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The Bar Skills Course is the second step in Northumbria’s alternative barrister training route. The Bar is a demanding profession, and our Bar Knowledge Course and Bar Skills Course give you the flexibility to break your learning down into two separate stages, while still receiving the very best possible legal training.

Building on your learning from successfully completing the Bar Knowledge Course, the Bar Skills Course focuses on giving you the opportunity to develop the skills and attributes you will need to practice at the Bar.

Through working on realistic briefs, you will develop your skills in Advocacy, Conferencing, Drafting and Opinion Writing. This invaluable, practical experience will equip you to be immediately effective in pupillage.

You will benefit from the highest quality of practice-informed teaching, taught by staff who are professionally qualified as either barristers or solicitors with strong staff-student contact and tailored feedback.

The programme makes the best use of facilities such as Northumbria’s extensive IT provision and dedicated legal practice library. Close links with the Bar and judiciary enhances networking opportunities and employment prospects.

Successfully completing both stages (120 credits) is equivalent to completion of the Bar Course and leads to a Postgraduate Diploma in Bar Vocational Training and means you will ultimately possess the attributes set out in the Professional Statement for Barristers and be eligible for Call to the Bar of England and Wales (subject to meeting the qualifying requirements of your Inn of Court.)

The Bar Knowledge Course and the Bar Skills Course ultimately prepare you for pupillage and training as a barrister, but also a highly successful career not only at the Bar, but across the legal profession, business and politics.

Our flexible suite of Bar Courses offers you the opportunity to learn in the way that suits you best, with part-time, LLM and PGDip options available.

Find out more information about applying for our Bar Courses.

Please note: The Bar Knowledge and Skills Courses, when both are taken, replace the Bar Professional Training Course, and provide an alternative BSB-regulated vocational stage of training for those who wish to become a barrister in England and Wales.

Course Information

Level of Study
Postgraduate

Mode of Study
1 Year part-time

Department
Northumbria Law School

Location
City Campus, Northumbria University

City
Newcastle

Start
September 2021

Fee Information

Module Information

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Entry Requirements 2024/25

Standard Entry

Applicants should normally have:

A minimum of a 2:1 honours degree in Law, or a minimum of a Commendation in the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) – or to be on course to achieve this. Applicants with a 2:2 honours degree or a Pass in the GDL will be considered exceptionally on an individual basis, and with appropriate evidence.

Please note academic qualifications must satisfy the requirements outlined by the Bar Standards Board. Applicants that hold, or are completing a non-UK/ROI degree or conversion course, must apply to the Bar Standards Boards for a Certificate of Academic Standing and be studying or have studied a Conversion Course such as the GDL. Further information can be found on the Bar Standards Board Website.

All applicants are required to join one of the four Inns of Court before commencing the course. Applicants must have achieved a minimum standard as specified by the BSB within the past five years. For more information, please visit www.barstandardsboard.org.uk

Bar Course Aptitude Test (BCAT):

The Bar Standards Board (BSB) has decided to discontinue the BCAT as an entry requirement for the vocational component of Bar Training with effect from 31 July 2022. Please see this statement on the BSB website for more information: https://www.barstandardsboard.org.uk/resources/bsb-to-abolish-the-bar-course-aptitude-test-from-31-july.html

English language requirements:

Please visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/barapplications

For further information and how to apply, please visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/barapplications

Please review this information before submitting your application.

Fees and Funding 2024/25 Entry

Full UK Fee: £9,225

Full EU Fee: £9,225

Full International Fee: £9,225



Scholarships and Discounts

Click here for UK, EU and International scholarship, fees, and funding information.

