What is the BPTC?

The Bar Professional Training Course or (BPTC) was a requirement that is must to complete by an LLB graduate to qualify for a barrister position. After completion of LLB degree or Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) completion (by non-law students), it was traditionally taken. Although, in September of 2020, the BPTC has been replaced by various other Bar courses.

The replacement courses include the Bar/Barrister course (BTC), the Bar course, the Bar Practice Course (BPC), the Bar Vocational Studies (BVS), and the Bar Vocational Course (BVC). Multiple universities are authorized for provision of these courses, listed below:

• BPP University

• Cardiff University

• Manchester Metropolitan University

• Northumbria University

• Nottingham Trent University

• The City Law School, City, University of London

• The Inns of Court College of Advocacy

• The University of Law

• The University of the West of England.

BPTC TIME DURATION:

If pursued as a part time, it used to take 2 years, and if pursued full time, it would be completed in a year.

COURSES COVERED IN BPTC:

The courses revolved majorly around practical approach rather than theoretical so the candidates could learn to exercise many similar briefs that a barrister would work on in early stage of his career.
Many essential subjects are covered in the course including:

• advocacy

• civil litigation evidence and remedies

• conference skills

• criminal litigation, evidence and sentencing

• drafting

• resolution of disputes out of court

• opinion writing

• professional ethics.

ASSESSMENT FOR BPTC:

The approach of assessment depended on the provider of the course but all the providers assessed through written exams. Practical courses like advocacy and conferences were assessed by exercises that would test both unseen and seen elements. Based on overall assessment, the candidate clearing BPTC would be graded on three levels:

• Outstanding

• Very competent

• Competent.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR BPTC:

Although some providers set their own minimum entry requirements, but a minimum of 2:2 law degree or for a non-law student, a GDL to convert their undergraduate degree is required for entry. Fluency in English was a must and the year a candidate intends to start the BPTC, had to apply to join an Inn of Court by 31 May of the year. Bar Course Aptitude Test (BCAT) was also must to pass by prospective students.