If you studied something unrelated to law, psychology, or computer science as an undergraduate, but now want to switch careers into one of these fields, conversion courses in the UK are your fastest and most direct path. These are intensive, one-year master’s programs designed specifically for graduates from other disciplines. No need to go back and do a full three-year degree. You get the core knowledge, professional accreditation, and industry recognition - all in a single year.
Why Conversion Courses Exist
The UK education system built conversion courses to meet real-world workforce needs. Employers in law, psychology, and tech don’t care what your first degree was - they care if you’ve got the right skills. A history graduate can become a solicitor. A biology major can become a clinical psychologist. An English literature student can land a job as a software developer. All it takes is the right postgraduate training.
These courses are not remedial. They’re rigorous, fast-paced, and respected. Many are accredited by professional bodies like the Law Society, BPS, and BCS. That means upon completion, you’re eligible to move onto the next professional stage - whether that’s the SQE for lawyers, the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, or a graduate software engineering role.
Law Conversion Course: The Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL)
The GDL is the standard route into legal practice for non-law graduates. It covers the seven foundational legal subjects required by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and Bar Standards Board: contract law, criminal law, tort, equity and trusts, EU law, public law, and land law.
Most GDL programs run from September to June. You’ll spend around 20-25 hours a week in lectures, seminars, and self-study. The workload is heavy, but manageable. Students often describe it as like cramming three years of law into ten months. It’s intense, but it works.
After the GDL, you’ll need to complete the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) if you want to be a solicitor, or the Bar Practice Course (BPC) if you’re aiming for the bar. Many universities - like City, University of London, BPP, and the University of Law - offer integrated GDL + SQE packages. This means you can finish both in 15 months instead of two separate years.
Costs range from £12,000 to £18,000 depending on the provider. Some firms offer sponsorship if you secure a training contract early. Scholarships are available through the Law Society and individual universities.
Psychology Conversion Course: The Graduate Diploma in Psychology
If you want to become a chartered psychologist - whether in clinical, educational, forensic, or occupational settings - you need the British Psychological Society (BPS) Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC). The only way to get it without a psychology undergrad is through a BPS-accredited conversion course.
These courses cover core areas: cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, biological psychology, individual differences, research methods, and statistics. You’ll also complete a research project or dissertation.
Unlike the GDL, there’s no single standardized name. You’ll see it called a “Psychology Conversion MSc,” “BPS-accredited MSc in Psychology,” or “Graduate Diploma in Psychology.” The content is the same. The key is checking the BPS website to confirm accreditation before you enroll.
Top universities offering these include University of Birmingham, University of Manchester, and University of Edinburgh. Most programs run for one year full-time. Some offer part-time options over two years.
After the conversion course, you’ll need to apply for a doctorate in your chosen specialty. Clinical psychology doctorates are highly competitive - only about 1 in 8 applicants get in. But without the conversion course, you’re not even on the starting line.
Computer Science Conversion Course: MSc in Computer Science
Computer science conversion courses are the most popular type in the UK. Demand for tech talent far outpaces supply. Employers are actively recruiting graduates from any background - as long as they’ve completed a recognized conversion program.
These MSc programs are designed for non-computing graduates. You start from scratch: programming in Python or Java, data structures, algorithms, databases, networks, software development lifecycle, and web technologies. By the end, you’ll have built multiple projects, often including a capstone team project.
Programs like those at Imperial College London, King’s College London, and University College London are known for their industry links. Many include internships or placements. Some even offer guaranteed interviews with partner companies like Google, Amazon, or Barclays.
Unlike traditional computer science degrees, conversion MScs don’t require prior coding experience. Some even offer a pre-sessional “coding bootcamp” in the summer before the course starts. That’s a game-changer for people who’ve never written a line of code.
Graduates land roles as software engineers, data analysts, UX researchers, and cybersecurity analysts. Starting salaries in London often range from £40,000 to £55,000. Outside London, it’s still £32,000-£45,000. That’s a huge jump from most non-tech graduate roles.
How to Choose the Right Course
Not all conversion courses are created equal. Here’s what to look for:
- Accreditation: Does it meet the professional body’s requirements? For law, check the SRA and BSB. For psychology, confirm BPS accreditation. For computer science, look for BCS or CEng recognition.
- Employment outcomes: Ask for graduate stats. What percentage got jobs in the field within six months? Which companies hired them?