ADDITIONAL COSTS

The fees above include the Bar Standards Board fee (which will be £705 in September 2022 - £470 for the Bar Knowledge Course and £235 for the Bar Skills Course, where students elect to take one of these programmes as opposed to the full Bar Course - and which is subject to change each year thereafter at the discretion of the BSB): Upon joining the course, you will be provided with the core textbooks that you require for your studies (you may purchase additional texts if you wish, but they will not be ‘recommended reading’ and you may find that the University library has copies of any additional texts that you may wish to browse/refer to). Additional costs include: the Inn membership fee which was between £100.00 and £110.00 in 2019. All of these additional costs are mandatory and subject to pricing by independent bodies (and so the prices given above may possibly change from year to year). Students must also attend 10 ‘qualifying sessions’, run by the Inns of Court. These may include dinners, lectures, advocacy training or residential weekends. One such session is included in your fees - the Northumbria Bar Dinner. The remaining 9 sessions are funded by the student and the cost varies depending on what you choose to attend and its location. Costs will typically include travel, event costs, accommodation and meals if necessary.

If you’d like to receive the latest updates from Northumbria about our courses, events, finance & funding then enter your details below.

* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here

Modules

intro

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

LW7120 -

Professional Practice and Ethics (20 Credits)

The Professional Practice and Ethics module is a year-long module delivered on the Bar Course and across the portfolio of Bar programmes at Northumbria University. On this module you will learn about the nature of professional practice and the professional values which underpin practice at the Bar of England and Wales. The module aims to develop knowledge of key areas of practice and instil and consolidate the essential qualities of ethical behaviour at the Bar by nurturing and developing these existing attributes in students to a high level. Encompassing more than the knowledge and formalities outlined in the Bar Standards Board Professional Statement for Barristers and the Code of Conduct the module will furnish far reaching and fundamental knowledge of ethics that underlies practice at the Bar.

The module seeks to:

- provide knowledge and understanding of the nature of professional practice at the Bar and key concepts and topics necessary for the development of an effective practice;
- inculcate the fundamental concepts of professional and ethical values required of a practising barrister at the Bar of England and Wales;
- provide knowledge and understanding of the philosophical issues and purposes underpinning ethical behaviour, including the concept of duty in professional life both to the client and to the rule of law;
- provide in-depth knowledge and understanding of the requirements of the Bar Standards Board Handbook and Professional Statement.

More information

LW7121 -

Criminal Professional Practice (20 Credits)

The Criminal Professional Practice is a year-long module on the Bar Course and is delivered across the portfolio of Bar programmes at Northumbria University. It is designed to reflect the nature of criminal cases encountered during pupillage and the early years of practice.

This module involves the study of criminal practice in the context of realistic scenarios which incorporate fact management, case analysis, legal research, advocacy, drafting, opinion writing and conference skills, linked to the relevant procedural framework and ethical considerations as in practice. The module involves a number of different cases which raise legal and procedural scenarios of the kind that criminal practitioners regularly encounter in practice. It is designed to ensure that each student appreciates the importance of identifying legal, procedural, tactical and ethical issues when they arise.

This Criminal Professional Practice module is designed to build on existing legal knowledge and allows the acquisition of the s knowledge, skills and attributes necessary for practice as an effective and successful criminal practioner at the Bar. The module is supported throughout by research rich and practice informed learning and technology enhanced learning which are crucial to current legal practice in a demanding, rapidly changing legal landscape.

More information

LW7122 -

Family Professional Practice (20 Credits)

The Family Professional Practice module is a year-long module delivered on the Bar Course and across the portfolio of Bar programmes at Northumbria University. It is designed to reflect the nature of family cases encountered during pupillage and the early years of practice.

This module involves the study of family practice in the context of realistic scenarios which incorporate fact management, case analysis, legal research, advocacy, drafting, opinion writing and conference skills, linked to the relevant procedural framework and ethical considerations as in practice. The module involves a number of different cases which raise legal and procedural scenarios of the kind that family practitioners regularly encounter in practice with particular emphasis and dealing with financial consequences on the breakdown of relationships. These may include ancillary relief applications, occupation orders and non-molestation orders. It is designed to ensure that each student appreciates the importance of identifying legal, procedural, tactical and ethical issues when they arise.

