Bar Vocational Course (BVC)

What is it?
The Bar Vocational Course (BVC) is the vocational stage of training for aspiring barristers. If you successfully complete the course and attend 12 educational sessions at one of the Inns of Court you are eligible to be 'called to the Bar', after which you are entitled to call yourself a barrister. To practise in England and Wales, barristers are subsequently required to complete 12 months' in-service training, known as pupillage.

The BVC is a bridge between the academic study of the law and practical application of it. It has been designed to provide students with knowledge of procedural law and the core skills required to practise as a barrister. During the course you will spend time developing, practising and receiving feedback on the core skills through a variety of exercises. Advocacy is key so extensive use is made of audio-visual equipment and mock court facilities to help students build up their confidence and develop their skills.

Applications should be made online at www.bvconline.co.uk. The website includes guidance notes to help you make an effective application. The system uses tried and tested online application technology and you do not have to complete your application at one sitting. Once you have registered you can work on your application as many times as you like before submitting.

Once submitted you will only be able to amend your contact details. In the first instance candidates can apply to 3 institutions. For these top 3 choices you are required to give your reasons for choosing each course. In the event you do not secure a place with one of your first 3 choices your application will go into clearing. For the purpose of the clearing house you are invited to rank the remaining courses in descending order. You do not have to give reasons for applying to these.