Postgraduate study - exploring a different subject
Did you know that you can study many of our master’s programmes even if you haven’t studied the same subject at undergraduate level? Many of our postgraduate courses offer you the chance to pivot into a related or unrelated subject, allowing you to explore a new area or give you a start in a new career area.
Why study a postgraduate course in a different subject?
- Through your undergraduate studies you will have developed many transferable skills, and your knowledge may be relevant to pursuing study and a career in other fields.
- Perhaps your interests and career ambitions are taking you in a different direction.
- If you are working towards a specific career, some of our courses are specially designed to give you the essential skills and knowledge needed to qualify for a particular role or profession.
Explore which of our master's courses accept students from different undergraduate disciplines and see what you could study with us.
Please note this is not an exhaustive list - if you would like to explore whether converting from your undergraduate degree to a different postgraduate course is possible, please reach out to our PGT lead contacts and take a look at the entry requirements on the course pages.
Find out more
If you are considering staying at the University of Reading for master's study, whether in the same subject area or exploring a different subject area, we would love to help you explore your options
Contact us:
- Ask us a question
- Register your interest to find out more about postgraduate study at the University of Reading
- Book an appointment with your Student Recruitment Officer (Home PGT excluding HBS subjects)
- Book an appointment with your Regional Manager (International PGT excluding HBS subjects)
- Book an appointment with Henley Business School (all PGT fee regions)
Examples of courses open to students from a range of subjects:
Artificial Intelligence
All University of Reading undergraduate degrees will be considered for conversion to MSc Applied Artificial Intelligence for Business.
Key Career Opportunities:
Roles within the ever-evolving digitised management sector.
Next Steps:
Find out more about MSc Applied Artificial Intelligence for Business
PGT lead contact: Dr Giannis Haralabopoulos
Climate Change
Students studying University of Reading undergraduate degrees in numeracy or quantitative reasoning will be well placed to convert to MSc Climate Change and Artificial Intelligence.
Students in the following subjects may be especially interested:
- Accounting and Finance
- Agriculture
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Engineering
- Geography (physical) and Environmental Science
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Meteorology
- Psychology
Key Career Opportunities:
The changing climate ultimately impacts all sectors – meaning your skills will add value in a broad range of job roles, industries, and contexts. Wherever your future careers takes you, your understanding of climate change, modelling causality and uncertainty will enable you to interpret data and use insights to make better business decisions.
Roles such as: data analyst; data scientist; AI lead; climate risk analyst; consultant; engineer; sustainability specialist; business development lead.
Find out more about MSc Climate Change and Artificial Intelligence
PGT lead contact: Dr Chris Holloway
Construction Management and Engineering
All University of Reading undergraduate degrees will be considered for conversion to MSc Construction Cost Management, as Construction Management and Engineering courses are designed to welcome students who have taken degrees in unrelated subjects.
Students in the following subject areas may be especially interested:
- Business and Management
- Accounting and Finance
- Economics
- Geography and Environmental Sciences
- Global Sustainable Development
- Humanities
- International Development
- Law
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Politics and International Relations
- Real Estate and Planning
Key Career Opportunities:
- Construction Cost Manager/Engineer
- Quantity Surveyor
- Senior Contract Manager
Next Steps:
Find out more about MSc Construction Cost Management
PGT lead contact: Dr Amna Shibeika
All University of Reading undergraduate degrees will be considered for conversion to MSc Construction Management or MSc Construction Management with Industry Placement, as Construction Management and Engineering courses are designed to welcome students who have taken degrees in unrelated subjects.
Students in the following subject areas may be especially interested:
- Business and Management
- Accounting and Finance
- Economics
- Geography and Environmental Sciences
- Global Sustainable Development
- Humanities
- International Development
- Law
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Politics and International Relations
- Real Estate and Planning
Key Career Opportunities:
- Construction Manager and Senior Site Manager on construction projects
- Senior positions in construction and engineering companies and public sector
Next Steps:
Find out more about MSc Construction Management
Find out more about MSc Construction Management with Industry Placement
PGT lead contact: Dr Amna Shibeika
All University of Reading undergraduate degrees will be considered for conversion to MSc Design and Management of Sustainable Built Environments, as Construction Management and Engineering courses are designed to welcome students who have taken degrees in unrelated subjects.
