The Bar vocational course (BVC) is a one-year course at an academic institution where you will learn all about being a barrister. To join the BVC you must first have done a law degree or a conversion course, to provide general legal knowledge. The BVC provides a bridge from academic studies to the practical work you'll do on your pupillage. As such, it covers key skills including:

• advocacy
• case preparation
• conference skills
• drafting
• written skills
• negotiation
• opinion writing
• legal research.

Students also choose two areas of law (from six or more options) in which to specialise. A large part of the course involves developing practical skills such as advocacy, often in a mock court. During the year, you will attend 12 educational sessions at one of the Inns of Court, in order to be ‘called to the Bar’ and progress to pupillage. The Inns of Court are four institutions that provide facilities and training to their members. All barristers must have membership of an Inn, and you need to join one before you start the BVC.

• What is the conversion course for barristers?
• What is pupillage?

How do I apply for the BVC?

To apply for the BVC, you must submit an application online through the Bar Standards Board website – you cannot apply to institutions directly. Applications must be made before early January to start the BVC in September. You can apply to three institutions, providing reasons for choosing each one, and offers will be made from March. If you are not successful, your application will go into clearing. There is an application fee of £40. Course fees are generally between £8,000 and £12,000 and there are some scholarships available from the Inns of Court.

Competition for the BVC is very fierce, with about 2,500 applicants and only 1,500 places available. In addition, having done the BVC does not guarantee you a pupillage, as there are only around 550 places. Only one in five applicants for the BVC will end up gaining tenancy so outstanding qualifications are essential, and you must be certain that you want to be a barrister before committing your time and money.

Apply online for the BVC through the Bar Standards Board website

All the advice you need to find out about graduate careers for barristers

• Find out more about graduate careers for barristers and working life at the Bar
• Must-know pupillage applications and interviews advice for graduates who want to work as barristers
• Advice on postgraduate study, law conversion courses and professional training for barristers
• From graduate to barrister: how to get in
• Find chambers offering pupillages and work experience for barristers