Conversion courses

Are you currently working in a profession that doesn’t fit you the way it used to? Do you want to make a complete career change but don’t know how or where to get started? Embark on a new path with a conversion course at the University of Sunderland.

What is a conversion course?

It’s a misconception that you can only study a postgraduate course that's related to your undergraduate degree (find out the difference between an MA and an MSc degree).

A conversion course is an intensive postgraduate degree that enables you to change career direction. You probably chose to study your undergraduate degree because you liked the subject and were academically strong in that area, or even because you had a specific career in mind at the time. But perhaps you aren’t the same person anymore and your priorities have changed; a different career beckons – maybe even your dream job. A conversion course is the perfect way to restart.

Many of our conversion courses are condensed versions of our undergraduate courses – studied in a shorter period of time, and at master's level. Even though it may be in a completely different subject, your previous degree will actually come in handy as you can use the skills you developed at undergraduate level. Read more about the benefits of a conversion course, or browse our range of courses below:

Art and Design

MA Design
Full-time/Part-time

MA Design

Follow a chosen design discipline, including Animation, Fashion, Games Art, Graphics and Illustration. Develop a portfolio of creative designs that will impress potential employers. Join our graduates in exciting jobs throughout the design industry and around the world.

Find out more about MA Design
A student preparing for their work to be fired in a ceramics kiln
Full-time/Part-time

MA Visual Practice

Follow a chosen visual practice discipline, from Contemporary Fine Art, Photography, Glass or Ceramics. Re-evaluate, experiment and test new ideas, while collaborating with peers to extend your contemporary practice. Grow your practice in a creatively stimulating environment and establish yourself as a creative professional.

Find out more about MA Visual Practice

Business and Tourism

A student taking notes
Full-time

MA Marketing

Carve out a career in marketing management. Go on visits to organisations to gain real-life experience and insights. Pick up insider knowledge from industry guest speakers. Complete a valuable and valuable dissertation project that can be presented to potential employers.

Find out more about MA Marketing
Student smiling
Full-time

MBA (Professional Practice)

Grasp the opportunity to demonstrate business skills and knowledge in the workplace. Take advantage of a 12-month taught course followed by a 12-month work placement, facilitated by the University.

Find out more about MBA (Professional Practice)
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Full-time

MBA Master of Business Administration (Marketing)

An MBA is an internationally respected business qualification. In one year you will develop a strategic understanding of all aspects of managing a successful business. This Master of Business Administration (MBA) has a specific focus on marketing, allowing you to specialise in the marketing aspects of senior management. The course prepares you for senior roles, our aim is to accelerate your progress towards well-paid positions of leadership.

Find out more about MBA Master of Business Administration (Marketing)
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Full-time

MBA Master of Business Administration

When choosing an MBA, career enhancement is the main driver; the Sunderland MBA is designed with this in mind. Management and leadership knowledge gained throughout the programme will support your future managerial, functional and sector specific career aspirations.

Find out more about MBA Master of Business Administration
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Full-time

MBA Master of Business Administration (Finance)

Gain expert insight into the financial sector. Complete a relevant finance dissertation. Fast track your way to promotion.

Find out more about MBA Master of Business Administration (Finance)
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Full-time

MBA Master of Business Administration (Human Resource Management)

For Human Resource specialists. Gain insight from guest speakers. Develop your understanding of functioning within organisations. Speed up your route to promotion.

Find out more about MBA Master of Business Administration (Human Resource Management)
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Full-time

MBA Top-Up

The MBA degree is one of the most prestigious and sought-after postgraduate degrees in the field of management and leadership. The applied nature of our MBA course will build on your previous managerial experience while moving you forward on a journey of practical professional development. 

Find out more about MBA Top-Up
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Full-time

MBA Master of Business Administration (with PgCert)

The two year taught MBA route with enables you undertake a postgraduate certificate to develop sought-after specialist skills in digital marketing and analytics or skills in people management and learning and development.

Find out more about MBA Master of Business Administration (with PgCert)
MSc Human Resource Management (CIPD Accredited)
Full-time

MSc Human Resource Management (CIPD Accredited)

Study a course highly relevant to the workplace. Take a step towards professional membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. Explore a variety of different topics through our broad-ranging modules. Graduate with practical and theoretical knowledge.

