Students and graduates
There are three components to becoming a barrister, all of which are covered by one of four routes. There is comprehensive advice and guidance in our ‘Becoming a Barrister’ brochure.
The first stage of training for the Bar is the academic component, which will remain a law degree or a non-law degree combined with the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL).
The second stage of training is the vocational component, which trains you in the specific skills you need to become a barrister. This has traditionally taken the form of the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC), but there will be several changes taking place next year. From September 2020, the Bar Standards Board will permit training providers to offer several new routes to become a barrister. Please note that it is unlikely that all of these will be available from 2020, or even from 2021, though there is a list of providers who have been authorised so far for 2020. Please see below for a more detailed summary of each pathway.
As the vocational component is changing, please see below for what each Bar course provider is offering from September 2020. You should check their websites for more details about the cost of each course and the application cycle. Please note that not all providers have yet been authorised.
Authorised providers
BPP University
Courses offered:
- Vocational component (in one part) of the three-step pathway
- Vocational component (in two parts) of the four-step pathway
- Integrated academic and vocational components of the integrated pathway
Courses offered:
- Vocational component (in one part) of the three-step pathway
City Law School, City, University of London
Courses offered:
- Vocational component (in one part) of the three-step pathway
- Vocational component (in two parts) of the four-step pathway
Inns of Court College of Advocacy
Course offered:
- Vocational component (in two parts) of the four-step pathway
Northumbria University
Courses offered:
- Vocational component (in one part) of the three-step pathway
- Vocational component (in two parts) of the four-step pathway
- Integrated academic and vocational components of the integrated pathway
Nottingham Trent University
Course offered:
- Vocational component (in one part) of the three-step pathway
Course offered:
- Vocational component (in one part) of the three-step pathway
In previous years, Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of the West of England have also provided training for the Bar. If you are interested in any of these institutions, you should check back regularly for updates.
You should browse our pages to find out more information about opportunities to learn more about life at the Bar, including work experience.
Mini-pupillages
Mini-pupillages are short periods of work experience, some of which are paid, which can give you an insight into life in a particular chambers or practice area. You should apply for mini-pupillages from your second year of university onwards.
Chambers Student advertises mini-pupillages centrally. Successful applicants for pupillage will normally have completed at least 3 mini-pupillages before applying, though please note that it is normally not necessary to do more than 5 in total. You should be strategic when choosing which mini-pupillages to do and focus on certain areas in which you may be interested (for example, there is no need to do a mini-pupillage in every practice area, and it may make you look unfocused if you do).
If you have any further questions about careers at the Bar, please contact Careers@BarCouncil.org.uk.
The Bar Council's activities, events, opportunities and resources promoting careers at the Bar are supported by The Council of the Inns of Court.