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Barristers Training Course PGDip

About this course

  • 100% of NTU's research submitted to the Law Unit of Assessment was assessed to be world-leading or internationally excellent in terms of research impact (REF 2021).

Why choose this course?

For students who wish to study the BSB’s compulsory modules in a cost effective and time efficient manner, our Barristers Training Course (BTC) provides the necessary vocational training for the Bar in just six months. Successful completion of this course will enable you to achieve a Postgraduate Diploma and be called to the Bar. Perhaps you have already secured pupillage, are worried about taking too much time out of paid work or are concerned about accommodation costs? The BTC may be ideal for you.

Why study at Nottingham Law School?

  • All our staff are experienced lawyers and you will benefit from their practical knowledge, as well as from our visiting lecturers.
  • Our teaching is consistently commended as excellent.
  • We teach in as small groups as possible to encourage student participation.
  • We get to know our students and support and encourage you in both your studies and in your employment applications at the start of your legal career.
  • We offer a multi-award-winning pro bono programme, including NLS Legal for the local community.
  • Our dedicated and experienced careers consultants provide guidance and support to help you secure qualifying work experience or other legal employment. You'll benefit from working with our successful careers team.
  • Alongside access to an exclusive BTC study area, studying with Nottingham Law School means that you have all the facilities a large Law School can offer plus the advantages of studying within a university environment which offers outstanding library, IT, support, sports, language and Student Union services.
  • We have considerable expertise in advocacy and alternative dispute resolution. We're home to the first Centre for Advocacy in the UK and our Centre for Mediation and Dispute Resolution was opened in 2016 by Sir Peter Coulson, now a judge of the Court of Appeal.
  • NTU is 3rd for number of PGT students studying Law (Latest HESA data 2021/22)

We are authorised by the Bar Standards Board (BSB) to deliver the vocational component of Bar training.

 
The next step towards your career at the Bar

What you’ll study

The Barristers Training Course (BTC) is regulated by the Bar Standards Board (BSB) and offers you the opportunity to study the knowledge areas and skills set by the BSB.

The BTC is designed to build upon your knowledge and understanding of the law and develop the skills that you've gained during your previous legal studies. The course will enhance the attributes required to be an effective member of the Bar and demonstrate that you have met the requirements of the BSB's Professional Statement.

Following a two-week introductory period, which will include consideration of Legal Research and Case Analysis, you will handle seven realistic briefs (four criminal and three civil) from commencement to trial. Knowledge and skills are taught and learned through the progress of these case studies as you respond to instructions to Counsel.

Pervasives

  • Case Preparation and Analysis
  • Legal Research

Knowledge

  • Civil Litigation and Evidence
  • Criminal Litigation, Evidence and Sentencing
  • Professional Ethics

Skills

  • Advocacy
  • Conference Skills
  • Drafting
  • Opinion Writing

Further information on what you'll study

Please be aware that all optional/elective modules are subject to availability, and NTU reserves the right to amend, change or withdraw modules at its discretion.

We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.

Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves

Student Profiles

Jorge Kemp

I also enjoyed ongoing access to all the development opportunities I had throughout my LLB and found new ones, including taking on the role of Master of the Mooter’s Guild.

How you're taught

The six-month, full-time course is taught predominantly by way of practical small group sessions in high quality teaching accommodation, which includes impressive mock courtrooms. You'll be taught in groups of approximately 12 students, except for Advocacy and Conference where you will be taught in groups of six students.

Specific sessions are dedicated to the separate knowledge and skills areas. The course also adopts an integrated approach to the learning and teaching of the knowledge and skills areas through the use of briefs which replicate the reality of practice at the Bar and allow you to practice and experience case management from beginning to end.

Assessment

You will receive a percentage mark for each assessment and, on successful completion of the BTC modules, a transcript containing your overall aggregate.

Two of the knowledge modules are assessed by way of assessments that are centrally set by the BSB and comprise of multiple choice and single best answer questions. These modules are:

  • Civil Litigation and Evidence (one closed book paper and one open book); and
  • Criminal Litigation, Evidence and Sentencing (one closed book paper).

Professional Ethics is the other key knowledge area on the BTC and is assessed by way of short answer questions set by Nottingham Law School.

Skills assessments are set by Nottingham Law School with criteria provided by the BSB. They are practical in nature, and designed to allow you to demonstrate competence against specific criteria relevant to the skill. Typically, the assessments are set in the context of briefs or instructions to Counsel.

