Your route to becoming a barrister
Whether you're a law graduate or looking to convert, becoming a barrister involves several stages, from academic study and Bar training to securing pupillage. Understand the requirements, explore your options and take the next step towards a career at the Bar.
Speak to an expert law adviser today and find out the next steps on your legal journey. Get answers on the barrister training, funding and more. Including:
How I become a barrister?
Do I need a law degree?
Is funding help available?
Where are you starting from?
I have a law degree
Your law degree opens the next step in your route to qualifying as a barrister. Find the Bar training course that suits you.
I have a degree in another subject
If your degree isn't in law, you'll normally need to complete a law conversion course before progressing to Bar training. Different rules may apply to older or overseas qualifications.
I’m still deciding between professions
Solicitors and barristers follow different qualification routes, training pathways and career structures. Compare the options and decide which profession is the one for you.Not sure which route is best for you?
Our expert law advisers can help plan your route to becoming a barrister.How to qualify as a barrister
To become a barrister, you'll need to complete three components set by the Bar Standards Board (BSB) – academic qualification, vocational training and work-based learning.
Download your guide to becoming a barrister
Where law careers are made.
It’s not just about preparing for the Bar. It’s getting you ready for an exciting and rewarding career too.
We teach advocacy in groups of five
Refine your skills and get real-time feedback. Our Barrister training courses teach advocacy and conference in small groups of up to five students.
Build the judgement AI can’t replace
AI can draft, search and summarise – but it can't take responsibility for legal advice. As you gain experience, you'll develop the judgement, ethics and decision-making skills needed to assess information critically, verify its accuracy and make informed professional decisions.
AI can support the work. Responsibility stays with the lawyer.
Ready to train?
Find the route that’s right for you
Once you're ready to start a Bar training course, compare the available qualifications and choose the option that best suits your career plans.
|
Course |
Award |
Duration |
Eligible for Postgraduate funding |
Fees from |
|
Postgraduate Diploma |
8 months full time; 24 months part time in London |
Not eligible |
£17,450 |
|
|
Master’s |
12 months full time; 24 months part time in London |
£18,650 |
||
|
Postgraduate Diploma |
12 months full time |
Not eligible |
£17,450 |
|
|
Master’s |
12 months full time |
£18,350 |
Join us at a Barrister Open Evening
Join us for an exclusive online event where you'll discover everything about BPP's Barrister training courses. This is your opportunity to gain valuable insights into how our courses can pave the way for your success in the legal profession.
Why BPP prepares you better for the Bar
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
If you have an undergraduate degree that is unrelated to law, you can take a validated law conversion course (1 year) to begin your journey toward becoming a barrister.