Postgraduate qualifications : Conversion courses

A conversion course is a vocational postgraduate qualification usually taken by graduates wanting to change subject areas after their first degree and better prepare themselves for the job market

Types of conversion courses

There are different types of conversion degrees to choose from and each is particular to a specific industry. Deciding which one to pick will depend on the type of course you wish to do at postgraduate level and the industry in which you wish to work. 

Some of the popular conversion courses available are:

• Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) - the GDL is a popular conversion to take for students wishing to become law professionals. To be a solicitor or a barrister, you will need to complete the Legal Practice Course (LPC) or the Bar Professional Training Course, respectively. Taking the GDL is the fast-track route onto these courses and is ideal for students without accredited undergraduate degrees in law.
• Graduate Diploma in Psychology (GDP) - for students who have not studied a degree accredited by the British Psychology Society (BSP), the Graduate Diploma in Psychology (GDP) gives students access to a professional psychology course. 
• IT conversion courses - many graduates choose to undertake courses in this field when considering careers in technical and business roles, as specialised IT knowledge can significantly improve your prospects. There are a variety of different courses that can be combined with your undergraduate degree to make you more attractive to employers and increase your chances of getting a job in the IT and information services sector. 
• Medicine conversion courses - if you didn't studied medicine in your first degree, you can take a four-year, fast-track course. Some courses will accept graduates from any discipline, while others will require you to have studied a relevant subject, such as biology or chemistry. You will need to have completed relevant work experience to gain entry onto these courses.
• Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) - the PGCE is the qualification to take if you wish to become a teacher. It incorporates teaching in classrooms so you learn while you work. Students from all disciplines can take the PGCE and it often leads straight into a job. Find out more about applying for a PGCE. 

Conversion courses are available in a range of subjects, including accountancy, business, engineering, human resources (HR), marketing, property and social work, amongst others. To find a conversion course to suit you, search courses and research.

Why do a conversion course?

If you wish to change careers or continue studying in a different subject area from your undergraduate degree, you could take a conversion course. For example, an English or history graduate wanting to start a legal career would need to complete a law conversion course in order to meet the entry requirements for postgraduate study.

Because conversion programmes are largely vocational, many are accredited by a professional body. If you are working in an industry that acknowledges a professional body, your employer may sponsor you to complete a course, which can lead to improved job prospects and fast-tracked career development. 

What does a conversion course involve?

Programmes are usually year-long, taught courses, but this can depend on the subject. Fast-track routes compile programmes into shorter time scales for individuals looking to boost their skills and enter the job market quickly.  

Modes of study will depend on the course subject, but will usually involve work placements and a hands-on approach with exams being taken alongside essays. 

How do I apply?

You will need to apply directly to the course provider, as there is no central application processor, as in undergraduate degrees. Each institution has its own deadlines for applications.

Is funding available?

With the vocational nature of these courses, your employer may be willing to sponsor you, especially if your course is accredited by a professional body and can prove beneficial to the organisation.

Other sources of funding, such as grants and scholarships, may be available for postgraduate conversion courses, depending on the subject and your circumstances. Search for postgraduate funding at funding my further study.