Psychology Conversion Courses in the UK and Ireland

What a conversion course is

A psychology conversion course is an accredited postgraduate programme designed for graduates whose first degree was in another subject (or in a psychology degree that was not accredited). It lets you build on your existing degree to gain the entry credential for professional psychology training — Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) in the UK, or PSI Graduate Membership in Ireland — without repeating a full undergraduate degree.

Conversion courses are typically awarded as an MSc, MA, MEd or postgraduate diploma. They concentrate the core areas of psychology and research methods that an accredited undergraduate degree covers, so that on completion you meet the professional body's standard.

Who conversion courses are for

Conversion courses suit career-changers and graduates who discovered psychology after starting a different degree — for example someone with a degree in English, business, biology or law who now wants to train as a practitioner psychologist.

Entry requirements are set by both the accrediting body and the individual university. The BPS describes a general entry expectation of holding a prior degree, with additional requirements depending on the credit structure of the course; individual providers may set their own entry criteria on top. Always check the specific course's entry requirements directly with the university and confirm the accreditation conditions on the official BPS or PSI website.

How conversion courses confer GBC or PSI Graduate Membership

A BPS-accredited conversion course confers eligibility for GBC on successful completion at the required standard. In Ireland, a PSI-accredited conversion course confers eligibility for PSI Graduate Membership when you achieve the required overall pass standard.

The key word is accredited: only an accredited conversion course confers the credential. A general "psychology" master's that is not accredited as a conversion course will not, on its own, give you GBC or PSI Graduate Membership. Confirm a course's accreditation and that it confers the credential on the official BPS or PSI website before enrolling.

• Confirm the course is BPS-accredited (UK) or PSI-accredited (Ireland) as a conversion programme
• Check it explicitly confers GBC (UK) or PSI Graduate Membership (Ireland) on completion
• Review the university's own entry requirements and any prior-psychology-credit conditions
• Note the award type (MSc, MA, MEd or diploma) and whether it is full or part time
• Verify the current pass/classification standard required on the official BPS/PSI website

Format, length and structure

Conversion courses are commonly studied over about one year full time, with part-time options spread over a longer period. They cover the core curriculum the professional body requires, usually including a supervised empirical research project or dissertation.

Exact length, credit structure and whether a course is delivered on campus, online or blended vary by provider. Some providers also welcome applicants who already hold an accredited psychology degree but want the additional master's-level study. Because these details differ and can change, read each course page carefully and confirm with the university.

Choosing a conversion course

When comparing conversion courses, prioritise accredited status first, then look at the structure, the research-project component, delivery mode (campus, blended or distance), and the support the course offers toward later professional training.

For international students, also check visa and study-mode rules: whether the course is offered in a mode that meets student-visa requirements, and what the conditions are. In the UK, see the official guidance at gov.uk/student-visa; in Ireland, see irishimmigration.ie. This is general information, not immigration advice — verify your eligibility and the current rules on the official government source before applying.