A conversion course is an intensive master’s degree, often in a vocational subject, aimed at those who already hold an undergraduate qualification in an unrelated discipline, usually pursuing a career change.
We already know that a postgraduate qualification enhances your employability and increases your earning potential, but did you know that it’s also an excellent way to start a brand new career? There are plenty of opportunities to study a master’s conversion course in a completely new subject, and here, we’re covering everything you need to know about them.
What makes a master’s degree a conversion course?
The main difference between a master’s degree and a conversion master’s is that a traditional master’s course tends to build on the knowledge you acquired during your undergraduate degree, providing a continuation of your learning. A postgraduate conversion course, on the other hand, won’t require you to have any prior knowledge of the subject you’re studying. Most conversion courses will only ask that you hold an undergraduate degree, whatever subject that may be in.
Conversion degrees are designed to introduce you to something brand new, so the course structure gives you the opportunity to go from having no formal skills in your chosen subject to reaching a high level of expertise by the time you graduate. Conversion courses are usually quite hands-on, involving work placements on top of your exams and essays.
Who should consider a master’s conversion course?
There are a few reasons why you might consider studying for a conversion degree, and if any of the following apply to you, you’ll find they could have a lot to offer:
- You want a completely new start. When you applied to study for your undergraduate degree, you may have had a specific career path in mind or simply chose a subject you enjoyed or excelled in. As time has passed, you may have found your priorities and interests have changed, and you’d like a fresh start in a specialist field.
- You have a specific career goal in mind. Some jobs will require a certain professional qualification to achieve this. For example, if you decide you want to become a teacher, you’d need a PGCE.
- You want to get ahead by diversifying your knowledge and skills. Deepening your understanding of a specific area in your current role may open up more professional opportunities for you.
- You’ve been away from education for a while and want to get back into learning. Conversion courses are ideal for building on life experiences and returning to formal education alongside other students who are a little more mature and often more focused on their goals.
- You want to pursue your passions. Some of our students have studied for their undergraduate degree in a certain subject but realised somewhere down the line that their true passion lay in their extracurricular activities, so decided to pursue a different career path.
Whatever your reason for choosing a master’s conversion course, the benefits are huge. Very often, these degrees combine a higher level of learning which demonstrates your commitment to personal and professional development, with recognised awards from external bodies.
"Although I loved the experiences journalism and PR provided, my hobbies outside of work were what truly lit a fire in my belly. I found that the global element of the MSc Inequality and Society course, as well as its unique module offering, really appealed to me and my future career plans. Returning to education to join the first cohort of the MSc was one of the best decisions I've made, and I graduated with a distinction. For anyone thinking about studying a postgraduate qualification, I would say do it in something that makes you happy! There’s no time limit on when you should and shouldn’t do a master's degree. The University staff are great and will help you every step of the way."
Shannon Hodge
MSc Inequality and Society
BA (Hons) Fashion Journalism
What qualifications do I need to study on a conversion course?
Entry requirements will vary depending on your chosen conversion course, but master’s degrees usually ask for at least a 2:1 at undergraduate level. You may still be able to apply with a 2:2 if you can prove you have the relevant work experience.
Even though your bachelor’s degree may be in a different subject, the transferable skills and knowledge you’ve gained from it, such as critical thinking and research analysis, will likely still come in useful on your conversion course.
Our master's conversion courses
Most of our conversion degrees are condensed versions of our undergraduate courses, studied over a shorter period and at master’s level. Although these courses are intensive and challenging, they’re incredibly rewarding, and allow you to gain the qualification you need in a short amount of time.
Some of our conversion courses can be studied part-time, allowing you more flexibility to keep working while you study. There are a few that even permit you to study the course full-time but complete your master’s project part-time, meaning you have several learning options to choose from. Subjects we offer as conversion courses include:
- Psychology
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Nursing
- Art and Design
- Business and Tourism
- Teacher Training and Education
- Social Sciences.
Alternatively, you can view a full list of our conversion degrees here.
Support and next steps
If you’re concerned you won’t get the same level of support that you would expect on an undergraduate degree, we can confirm that this is a complete myth! While postgraduate students often have more autonomy, you still get all the help and guidance you would expect at any other level of study. From financial advice to wellbeing support, you’ll always have people to turn to.
Pursuing a career change with a master’s conversion course could be a great option but be sure to do thorough research and take everything into consideration to make sure it’s the right choice for you. Why not join us for our next Postgraduate Open Day to find out more?
Published: 6 September 2024