Find out more about MSc Human Resource Management (CIPD Accredited)
A student taking notes
Full-time/Part-time

MSc International Business Management

Develop a mastery of international business contexts and start a global career in management. Graduate as an in-demand candidate with international appeal.

Find out more about MSc International Business Management
A view of a plane wing in the clouds
Full-time

MSc Sustainable Tourism

Delve into the contemporary issues surrounding the sustainability of regions, cultures and attractions of interest. Identify different theoretical approaches and consider what is best practice.

Find out more about MSc Sustainable Tourism
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Full-time

MSc Tourism and Aviation

Develop the skills and knowledge to advance rapidly in tourism and hospitality management. Undertake international field visits and study abroad opportunities. Start your career in this exciting and growing sector.

Find out more about MSc Tourism and Aviation
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Full-time

MSc Tourism and Events

Fast-track your career in a growing sector set to be worth £257 billion by 2025. Develop a critical understanding of the global complexity and range of impacts of the tourism, hospitality and events industries. 

Find out more about MSc Tourism and Events
Students sitting in a classroom
Full-time/Part-time

MSc Tourism and Hospitality

Develop your theoretical and practical learning. Examine hospitality as a global industry. Create an independent piece of work and apply the skills and knowledge you’ve acquired on a course that is a member of the Institute of Hospitality’s Education Membership Scheme.

Find out more about MSc Tourism and Hospitality

Computer Science

Computers in David Goldman Informatics Centre
Full-time

MSc Computing

This MSc in Computing will enhance your knowledge in topics such as software development, networks, database systems and web development. Develop the necessary skills to undertake a Masters-level project in designing and implementing IT systems, without previous experience, and graduate with the skills to make a significant contribution to IT research and team-based IT projects.

Find out more about MSc Computing

Engineering

MSc Project Management
Full-time

MSc Project Management

Study for a career in a rapidly expanding sector. Develop your project management skills in your specific discipline.  Gain insight with practical and theoretical work. Graduate with experience and knowledge suited for a range of environments.

Find out more about MSc Project Management

Distance Learning

A student sitting at a laptop
Part-time

MA Education (DL)

Are you a Teacher or Educationalist? Do you want to develop your professional practice? This distance learning programme provides the opportunity to continue your professional development and acquire advanced research and study skills whether you are in the UK or Overseas. Combine study with paid work or family commitments, and enhance your skills and understanding to equip you for various roles including teaching and educational management.

Find out more about MA Education (DL)
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Full-time

PGCE Early Years Teaching (DL)

Do you want to develop a specialism in teaching young children up to the age of five without leaving your home country? Then this course is for you. We’ve been teaching education for over 100 years, and this course builds on the University of Sunderland’s expertise in teacher training. You’ll explore how to assess development and how to lead Early Years provision, while working toward a Postgraduate Certificate in Early Years Teaching.

Find out more about PGCE Early Years Teaching (DL)
A student sitting cross-legged on the ground with a laptop, outside next to a leafy plant
Full-time

PGCE Education (DL)

Do you want to gain an academic teaching qualification from a respected UK university? The University of Sunderland has been training teachers for over 100 years. Take advantage of our teaching expertise as we equip you with the skills to improve your teaching, while working towards a Certificate in Education (PGCE).

Find out more about PGCE Education (DL)

Nursing

Three student nurses on the mock hospital ward, one practising bandaging the arm of another
Full-time

MNurse (Adult)

On successful completion of this MNurse course, you will be eligible to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) as a Registered Nurse (Adult). The course meets Nursing and Midwifery Standards and will be delivered 50/50 between theory and clinical practice. It has been developed with a blended learning curriculum which will enable you to study at home as well as on campus and on placement.   

Find out more about MNurse (Adult)

Psychology

BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling
Full-time/Part-time

MSc Psychology (Conversion)

Take the first step to becoming a chartered psychologist. Undertake the same grounding in psychological science as a three-year undergraduate course. Explore the six core areas of psychology, including social psychology, individual differences and developmental psychology, as well as cognitive psychology, biological psychology and conceptual and historical issues in psychology.

