Full-time Bar Vocational Course (BVC) London (Holborn)
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What is the BVC?
The Bar Vocational Course (BVC) is the vocational training programme for those intending to practise as barristers. At BPP, we view the BVC as more than just a qualification, it is the foundation for your future career as a barrister. We offer a programme reflecting the rigour and demands of a career at the Bar.
Preparing you for practice
Highly regarded by the profession, BPP's BVC is an intellectually challenging, practically orientated programme, providing you with the essential skills you need to prepare you for pupillage and the early years of practice as a barrister.
The programme contains high levels of face-to-face tuition with Advocacy, Conference and Negotiation skills taught in groups as small as 6 students, practised in one of the Law School's mock court rooms and recorded to enable you to review and improve your performance. For added realism, professional actors and practising barristers are employed for the final assessment of these skills.
Our BVC is the only programme in London to be unconditionally re-validated by the Bar Council for the full six-year term and is one of eight to be approved worldwide by the Bar Council. Those who successfully complete the programme (and their Inn's qualifying sessions) will be eligible to be Called to the Bar of England and Wales.
Click Studying full-time at BPP for more information on what it's like to study law full-time at BPP.
Programme content
The BVC is taught using a combination of small group sessions, practical exercises and lectures with particular emphasis on advocacy. You will study an induction programme followed by compulsory modules and choose two modules from a range of options. A wide choice is available to give you the best opportunity to learn about your intended area of practice.
| Induction Programme |
|---|
Introduction to the Knowledge subjects Introduction to Skills Legal Research Professional Ethics Remedies |
These subjects are then further developed during the second and third stages of the programme.
| Compulsory Modules |
|---|
Advocacy Civil Litigation, Evidence and Remedies Criminal Litigation, Evidence and Sentencing Conference Negotiation Drafting Opinion Writing Legal Research and Case Preparation Professional Ethics |
| Options* (Choose two) |
|---|
Advanced Criminal Litigation Company Law Employment Law Family Law Intellectual Property International Trade Judicial Review Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence Property and Chancery Law |
* All options are available subject to student numbers.
How is the programme taught?
BPP is committed to providing the highest standard of legal education to all our students. Our tutors are experienced practitioners, many of whom continue to practise at the Bar, who utilise the latest e-learning technology and offer personal tutor support and guidance to assist you in maximising your potential. Exercises you complete will be based on the real life case experiences of your tutors!
Each module is taught using small group sessions, practical exercises and lectures. Classes are held on four days a week with one day a week reserved for research and preparation.
Our award-winning Pro Bono Centre allows you to put your legal knowledge and skills into practice in a way that benefits members of the community. For more information click here.
| Our annual mooting competition gives you the opportunity to practise your advocacy skills in a competitive environment. In London in 2006 our competition was judged by Court of Appeal Judges – Lord Justice Ward and Lord Justice Moses. |
When will I study?
The programme is delivered Monday-Friday with classes held on four days a week.
One day a week is reserved for private study/court visits/assessments.
How is the programme assessed?
The programme is assessed using a combination of oral and written assessments spread throughout the academic year. Results are released as you progress through the programme with individual feedback to help you achieve success and maximise your potential.
What are the admissions criteria?
The minimum admissions criteria are:
- qualifying degree (minimum second class honours degree), or
- qualifying non-law degree and a GDL or CPE
BPP’s Law School in London (Holborn)
Situated in the heart of legal London, BPP’s Law School in Holborn is close to the historic Inns of Court and the Law Society and is easily accessible from all over London, being only three minutes walk from Holborn and Chancery Lane tube stations.
Superb facilities within an impressive building, the Law School provides all the technological support you need in an environment you will enjoy.
Click here for a map.
How do I apply?
Applications to join the full-time BVC must be made via the Bar Council’s central on-line applications system. You can apply online for full-time programmes commencing September 2007 from 17th October 2006.
To apply online click here
First round applications open on 17th October 2006 and close mid January (date to be confirmed). Please note that places at BPP fill up quickly and you are advised to apply as early as possible. You must be a member of one of the Inns of Court in order to commence the BVC.
What are the programme fees?
Fees for programmes starting in September 2007 have yet to be set. As a guide the fees for the programme starting in September 2006 are £11,975. In addition, please note that the Bar Council charges a registration fee of £295. Fees include a comprehensive range of books and materials.
Further information & contacts
For further information about the full-time BVC, please contact BPP Admissions:
Tel: 0845 077 5566
Email: lawadmissions@bpp.com
Click here to download a brochure.
Visit us
We welcome you to visit our Law School in Holborn. Click here for a list of all forthcoming careers and information events.
Joining an Inn of Court
You must join an Inn of Court before you start the BVC. In order to take advantage of the facilities the Inns provide, you may wish to join one as soon as possible.
The contact details of the Inns of Court are:
- Lincoln's Inn
www.lincolnsinn.org.uk
June Gascoin
The Treasurer's Office
Lincoln’s Inn,
London WC2A 3TL
Tel: 020 7405 1393
- Middle Temple
www.middletemple.org.uk
Marion Howard, Treasurer (Students)
The Treasurer's Office
Middle Temple,
London EC4Y 9AT
Tel: 020 7427 4800
- Inner Temple
www.innertemple.org.uk
Yeshim Harris, Head of Education and Training
The Treasurer's Office
Inner Temple,
London EC4Y 7HL
Tel: 020 7797 8250
- Gray's Inn
www.graysinn.org.uk
Quinn Clarke
Head of Education & Training
Gray's Inn, 8 South Square, London, WC1A 5ET
Tel: 020 7458 7965
