Thinking about switching to psychology after graduating? A psychology conversion course lets you retrain in as little as one year - even if your first degree wasn't in psychology
What is a psychology conversion course?
A psychology conversion course is a postgraduate qualification for graduates who didn't study psychology at undergraduate level but want to move into the subject.
Most conversion courses are taught as an MSc (or sometimes a postgraduate diploma), and they're designed to condense the core content of a three‑year psychology degree into a much shorter timeframe.
This means that you:
- don't need a psychology background to apply
- need to be ready for a fast‑paced, intensive workload
- finish with an accredited qualification that keeps professional options open.
If you're considering careers like clinical psychology, educational psychology, research, or roles where understanding behaviour and data really matters, a conversion course can be a strong first step.
Why does accreditation matter?
If you want to become a chartered psychologist in the UK, you'll need Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (BPS). To be eligible, you must complete a BPS‑accredited course, which confirms that you've covered the required academic foundations of psychology.
Since conversion students come from outside the discipline, accreditation is particularly important.
As Dr Eric Bowman, lecturer and director of taught postgraduates at the University of St Andrews explains, 'having a BPS accredited degree is considered by many employers as a mark of the quality of education. It is particularly important to…our conversion students since they come from academic backgrounds outside of psychology.'
Always check the BPS list of accredited courses before applying.
MSc Psychology (Conversion)
Eager to switch career? Interested in the human brain and behaviour? Apply to become a chartered psychologist
VisitWhat courses are available?
MSc psychology (conversion)
The most common option for non‑psychology graduates is a one‑year, full‑time MSc psychology (conversion). These Masters degrees provide a broad academic grounding in psychology and a clear route into further postgraduate training.
This option is well suited to students who want a comprehensive introduction to the subject and are considering long‑term progression, such as Doctoral training or research careers. While course structures vary slightly between universities, all accredited programmes cover the core areas required for GBC.
UK universities offering MSc psychology conversion courses include:
- Cardiff University
- Queen Mary University of London
- University of Birmingham
- University of Bradford
- University of Reading
- University of St Andrews
As part of the course, you'll complete a dissertation or research project, which typically makes up a significant proportion of the overall credits. Dr Bowman explains: 'this constitutes one-third of the academic credits for our MSc programme and… is considered necessary for admission into most psychology PhD programmes, including those related to clinical psychology.'
Some courses also include practical work experience, such as work placements in clinics or research settings. For example, Cardiff University offers a 12‑week professional placement in a clinic or research lab.
Entry requirements usually include at least a 2:2 undergraduate degree in any subject, although more competitive programmes may ask for a 2:1.
Search for a psychology conversion MSc.
Postgraduate diploma (PGDip)
A PGDip in psychology is a shorter alternative to an MSc, usually lasting around nine months full time.
'A PGDip will cover essential topics but may not delve as deeply into various areas compared with an MSc. The key difference is in the number of credits the programme consists of,' explains Dr Gwen Brekelmans, psychology (conversion) programme lead at Queen Mary University of London.
The key distinction students need to understand is:
- an MSc normally consists of 180 credits
- a PGDip usually consists of 120 credits.
Not all PGDip courses lead directly to GBC, so it's essential to check course details carefully. If GBC isn't included, you may need to progress onto an MSc later to access professional psychology training.
Examples of PGDip options include:
- University of Derby - offers an online PGDip that does provide GBC on completion
- Nottingham Trent University - offers a BPS‑accredited PGDip within its conversion programme.
Entry requirements can vary widely. Some specialist PGDips, like the Clinical Health Psychology PgDip ask for a 2:1, while others like the Psychology and Trauma (Adult) PGDip at University College London (UCL) may accept a 2:2 alongside relevant professional experience.
In some cases, universities also expect applicants to have completed a small amount of undergraduate psychology study, such as introductory statistics.
Search for a PGDip in psychology.
Online psychology conversion courses
Many universities now offer online or blended psychology conversion courses, making them more accessible to students who need flexibility. These programmes are designed for those balancing study with work or other commitments and may be offered full time or part time.