Find out more about MSc Psychology (Conversion)

Social Sciences

A student smiling
Full-time/Part-time

MA Social Work

Earn a qualification approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Combine theory and practice. Undertake high quality work placements with employers across public/voluntary and private sectors endorsed by the College of Social Work.

Find out more about MA Social Work
A student pointing to a display about Social Justice Day
Full-time/Part-time

MSc Inequality and Society

Why are some groups more equal than others? Why does inequality happen and how can we tackle it? This exciting and unique course will offer you the chance to deepen your understanding of inequality in our social world, both locally and globally.

Find out more about MSc Inequality and Society

Teacher Training and Education

Two students sitting side by side at desks and smiling at each other
Full-time/Part-time

MA Education

Build on your professional skills and educational leadership. Learn advanced research and study skills while acquiring Masters-level knowledge that is shaped by your personal interests and career aspirations.

Find out more about MA Education
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Full-time

PGCE Computer Science Secondary Education

Help children develop new ways of thinking and new ways of being creative with code.  With Computer Science being a priority subject, attractive financial incentives are available to encourage talented programmers like you to become teachers.

Find out more about PGCE Computer Science Secondary Education
A lecturer stood up surrounded by a classroom of students
Full-time

PGCE English Secondary Education

Share your passion for English with young people and inspire them to fulfil their potential. English is a core subject in the National Curriculum at Key Stages 3 and 4 so there will always be a need for effective and committed English teachers.

Find out more about PGCE English Secondary Education
A lecturer teaching
Full-time

PGCE Further Education and Skills (FES)

Qualify to teach in the post-compulsory education and training sector, which includes sixth form colleges, further education colleges, vocational training and adult education. Equip yourself to educate adults and young people, sharing your knowledge and helping others fulfil their potential.

Find out more about PGCE Further Education and Skills (FES)
Students sitting facing the front of a classroom
Full-time

PGCE Geography Secondary Education

Guide generations of young people, and share your passion for human geography, physical geography, and the environment. Take advantage of financial incentives available for those who train to teach Geography including bursaries of up to £26,000.

Find out more about PGCE Geography Secondary Education
A secondary school pupil writing with a marker pen
Full-time

PGCE Mathematics Education - 1 Year with QTS

Empower generations of young people as they learn and apply new mathematics principles – knowledge that they will use throughout their academic and professional careers. Generous bursaries of up to £26,000 are available for you to train to become a Maths teacher in 2018/19.

Find out more about PGCE Mathematics Education - 1 Year with QTS
PGCE Primary Education (5-11 years)
Full-time

PGCE Primary Education

Become a primary school teacher and help children make the best possible start in life. Cover the knowledge and skills that are required for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Find out more about PGCE Primary Education
Primary school children sitting at desks and listening in the classroom
Full-time

PGCE Primary Education with QTS

This flexible course blends a range of teaching and learning formats to support all learners. You will study part-time over two years through a blended mode combining online independent distance learning (IDL) with some focused on-campus learning sessions and classroom based practice in school. It uses a range of teaching and learning methods to engage students. The course has been especially designed to fit around other commitments while leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Find out more about PGCE Primary Education with QTS
A primary school teacher holding up a display with a pupils hand up in the foreground
Full-time

PGCE School Direct (Salaried and Tuition Fees)

Learn on the job with our School Direct salaried and tuition routes. Become a school employee, develop first-class teaching skills and continue your employment once you have completed your Initial Teacher Training.

Find out more about PGCE School Direct (Salaried and Tuition Fees)
Models of skeletons and skulls
Full-time

PGCE Science with Biology Secondary Education

Use your expertise in Biology to make a positive impact on the lives of young people, and help them to achieve their potential. Take advantage of generous bursaries from the Government to teach a subject where teachers are in high demand.

Find out more about PGCE Science with Biology Secondary Education
A student teacher with pupils in a secondary school chemistry lesson
Full-time

PGCE Science with Chemistry Secondary Education

Share your passion for Chemistry and inspire a new generation of scientists. Make the most of bursaries of up to £26,000 and utilise your Physics background to enjoy a rewarding career.

Find out more about PGCE Science with Chemistry Secondary Education