What is the Bar professional training course like? Graduates share their experiences

The Bar professional training course (BPTC) is the vocational stage of qualifying to become a barrister. It follows the academic stage (a law degree or non-law degree plus conversion course) and precedes the practical stage, the year of on-the-job training at a barrister’s chambers known as pupillage.

The BPTC, formerly known as the Bar vocational course or BVC, puts law into the context of the real world and teaches you the skills you need in your career at the Bar. It is demanding and intensive, particularly for those combining study with work, but there are also plenty of opportunities for socialising with fellow students.

Studying under pressure: the ideal preparation for the Bar

The busy schedule of the course is the ideal preparation for life at the Bar. Marianne Bennett, a former BVC student at Cardiff Law School, found the course had a very heavy workload, particularly in the first few months. She says, ‘It demands an ability to work under pressure and to think on your feet – both vital skills during pupillage and at the Bar.’

Putting legal theory into practice

Will Byrne, a former BVC student at Northumbria University, enjoyed the practical nature of the course. He says, ‘The workload was relentless but it was also enjoyable: I had gained knowledge of the theory through my first degree and it was exciting to put it into a practical context during the BVC.’

Chris Jeyes took a part-time BVC at BPP Law School, delivered through monthly study weekends, while working full-time. He found that it was challenging fitting preparation and research into his busy schedule, but describes the experience as ‘hugely rewarding’. ‘It was great fun learning to cross-examine an awkward witness and I now feel much more confident as an advocate as I’ve been able to practise in front of a group of other supportive students.’

Gaining confidence as an advocate

Victoria Hillier, who undertook the BVC at Cardiff Law School, found that the weekly tutorial groups on her course provided plenty of opportunities to practise and acquire essential skills. ‘I soon conquered any fears of being on my feet!’

Balancing work with study

Depending on how your chosen course is structured, it may be feasible to combine study with paid work. Monica Stevenson, who studied for the BVC at BPP Law School in London, says that her classes ran from Monday to Thursday, and many students used their spare time to clerk in firms or chambers. However, Marianne Bennett felt she did not have time for part-time work, although some of her friends at Cardiff Law School managed it.

Bar students work hard, and play hard too

As a BPTC student, you are likely to find yourself part of a tight-knit, supportive and sociable group. Monica Stevenson says, ‘Although there’s a competitiveness surrounding the course, my group were both very supportive and social, normally meeting for drinks after class or on the weekend.’

You may also be invited to take part in some more formal social occasions. Marianne Bennett says she and her fellow students at Cardiff Law School enjoyed some great nights out, including opportunities to mix with practising barristers. ‘Dining is a regular social activity for the course members and one of the highlights is the annual Inns dinner, attended by the local Bar and judiciary members.’