepared you for.
They’re usually vocational and can last a few months to several years, depending on the qualification and whether you choose fast-track, full-time or part-time study.
Often studied by undergraduates who chose their degree based on personal strengths and interests but without a career in mind and now would like to switch. Many conversion courses condense an undergraduate degree into a shorter time frame.
For more information about conversion courses or to see what conversion courses are available to you, visit www.prospects.ac.uk
What courses are available?
Graduate Diploma in Psychology (GDP)
Gives students without a degree accredited by the British Psychology Society (BPS) access to professional psychology courses.
Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
The PGCE is the qualification to take if you want to become a teacher.
Medicine conversion courses
If you didn’t study medicine as your first degree, you can take a four-year, fast-track course. Some courses accept graduates from any discipline, while others require you to have studied a relevant subject such as biology or chemistry.
Nursing conversion courses
Accelerated programmes allow you to complete training in two years (full time) instead of three or four. You can train in adult, children’s, learning disability or mental health nursing.
IT conversion courses
Many choose to convert in this field when considering careers in technical and business roles, as specialised theoretical and/or practical IT knowledge can significantly improve your prospects.
Engineering conversion courses
Courses are available in a range of specialisms, from civil and structural to biomedical and energy engineering. Most include an industrial placement. While many courses list a degree of at least a 2:1 in either a science or maths-related subject as a requirement, some are designed for graduates of non-related subjects.
Social work conversion courses
Typically taking two years to complete, the Masters in Social Work involves assessment through group projects, essays and a compulsory dissertation. You’ll need to demonstrate plenty of prior work experience – either from paid or voluntary positions.
Property conversion courses
To start a career in real estate you’ll need a postgraduate qualification accredited by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). This will equip you with all-round knowledge of the property sector, typically delivered from a business perspective.