Oxford Brookes University

What you'll study

The Bar Practice Course provides practical and skills-focused training required for the vocational stage of bar training. Core areas include advocacy and oral presentation, conference skills, opinion writing, drafting (pleadings and other court documents), case and evidence analysis, civil and criminal procedure, and professional ethics and conduct. The programme combines taught classes, small-group skills workshops, simulated hearings and assessed practical exercises.

Modules are delivered through a mixture of practical skills sessions, seminars on substantive law and procedure, and supervised independent study. Assessment typically includes practical examinations (mock trials, advocacy assessments, client interviews), written assessments such as opinions and drafting exercises, and reflective work on professional ethics. Many students take advantage of mooting, pro bono clinics and extracurricular advocacy competitions to consolidate courtroom skills and client handling experience.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally required to hold a qualifying law degree (LLB) or a non-law degree plus a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) or equivalent qualification. Admissions consider academic performance, references and evidence of motivation for a career at the bar. Practical experience or relevant extracurricular activities (mooting, mini-pupillages, volunteering in legal settings) strengthen an application but are not always mandatory.

Applicants whose first language is not English will need to meet the University's English language requirements. Successful applicants must also undergo identity and character checks; acceptance onto the course does not guarantee or replace the need for later professional suitability checks carried out by regulators or prospective pupillage providers.

Career prospects

The primary career path for BPC graduates is to progress to pupillage and qualification as a practising barrister. Completion of the BPC equips students with the practical advocacy and drafting skills sought by chambers when recruiting for pupillage. Graduates also move into related roles such as paralegal work, litigation support, compliance, legal research and policy roles, in-house advisory positions and dispute resolution practice.

Many students use the course to enhance employability in the wider legal sector: the hands-on skills—advocacy, client interviewing, legal drafting and professional conduct—are recognised across solicitors’ firms, government legal departments, NGOs and commercial organisations. The programme also provides a strong platform for those considering further postgraduate study or an academic career in advocacy-related subjects.

Why study at Oxford Brookes University

Oxford Brookes offers a vocationally oriented BPC with an emphasis on real-world skills and small-group tuition. The course is taught by a mix of experienced practitioners and academic staff who bring current courtroom and professional experience into practical training. Students benefit from dedicated advocacy facilities, simulation suites and access to mooting and pro bono opportunities that mirror professional practice.

The University’s links with local legal communities and professional networks support students seeking mini-pupillages, mentoring and work experience. Oxford Brookes situates its legal provision in a city with a rich legal and academic culture, offering access to courts, Inns of Court events and a range of legal employers. Support services include careers guidance tailored to barrister training, application advice for pupillage and assistance with professional development throughout the programme.