Research informed teaching

By daring to think differently our research is tackling real-world issues. The subjects you will study with us are informed by our research so you can be sure your knowledge will be cutting-edge in your field. In the last Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) - the UK's system for assessing the quality and impact of research in universities - we’re proud that 100% of NTU's Law submission was assessed to be world-leading or internationally excellent.

Staff Profiles

Ian Fox - Senior Lecturer

Nottingham Law School

Ian Fox is a Senior Tutor at Nottingham Law School, Nottingham Trent University, with a focus on the Barristers Training Course (BTC).

Adrian Savage - Senior Lecturer

Nottingham Law School

Adrian Savage is a Senior Lecturer at the Nottingham Law School and is also the Deputy Course Leader for the Barristers Training Course (BTC).

Careers and employability

Your future career

Successful completion of this course enables you to proceed to be called to the Bar and proceed to pupillage. We have a dedicated careers and placement service who will support you in your search for both pupillage and alternative employment. The team provides practical sessions and advice.

The team offers advice and practical support, such as mock interviews. A number of presentations are given throughout the year reflecting the changing needs of students as they progress through the application process. The focus of these presentations is on both practice at the Bar, which reflects the ambitions of most of the students, and alternative careers.

Students should view careers advice as something about which any BTC tutor can be approached. All teaching staff come from practice, some from London and some from the local area, and some retain tenancies in Chambers. We are thus able to offer first-hand advice and guidance to students.

A number of local Chambers have been enthusiastic in their support for the course and our students and former students are represented amongst those they recruited as pupils with a view to tenancy.

Continuing professional development

Nottingham Law School also offers a suite of practice-based practitioner programmes specifically designed to meet the personal development needs of legal practitioners. We offer courses that qualify for continual professional development (CPD), in-house training and bespoke programmes. These courses are highly flexible and can be delivered throughout the year both nationally and internationally.

Placements are not part of the course, although there are opportunities to gain legal experience through pro bono projects. We also run the successful NLS Legal and strongly advise students to get involved in these activities.

Links with the profession

In addition to the programme of guest lectures and practitioner workshops that run during the year, we give you further opportunities to experience life at the Bar, and to meet practitioners. Examples of these opportunities include:

  • Welcome reception – at the beginning of the course, we arrange a social event attended by the Bar and Judiciary.
  • 1 High Pavement Plea in Mitigation Competition – 1 High Pavement is a leading criminal set which sponsors our annual Plea in Mitigation Competition.
    The competition is judged by members of Chambers.
  • Ropewalk Chambers Mooting Competition – Ropewalk Chambers, a leading specialist civil set in Nottingham, sponsors the mooting competition, which is judged by members of Chambers.

Campus and facilities

Entry requirements

UK students

Academic entry requirements

You will need one of the following options:

  • Qualifying Law degree (2.1).
  • Graduate Diploma in Law / CPE with an undergraduate honours degree (2.1)
  • A 2.2 honours degree will be considered with evidence of exceptional achievement elsewhere in the application e.g. awards, scholarships, work experience – paid or unpaid.

All applicants should provide evidence in their personal statement of their commitment to a career in law and will be required to provide a full reference in support of their application.

International students

Academic entry requirements

You will need one of the following options:

  • Qualifying Law degree (2.1).
  • Graduate Diploma in Law / CPE with an undergraduate honours degree (2.1)
  • A 2.2 honours degree will be considered with evidence of exceptional achievement elsewhere in the application e.g. awards, scholarships, work experience – paid or unpaid.

All applicants should provide evidence in their personal statement of their commitment to a career in law and will be required to provide a full reference in support of their application.

Fees and funding

UK students

- see the fees for this course, as well as information about funding and support.
  • £12,900

Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.

Discounts available for 2025 entry

  • Professional Courses Alumni Discount - £1,000
  • University of Nottingham and Lincoln Fee Concession - £750

Discounts are applicable to applications for 2025 entry only. More details, including terms and conditions, can be found on the NLS funding page.

Nottingham Law School Scholarships

Nottingham Law School is also delighted to offer a number of competitive professional courses scholarships that are worth up to half the value of your tuition fee:

  • Nottingham Law School’s Professional Courses Scholarship for Academic Excellence – for students who can demonstrate a commitment to and achievement of excellence in their academic background and in other areas such as work and personal life.
  • Nottingham Law School’s Professional Courses Scholarship for Outstanding Achievement – for students who have overcome significant challenges in their social, personal or educational lives.