Students in the following subject areas may be especially interested:
- Business and Management
- Accounting and Finance
- Economics
- Geography and Environmental Sciences
- Global Sustainable Development
- Humanities
- International Development
- Law
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Politics and International Relations
- Real Estate and Planning
Key Career Opportunities:
Roles such as: sustainability consultant; environmental engineering; facilities manager; energy assessor; green building assessor; energy policy advisor.
Next Steps:
Find out more about MSc Design and Management of Sustainable Built EnvironmentsPGT lead contact: Dr Amna Shibeika
All University of Reading undergraduate degrees will be considered for conversion to MSc Project Management or MSc Project Management with Industry Placement, as Construction Management and Engineering courses are designed to welcome students who have taken degrees in unrelated subjects.
Students in the following subject areas may be especially interested:
- Business and Management
- Accounting and Finance
- Economics
- Geography and Environmental Sciences
- Global Sustainable Development
- Humanities
- International Development
- Law
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Politics and International Relations
- Real Estate and Planning
Key Career Opportunities:
Project management and senior management roles, especially in the construction sector.
Next Steps:
Find out more about MSc Project Management
Find out more about MSc Project Management with Industry Placement
PGT lead contact: Dr Amna Shibeika
All University of Reading undergraduate degrees will be considered for conversion to MSc Renewable Energy: Technology and Sustainability, as Construction Management and Engineering courses are designed to welcome students who have taken degrees in unrelated subjects.
Students in the following subject areas may be especially interested:
- Business and Management
- Accounting and Finance
- Economics
- Geography and Environmental Sciences
- Global Sustainable Development
- Humanities
- International Development
- Law
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Politics and International Relations
- Real Estate and Planning
Key Career Opportunities:
Roles such as: energy officer; sustainability consultant; sustainable energy consultant; renewables engineer; renewables consultant; technical director; project analyst; researcher; design engineer.
Next Steps:
Find out more about MSc Renewable Energy: Technology and Sustainability
PGT lead contact: Dr Amna Shibeika
Ecology
Students studying University of Reading undergraduate degrees in the following subject areas may be especially interested in converting to MSc Ecological Survey Skills with Placement:
- Biological Sciences
- Geography and Environmental Sciences
- Agriculture
Key Career Opportunities:
This degree includes a paid placement as an Ecological Consultant (interview required) with one of our consultancy partners and the degree is well-recognised in the ecological consultancy sector.
Next Steps:
Find out more about MSc Ecological Survey Skills with Placement
PGT Lead contact: Jonathan Mitchley
Economics
Students studying University of Reading undergraduate degrees in numerate, quantitative or business-related disciplines will be well placed to convert to MSc Applied Economics.
Key Career Opportunities:
Economist roles in government, the commercial sector, and NGOs. Graduate roles in other sectors such as: banking, investment and insurance, accountancy and financial services, business management consultancy, public administration.
Next Steps:
Find out more about MSc Applied Economics
PGT Lead contact: Stefania Lovo
Students studying University of Reading undergraduate degrees in numerate, quantitative or business-related disciplines will be well placed to convert to MSc Business Economics.
Students in the following subjects may be especially interested:
- Accounting and Finance
- Business
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Geography (physical) and Environmental Science
- Mathematics and Statistics
Key Career Opportunities:
A wide range of professional roles throughout public, corporate and third sectors.
Next Steps:
Find out more about MSc Business Economics
PGT Lead contact: Stefania Lovo
Film
All University of Reading undergraduate degrees will be considered for conversion to MA Film and Creative Enterprise - students must be able to demonstrate a clear interest in film.
