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Original poster

Postgrad psychology conversion - questions

6 replies

Mystuff · 24/10/2013 09:46

I am SAHM, 39, youngest dc is now 3 so am thinking about the future.
Before I had dc I faffed around so didn't have a career which I can now go back to.
I have a degree in philosophy/theology (1st), also a PGDip in Law (lapsed) and am considering a conversion to psychology. I've always had an interest but never seriously considered it a career path before, but for various reasons my interest has increased and it seems like it could be a career path.

Does anyone have any experience converting to psychology?
How good does your maths need to be? I have A at GCSE but don't feel particularly competent at maths.
How "sciency" do you need to be? (I have A-level social biology (A), but not studied science since)

Does it matter where you study so long as it is BPS approved? I have been looking at the London Metropolitan Uni distance learning Certificate in Psychology for Graduates as a first step.

Any input welcomed!!!! TIA

OP posts:
MavisGrind · 24/10/2013 09:51

I did this as distance learning through the OU - I have an arts background and maths isn't my strong point but it was totally manageable. I also had no previous science qualifications but was fine too. I think the advantage of being older is that you have a greater capacity to tackle an unknown subject.

It was a fantastic course and I really enjoyed it. My plan originally was to train as an Ed Psych, however, due to changing personal circumstances I'm ended up in Primary education. It still helps to have some understanding of psychology though!

Good luck!

LittleRobots · 24/10/2013 09:56

Similar to above. My first degree was philosophy and theology. I studied with OU a few years ago. At that time I only needed to do one more course to get a full BSc so I did.

I'd planned to retrain as a psych (a further three years after BPS recognition) but moving house meant the commute to uni would be too much with small children.

I'm still considering it for the future though, depending on how old they take trainees!

I'm planning to return to secondary teaching I think and have applied to teach with the OU as well.

Original poster
Mystuff · 24/10/2013 12:18

Hi sorry, I had to go out.
Thanks so much for your responses.
Did you get a feel for how competitive the job market is?
Little robots - what area were you planning further training in?
I've thought of doing the OU introductory course but it is ££££ and I don't want to do it if it would a bit of a waste of time, ie if I still needed more to do a conversion course.

OP posts:
LittleRobots · 24/10/2013 15:35

You won't need to do an introductory course as you will get credit towards the course having already got a degree.

I think exploring psychology (DSE212) was the ideal starting course for either the degree or conversion course. As I had credit for prior degree, I only did the compulsory level 2 and 3 courses. I think its changed a little since I finished.

I believe its incredibly competitive, with a lot of applications for each place. That doesn't make it impossible though. I would like to do clinical psychology but as a teacher I think educational psychology would be easier to get into.

Apparently a lot of applicants have a first and further study, but the quality of work experience is what makes a difference. Easy if you can take a year out as part of a degree -a little harder as a parent!

LittleRobots · 24/10/2013 16:51

You won't need to do an introductory course as you will get credit towards the course having already got a degree.

I think exploring psychology (DSE212) was the ideal starting course for either the degree or conversion course. As I had credit for prior degree, I only did the compulsory level 2 and 3 courses. I think its changed a little since I finished.

I believe its incredibly competitive, with a lot of applications for each place. That doesn't make it impossible though. I would like to do clinical psychology but as a teacher I think educational psychology would be easier to get into.

Apparently a lot of applicants have a first and further study, but the quality of work experience is what makes a difference. Easy if you can take a year out as part of a degree -a little harder as a parent!

Original poster
Mystuff · 24/10/2013 19:29

Great thanks, lots of food for thought. I think my first step will be to do some voluntary work in the MH sector and do lots more thinking before I commit myself to any expensive training.
Good luck in what you decide!!

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