Examples include:
- Arden University - offers a fully online MSc psychology leading to GBC.
- Manchester Metropolitan University - delivers a fully online, BPS‑accredited MSc using video content and online discussion.
- University of Essex Online - offers a part‑time PGDip with the option to progress to an MSc.
- University of Salford - provides both MSc and PGDip routes through blended learning.
Entry requirements differ between institutions, for example, the University of Essex Online's PGDip typically requires at least a 2:2 undergraduate degree, while the University of Salford asks for a 2:1 in psychology or another health or social care‑related discipline.
Some blended courses may ask for a stronger academic background or relevant subject knowledge.
Search for an online postgraduate course in psychology.
What do psychology conversion courses involve?
A full‑time psychology conversion MSc compresses three years of undergraduate study into one year, so courses are intensive by design. You should expect a heavy workload and a strong emphasis on independent study.
Most courses require:
- 30 to 40 hours of study per week
- a significant focus on research methods and statistics
- multiple overlapping coursework deadlines.
Accredited courses provide a broad grounding across core areas of psychology, including biological, cognitive, developmental and social psychology, as well as:
- individual differences
- personality
- research methods.
While optional modules may be available, Dr Bowman explains, 'we do not recommend that students specialise in a psychological subdiscipline so early in their careers, before sampling the broad range of psychology,' so students can keep their options open.
Assessment usually involves a combination of:
- coursework
- a dissertation
- exams.
Explore our advice on postgraduate study.
How do I choose the right course?
Psychology conversion courses often look similar on paper, but important differences can shape your experience. Teaching style, assessment methods and entry requirements all vary between institutions, even when course titles are identical.
Before applying, make sure you:
- check entry requirements
- confirm BPS accreditation
- consider whether you prefer in‑person or online study
- think about how the course supports your long term goals.
Other factors worth considering include research strengths, assessment style and opportunities for work placements. Looking beyond the course title can help you choose a programme that suits both your learning style and career plans.
Explore our guidance on choosing a course.
Is a psychology conversion course right for you?
A conversion course can be a strong investment if you're committed to psychology, but it isn't a shortcut to qualification. Most professional routes require further study and relevant experience, and some pathways are extremely competitive.
Here's a comparison to help you decide:
| It could be a good fit if you: | It might not be the best option if you: |
|---|---|
| Have a clear interest in psychology. | Aren’t sure what career you want. |
| Are prepared for further study. | Prefer a slower or less intensive pace. |
| Enjoy research, writing and data. | Want a quick route to a high‑paying job. |
| Want to gain GBC membership. | Strongly dislike statistics or research. |
Other options include:
- moving into psychology‑related roles that don't require chartered status
- studying an undergraduate degree in psychology
- taking shorter professional qualifications.
Take a look at our psychologist job profiles to learn more about qualification routes.
How much does a psychology conversion course cost?
Tuition fees vary by institution and course type. As a general guide, MSc psychology conversion courses typically cost between £8,000 and £15,000, while PGDip courses are often slightly cheaper.
Here are some examples psychology conversion MSc fees:
- Cardiff University - £13,950
- University of Birmingham - £11,250
- University of Bradford - £8,340.
One important consideration is funding. In England, postgraduate loans are generally available only for Masters‑level study, not for PGDip or graduate diploma courses, which can influence your choice.
Discover your options on funding postgraduate study.
Where can a psychology conversion lead?
A psychology conversion course is a starting point rather than an end qualification. Its main value lies in unlocking further training and broadening your career options.
As Dr Brekelmans explains, 'completing an accredited conversion course makes graduates more competitive in the job market and provides a smoother pathway towards many professional careers in psychology.'
After completing a BPS‑accredited course, many graduates progress into postgraduate training in the following areas of psychology:
Others move into related roles where psychological insight and data analysis are valued, including:
Gaining relevant experience - especially in competitive areas like clinical psychology - is often essential before progressing to the next stage. This might include volunteering or work shadowing.