Psychology conversion courses

Conversion courses provide an opportunity to gain an accredited psychology qualification, opening the door to a fulfilling career in this fieldÌý

What is a psychology conversion course?

A psychology conversion course is a postgraduate programme designed for individuals who have earned a Bachelors degree in a subject other than psychology but wish to pursue a career in the sector.

These postgraduate courses provide the necessary foundational knowledge and skills in psychology to meet the academic requirements for further study or professional accreditation in the field.Ìý

Ideal candidates for psychology conversion courses include those with degrees in:ÌýÌý

• ²ú¾±´Ç±ô´Ç²µ²âÌýÌý
• ²ú³Ü²õ¾±²Ô±ð²õ²õÌý
• English  Ìý
• ²Ô±ð³Ü°ù´Ç²õ³¦¾±±ð²Ô³¦±ðÌý
• ²õ´Ç³¦¾±´Ç±ô´Ç²µ²â.Ìý

How do I choose a psychology conversion course?

Before making this decision, it's crucial to ensure it has BPS accreditation. You can verify this by checking the list of approved courses at BPS - Accredited Courses.Ìý

Several types of psychology conversion courses are available, including:Ìý

• MSc psychology - a full Masters degree, typically completed within a year. To be eligible, you usually need a 2:2 or higher in any subject. The course involves exams, coursework, and an assessed personal project or dissertation.Ìý
• Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in psychology - usually involves nine months of full-time study and requires fewer independent research projects than a Masters. Eligibility for a PGDip typically requires a certain number of psychology credits from your previous study.Ìý

Most courses have a general title such as MSc or PGDip Psychology, providing the core subject knowledge required for BPS accreditation.Ìý

Admission to these programmes can be competitive due to their popularity among individuals seeking a career change or advancement. Therefore, it's important to check university websites for the latest entry criteria.Ìý

Why do a psychology conversion Masters?

To become a chartered psychologist in the UK, you must meet the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) requirement set by the British Psychological Society (BPS). This means completing either an accredited undergraduate degree or a conversion course recognised by the BPS.Ìý

Successful completion of a conversion course can open doors to further study in specialised areas like:Ìý

• clinical psychologyÌý
• educational psychologyÌý
• forensic psychologyÌý
• occupational psychology.

Additionally, it can enhance your career prospects in:Ìý

• ³ó±ð²¹±ô³Ù³ó³¦²¹°ù±ðÌýÌý
• human resourcesÌý
• °ù±ð²õ±ð²¹°ù³¦³óÌý
• teaching.Ìý

'Completing a conversion course that is accredited makes graduates more competitive in the job market and provides a smoother pathway towards many professional careers in psychology, such as clinical psychology o°ù educational psychology,' advises Dr Gwen Brekelmans, psychology (conversion) programme lead at Queen Mary University of London.Ìý

Take a look at our psychologist job profiles to learn more about qualification routes.Ìý

What does a psychology conversion course involve?

A BPS-accredited course ensures competence and shared knowledge for future psychologists.ÌýÌý

The main assessment areas are:Ìý

• biological psychologyÌý
• cognitive psychologyÌý
• conceptual and historical issuesÌý
• developmental psychologyÌý
• personality and individual differencesÌý
• research methodsÌý
• social psychology.ÌýÌýÌý

It's worth noting that to excel in a psychology course, you may require a solid foundation in maths, as many psychological studies involve statistical analyses and numerical data interpretation.Ìý

Some psychology courses offer specialisation options, such as educational or developmental psychology. However, Dr Eric Bowman, lecturer and director of taught postgraduates from the University of St. Andrews, emphasises the value of exploring all areas of psychology before committing to a specialisation. He says, 'We do not recommend that students specialise in a psychological subdiscipline so early in their careers, before sampling the broad range of psychology.'

Can you study a psychology conversion course online?

Yes, many universities and institutions offer online psychology conversion courses. Here are a few examples:Ìý

• Arden University - Psychology Conversion Degree (BPS)Ìý
• Manchester Metropolitan University - Psychology ConversionÌýÌý
• Northumbria University - Psychology MScÌýÌý

Online learning provides several advantages, including:Ìý

• the flexibility to adapt to work schedulesÌý
• enhanced accessibilityÌý
• reduced commuting costs.ÌýÌý

However, it's essential to assess your self-discipline and time management skills before enrolling in a fully online course. Proactive study scheduling and consistent motivation are key to succeeding in this learning environment.Ìý

Remember to thoroughly research various programmes, compare their accreditation, and select the one that best aligns with your learning style and career goals.Ìý

How much is a psychology conversion course?

Before deciding to study a conversion course, first consider the costs involved. The tuition fees for MSc conversion courses typically range from £6,000 to £15,000, while diplomas are relatively less expensive.Ìý

Here are some examples of annual MSc conversion course fees :Ìý

• Coventry University - £9,350Ìý
• University of Bristol - £14,500Ìý
• University of Liverpool - £11,700Ìý
• University of St Andrews - £12,030.Ìý

Examples of PGDip fees include:Ìý

• Nottingham Trent University - £7,612Ìý
• University of Derby - £6,480 Ìý
• University of Liverpool - £11,246.

Keep in mind that in England, postgraduate loans are only available for Masters courses - not for PGDips or graduate diplomas.Ìý

Where will my qualification lead?

Once you've earned a GBC through your accredited degree or conversion course, you're ready to take the next step toward becoming a psychologist.Ìý

It's important to remember that psychologists must receive Doctorate-level training approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to practice professionally.Ìý

Keep an open mind, as there are various branches of psychology. Consider volunteering and gaining experience in as many areas as possible to help you choose your path.Ìý

To learn more about each role, take a look at these job profiles:Ìý

• clinical psychologistÌý
• counselling psychologistÌý
• educational psychologistÌý
• forensic psychologistÌý
• health psychologistÌý
• occupational psychologistÌý
• sport and exercise psychologist.Ìý

Find out more

• Explore what else you can do with a psychology degree.
• Discover how to become a sport psychologist.