Bar Practice Course (BPC)
The Bar Practice Course (BPC) is a vocational law course for eligible law and conversion-course graduates preparing for the next stage of training for the Bar. It combines civil and criminal litigation with practical skills such as advocacy, conferencing, drafting, opinion writing and legal research.
About this course
The Bar Practice Course (BPC) develops the practical knowledge and skills required for the vocational stage of training for the Bar. It covers civil and criminal litigation, evidence, sentencing, dispute resolution and professional ethics.
You will practise core barrister skills including advocacy, client conferencing, legal drafting, opinion writing and legal research. Advocacy work includes examination-in-chief, cross-examination and civil applications.
The course may suit law graduates and conversion-course graduates who meet the academic, professional and selection requirements for Bar training. Study is available on full-time and part-time routes, with course lengths ranging from 8 to 20 months.
What you will study
You will study:
• Civil litigation, evidence and resolution of disputes out of court • Criminal litigation, evidence and sentencing • Advocacy, including examination-in-chief, cross-examination and civil applications • Conferencing • Legal drafting • Legal opinion writing • Professional ethics • Legal research
Modules
- Civil Litigation, Evidence and Resolution of Disputes out of Court
- Criminal Litigation, Evidence and Sentencing
- Advocacy, including examination-in-chief, cross examination and civil applications (core)
- Conferencing (core)
- Drafting (core)
- Opinion Writing (core)
- Professional Ethics (core)
- Legal Research (core)
Assessment
Assessment includes examinations and reflective assessment.
Entry requirements
Applicants normally need one of the following:
• A 2:1 or above in a Qualifying Law Degree (QLD). • A 2:1 or above in a non-law undergraduate degree, plus a law conversion course. • A 2:2 in a non-law degree, plus a commendation or distinction in a GDL, MA Law, PgDL, MA Law (Conversion) or MA Law (SQE1).
Applicants with a 2:2 and additional qualifications or relevant work experience may be considered. From January 2027, applicants with a 2:2 in a Qualifying Law Degree may be considered on the overall strength of their application and must complete an enhanced selection interview.
Applicants must meet Bar Standards Board requirements, attend and pass an online selection interview, and become a member of an Inn of Court before starting the course.
English language requirements
Applicants need English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 7.5 overall, with a minimum of 7.5 in each component, or an accepted equivalent.
Careers
The course is designed for those seeking to progress towards practice as a barrister. Completing the course may support applications for pupillage and other legal practice opportunities, subject to the relevant professional and selection requirements.
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