Bar Vocational Course

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The Bar Vocational Course (usually termed the BVC) is a graduate course that is completed by those wishing to be called to the Bar, i.e. to practise as a barrister in England and Wales. The ten institutes that run the BVC along with the four Inns of Court are often collectively referred to as 'Bar School'.

This vocational stage is the second of the three stages of legal education, the first being the academic stage and the third being the practical stage, i.e. pupillage. No person can practise as a barrister unless he has successfully completed this course.^[1]

Contents 1 Entry requirements 2 Course options 3 Grading 4 Providers 4.1 BPP Law School, London 4.2 BPP Law School, Leeds 4.3 Nottingham Law School 4.4 Bristol Institute of Legal Practice 4.5 Cardiff Law School 4.6 College of Law, London 4.7 College of Law, Birmingham 4.8 Inns of Court School of Law, City University, London 4.9 Manchester Metropolitan University 4.10 University of Northumbria, Newcastle 5 References

[edit] Entry requirements

Although the minimum entry requirements for the BVC is a qualifying law degree with no less than lower second class (2:2) honours, or a degree in another subject with no less than 2:2 honours in addition to a pass in the in the Common Professional Examination (CPE), applicants for the BVC should demonstrate a strong academic profile (preferably upper Second Class Honours degree and above from a leading university and excellent extra-curricular activities). Additionally, a suitable candidate should provide strong evidence of a commitment to the English Bar.

In 2006:^[2]

• 3,227 students applied for the BVC,
• 1,932 got a place,
• 1,425 passed the BVC,
• 598 got pupillage,
• 544 got tenancy.

As a result of the apparent over-supply of barristers, the Bar Standards Board recently considered four controversial proposals:

• Capping the number of BVC places
• Deferring call till the completion of pupillage
• Raising the minimum entry standards to a 2:1 degree (implemented into some BVC offering institutions)
• Mandating a minimum IELTS score of 7.5/9 for foreign students (implemented into some BVC offering institutions)

As of 2008, only two of these proposals have been able to find enough support to be implemented.

[edit] Course options

The course bridges the gap between academic study and the practical work of a barrister by teaching subjects with which a practising barrister will need to be familiar with. Core modules include:

• Criminal Advocacy
• Civil Advocacy
• Drafting
• Opinion Writing
• Client Conferencing
• Negotiation
• Criminal Litigation and Sentencing
• Civil Litigation and Evidence
• Legal Research
• Case Preparation and Analysis
• Professional Conduct and Ethics
• Two optional modules (these vary from institute to institute)

[edit] Grading

Students successfully completing the course may be awarded the overall grade of “Outstanding”, “Very Competent” or “Competent”.

• To gain the award of “Outstanding” a candidate must have passed all assessments at the first attempt and must achieve either an overall mark of 85% or above, or six or more grades in the outstanding category.

• To gain the award of “Very Competent” a candidate must have failed no more than one assessment at the first attempt and must achieve either an overall mark 70% or eight or more grades in the very competent or outstanding categories.

• To gain the award of “Competent” a candidate must pass each assessment subject to the rules governing the opportunity to re-sit.

[edit] Providers

BVC Providers

Institution	Location	Circuit	Approx. course fees
BPP Professional Education	London	South Eastern	£13,495
BPP Professional Education	Leeds	North Eastern	£10,250
University of the West of England	Bristol	Western	£9,775
Cardiff University	Cardiff	Wales and Chester	£8,500
Nottingham Trent University	Nottingham	Midland Circuit	£9,675
College of Law	London	South Eastern	£12,375
College of Law	Birmingham	Midland Circuit	£9,900
City University	London	South Eastern	£12,770
Manchester Metropolitan University	Manchester	Northern	£8,705
Northumbria University	Newcastle upon Tyne	North Eastern	£9,155

[edit] BPP Law School, London

• Number of places: 264 full-time, 96 part-time

BPP is not just a professional education provider, it’s a public company with a website providing as much information about corporate governance and share performance as careers guidance. If the school ’s motto – Serving the Client – isn’t enough of a giveaway, its swanky glass and steel building should leave you in no doubt that this school “takes itself very seriously.” With state-of-the-art facilities, including a series of mock courtrooms, nothing is spared to make the experience as realistic as possible. Students are even required to wear suits on certain days. Competition for places is intensified by the minimum requirement of a 2:1 which, except in “exceptional circumstances,” forms the school’s admissions policy. Once there, students describe the BPP experience as “a very time-intensive course… they keep you busy with exercises and a structured schedule.” Tuition is arguably geared towards those who may have difficulty passing the course – “they are very professional about getting you to pass if you’re struggling” – and, on the downside, this can leave brighter sparks feeling uncatered for. Advocacy, negotiation and conference skills are the mostly highly praised parts of the course and these are taught by practising barristers in court dress. A total of nine electives are offered including Judicial Review, Company Law, Property and Chancery. Each student is required to complete five hours of pro bono activities over the year and there are also plenty of mooting competitions to get involved in.

