What you learn
updated on 25 March 2025
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Bar courses vary in format depending on the Authorised Education Training Provider (AETO)/law school, but they all combine teaching legal knowledge with practical skills. All Bar courses are designed to prepare students for life as a barrister.
Depending on which course you choose, you may study the knowledge and skills elements simultaneously or separately.
Knowledge
Students will cover topics, including:
- criminal litigation;
- evidence and sentencing;
- civil litigation;
- evidence; and
- alternative dispute resolution.
Skills
Students learn the specialist barrister competencies of advocacy, conference skills, legal research and opinion writing and drafting to prepare you for life as a barrister. Legal ethics is also part of the course.
Optional extras
Many courses provide the option to undertake extra electives or a dissertation to add a master’s qualification to the core Bar qualification.
Incorporating a master’s into the Bar course may be an attractive option for some students because it grants eligibility for postgraduate student loan funding.
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