Key Career Opportunities:
Start-up opportunities; managerial roles in the creative sector; scholarly research into the arts and creative industries.Next Steps:
Find out more about MA Film and Creative Enterprise
PGT Lead contact: Dominic Lees
Nutrition and Food
Students studying University of Reading undergraduate degrees in the following subject areas may be especially interested in converting to MSc Dietetics:
- Nutritional Sciences
- Biological Sciences
- Biomedical Sciences
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacy
- Food Science
- Psychology (with suitable A-levels)
Key Career Opportunities:
When you graduate from our programme, you will be eligible to apply to join the register as a dietitian. As health services in the United Kingdom continue to evolve and change at a fast pace, we expect the majority of our graduates will go on to work in the National Health Service (NHS).
Next Steps:
Find out more about MSc Dietetics
PGT lead contact: Orla Kennedy
Students studying University of Reading undergraduate degrees in the following subject areas may be especially interested in converting to MSc Food Science or MSc Nutrition and Food Science:
Any lab based 'science':
- Chemistry
- Pharmacy/Pharmacology
- Biological Sciences - all
- Animal Science
- Environmental Science
Key Career Opportunities:
The food and drink industry is the UK’s largest manufacturing sector. It’s responsible for adding £21.9bn to the gross value of the UK economy – and it needs new graduates to meet its recruitment needs. We focus on the employability of our graduates, and have built excellent, long-established relationships with employers within the food and nutrition sectors.
Next Steps:
Find out more about MSc Food Science
Find out more about MSc Nutrition and Food Science
PGT lead contact: Justine Norris
Politics and International Relations
All University of Reading undergraduate degrees will be considered for conversion to MA Conflict and International Security - a social science, arts, business or humanities background would be of value.
Key Career Opportunities:
Careers in governments and civil services across the world. Alternatively, you could work within the commercial sector, particularly in roles related to national and international security and defence.
Next Steps:
Find out more about MA Conflict and International Security
PGT lead contact: David Marshall
All University of Reading undergraduate degrees will be considered for conversion to MA International Relations and Diplomacy- a social science, arts, business or humanities background would be of value.
Key Career Opportunities:
Careers in governments and civil services across the world. Alternatively, you could work within the commercial sector, particularly in roles related to international relations, security, diplomacy and humanitarian aid.Next Steps:
Find out more about MA International Relations and Diplomacy
PGT lead contact: David Marshall
Students studying a University of Reading undergraduate degree in a social science, arts, business or humanities subject will be well placed to convert to MSc Public Policy.
Key Career Opportunities:
A wide range of areas within public service or non-governmental organisations (NGOs), including international agencies. Additionally business, research, journalism and teaching.Next Steps:
Find out more about MSc in Public Policy
PGT lead contact: David Marshall
Postgraduate Teacher Training
All University of Reading undergraduate degrees will be considered for conversion to PGCE Primary, PGCE Primary with SEN, or PGCE Primary (3-7 years).
Key Career Opportunities:
The Primary Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) route leads to Qualified Teacher Status. There are three pathways to choose from. The PGCE route includes two additional taught modules at master's level (Level 7), enabling you to achieve the exit award of Post Graduate Certificate in Education with QTS.
Next Steps:
Find out more about PGCE Primary
Find out more about PGCE Primary with SEN
Find out more about PGCE Primary (3-7 years)
PGT lead contact: Scarlett Murphy
Students in the following subject areas may be especially interested in converting to PGCE Secondary Art:
Students studying University of Reading undergraduate degrees in the following subject areas may be especially interested in converting to PGCE Secondary Art:
- Art
- Graphic Communication
Key Career Opportunities:
This Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) Secondary Science course will lead to the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), qualifying you to teach the 11 to 18 age group in secondary schools in England and Wales.Next Steps:
Find out more about PGCE Secondary Art
PGT lead contact: Jo Giles
Students studying University of Reading undergraduate degrees in the following subject areas may be especially interested in converting to PGCE Secondary Biology:
This Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) Secondary Science course will lead to the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), qualifying you to teach the 11 to 18 age group in secondary schools in England and Wales.
Next Steps:
Find out more about PGCE Secondary Biology
PGT lead contact: Caroline Foulkes
Students studying University of Reading undergraduate degrees in the following subject areas may be especially interested in converting to PGCE Secondary Chemistry:
- Chemistry
This Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) Secondary Science course will lead to the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), qualifying you to teach the 11 to 18 age group in secondary schools in England and Wales.
