Entry requirements

Bar students are selected primarily on academic ability. To be considered for a place on the Bar Training Course you will need to satisfy one of the following criteria:

You will have an LLB degree from an institution based in the UK/Republic of Ireland which included the seven foundation subjects (Contract Law, Tort, Criminal Law, EU Law, Public Law, Land Law and Equity and Trusts) with a minimum grade of 55% (2:2)
You will have a non-law degree (with a minimum grade of 55% (2:2) from an institution based in the UK/Republic of Ireland and have successfully completed an eligible conversion course, which included the seven foundation subjects, at a UK/Republic of Ireland institution (such as the GDL) with a minimum grade of 55%

In exceptional circumstances, higher level qualifications such as a masters degree (with an overall grade of 55% or above) may be considered if your LLB or conversion course grade falls below the minimum requirement for this course.

All offers are subject to the condition that students successfully complete the academic stage of their training to the Bar Standards Board’s satisfaction and have enrolled as a student member of one of the four Inns of Court. For more information, requirements for the academic stage are set out in Part 2 of the Bar Qualification Manual.

You will need to apply to join one of the four Inns of Court (Gray’s Inn, Inner Temple, Lincoln’s Inn, Middle Temple) no later than 12 weeks prior to the start of this course.

Please note, the requirements for being called to the Bar by an Inn of Court will include an additional criminal records check.

International Students

If you have a degree from an institution outside of the UK/Republic of Ireland (with a grade equivalent to 55%), you must first apply to the Bar Standards Board for a Certificate of Academic Standing to recognise your prior qualifications before you apply for this course. See Part 2D of the Bar Qualification Manual for further details.

We also require international students to have a minimum score of 7.5 in each element of the IELTS test (or equivalent English Language Proficiency test). Please note, we will not accept an average score of 7.5 if the minimum requirement has not been met in each individual element.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Our Bar Training Course (BTC) is professionally focused and brings together the essential practical skills, legal knowledge and understanding Our Bar Training Course (BTC) is professionally focused and brings together the essential practical skills, legal knowledge and understanding of professionalism required to thrive at the Bar, or in a related field. We’ll help you develop resilience, confidence and leadership skills that you can take forward into your future career.

We have a long-standing history of successfully delivering bar training in Manchester, in a truly supportive environment. Everything about our BTC is built to prepare you for life as a barrister. You’ll work with fellow students in a friendly mini chambers group, designed to mirror the real-life practices you’ll face in a career at the Bar.

You’ll have a wealth of face-to-face teaching time, ensuring you receive every opportunity to learn from a team which currently includes seasoned barristers, a King’s Counsel (KC) and a senior partner at a leading UK law firm. With our innovative professional practice module, excellent advocacy teaching and strong links with the legal profession you’ll be prepared for the demands of the Bar.

Features and Benefits

Specialist facilities for bar students – apply your skills in a realistic environment with our specialist facilities including chambers rooms, a legal library and a modern moot courtroom.
Flexible modes of study – with full-time, part-time and flexible study options you can take this course over one year or up to five years, allowing you to personally design your studies around your commitments and learning styles.
Legal experts – you’ll be taught by a professional team, which currently includes practising and former practising barristers and solicitors, a KC and specialists in civil and criminal litigation.
Legal hub – Manchester has a dynamic legal sector, at the heart of the Northern Circuit of the Bar.
Explore professional practice – with a module focused on building professional skills and legal connections, you’ll explore the realities of working at the Bar through our mentoring and placement schemes, pro bono opportunities and links with the Northern Circuit.
Professional lecture series – bridge the gap between student and professional life and prepare for the Bar, with regular guest lectures offering insight from seasoned professionals.
Moot courtroom – our state-of-the-art moot courtroom supports the development of our students’ legal advocacy.
Supportive community – our student Bar Society brings together students from all stages of legal study for networking, guest lecturers and social events.

Information for international students

International students please visit our website for more information.

Fees and funding

Funding information available, please visit our website.

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

BPTC
part time
24 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
flexible
24-60 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
full time
12 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details

Name: Course Enquiries
Email: courses@mmu.ac.uk

Phone: +44 (0)161 247 6969

Visit website