Course summary
In a demanding and rapidly changing legal landscape, the highest quality training is required to succeed as a barrister. Northumbria University’s Bar Course will support you in acquiring the necessary knowledge and practical skills crucial to practice at the modern Bar. The new Bar Courses will be available from September 2020 and will replace the existing Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC). Teaching on Northumbria’s Bar Course will be led by a team of highly experienced barristers and supported by a well-established network of members of the Bar, Judges and other relevant practitioners. You will study: Civil Litigation (incorporating evidence and alternative dispute resolution) Criminal Litigation (incorporating evidence and sentencing) Advocacy Conferencing Drafting Opinion Writing Professional Ethics Legal Research You will develop the knowledge and skills to practice in a broad range of briefs focused on foundational areas of pupillage and early practice. From the outset you will be taught to think and behave like a barrister. You will be instructed in cases conducted as in practice – incorporating conferences, advocacy, drafting and opinion writing alongside both the knowledge you have developed and a sound understanding of your professional ethical obligations. This invaluable, practical experience will equip you to be immediately effective in pupillage. You will benefit from generous contact hours throughout the course – including dedicated exam-focused teaching sessions - in which the teaching team will share their expertise to support you in preparing for the Bar Standards Board (BSB) centralised assessments. Alongside practice-focused teaching, students will also benefit from a year-long series of workshops designed to support knowledge, understanding and exam techniques and preparation for these assessments. You may also gain, at no further cost, an additional qualification in Mediation. Northumbria delivers opportunities to develop distinctive and unique knowledge and skills with opportunities to undertake: Vulnerable witness training Practitioner advocacy masterclasses Teaching in respect of forensic science and forensic statistics Participation in international mooting competitions A mentoring scheme delivered in conjunction with the Bar Together these opportunities will allow you to distinguish yourself in a competitive environment and ultimately thrive in this prestigious profession. On successful completion of the Bar Course you will be eligible for Call to the Bar of England and Wales (subject to meeting the qualifying requirements of your Inn of Court) All fees are inclusive of the Bar Standards Board (BSB) fee, practitioner texts required for study, external Mediation training & the Northumbria Qualifying Dinner.
Modules
For a full list of the modules on your course, please access the course pages at www.northumbria.ac.uk
Assessment method
Your tutors will use a variety of teaching methods, which may include lectures, seminars, problem-based workshops, case discussions, practical activities, group work and tutorials. Teaching is backed up by a well-designed support system that will underpin your learning journey. You will have access to a Guidance Tutor with whom you can discuss any academic issues. Extensive feedback from both tutors and peers is built into the course.
Entry requirements
A minimum of a 2:1 honours degree in Law, or a minimum of a Commendation in the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) – or to be on course to achieve this. Applicants with a 2:2 honours degree or a Pass in the GDL will be considered exceptionally on an individual basis, and with appropriate evidence. Please note academic qualifications must satisfy the requirements outlined by the Bar Standards Board. Applicants that hold, or are completing a non-UK/ROI degree or conversion course, must apply to the Bar Standards Boards for a Certificate of Academic Standing and be studying or have studied a Conversion Course such as the GDL. Further information can be found on the Bar Standards Board Website. All applicants are required to join one of the four Inns of Court before commencing the course, and applicants must pass the Bar Course Aptitude Test (BCAT) introduced by the Bar Standards Board (BSB). Applicants must have achieved a minimum standard as specified by the BSB within the past five years. For more information, please visit www.barstandardsboard.org.uk. Bar Course Aptitude Test (BCAT): The Bar Standards Board (BSB) decided on 31 March 2022 that they will seek to discontinue the BCAT as an entry requirement for the vocational component of Bar Training. They will be publishing a timeline for the implementation of this decision soon. The earliest date by which the BCAT could be withdrawn is likely to be July 2022. Please see this statement on the BSB website for more information: https://www.barstandardsboard.org.uk/resources/press-releases/bsb-seeks-to-abolish-the-bar-course-aptitude-test.html English language requirements: Please visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/barapplications. For further information and how to apply, please visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/barapplications. Please review this information before submitting your application
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
For course fee information please refer to your course page at https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/study-at-northumbria/
Provider information
Northumbria University, Newcastle
Northumberland Building
Northumberland Road
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 8ST