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Psychology Conversion Course-Worries And Queries

Hi,

I am an Manchester politics graduate. I've been working as a civil servant for a few years and i'm interested in doing a Psychology conversion course. However, I have a few concerns.

I’ve always been good at the arts subjects-history, english, politics etc. but at school I was pretty weak at science-particularly maths, biology and chemistry. I suspect that the cause of this weakness may have been primarily that I wasn’t interested but it may also have been that I’m just not very good at memorising information of that density.

I find psychology really interesting. I’ve dipped into a lot of the standard textbooks and found it very technical but quite gripping. I suppose my main concern is-just how sciencey is psychology? Is it a mistake for someone who is not good at physics/chemistry to take it on or is it a different kind of discipline. As a politics graduate I’m quite used to trawling through complicated theory but I’m less used to the number crunching side of things that seems common in psychology. This worries me a bit.

Also, where are the best places to do a psychology conversion? Does it make much difference where you do it? I’ve heard Nottingham is good-does anyone have any experience there? And what are the best places in London to do it? Are applications for conversion courses very competitive?

Do you think that doing a conversion puts you at a disadvantage compared to psychology graduates if applying to do clinical psychology afterwards?

Any help would be appreciated.

Reply 1

GodspeedGehenna

thisisben

Do you think that doing a conversion puts you at a disadvantage compared to psychology graduates if applying to do clinical psychology afterwards?

Any help would be appreciated.

Unfortunatly, I can't offer you much advice about the rest of your post, but maybe here I can slightly.

In theory, you should be at equal standing to psychology graduates as you would be elligable for GBR. However, remember you would be competing with other candidates that will most likely have extensive clinical/research experience and possibly further qualifications (PhD, MSc).

Sorry I couldn't help more!

Reply 2

Lord Asriel

Do you think that doing a conversion puts you at a disadvantage compared to psychology graduates if applying to do clinical psychology afterwards?

Not really, lots of clinical trainees I know did conversion courses. Getting GBR is the smallest factor in being able to train as psychologist. What matters far more is having a 2:1, the experience you get. You will have to be good at research, which includes being good at statistics and experimental design. If you don't "think" scientifically it may be quite hard for you.

The real struggle comes after you graduate: check one of my fave blogs to see how tough it is: http://reservelistjockey.blogspot.com/

Reply 3

fpana27

Hello!!!
I have a simple and short question.Hope you know the answer :p:

Can I start my conversion course before graduating from my first degree? I will graduate after one year and I want to start my conversion course about four months before this.

Is this possible???

Reply 4

GodspeedGehenna

fpana27

Hello!!!
I have a simple and short question.Hope you know the answer :p:

Can I start my conversion course before graduating from my first degree? I will graduate after one year and I want to start my conversion course about four months before this.

Is this possible???

I wouldnt have thought so.

Reply 5

chrisie22

Hi,

I am applying to do a post graduate certificate in psychology. This is a conversion course. I am in the process of starting to write a personal statement. I am stuck on what to write. Please could you advise me on what to write. Can anyone send an example of a personal statement for me? Please. Thanks :smile:

Reply 6

Victoria14

Original post by chrisie22

hi!!!!which unis have you picked out??

Reply 7

jadedanby

I know this thread is old now, but I am having the very same anxieties about psychology being too science based for me. I too did arts based A Levels and degree but have developed an interest in psychology since graduating and working in the mental health field. The last time I did Science was at GCSE, I did get A's but I didnt really enjoy it or find it easy, I've been looking at the MSC Psychology at Northumbria University - does anyone have any experience of Psychology conversion courses or able give any honest advice on this? Much appreciated!

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