More details, including terms and conditions, can be found on the Nottingham Law School’s Professional Courses Scholarships page.

Funding your studies

Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our funding pages will answer all your questions.

Please take a look at our postgraduates’ guide funding page for information about sourcing grants, bursaries and scholarships, and much more.

International students

- see the fees for this course, as well as payment advice and scholarships.
  • £12,900

Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.

Discounts available for 2025 entry

  • Professional Courses Alumni Discount - £1,000
  • University of Nottingham and Lincoln Fee Concession - £750

Discounts are applicable to applications for 2025 entry only. More details, including terms and conditions, can be found on the NLS funding page.

Nottingham Law School scholarships available

Nottingham Law School is also delighted to offer a number of competitive professional courses scholarships that are worth up to half the value of your tuition fee:

  • Nottingham Law School’s Professional Courses Scholarship for Academic Excellence – for students who can demonstrate a commitment to and achievement of excellence in their academic background and in other areas such as work and personal life.
  • Nottingham Law School’s Professional Courses Scholarship for Outstanding Achievement – for students who have overcome significant challenges in their social, personal or educational lives.

More details, including terms and conditions, can be found on the Nottingham Law School’s Professional Courses Scholarships page.

Additional costs

Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses. There are just a few additional things you may need to budget for:

Textbooks and library books

Most modules will recommend one or more core textbooks, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential textbooks, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) - meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.

Printing and photocopying costs

The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the printing and photocopying information on the Library website.

How to apply

In addition to submitting your application via the Applicant Portal, please also read, complete and submit our Supporting Information Document for your Barristers Training Course application.

Apply directly to the University online using the NTU online application portal.

If you are interested in joining us in September 2025, this course will be open for applications through the applicant portal from September 2024.

Apply for your course as early as you can so that you have time to prepare for your studies. If you need a visa to study here you need to plan this into your application.

For a step-by-step guide on making an application to the University please visit our how to apply page.

Writing your application

Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. Make sure you include as much information as possible, including uploading evidence of results already achieved, as well as a personal statement.

Keeping up to date

After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU in our postgraduates’ guide.

Getting in touch

If you need any more help or information, please contact our Admissions Team or call +44 (0)115 848 4200.

Application closing date

Please note this course can reach its maximum capacity prior to the course start date, which will result in early closure. We encourage you to submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

Guidance for References

An academic reference must be provided in order for us to process your application. This should be from your most recently attended institution. Your referee should email their reference from their university/institution email account rather than a personal account and should address the following information:

  • How long they have known you and in what capacity (e.g. subject/module tutor; course leader)
  • The opportunities they have had to gauge your performance on your studies (e.g. marked work; supervision)
  • A predicted grade (or confirmation of your grade if you have completed your studies)
  • A statement of your suitability to undertake vocational training for the Bar

In addition to submitting your application via the Applicant Portal, please also read, complete and submit our Supporting Information Document for your Barristers Training Course application.

Apply directly to the University online using the NTU online application portal.

If you are interested in joining us in September 2025, this course will be open for applications through the applicant portal from September 2024.

Apply for your course as early as you can so that you have time to prepare for your studies. If you need a visa to study here you need to plan this into your application.

For a step-by-step guide on making an application to the University please visit our how to apply page.

Writing your application

Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. Make sure you include as much information as possible, including uploading evidence of results already achieved, as well as a personal statement.

Keeping up to date

After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU in our postgraduates’ guide.

Getting in touch

If you need any more help or information, please contact our Admissions Team or call +44 (0)115 848 4200.

Good luck with your application!

Application closing date

Please note this course can reach its maximum capacity prior to the course start date, which will result in early closure. We encourage you to submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

Visa

For advice on applying for a visa please visit our visa information page.

Guidance for References

An academic reference must be provided in order for us to process your application. This should be from your most recently attended institution. Your referee should email their reference from their university/institution email account rather than a personal account and should address the following information:

  • How long they have known you and in what capacity (e.g. subject/module tutor; course leader)
  • The opportunities they have had to gauge your performance on your studies (e.g. marked work; supervision)
  • A predicted grade (or confirmation of your grade if you have completed your studies)
  • A statement of your suitability to undertake vocational training for the Bar