What Is the BVC?

The Bar vocational course (BVC) is the vocational stage of training that must be completed if you wish to become a barrister. It is a one-year, mainly practical course, designed to provide training that is specific to the work of a junior barrister (a two-year, part-time course is also available at some law schools). Students are encouraged to participate in a range of activities (including mock trials, debating and extra mini-pupillages) that will help them to develop the necessary skills. By focusing over 60% of the course on the acquisition of relevant skills, the BVC helps to prepare you for the 12-month pupillage (and beyond).

Most of the skills are taught through student participation and role play. One day you might be producing draft recommendations and negotiating solutions to legal problems, and the next working through court procedures. The remaining 40% of the time is spent gaining further legal knowledge. Throughout the course, there is a constant emphasis on a professional approach to work and you will be expected to attend classes on professional conduct.

Note that all students must have joined an Inn before registration on the BVC.

What You Learn

Skills
Skills developed include casework skills, legal research, written and interpersonal skills, opinion writing, drafting and advocacy (court work).

Knowledge
Students take modules in civil litigation, criminal litigation, evidence, professional ethics plus two optional subjects chosen from a selection of at least six (which will vary from course to course). Assessment techniques vary from college to college, but it is common to have a mixture of multiple choice, practical exercises (including videoed performances) and written papers.

Where to Study
Before choosing where to apply to for the BVC, you should be looking for as much information as possible about the various course providers. You should try to find out about not only the academic programme, but also any links with the profession, the level of individual career guidance, the facilities available and any relevant extra-curricular activities.

To help you make your choice, use the searchable index of courses and institutions so that you can easily locate addresses and contact information.

When to Apply
Candidates are advised to submit their application as early as in the system as possible. In 2007 the deadline for first-round applications was 10 January with a pool for new applicants opening in March and closing in July. Exact dates for future years should be checked well in advance.

How to Apply
Applications for a place on the BVC must be made through the Bar Council's central applications system, BVC Online at www.bvconline.co.uk.