Barrister : Entry requirements

A career as a barrister is open to graduates in any subject, though non-law graduates have to undertake a law conversion course before they can start professional training. Entry onto the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) is fiercely competitive and a good degree (at least a 2:1) is almost essential, often in law or another traditional academic subject. It is occasionally possible to gain a place with an HND, but entry is not possible with a foundation degree only.

Entrants to the BPTC who do not have a qualifying law degree must take a law conversion course - the Common Professional Examination (CPE) or Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) - before applying.

Apply for the CPE/GDL by February prior to entry. These courses take one year full time or two years by part-time study or distance learning. The CPE/GDL is offered at many institutions across the country and, in addition to the seven foundation subjects, students learn legal method and research skills, the English legal system and an additional specialist legal topic.

Full details of the BPTC (entry, curriculum, assessment and course providers) are available from the Bar Standards Board (BSB) . Applications for the BPTC must be made through a centralised clearing system (see BPTC Online ) by early January prior to entry. In addition to academic qualifications, applicants are required to take an aptitude test. One-year full-time and two-year part-time courses are available. The BPTC focuses on skills training, although six areas of legal knowledge are covered, which form a significant part of the year's work.

A limited number of scholarships to fund the CPE and BPTC are available from the Inns of Court. Details of funding and all other aspects of studying to become a barrister are available from The Bar Council .

After the BPTC, intending barristers must complete a pupillage in order to practise. You should apply for a pupillage before starting the BPTC via the Pupillage Portal . This allows applicants to apply to up to 12 chambers as well as make one 'clearing application'. The deadline to apply is the end of April and full details are available on the website. Competition is very strong, in terms of both academic standards and personal qualities, with an average of over three applicants for every two places, so it is important to apply in the first round. The National Pupillage Fair  (held annually in March) offers an opportunity to find out more.

By the end of May prior to starting the BPTC, it is also necessary to join one of the four Inns of Court: (Lincoln's Inn , Middle Temple , Gray's Inn or Inner Temple ). The Inns provide educational and social support for barristers and student barristers, including libraries, dining halls and common rooms. The choice of Inn does not affect the areas of legal practice open to you, or the choice of chambers for pupillage or tenancy applications, but if you have received a scholarship, you will be required to join the Inn that provided it. The student officer at each Inn will supply more information.

Candidates will need to show evidence of:

• academic ability (particularly research skills);
• legal and commercial awareness;
• written and oral communication skills;
• advocacy skills;
• interpersonal skills;
• excellent time, project and people management skills;
• IT skills;
• responsibility and integrity.

Relevant work experience is desirable and becoming increasingly essential. Any legal experience is useful but a mini-pupillage - a period of work experience and shadowing with a set of chambers - is regarded highly by recruiters. Apply speculatively for mini-pupillages and find out about funding and scholarships during your second undergraduate year. Criminal records must be disclosed and may exclude some applicants.

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.