Bar Practice Course at The University of Law

Bar Practice CourseThe University of Law

Build the Skills to Succeed at the Bar.

The Bar Practice Course (BPC) at The University of Law combines intensive professional training with practical advocacy experience, small-group learning and career-focused support designed to prepare you for pupillage and practice at the Bar.

Programme Key Facts

  • Postgraduate

    Level

  • The University of Law

    Award

  • 8–20 Months

    Duration

  • Full-Time

    Study Mode

  • Multiple Cities in the UK

    Location

  • September

    Intake

1

Future Careers

Prepare for life at the Bar.

The Bar Practice Course is designed for aspiring barristers who want to develop the legal knowledge, advocacy ability and professional skills required to progress towards pupillage and practice.

Through practical workshops, advocacy training, mock trials and careers support, you will build the skills required to present arguments, advise clients, draft legal documents and operate effectively within professional legal practice.

With up to 50 hours of advocacy training, opportunities to participate in mock trials before real judges and senior barristers, and support through the University’s Future Pupil Programme, you will develop the confidence and professional skills needed for life at the Bar.

Possible Career Directions

  • Barrister, UK

  • Advocate & Solicitor, Malaysia

  • Civil Practice

  • Commercial Practice

  • Advocacy & Dispute Resolution

  • Legal & Regulatory Roles

2

Why This Programme Matters

The Reality

  • Successful practice at the Bar requires more than legal knowledge.
  • Barristers need strong advocacy, communication, drafting, research and client-management skills.
  • Securing pupillage is highly competitive, making professional preparation and practical experience particularly important.
  • The BPC is designed to develop the skills and knowledge needed to prepare for professional practice.

The Professional Practice Advantage

Learn through practical workshops, advocacy exercises, simulated cases and mock trials that give you opportunities to apply your legal knowledge in realistic professional situations.

Students can also participate in mock trials in real courtrooms with judges and senior barristers, watch advocacy demonstrations, and visit the High Court, Magistrates’ Court, Crown Court and County Courts.

Students undertaking Bar Practice training at The University of Law

Course Modules

  • Civil Litigation, Evidence and Resolution of Disputes out of Court
  • Criminal Litigation, Evidence and Sentencing
3

The Bar Practice Experience

Professional training built around the realities of practice.

  • Train in Small Classes

    Learn through face-to-face tuition in small classes, self-study resources and online learning.

  • Develop Advocacy Skills

    Build confidence in examination-in-chief, cross-examination and civil applications through practical advocacy exercises.

  • Experience Real Courtroom Practice

    Participate in mock trials in real courtrooms with real judges and senior barristers.

  • Learn from Qualified Lawyers

    Learn from experienced legal professionals through lectures and practical workshops.

4

Professional Experience & Employability

Start preparing for pupillage from the moment you accept your place.

The University of Law’s Future Pupil Programme provides dedicated support designed specifically for students pursuing careers at the Bar.

Continued Careers Support

Students can access careers guidance relating to scholarships, internships, employment and further study, with careers support available for five years after graduation.

5

Learn from the Profession

Develop your skills alongside experienced legal professionals.

The BPC is taught by qualified lawyers and experienced legal professionals who bring practical experience into lectures and workshops.

Professional exposure extends beyond the classroom through:

  • Advocacy feedback from practising barristers
  • Mock trials before judges and senior barristers
  • Advocacy competitions
  • Court visits
  • Bar networking events
  • Pupillage panels and careers workshops
6

Add a Master of Laws (LLM)

Combine professional Bar training with a Master’s qualification.

Students can choose to study the Bar Practice Course LLM, adding an internationally recognised Master of Laws qualification to their professional Bar training.

The LLM can be completed through one of three pathways:

Pro Bono Experience

Complete real-world work experience through the University’s Pro Bono clinics, advising, managing and representing clients across different areas of law.

Additional Modules

Study additional legal practice modules in areas that support your professional interests and career direction.

Dissertation

Undertake independent research in an area of law that interests you and demonstrate deeper specialist knowledge.

7

Study Locations

Full-time BPC study is available at locations including:

  • Birmingham
  • Bristol
  • Leeds
  • Liverpool
  • London Moorgate
  • Manchester
  • Newcastle
  • Nottingham
8

Industry Partners

Connect with the legal profession from day one.

Your legal education at BAC goes beyond the classroom. Through our strong connections with leading law firms, professional bodies and the Inns of Court Malaysia, you gain valuable exposure to the people, institutions and networks shaping the legal profession.

These partnerships help you better understand legal practice, explore different career pathways, and develop the professional confidence to take your next step.

Industry Partners

  • Thomas Philip Advocates & Solicitors
  • Lavania & Balan Chambers
  • Messrs. Jamie Wong
  • Alvin John & Partners
  • Shearn Delamore & Co.
  • Richard Wee Chambers
  • Daljit Singh Partnership
  • Chooi & Company

Earn Microcredentials from the World's Best Universities & Global Tech Giants

  • IBM Applied AI Professional Certificate
  • Google IT Automation with Python Professional Certificate
  • AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials
9

Career Outcomes

Develop professional skills for the Bar and wider legal practice.

The BPC develops advocacy, client communication, drafting, research and professional judgement for progression towards pupillage and professional legal careers.

Roles in Focus

10

Why The University of Law?

  • Up to 50 Hours of Advocacy Training

    Develop your advocacy skills through extensive practical training, mooting competitions and mock trials.

  • Strong BSB Assessment Performance

    University of Law campuses recorded strong results in the April 2025 Bar Standards Board litigation assessments.

  • Small-Class Learning

    Study in smaller groups within a selective learning environment designed around practical professional development.

  • Experienced Legal Professionals

    Learn from qualified lawyers and practising professionals with experience of the legal profession.

  • Future Pupil Programme

    Receive specialist support for CVs, pupillage applications, interviews, mini-pupillages, networking and advocacy opportunities.

April 2025 BSB Litigation Assessment Results

  • Leeds ranked 1st in the UK for Criminal Litigation
  • Newcastle ranked 3rd for Criminal Litigation
  • Bristol ranked 2nd for Civil Litigation

These rankings are based on the Bar Standards Board Chair’s Report for the April 2025 litigation examinations.

11

Entry Requirements

To be confirmed by BAC.

12

Tuition Fees

To be confirmed by BAC.

13

Speak to a Future Advisor

Ready to take the next step towards becoming a barrister?

Find out more about The University of Law’s Bar Practice Course, study locations, entry requirements, fees and the BPC LLM pathway.