Next Steps:
Find out more about PGCE Secondary Chemistry
PGT lead contact: Caroline Foulkes
Students studying University of Reading undergraduate degrees in the following subject areas may be especially interested in converting to PGCE Secondary English:
- English Literature
- English Language
- Linguistics
Key Career Opportunities:
This Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) Secondary Science course will lead to the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), qualifying you to teach the 11 to 18 age group in secondary schools in England and Wales.
Next Steps:
Find out more about PGCE Secondary English
PGT lead contact: Rachel Roberts
Students studying University of Reading undergraduate degrees in the following subject areas may be especially interested in converting to PGCE Secondary French:
- Modern Languages, including Joint Degrees
Key Career Opportunities:
This Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) Secondary Science course will lead to the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), qualifying you to teach the 11 to 18 age group in secondary schools in England and Wales.
Next Steps:
Find out more about PGCE Secondary French
PGT lead contact: Barbara King
Students studying University of Reading undergraduate degrees in the following subject areas may be especially interested in converting to PGCE Secondary Geography:
- Geography and Environmental Sciences
- Agriculture
- Environmental Management
Key Career Opportunities:
This Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) Secondary Science course will lead to the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), qualifying you to teach the 11 to 18 age group in secondary schools in England and Wales.
Next Steps:
Find out more about PGCE Secondary Geography
PGT lead contact: Martin Sutton
Students studying University of Reading undergraduate degrees in the following subject areas may be especially interested in converting to PGCE Secondary German:
- Modern Languages, including Joint Degrees
Key Career Opportunities:
This Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) Secondary Science course will lead to the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), qualifying you to teach the 11 to 18 age group in secondary schools in England and Wales.
Next Steps:
Find out more about PGCE Secondary German
PGT Lead contact: Barbara King
Students studying University of Reading undergraduate degrees in the following subject areas may be especially interested in converting to PGCE Secondary History:
- History
- Classics
- Ancient History
- Archaeology
- Museum Studies
Key Career Opportunities:
This Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) Secondary Science course will lead to the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), qualifying you to teach the 11 to 18 age group in secondary schools in England and Wales.Next Steps:
Find out more about PGCE Secondary History
PGT Lead contact: Will Bailey-Watson
Students studying University of Reading undergraduate degrees in the following subject areas may be especially interested in converting to PGCE Secondary Mathematics:
- Mathematics
- Economics
- Finance
- Accounting
- Psychology - if sufficient maths modules
Key Career Opportunities:
This Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) Secondary Science course will lead to the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), qualifying you to teach the 11 to 18 age group in secondary schools in England and Wales.
Next Steps:
Find out more about PGCE Secondary Mathematics
PGT lead contact: Lindsey Ford
Students studying University of Reading undergraduate degrees in the following subject areas may be especially interested in converting to PGCE Secondary Physics, or PGCE Secondary Physics with Mathematics:
- Mathematics
Key Career Opportunities:
This Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) Secondary Science course will lead to the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), qualifying you to teach the 11 to 18 age group in secondary schools in England and Wales.Next Steps:
Find out more about PGCE Secondary Physics
Find out more about PGCE Secondary Physics with Mathematics
PGT lead contact: Caroline Foulkes
Students studying University of Reading undergraduate degrees in the following subject areas may be especially interested in converting to PGCE Secondary Spanish:
- Modern Languages, including Joint Degrees
Key Career Opportunities:
This Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) Secondary Science course will lead to the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), qualifying you to teach the 11 to 18 age group in secondary schools in England and Wales.
Next Steps:
Find out more about PGCE Secondary Spanish
PGT lead contact: Barbara King
Psychology
All University of Reading undergraduate degrees will be considered for conversion to MSc Psychology.
Key Career Opportunities:
As a graduate of this course, you will be qualified for further training to become a professional psychologist. It is accredited by the British Psychological Society and grants you the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership.
Next Steps:
Find out more about MSc Psychology Conversion
PGT lead contact: Juliane Honisch