This Family Professional Practice module is designed to build on existing legal knowledge and allows the acquisition of the knowledge, skills and attributes necessary for practice as an effective and successful family practitioner at the Bar. The module is supported throughout by research rich and practice informed learning and technology enhanced learning which are crucial to current legal practice in a demanding, rapidly changing legal landscape.

More information

LW7123 -

Civil Professional Practice (20 Credits)

The Civil Professional Practice module is year-long module on the Bar Course and is delivered across the portfolio of Bar programmes at Northumbria University. It is designed to reflect the nature of civil cases encountered during pupillage and early years of practice.

This module involves the study of civil professional practice in the context of realistic scenarios which incorporate fact management, case analysis, legal research, advocacy, drafting, opinion writing and conference skills, linked to the relevant procedural framework and ethical considerations as in practice, including cases that settle. The module involves a number of different cases which raise legal and procedural scenarios of the kind that practitioners at the civil Bar regularly encounter in practice. Examples of the areas that will be covered include: Drafting pleadings: drafting opinions on liability and /or quantum; arguing interim applications and appeals. It is designed to ensure that each student appreciates the importance of identifying legal, procedural, tactical and ethical issues when they arise.

The Civil Professional Practice module is designed to build on existing legal knowledge and allows the acquisition of the knowledge, skills and attributes necessary for practice as an effective and successful civil practitioner at the Bar. The module is supported throughout by research rich and practice informed learning and technology enhanced learning which are crucial to current legal practice in a demanding, rapidly changing legal landscape.

More information

Modules

intro

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

LW7120 -

Professional Practice and Ethics (20 Credits)

The Professional Practice and Ethics module is a year-long module delivered on the Bar Course and across the portfolio of Bar programmes at Northumbria University. On this module you will learn about the nature of professional practice and the professional values which underpin practice at the Bar of England and Wales. The module aims to develop knowledge of key areas of practice and instil and consolidate the essential qualities of ethical behaviour at the Bar by nurturing and developing these existing attributes in students to a high level. Encompassing more than the knowledge and formalities outlined in the Bar Standards Board Professional Statement for Barristers and the Code of Conduct the module will furnish far reaching and fundamental knowledge of ethics that underlies practice at the Bar.

The module seeks to:

- provide knowledge and understanding of the nature of professional practice at the Bar and key concepts and topics necessary for the development of an effective practice;
- inculcate the fundamental concepts of professional and ethical values required of a practising barrister at the Bar of England and Wales;
- provide knowledge and understanding of the philosophical issues and purposes underpinning ethical behaviour, including the concept of duty in professional life both to the client and to the rule of law;
- provide in-depth knowledge and understanding of the requirements of the Bar Standards Board Handbook and Professional Statement.

More information

LW7121 -

Criminal Professional Practice (20 Credits)

The Criminal Professional Practice is a year-long module on the Bar Course and is delivered across the portfolio of Bar programmes at Northumbria University. It is designed to reflect the nature of criminal cases encountered during pupillage and the early years of practice.

This module involves the study of criminal practice in the context of realistic scenarios which incorporate fact management, case analysis, legal research, advocacy, drafting, opinion writing and conference skills, linked to the relevant procedural framework and ethical considerations as in practice. The module involves a number of different cases which raise legal and procedural scenarios of the kind that criminal practitioners regularly encounter in practice. It is designed to ensure that each student appreciates the importance of identifying legal, procedural, tactical and ethical issues when they arise.

This Criminal Professional Practice module is designed to build on existing legal knowledge and allows the acquisition of the s knowledge, skills and attributes necessary for practice as an effective and successful criminal practioner at the Bar. The module is supported throughout by research rich and practice informed learning and technology enhanced learning which are crucial to current legal practice in a demanding, rapidly changing legal landscape.