- Support: Do they offer career coaching, CV workshops, or interview prep? Many top programs include these.
- Location: If you want to work in London, studying there gives you better access to internships and networking events.
- Cost and funding: Are there scholarships, bursaries, or employer sponsorship options? Some courses offer early-bird discounts.
Don’t just pick the cheapest option. A £15,000 course that leads to a £45,000 job is a better investment than a £10,000 course with no industry connections.
Who These Courses Are For
Conversion courses aren’t for everyone. They’re for people who:
- Know exactly what career they want to switch into
- Are willing to work hard for a year with no break
- Can handle high-pressure, fast-paced learning
- Have some financial stability - or a plan for funding
If you’re unsure whether you want to be a lawyer, psychologist, or developer, don’t start a conversion course. Try volunteering, internships, or online courses first. Platforms like Coursera or FutureLearn offer free intro modules in law, psychology, and coding. If you enjoy them, then commit to the full program.
What Happens After
Completion isn’t the end - it’s the launchpad.
Law: After the GDL, you’ll need to pass the SQE and complete two years of qualifying work experience. Many students do this while working as a paralegal or legal assistant.
Psychology: You’ll apply for a doctorate (Clinical, Educational, Forensic, etc.). These are competitive. Strong grades, research experience, and relevant volunteering (like working with mental health charities) help.
Computer Science: You’re job-ready. Apply for graduate software roles. Build a GitHub portfolio. Network at tech meetups. Many graduates get offers before they even finish their dissertation.
Each path has hurdles. But the conversion course removes the biggest one: your undergraduate degree.
Real Stories, Real Results
Emma studied philosophy and worked in publishing. She did the GDL at BPP, passed the SQE, and is now a trainee solicitor at a London commercial firm. She says: “I didn’t know what a contract was in my first week. Now I draft them.”
James was a history graduate who volunteered at a mental health helpline. He did the BPS-accredited MSc at Manchester and is now in a clinical psychology doctorate. “The course gave me the language and tools to understand what I’d been seeing for years.”
Lily had a degree in art history. She took the computer science conversion at UCL. Six months in, she built a mobile app for local artists. By graduation, she had two job offers - one from a fintech startup, one from a museum tech team. She chose the startup. “I didn’t know how to code a button. Now I ship features every week.”
These aren’t outliers. They’re typical.
Can I do a conversion course without a degree?
No. Conversion courses are postgraduate programs, so you need a bachelor’s degree in any subject. Some universities may consider applicants with significant professional experience, but this is rare and usually requires an interview and portfolio. A degree is the standard requirement.
How competitive are these courses?
Law and psychology conversion courses are moderately competitive, especially at top universities. Computer science conversion courses are the most in-demand - some programs like Imperial and UCL have acceptance rates below 20%. Strong personal statements, relevant experience (even volunteering), and clear motivation improve your chances.
Are conversion courses recognized internationally?
The UK’s conversion courses are respected globally, especially in Commonwealth countries and parts of Europe. However, professional licensing varies by country. For example, a GDL alone doesn’t qualify you to practice law in the US - you’d still need to pass the bar exam and meet state requirements. Always check local regulations before planning to work abroad.
Can I work while doing a conversion course?
It’s possible, but not recommended. These are full-time, intensive programs. Most students find it difficult to balance more than 10-15 hours of part-time work. Some do freelance or remote gigs in their field of interest - like tutoring or coding side projects - but avoid jobs that drain your energy. Focus on passing and building your next career.
What if I don’t get into a conversion course?
You have options. Take online courses to build skills and show commitment - like Harvard’s CS50 for computer science, or FutureLearn’s law and psychology modules. Gain relevant experience through volunteering or internships. Reapply the next year with a stronger application. Some universities offer foundation pathways or pre-MSc prep courses to help you meet entry requirements.
Next Steps
Start by identifying which field you want to enter. Then, visit the official websites of the professional bodies: the Law Society, BPS, and BCS. Find their list of accredited conversion programs. Compare course content, fees, locations, and graduate outcomes.
Apply early. Deadlines for September 2026 entry are usually in January or February 2026. Some courses fill up months in advance. If you need funding, look into scholarships, government loans (like Postgraduate Master’s Loan), or employer sponsorship.
Conversion courses are a reset button. They don’t erase your past. They turn it into a foundation. You didn’t waste your first degree. You just haven’t found your real path yet - and now you know how to get there.