Program Overview

Introduction to the Barristers Training Course

The Barristers Training Course (BTC) is a vocational course designed to prepare students for a career at the Bar. The course is offered by Nottingham Law School and is authorized by the Bar Standards Board (BSB) to deliver the vocational component of Bar training.

Course Details

• Level of study: Masters, Professional
• Entry Requirements:
  • Qualifying law degree (2.1 or above)
  • Graduate Diploma In Law or Common Professional Examination, with undergraduate honours degree (2.1)
  • (A 2.2 honours degree will be considered with evidence of exceptional achievement elsewhere in the application)
• Start date: September 2026
• Duration: One year
• Attendance: Full-time
• Course delivery: On-campus (City Campus)

About the Course

The course will build on your knowledge and understanding of the law, enhancing the attributes required to be an effective member of the Bar and demonstrating that you have met the requirements of the BSB's Professional Statement. Successful completion of this course enables you to proceed to be called to the Bar and proceed to pupillage.

Module Information

Students will study:

• All Core Modules
• One Optional Module

Core Modules

• Criminal Litigation and Evidence: The aim of the module is to prepare students for pupillage and the early years of practice at the Criminal Bar, through the study of the fundamental principles and processes relevant to criminal litigation, criminal evidence, and sentencing. (20 credits)
• Civil Litigation and Evidence: The aim of the module is to prepare students for pupillage and Civil practice through the study of the fundamental principles and processes relevant to civil litigation, civil evidence, and alternative dispute resolution. (25 credits)
• Civil Advocacy (Advocacy 1): The aim of the module is to prepare you for the practice of advocacy, which is a fundamental skill for a practising barrister. (15 credits)
• Examination in Chief (Advocacy 2): The module aims to provide you with the essential skills for a criminal advocate to prepare for, manage, and undertake the examination in chief of witnesses. (10 credits)
• Cross Examination (Advocacy 3): The module aims to provide you with the essential skills for a criminal advocate to prepare for, manage, and undertake the examination, cross-examination, and re-examination of witnesses. (10 credits)
• Opinion Writing: The aim of the module is to develop the skill of providing written advice to instructing solicitors and lay clients. (15 credits)
• Drafting: The aim of the module is to facilitate students in learning the skill of drafting statements of case and other legal documents. (15 credits)
• Conference Skills: The module aims to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to conduct an effective conference with a lay client in pupillage and in practice. (10 credits)
• Professional Ethics: The aim of the module is to inculcate the professional and ethical values required of a practising Barrister. (0 credits)
• Legal Research: The aim of the module is to provide students with knowledge and understanding of appropriate research methods and the range of resources applicable to legal practice and their uses. (0 credits)

Optional Modules

• Dissertation: The aim of the module is to provide students with knowledge of some key topics relevant to practice, including crime scene investigation, expert evidence, and vulnerable witnesses. (60 credits)
• Reflective Report: The aim of the module is to provide students with knowledge of some key topics relevant to practice, including crime scene investigation, expert evidence, and vulnerable witnesses. (60 credits)

Assessment

The course uses a variety of assessment methods. For Criminal and Civil Litigation, you are assessed through assessments centrally set by the BSB, comprising multiple-choice and single best answer questions. Skills are assessed both written and orally, typically set out in the context of briefs or instructions to Counsel.

Entry Requirements for UK Students

• Academic entry requirements:
  • Qualifying law degree (2.1 or above)
  • Graduate Diploma In Law or Common Professional Examination, with undergraduate honours degree (2.1)
  • (A 2.2 honours degree will be considered with evidence of exceptional achievement elsewhere in the application)
• Additional requirements:
  • Evidence in the supporting information document of commitment to a career in law
  • A full reference in support of the application
• Certificate of Academic Standing (CAS): Required for those with non-standard qualifications

Entry Requirements for International Students

• Academic entry requirements:
  • Qualifying law degree (2.1 or above)
  • Graduate Diploma In Law or Common Professional Examination, with undergraduate honours degree (2.1)
  • (A 2.2 honours degree will be considered with evidence of exceptional achievement elsewhere in the application)
• Additional international requirements:
  • Evidence in the supporting information document of commitment to a career in law
  • A full reference in support of the application
• English language requirements: IELTS score of 7.5 or equivalent

Fees and Funding

• UK students: Ł15,950
• International students: Ł15,950
• Discounts available:
  • Professional Courses Alumni Discount - Ł1,000
  • University of Nottingham and Lincoln Fee Concession - Ł750
• Scholarships: Available for students who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion, and dedication to their studies

Careers and Employability

The course is designed to prepare students for a career at the Bar. Successful completion of this course enables you to proceed to be called to the Bar and proceed to pupillage. The dedicated careers and placement service will support you in your search for both pupillage and alternative employment.

Campus and Facilities

The course is delivered on the City Campus, which offers a range of facilities, including the Boots Library, IT facilities, and sports facilities.

Applying

Applications for the course can be made through the Applicant Portal. In addition to submitting your application, you will also need to read, complete, and submit the Supporting Information Document for your Barristers Training Course application.