Bar Practice Course (BPC)

Program Overview

The Bar Practice Course (BPC) is a postgraduate qualifying course that prepares graduates to practice as barristers in England and Wales. The program covers civil and criminal litigation, evidence, and core skills such as advocacy, conferencing, and legal research. Students can choose to pursue a Master of Laws (LLM) qualification alongside the BPC to enhance their pupillage applications. The BPC provides numerous opportunities to practice advocacy skills in real-world settings and offers dedicated support from a specialist careers service to help students secure pupillage.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Bar Practice Course (BPC) is a postgraduate qualifying course that prepares graduates to practice as barristers in England and Wales. It is the vocational stage of training that must be completed before starting pupillage, the final practical stage of training. The course is taught by experienced academics and utilizes advanced learning technology to equip students with the expertise needed to begin their careers as barristers.

Outline:

The BPC curriculum covers the following knowledge areas:

• Civil litigation, evidence, and resolution of disputes out of court
• Criminal litigation, evidence, and sentencing
The course also focuses on developing core skills:
• Advocacy: Including examination-in-chief, cross-examination, and civil applications
• Conferencing
• Drafting
• Opinion writing
• Professional Ethics
• Legal Research

Mock Trials:

The BPC offers numerous opportunities to practice advocacy skills in real-world settings:

• Mock trials in real courtrooms: With real judges and senior barristers
• Online advocacy skill demonstrations: With feedback from practicing barristers
• Visits to the High Court, Magistrate’s Court, Crown Court, and County Courts

Master of Laws (LLM):

Students can choose to pursue a Master of Laws (LLM) qualification alongside the BPC, which can enhance their pupillage applications. The LLM can be completed through three pathways:

• Pro Bono clinics: Gain real-life work experience by advising, managing, and representing clients in various legal areas.
• Additional modules: Increase knowledge in specific legal practice areas of interest.
• Dissertation: Conduct in-depth research in a chosen area of law.

Assessment:

The BPC involves 10 assessments in total, with practice assessments for each module throughout the course. Prizes sponsored by chambers are awarded to the highest-scoring student in each subject.

Teaching:

The BPC is taught in small classes alongside other high-achieving students. Students have access to an online learning environment, face-to-face lecturer and peer support, and lectures and practical workshops led by qualified lawyers.

Careers:

The BPC prepares students for a career as a barrister in England and Wales. The course provides dedicated support from a specialist careers service, including the Future Pupil Programme, to help students secure pupillage and gain relevant experience.

Other:

• The University of Law fully complies with equal opportunities legislation and actively encourages diversity within the legal profession.
• The admissions process is fair and aims to enable students to make the best use of their talents.
• Students are encouraged to disclose any special requirements at the earliest opportunity.
• The University of Law offers a variety of funding options for the BPC.
• The University of Law has students from over 120 different countries across its campuses and provides dedicated support for international students.
• The Home Office has introduced a Graduate Work visa that allows graduates to work flexibly in the UK for two years after completing a UK degree.