Bar Vocational Studies (BVS)

Entry requirements

For the full-time and part-time routes:

The minimum entry requirement is an undergraduate degree classified as not less than a lower-second class honours (2:2) or equivalent. This can be either a law degree or a non-law degree plus further graduate/postgraduate study in Law and in either case must cover the seven foundations of legal knowledge and satisfy the Professional Statement competence.
The Bar Standards Board can advise on non-standard qualifications.

Bar Course Aptitude Test (BCAT)
The Bar Course Aptitude Test is designed to assess your critical reasoning skills, which are an essential attribute to success as a lawyer. It is taken before the Bar Vocational Studies Course, and is a pre-condition to starting the Course.

It is administered by the Bar Standards Board. Details of the opening and closing dates of the test are set by the Bar Standards Board and vary from year to year but please note that the final opportunity to take the test before the full-time course is usually in late August and you must have passed it in order to start the course. Places to take the test also fill up so it is important to register to take it as early as possible.

For further details and to sign-up for the BCAT, please visit Bar Standards Board Bar Course Aptitude Test.

Inn membership
Applicants to the Bar Vocational Studies Course must also apply for membership of one of the four Inns of Court by the last working day of May. The Inns of Court have well-established scholarship schemes, with closing dates on the first Friday in November of the year preceding study. These deadlines may be subject to change.
For further details please check the website of the Inn you wish to join.

For the two-part route:

Entry requirements for Part One:
The minimum entry requirement is an undergraduate degree classified as not less than a lower-second class honours (2:2) or equivalent. This can be either a law degree or a non-law degree plus further graduate/postgraduate study in Law and in either case must cover the seven foundations of legal knowledge and satisfy the Professional Statement competence
The Bar Standards Board can advise on non-standard qualifications.

For admission to Part Two:
In addition to the entry requirements for Part One, you must have been accepted as a member of one of the Inns of Court by the time of registration on Part Two.
If you have successfully completed Part One at another institution you may apply for Part Two only. You will be required to provide evidence of having passed Part One as a condition of entry.
You do not need to have passed Part One in order to start Part Two.
Bar Course Aptitude Test (BCAT)
The Bar Course Aptitude Test is designed to assess your critical reasoning skills, which are an essential attribute to success as a barrister. It is taken before the Bar Vocational Studies programme, and is a pre-condition to starting on the course.

It is administered by the Bar Standards Board. Details of the opening and closing dates of the test are set by the Bar Standards Board and vary from year to year but please note that you must have passed it in order to start the course. Places to take the test also fill up so it is important to register to take it as early as possible.

For further details and to sign-up for the BCAT, please visit Bar Standards Board Bar Course Aptitude Test.

Inn membership
Applicants to the Two-part Course must also apply for membership of one of the four Inns of Court prior to registration for Part Two. The Inns of Court have well-established scholarship schemes, with closing dates on the first Friday in November of the year preceding study. The deadlines for membership of the Inn and scholarships may be subject to change.
For further details please check the website of the Inn you wish to join.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Developed to replace the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC), our Bar Vocational Studies (BVS) programmes allow you to be called to the Bar. Our full-time, part-time and two-part options offer you a choice a combination of learning methods and routes depending on your requirements and learning style.

You can tailor the course to your interests with a wide range of elective modules, informed by research and taught by experts in the subject. You will receive training in our outstanding new facilities in the Sebastian Street building and be part of a most diverse and welcoming community. Study at a truly comprehensive Law School in the heart of London and benefit from our international networks and partnerships.

We have a strong record of students gaining pupillage thanks to our excellent Pupillage Advice Service. The expertise and experience of our staff ensures students get a high quality education by having a mix of practitioners and educators. This is supported by regular contact and support from personal tutors.
The City Law School offers a range of Bar Vocational Studies (BVS) programmes to suit your needs. Designed for flexibility and accessibility, you can choose from the full-time, part-time or two-part programme. You can also select one of three qualifications to study towards.

Our routes:

Bar Vocational Studies (BVS) - Full-time:
This face-to-face learning option offers you a high level of interaction with tutors, professionals and peers. You will have the benefit of working in small study groups, simulated courtroom environments and have a choice of three different routes.

Bar Vocational Studies (BVS) - Part-time:
This two-year course is structured to enable you to manage the workload alongside work and other commitments. You will cover the same material as students on the full-time course, but the learning is spread over two years with teaching one day per week every fortnight.

Bar Vocational Studies (BVS) - Two-part:
This option is the most flexible way to complete the vocational stage of training for the Bar. It has two distinct parts. Successful completion of both parts leads to the award of the Postgraduate Diploma in Bar Vocational Studies.