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Conversion courses

Interested in postgraduate study in a new subject area? Change direction with a conversion course at the University of Birmingham.

Make your move

If you're considering a complete change in career from your current job or sector then we offer opportunities to pursue a postgraduate degree in certain fields, which don't require a specialist undergraduate degree. We have a number of postgraduate opportunities for graduates where no prior knowledge of the subject area is expected. Sometimes, experience is required for some programmes, which you can fulfill while going through the application process.

No prior knowledge required

Many of the programme listed below do not require prior knowledge or specific degrees, but we do ask for some other evidence of interest in the subject, such as volunteering or work experience:

Would you like to move into the healthcare profession?

The programmes below require previous care experience, however you can apply from many degree backgrounds:

Considering training to teach?

Postgraduate Certificate in Education (QTS) - Primary

Once you have enrolled on the PGCE primary course, you can opt to specialise in working with 3-7 year olds or 5-11 year olds or 7-11 year olds. All applicants to the PGCE Primary (QTS) must hold a degree from a UK Higher Education Institution. Normally, this should be a 2:2 or above (and this will be a condition of any offer where the degree is not already awarded).

You must have GCSE Mathematics, English and Science (Grade 4/C or above) or equivalent qualifications, which will be a condition of any offer if not already achieved (equivalency tests will be accepted, but only from equivalency testing).

Postgraduate Certificate in Education (QTS) - Secondary

We offer programmes in the following subjects: English, Geography, History, Mathematics, Modern Languages, Physical Education, Religious Education, Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

All applicants must hold a strong academic record at A level or equivalent in relevant subjects is required, along with a strong degree (usually a minimum of 2:2), as well as GCSE Grade 4/C or above (or equivalent) in Mathematics and English.

Please see individual subject pages for further information.

Visit the teacher education pages

The great thing about transferring subjects for postgraduate study is that it pushes you to do things you never thought possible. My undergraduate degree gives me a unique lens for storytelling, enriching my creative work with perspectives I might not otherwise have. In postgraduate study, your unique background isn’t something to overcome, it’s your greatest asset.

aqil headshot
Aqil Ghani, MA Creative Writing

Explore your options

Explore what alternative routes may be available to you with your current undergraduate qualifications, or find out what may be an option with no prior knowledge required. These are not all the options available to you, but they give you an idea of the type of career you could move into.

If you have an undergraduate degree in social sciences...

If you have an undergraduate degree in biology or life sciences...

If you have an undergraduate degree in Maths, Engineering, Physics or Computer Science...

If you have an undergraduate degree in environmental sciences...

If you have an undergraduate degree in Pharmacy, Medicine or Dentistry...

If you have an undergraduate degree in humanities or social sciences...

  • Danny Godfrey

    With his reporting experience at the NFU, Danny developed an interest in environmental policy. Hoping to instigate change, he chose to study MSc Environment, International Development and Politics.

  • Yuky Chumacero

    Despite her background in Business Administration, Yuky always had a passion for storytelling. After working in project management, she left her home in Peru to study MA Film and Television.

  • Aqil Ghani

    Aqil developed a love for creative writing during his undergraduate degree. His political analysis skills provided a unique lens for storytelling, so he decided to pursue MA Creative Writing.