More information

LW7122 -

Family Professional Practice (20 Credits)

The Family Professional Practice module is a year-long module delivered on the Bar Course and across the portfolio of Bar programmes at Northumbria University. It is designed to reflect the nature of family cases encountered during pupillage and the early years of practice.

This module involves the study of family practice in the context of realistic scenarios which incorporate fact management, case analysis, legal research, advocacy, drafting, opinion writing and conference skills, linked to the relevant procedural framework and ethical considerations as in practice. The module involves a number of different cases which raise legal and procedural scenarios of the kind that family practitioners regularly encounter in practice with particular emphasis and dealing with financial consequences on the breakdown of relationships. These may include ancillary relief applications, occupation orders and non-molestation orders. It is designed to ensure that each student appreciates the importance of identifying legal, procedural, tactical and ethical issues when they arise.

This Family Professional Practice module is designed to build on existing legal knowledge and allows the acquisition of the knowledge, skills and attributes necessary for practice as an effective and successful family practitioner at the Bar. The module is supported throughout by research rich and practice informed learning and technology enhanced learning which are crucial to current legal practice in a demanding, rapidly changing legal landscape.

More information

LW7123 -

Civil Professional Practice (20 Credits)

The Civil Professional Practice module is year-long module on the Bar Course and is delivered across the portfolio of Bar programmes at Northumbria University. It is designed to reflect the nature of civil cases encountered during pupillage and early years of practice.

This module involves the study of civil professional practice in the context of realistic scenarios which incorporate fact management, case analysis, legal research, advocacy, drafting, opinion writing and conference skills, linked to the relevant procedural framework and ethical considerations as in practice, including cases that settle. The module involves a number of different cases which raise legal and procedural scenarios of the kind that practitioners at the civil Bar regularly encounter in practice. Examples of the areas that will be covered include: Drafting pleadings: drafting opinions on liability and /or quantum; arguing interim applications and appeals. It is designed to ensure that each student appreciates the importance of identifying legal, procedural, tactical and ethical issues when they arise.

The Civil Professional Practice module is designed to build on existing legal knowledge and allows the acquisition of the knowledge, skills and attributes necessary for practice as an effective and successful civil practitioner at the Bar. The module is supported throughout by research rich and practice informed learning and technology enhanced learning which are crucial to current legal practice in a demanding, rapidly changing legal landscape.

More information

Any Questions?

Our Applicant Services team will be happy to help.  They can be contacted on 0191 406 0901 or by using our Contact Form.



Accessibility and Student Inclusion

Northumbria University is committed to developing an inclusive, diverse and accessible campus and wider University community and are determined to ensure that opportunities we provide are open to all.

We are proud to work in partnership with AccessAble to provide Detailed Access Guides to our buildings and facilities across our City, Coach Lane and London Campuses. A Detailed Access Guide lets you know what access will be like when you visit somewhere. It looks at the route you will use getting in and what is available inside. All guides have Accessibility Symbols that give you a quick overview of what is available, and photographs to show you what to expect. The guides are produced by trained surveyors who visit our campuses annually to ensure you have trusted and accurate information.

You can use Northumbria’s AccessAble Guides anytime to check the accessibility of a building or facility and to plan your routes and journeys. Search by location, building or accessibility feature to find the information you need. 

We are dedicated to helping students who may require additional support during their student journey and offer 1-1 advice and guidance appropriate to individual requirements. If you feel you may need additional support you can find out more about what we offer here where you can also contact us with any questions you may have:

Accessibility support

Student Inclusion support




All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

Your Learning Experience

Find out about our distinctive approach at 
www.northumbria.ac.uk/exp

Admissions Terms and Conditions
northumbria.ac.uk/terms

Fees and Funding
northumbria.ac.uk/fees

Admissions Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/adpolicy

Admissions Complaints Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/complaints


If you’d like to receive the latest updates from Northumbria about our courses, events, finance & funding then enter your details below.

* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here

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