Bar Training Course (PgDip)

The Bar Training Course is a one-year, full-time course designed to prepare prospective barristers for the period of work-based learning known as pupillage. The course is skills-based and intensive, aiming to foster a professional and ethical approach to practice as a barrister.

Duration and Mode

• Duration: 1 year
• Mode: Full time

Start Date

The course starts on 10 September 2026.

Why Study This Course

The University has delivered high-quality training for the Bar since 1997, strongly supported by the local employed Bar, the independent Bar, and the Judiciary. It is the only Russell Group University to offer a Diploma in Bar Training. All tutors have practiced as barristers or solicitors, providing a friendly professionalism and mutual respect ethos. The course is highly regarded, being one of the top-performing providers across the centralized examinations set by the Bar Standards Board (BSB) for the Bar Training Course.

Unique Offering

• Learn from professionals with experience as barristers or solicitors.
• Highly regarded training with a strong track record in BSB centralized examinations.
• Significant face-to-face support with a staff/student ratio ensuring substantial individual feedback and support.

Course Overview

The Pg Dip Bar Training Course enables students to acquire the skills, knowledge of procedure, and evidence to meet the Bar Standards Board (BSB) criteria, as set out in their Professional Statement for Barristers. The teaching is timetabled between Monday and Thursday, providing time for personal study. Advocacy and conferencing are taught intensively in two-hour sessions to no more than six students, with the opportunity to undertake a specialist advocacy option.

Accreditations

• Bar Standards Board

School of Law and Politics

The course is based in the School of Law and Politics, which provides a vibrant student body combined with highly qualified academic staff, creating the perfect environment to explore dynamic and fast-paced fields of law, politics, and international relations.

Admissions Criteria

To be considered for an offer, applicants must meet all entry requirements. The application will not be progressed if required information and evidence, including a reference and transcript, are not provided.

Requirements for Application

1. Degree Certificate and Transcripts: A copy showing a 2:1 honors degree in law or an equivalent international degree, or a 2:1 honors degree in any subject with a Common Professional Examination (CPE) or Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL).
2. English Language Requirements: Evidence meeting the outlined requirements, such as IELTS with an overall score of 7.5 or Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic with an overall score of 80.
3. Commitment to the Legal Profession: Evidence of commitment, such as via placements, mooting competitions, or public speaking.
4. Academic Reference: A signed, dated reference less than six months old, demonstrating suitability for the program.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS: Overall score of 7.5 with at least 7.5 in all subskills.
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: Overall score of 80 with no less than 80 in all communicative skills.

Exemptions to English Language Requirements

Applicants who graduated no more than three years prior to the course start date from a full degree or a 1- or 2-year top-up degree through the medium of English in specified countries are exempt.

Application Deadline and Selection Process

• Application Deadline: 31st March.
• Selection Process: Applications are reviewed, and if the entry requirements are met, the application is scored against evaluative criteria considering academic achievement, quality of responses, relevant work experience, and written communication skills.

Course Structure

The Bar Training Course is a one-year course studied over two semesters, with all modules being compulsory. The course includes knowledge areas, core skills, and an elective option. Attendance is expected at all teaching sessions, with a minimum of 80% attendance required to achieve a pass.

Core Modules

• Civil Litigation
• Criminal Litigation, Evidence and Sentencing
• Conference Skills
• Opinion Writing
• Drafting
• Trial Advocacy 1
• Trial Advocacy 2
• Submission Advocacy
• Professional Ethics
• Legal Research

Optional Modules

• Criminal Advocacy
• Civil Advocacy
• Family Advocacy
• Alternative Dispute Resolution

Learning and Assessment

Teaching is through a mixture of large and small group sessions, with significant face-to-face support. Assessments are designed to be fair, rigorous, and realistic, covering a representation of the outcomes in the particular subject or skills area.

How You Will Be Taught

• Large group sessions for lectures.
• Small group sessions (up to 18 students) for discussion-based teaching.
• Pre-recorded sessions and online materials.

How You Will Be Assessed

• Formative and summative assessments.
• Closed book examinations with multiple-choice questions.
• Oral assessments.
• Recorded simulations.
• Written assessments.

Support

• Face-to-face learning supported by e-learning.
• Personal tutor scheme.
• Careers lectures and workshops.
• Disability and Diversity Officer.
• Library and resource centers.

Tuition Fees for 2026 Entry

• Home Status: ｣19,950 for Year one, with no deposit required.
• Overseas Status: ｣24,700 for Year one, with a ｣2,500 deposit.

Funding

Financial support may be available to individuals who meet certain criteria. Postgraduate loans may also be applicable for study at Cardiff University.

Careers and Placements

After completing the BTC, students can be called to the Bar and undertake pupillage. The course may also lead to legal work in other capacities, with the option of obtaining pupillage at a later date. Opportunities for marshaling with a Judge and/or undertaking a mini-pupillage are available, subject to the availability of professional partners.

Cardiff University

---

Overview:

Cardiff University is a leading research-intensive university located in the heart of Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. It is known for its strong academic reputation, diverse range of programs, and commitment to community engagement.

---

Services Offered:

Study:

Cardiff University offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and international programs across various subject areas. They also provide support services for students, including funding, tuition fee information, and career guidance.

Research:

The university is renowned for its research excellence, with a focus on tackling major challenges facing society, the economy, and the environment. They offer various research facilities and support for researchers.

Work with us:

Cardiff University collaborates with businesses and organizations to provide consultancy services, funded opportunities, and workforce development programs.

Community:

The university is deeply committed to its local communities, offering various projects, resources, and events to support learning, promote Welsh language and culture, and contribute to the green recovery.

Global:

Cardiff University has strong global partnerships with universities and organizations worldwide, fostering international research collaborations and student exchange programs.

---

Student Life and Campus Experience:

Living in Cardiff:

Cardiff is a vibrant city with a thriving student population, offering a diverse range of cultural experiences, entertainment options, and social activities.

Welsh Language and Culture:

Students have opportunities to learn Welsh and experience the rich Welsh language culture, which is prevalent in Cardiff.

Campus Facilities:

The university provides excellent campus facilities, including libraries, sports facilities, and conference spaces.

---

Key Reasons to Study There:

World-class Campus Facilities:

Cardiff University offers modern and well-equipped facilities to support student learning and research.

Excellent Career Prospects:

The university has a strong track record of producing graduates who are highly sought after by employers.

Vibrant Student Life:

Cardiff is a lively city with a thriving student community, offering a diverse range of social and cultural experiences.

Research Excellence:

Cardiff University is renowned for its research excellence, providing students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research.

Community Engagement:

The university is deeply committed to its local communities, offering students opportunities to contribute to social and environmental initiatives.

---

Academic Programs:

Undergraduate:

Cardiff University offers a wide range of undergraduate programs across various subject areas, including Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Science, Engineering, and Medicine.

Postgraduate:

The university provides a diverse range of postgraduate programs, including taught courses and research degrees.

International:

Cardiff University welcomes international students and offers specific programs and support services tailored to their needs.

---

Other:

Rankings:

Cardiff University consistently ranks highly in national and international rankings, reflecting its academic excellence.

Quality Marks:

The university holds various quality marks, including the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) diamond logo, demonstrating its commitment to quality assurance.

Russell Group:

Cardiff University is a member of the Russell Group, a prestigious group of 24 leading research-intensive universities in the UK.