Courses overview
updated on 04 September 2019
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (for solicitors) and the Bar Standards Board (for barristers) are responsible for prescribing the training requirements needed to qualify as a solicitor or a barrister in England and Wales. Both training systems have two stages: an academic stage and a vocational one.
The academic stage can be satisfied through one of the following three ways:
- achieving a law degree recognised by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and Bar Standards Board;
- completing the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) after taking an undergraduate degree in a non-law subject; or
- gaining qualifications through the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (solicitors only).
For solicitors, the vocational section involves completing the Legal Practice Course (LPC), a two-year training contract and the professional skills course (PSC).
For barristers, the vocational section involves completing the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) and a one-year pupillage at a barristers' chambers.