[edit] BPP Law School, Leeds

• Number of places: 48 full-time, 48 part-time

BPP jumped at the chance to exploit the northern market by opening a brand-new BVC programme in Leeds in September 2006. With the inaugural year nearing completion, we spoke to course director Nicki McLaren to find out if it had been a success. Following the London model, there is an almost identical course structure and equally modern facilities in Leeds, but the fact that the course is so much smaller means that “each student knows everyone on the course” and at meet-and-greet sessions with the local Bar “the chances of being able to network and make those connections is much better.” A BPP London advocacy tutor spent time in Leeds in the first year to ensure continuity with the quality of teaching in the capital, while two practising barristers and a series of professional actors helped students perfect their skills in time for their final assessments. To assist with dining requirements and save the trip to London, a black-tie dinner organised in Leeds was a storming success. For mooting, while Leeds has its own competition, a team also entered the London-wide mooting competition, going up against BPP ’s London team. Pro bono opportunities are available. Heavy involvement from members of the Northern Circuit and fees significantly lower than in London have ensured high application numbers. Experience already shows that successful candidates invariably put BPP as their first choice.

[edit] Nottingham Law School

• Number of places: 120 full-time

Nottingham Law School offers arguably the best BVC; one which competes very well against its London rivals. Indeed, twice as many first-round first-choice applications are made to NLS as there are places available and this allows the school to only take on those applicants with a fighting chance of pupillage. On average 50% of enrolling students will have secured one by the March following the end of the course. NLS claims to have the highest pupillage rate for its BVC students. To stand a chance of getting onto this BVC, you will need a 2:1, good A-levels or a good post-grad degree (usually an LLM), evidence of interaction with the legal profession (usually a minimum of three weeks’ pupillages or vacation schemes), evidence of public speaking and initiative (eg through positions of responsibility). NLS has a relatively low intake of international students – usually less than 10%. By keeping student numbers down and having a dedicated BVC building, staff and students can get to know each other well. The school’s director James Wakefield reveals: “Staff meet every month to decide which students need pressure put on them or taken off them … this is not a place to come to be anonymous.” The BVC year at NLS is judged by students to be a demanding one and they know they are expected to spend five full days a week on their studies. Skills and knowledge learning focus on the seven briefs that are followed throughout the year. Criminal advocacy sessions are held in courtrooms at Nottingham’s old Guildhall in formal dress. The appointment of a full-time pro bono co-ordinator and a public-access advice clinic at NLS have enhanced the range of real-life experiences open to students, and there is no shortage of links with professionals in London and the Midlands. Barristers and judges present guest lectures on a regular basis, and there are sponsored plea-in-mitigation and mooting competitions plus a marshalling scheme. A pupillage-interview training day assists those who have not yet secured training and, to help students keep contact with their Inns in London, there are coaches to the capital for qualifying sessions. NLS can also dangle the carrot of an LLB for all those who successfully complete the GDL and BVC, and students can also tap into the social, sporting and other facilities offered by Nottingham Trent University. By 2010, NLS intends to offer the BVC at its award winning London operation with Kaplan.

[edit] Bristol Institute of Legal Practice

• Number of places: 120 full-time, 48 part-time

If you’re drawn to the South West, competitive prices and strong connections with the Western Circuit make this course well worth considering. Although stats show fewer high-calibre students are attracted to Bristol than some of its rivals, the institute responds by pointing out that a “less traditional intake” does not prevent the course from scoring highly in terms of added value. Course director Stephen Migdal believes “passing the BVC at UWE is something that has to be earned, but thereby provides a real sense of achievement. ” Entrance requirement for students with ESL is a minimum band score of 7.5 on the IELTS. Students work in groups of 12 or fewer for 90% of the time and are given a base room, complete with their own set of keys, to which they have access seven days a week. These rooms are equipped with books and IT facilities and become like “a second home” to many students. The commitment and dedication of staff is “constantly remarked upon by students,” leaving us in no doubt that Bristol is working hard to achieve its goals. Students also commented on the “strong sense of community.” Involving BVC students in the local community is one of the institute’s core values, for example through mock trials in schools. Students can use pro bono work for FRU, alongside two weeks of compulsory work experience, to fulfil both of their optional modules. A new initiative also enables students to attend inquests, represent juveniles at police stations and carry out prison visits: vital preparation if you ’re thinking of going into criminal practice. Members of the local Bar assist in advocacy teaching, something students practise during three full trials, while the provision of digital cameras facilitates sometimes-excruciating self-scrutiny. The location of the university off the M4 is a downer. Said one: “I didn’t realise how far away from the city centre it was.” However, ample campus facilities mean students have full access to a range of sporting and social activities.

