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Bar training courses
Discover how to start your journey towards becoming a barrister and the benefits of studying a bar training course (BTC) with us.
Why study a BTC with us?
Our bar training courses
We provide two bar training course options at Manchester Law School. Both courses are available to study in:
- one year full-time
- two years part-time
- two to five years part-time (flexible route)
LLM in Legal Practice at the Bar
Combine your bar training with advanced independent study.
Find out moreStudent profiles
Meet our students
I would recommend Manchester Metropolitan to prospective students because of the friendly environment, modern facilities and fantastic teaching staff.
During my studies I have volunteered at the Greater Manchester Law Centre as part of their Legal Advocacy Support project, tried out for the university mooting team and took part in the Northern Circuit Advocacy Training.
I have taken part in the Crown Prosecution Service pro bono scheme, and it was extremely beneficial as I gained practical skills and experience through this which helped me understand how to apply the skills into my work.
How to qualify as a barrister
There are three components to qualifying as a barrister in England and Wales. You must complete each component in the following order.
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Step one: academic component
Complete an undergraduate degree in law (LLB), or an undergraduate degree in any other subject followed by a conversion course, such as the Graduate Diploma in Law. This must include the seven foundations of legal knowledge.
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Step two: vocational component
Complete a bar training course
The course must include knowledge and skills training and be taken with an authorised provider such as Manchester Met.
Join one of the four Inns of Court
This must be completed at least twelve weeks prior to commencing your bar training course. These are:
Complete ten qualifying sessions with your Inn of Court
These might include:
- residential training weekends
- skills-based workshops
- online seminars
- attending lectures followed by formal dinners with barristers and judges
Qualifying sessions must cover five themes, including advocacy skills and preparation for pupillage. At least two sessions must be interactive and require preparation in advance.
Once you’ve successfully completed the vocational component, your Inn will ‘call you to the bar’
You must be called to the bar in order to complete the pupillage and work-based learning component of training.
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Step three: pupillage and work-based learning component
Spend one year as a pupil
You’ll complete a non-practicing period, known as the first six, and practicing period, the second six, in either:
- a barristers’ chambers
- an authorised education and training organisation such as the Crown Prosecution Service
Choose your career path
Once you’ve successfully completed pupillage, you can apply for tenancy and become a junior barrister in chambers.
As your career progresses you might also choose to:
- become self-employed
- join an in-house legal services department in commercial companies or public sector organisations
Find out more about postgraduate study
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