Whether you’re looking to change career, explore a new subject area or upskill in a new field of study, we offer a range of postgraduate conversion courses designed to help you fast-track into a new profession, after completing an undergraduate degree.
What is a conversion course?
A conversion course is a postgraduate course which does not require you to have a specific undergraduate degree. They are designed to help you enter a new career, which may not be related to your undergraduate degree. In some courses, you will take a short induction course to give you a broad understanding of the subject area, before you begin studying.
Most of our conversion courses offer the opportunity for you to study either full-time, or flexibly on a part-time basis. You’ll develop your existing skillset and be able to adapt in a changing and increasingly competitive job market.
Here are conversion courses which you can apply for to enter a profession in the fields of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment:
Computing and Digital Technology
Artificial Intelligence | MSc
Artificial Intelligence has permeated all areas of our work and personal lives. This course will prepare you to work in any area of data science competently with AI, as well as how to evaluate machine learning systems and account for both the limitations and ethical issues that they create. Our delivery partners, including Microsoft and Cisco, will provide training for industry-standard systems making you able to solve problems important to your future employers straight away.
You could enter industry as a data scientist, begin a PhD to develop new types of intelligent systems or return to your industry with a broad set of skills and a problem-solving outlook that will benefit any organisation.
User Experience Design | MSc
Develop professional technical skills that are in high demand in industry and position yourself well for careers in User Experience Design. This course will support you to specialise in User Experience (UX) and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). Due to an existing skills shortage in this field, the skills you will develop on this course will be highly valued and sought after by employers.
Computer Science | MSc
Prepare for a technical role in the IT industry by learning about key technologies and skills that are in demand by industry. This course has been designed to provide you with experience in web development, interaction design and big data management (to name a few), so that you graduate with all the keys ready for an exciting and challenging career in IT across a range if industries.
Smart Manufacturing | MSc
Become an Industry 4.0 specialist with this Master's degree and apply digital skills into a dynamic sector. Smart Manufacturing is the convergence of Operational Technologies and Information Technology to support the operations of the future. This course focuses solely on the computing aspects of Industry 4.0 so that you understand how data and digital technology transforms the physical aspects of manufacturing.
Engineering
Project Management | MSc
This course will give you the administrative, organisational and creative skills to become a leading Project Manager, capable of administering projects across different organisations. You will learn how to design and implement innovative solutions for industry and a professional placement is built into the course to enhance your employability. This course also offers a route towards membership from APM (Association of Project Management) and PMI (Project Management Institute).
Some of our graduates have gone on to roles such as Logistics Manager, Procurement Manager and Supply Chain Manager.
Logistics and Supply Chain | MSc
There is a growing demand for highly skilled logistics practitioners and managers. In this course you will study the main operations aspects of both product-based and service-based industries. Learn from expert academics who have a wide range of experience in sectors such as manufacturing and electronics. This course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT).
Secure a job as a Logistics and Distribution Manager, Purchasing Manager, Warehouse Manager or Distribution Planner. You could go on to work in a variety of companies such as WEG Electric Motors (UK) Ltd, Ishida Europe, DHL Manufacturing Logistics Services, Palletways UK, APL Logistics, and BAE Systems.
Built Environment
Planning Built Environments | MA
Put yourself at the heart of a regeneration with our Planning Built Environments course! Learn how to identify and evaluate the processes, tools and outcomes of planning that lead to more sustainable places across the built environment. This course is accredited by The Royal Town Planning Institute and works closely with Birmingham City Council, and students have the opportunity to meet BCC staff throughout the course.
After successful completion of this course you could go on to a range of built and natural environment roles such as architecture, planning, building surveying and construction.
Real Estate Management | MSc
Are you interested in an exciting career selling and valuing properties? This course will enable you to secure a career in real estate in jobs such as a real estate surveyor, property investment, commercial valuation, working with leading property consultancy firms such as IP Global, Lambert Smith Hampton, Cushman & Wakefield and CBRE.
Learn analytical and problem-solving skills to meet the demands of a broad range of real estate markets. Regular site visits will enhance learning experience and you’ll benefit from staff expertise and close links with industry. This course is accredited by RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors).
Quantity Surveying | MSc
This course will develop your skills so that you can add value to projects by managing costs, information, risk and procedures. Successful completion of the programme will enable you to pursue Professional Membership of RICS and you could go on to work with companies such as RMS in a role such as Junior Quantity Surveyor.
This course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and The Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE).
If you do not have a Quantity Surveying degree or considerable experience in quantity surveying, we offer an online introduction course based on self-directed learning available (at no charge) to prepare you for entry to this course. You are required to complete this at your own pace as part of your application process.
Building Surveying | MSc
This course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and The Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE). This course will provide you with a broad and solid foundation of organising, managing, and designing work to existing buildings. You have the option to do a professional placement as part of this course to enhance your employability. There is a mock Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) built into the assessment process.
You could go on to work for prestigious firms such as Balfours and Prudential in roles such as Assistant Building Surveyor and Building Manager. You can also follow either the building surveying or facilities management pathway on completion of the course.
If you do not have a Building Surveying degree or considerable experience in the field already, we offer an online introduction course based on self-directed learning available (at no charge) to prepare you for entry to this course. You are required to complete this at your own pace as part of your application process.
So, if you’re thinking of changing direction after your undergraduate degree, there are plenty of postgraduate opportunities waiting to be explored that you may not have already considered.
Apply Now
It’s not too late to apply for your postgraduate degree! Find out more about fees and funding, FAQs and how to apply on our postgraduate study page.