[edit] Cardiff Law School

• Number of places: 72 full-time

Course leader Jetsun Lebasci sums up the BVC at Cardiff as “an intense year where high standards are expected, but that is ultimately vastly rewarding. ” If you’re looking for a well-established, university-based law school you’d do well to give Cardiff some thought. But make sure you put it as your first choice – “95% of our offers are taken up by candidates who have put us in first place.” Located on a campus that is “green, pleasant and seconds away from the city centre,” the law school is small enough for staff and students to know each other by name, which “gives us a chance to change, adapt and be flexible in a way that other providers can ’t.” While a number of students are from Wales, many come from other parts of the UK and around 25% are international students who benefit from compulsory two-hour TEFL sessions on a weekly basis if the school judges that it would be in their interest. The school prides itself on the “quantity and quality” of its skills teaching (advocacy, negotiation and conferencing) and goes beyond the mandatory syllabus, with tuition for these modules delivered to groups of four or six students. Coming in both written and oral form, feedback on students ’ complete performance over the two hours is extremely thorough. In turn, students are encouraged to complete anonymous online questionnaires to ensure any problems are quickly addressed. Jetsun explained that there is still a strong emphasis on the knowledge-based subjects during the first two terms as “we feel that they need this to underpin the other skills.” Having said that, the course is now “less front-loaded than in the past” and a regular dialogue between the school and local practitioners ensures that the materials used are of an appropriate nature. Mini-pupillages and court marshalling are organised for students during two placement weeks. Other extra curricular activities include the recently launched Innocence Project, in which students investigate alleged wrongful convictions. This programme has received a lot of press attention over the last year.

[edit] College of Law, London

• Number of places: 240 full-time, 48 part-time

Its London branch situated just off Tottenham Court Road, the College of Law is a thoroughly well-established supplier of legal education in the capital. It has recently gained new degree-awarding powers, meaning students who complete the GDL and BVC at the College will automatically gain an LLB. An LLM is also available if you ’re willing to put in extra time at the end of the year. The teaching on the course follows the litigation process, meaning the timetable “is never the same from week to week” and everything is done through classes (as opposed to lectures). These are based on groups of 12 students (or fewer for certain oral skills sessions) who work together until their optional subjects start in the final term. Judges and practitioners visit the college to give students feedback on advocacy and preside over mock trials. There are also after-hours speaker programmes on subjects such as commercial awareness and law and justice, which “draw in high-profile lawyers and professionals from the business world, and provide plenty of opportunity for mingling afterwards. ” Many students become involved in the Tribunal Representation Service, which provides opportunities to appear at the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal around the corner from the College. Students have also been able to handle small claims, social security and employment cases. Two teams enter the National Negotiation Competition each year; mooting is encouraged at all levels of proficiency, and for the last two years the College has organised prison visits. In short, “our extensive extra curricular activities are one aspect of the course that we’re immensely proud of,” said course director Jacqueline Cheltenham.

[edit] College of Law, Birmingham

• Number of places: 96 full-time plus part-time places

Starting in September 2007, the College of Law’s Birmingham course will be identical in content and structure to that offered in the capital. A weekend part-time course will also be offered. Expect the college to capitalise on its strong links with local set St Philip ’s Chambers, one of the largest barristers chambers in the country, and to encourage plenty of networking with the local Bar. On both the London and Birmingham courses, a 2:2 is the minimum required degree grade, but don ’t let this mislead you as the grading system used by the college still gives more marks to a 2:1 applicant. The GDL and LPC have long been available in this city; now that the BVC has arrived too, this course will no doubt be inundated with applications.

[edit] Inns of Court School of Law, City University, London

• Number of places: 575 full-time, 75 part-time

Once upon a time ICSL was the only BVC provider. The school developed the course and is still author of a series of manuals that are used by many students elsewhere and even those starting out in practice. Sited at the edge of Gray ’s Inn, the school has occupied a position in the heart of legal London for a very long time and, despite the undermining of its hegemony, ICSL still makes much of its longevity and traditional appeal. It educates more full-time BVC students than the other two London providers combined. Some question the school ’s ability to deliver the best course because of the sheer size of the student body, but City/ICSL points out that the majority of classes take place in groups of 12 (six for advocacy) and that students are split into four manageable cohorts, each with a deputy course director. The course does include some larger group sessions, albeit that these make full use of some pretty smart facilities in the interactive lecture theatre. Pro bono opportunities are plentiful as the school enjoys links with numerous organisations across the capital, including FRU (with which students can complete one of their two option subjects). Relationships with practising barristers and judges are strong, and practitioners visit regularly for a variety of evening events. Keen students can choose to tack an LLM in Professional Legal Practice onto their BVC.

[edit] Manchester Metropolitan University

• Number of places: 108 full-time, 48 part-time

Renowned for its close involvement with members of the Northern Circuit, MMU is a cracking choice for anyone wanting to break into the Bar in this part of the country. The strength of its professional links are impressive: at least seven two-hour advocacy master classes per year see local barristers coming in to give students feedback, and professionals also get involved in MMU ’s practitioner-mentor scheme, offering useful careers and study advice. Another way to rub shoulders with potential recruiters is attendance on the Additional Professional Programme. The BVC is taught at the university ’s five-year-old law faculty building and MMU adopts a ‘syndicate group’ approach, organising its students into groups of 12 with their own rooms with IT facilities and core texts. When they arrived, the 2007 students found brand new computers and audio-visual equipment in their rooms. MMU is massively oversubscribed: course director Alan Gibb informed us that for the 108 full-time places on the 2007/08 course there were 220 applicants who put MMU as their first choice. It allows the university to be picky, usually taking only those with a 2:1, sometimes offering places to candidates with a 2:2 but otherwise remarkable CVs. Those who pass muster on grades still have to produce an impressive application detailing “clear, articulate reasons” for wanting a career at the Bar. Alan advises that students “approach the application form as if it were an application for pupillage, making sure it is word-perfect. ” What will not count against you is a lack of northern credentials: “We are happy to take people from anywhere as we know that students put us first because they want to practise on the Northern Circuit. ” Around 15% of students intend to return to practise overseas, and typically around 30% of domestic students will have gained pupillage by the time they finish the course. Recognising a lack of organised pro bono activities, the university appointed a pro bono director in 2007 and he hopes to put in place some programmes for BVC students during 2008. All in all, competitive fees, good facilities, and those all-important links to professionals make this provider stand out up north.

[edit] University of Northumbria, Newcastle

• Number of places: 80 full-time, 48 part-time + 40 on exempting LLB

In addition to its conventional BVC, Northumbria offers an integrated LLB and BVC programme carried out over four years. Students apply for a place on this ‘exempting degree’ during the second year of their undergraduate LLB and, if successful, spend the following two years combining undergraduate options with components of the BVC. A parallel LLB/LPC course is also run. There are some very practical benefits to combining the two courses, not least a saving in cost, and students are generally able to extend their student loan to cover all four years. For those who are too late to take advantage of this programme, there are still benefits in taking the conventional BVC at Northumbria, which as of September 2007 will also offer 48 part-time places. The well-respected course has just gained a new lease of life by moving into swish purpose-built premises complete with mock courtrooms and live video-link equipment. The nationally recognised Student Law Office has also benefited from the extra space, which allows even more students and members of the public to benefit from the free advice clinics on offer. Take a few extra months to complete a research project and you could bag yourself an LLM in Advanced Legal Practice or an MA in Legal Practice & Policy. Having five practising barristers teaching on the course is an undoubted asset, yet with only a handful of sets based in Newcastle, staff encourage students to be realistic about their prospects of gaining pupillage in the city. “We never mislead people at law fairs… they need to look beyond Newcastle.” Networking opportunities arise at guest lectures, moots, mock trials and Wednesday evening ‘practitioner sessions’. In terms of structure, the course is described as “short and fat,” with all the teaching squeezed into the first two terms. This allows the whole of the summer term to be spent on revision. The university provides a series of revision lectures and seminars and is relaxed about giving students free time to organise their own revision schedules, something which “helps prepare them for their own practice.” There is an IELTS requirement for students whose country's first official language is not English. The requirement for 2008/2009 appears to be the highest among all providers for the speaking category with at least an 8.0 for the speaking category with an overall of 7.5.

[edit] References