How long is the bar course in the UK?

Asked by: Emmy Lockman  |  Last update: September 22, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (27 votes)

The LLM Bar Training Course is a one-year course studied over two semesters. All modules within this programme are compulsory and comprise knowledge areas, core skills, an elective option and a research module. An attendance record is kept and 100% attendance at teaching sessions is expected.

What is the 2 year law course in the UK?

Key information. Achieve a qualifying law degree as a non-law graduate in just two years rather than the regular three with our fast-track Graduate Entry LLB programme and take your first step towards a legal career. You can choose from a range of specialist legal electives and take work placements during the summer.

How long does it take to be called to the bar in the UK?

As a law graduate, you could begin practising as a barrister about two years after graduating. This is if you complete the Bar course full time and get pupillage immediately. As a non-law graduate, you will take a year longer if you study the conversion course full time.

How hard is the bar course in the UK?

The Bar Course (formally the BPTC) is expensive and tough. It's a one-year course which you are required to undertake before starting pupillage. Around 1,000 individuals graduate from the BPC each year. The decision about whether to go to Bar School is a difficult one.

How long is bar school in UK?

It takes one year to complete a Bar course if you study full time, but two-year, part-time options are available. The amount of time you spend in the classroom will vary but on full-time courses you can expect between 10 and 16 hours a week.

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17 related questions found

How much do barristers get paid in the UK?

Self-employed barristers with more than ten years' experience earn between £100,000 to £300,000 depending on their area of practice. A small percentage of barristers at the top end of the profession earn between £500,000 to £1million. Employed barristers can expect to earn from £90,000 to in excess of £150,000.

How old is the youngest barrister in the UK?

18 year-old called to the Bar this week

An 18 year-old has become the youngest person in the history of the English and Welsh legal system to be called to the Bar.

Is the UK bar exam easy?

Remember, the bar exam is not easy. If you have a job, we would advise you to take some time off work. Prepare a list of excellent materials for study.

What is the age limit for bars in the UK?

The legal age for drinking alcohol in the UK is 18, and I believe it is the same in the Republic of Ireland. Some pubs and bars have a minimum age of 21 in order to try and deter underage drinkers. All pubs and bars have a legal responsibility not to serve alcohol to those under age, and have the right to demand ID.

What is the easiest bar exam in the country?

Overall, Utah is the easiest bar exam to pass. This is true whether you are a first-time taker or repeat taker! In July 2023, Utah had a 94% pass rate for first time takers and a 73% pass rate for repeat takers. It also has the lowest UBE cut score of 260.

Can foreign lawyers practice in the UK?

From September 2021, lawyers from abroad and overseas students who wish to qualify in England and Wales can sit the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). The SQE allows you to qualify as a solicitor by taking the same exam as domestic candidates.

What is the fastest law degree in the UK?

The University of Northampton's two-year accelerated LLB law degree is ideal for those seeking faster progression of a career in law, allowing you to complete your law degree in two years rather than the standard three.

What is the shortest law degree?

The fastest law degree you can earn is a Master of Legal Studies, as some of these programs allow you to graduate in 12 months. Master's programs require you to have a bachelor's degree beforehand, and some require you to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) beforehand.

How long is law school in UK?

Length of Study

Gaining a practicing Law degree can take seven years in Canada, but just three years in the UK. A quicker qualification means lower total costs for your degree and a quicker route into paid work. Students who have already completed a first degree can do an undergraduate Law degree in just two years.

Can you become a lawyer with an English degree?

“The skills that English teaches about picking out important information from a large text, reasoning for consistency across multiple sources and forming coherent opinions with an argument for your stance make [it] good preparation for law school.”

How many attempts are there in bar exam UK?

Maximum number of attempts

If you have exhausted all three attempts (within a law degree, the GDL, or a combination of the two) you must complete a full law degree or GDL programme afresh to satisfy the academic component of Bar training.

Where is the hardest bar exam in the world?

US - California Bar Exam. The California Bar Exam in the US is a challenging test that assesses legal knowledge, analytical skills, and professional responsibility. Only qualified individuals are admitted to the California bar after successfully passing this examination.

What is a barrister salary UK?

An average barrister salary in London is anything from £50,000 to £200,000 based on five years' experience, but as there are many areas of law, this can vary. For those with over ten years' experience, earnings can range from £65,000 to £1,000,000. Those based in London and bigger cities will often earn more too.

Is 25 to old for law school?

It's never too late in life to apply to law school. Although most applicants are under 25, about 1 in 5 are 30 or older and a much smaller proportion are over 40.

Can a foreigner become a barrister in the UK?

Qualified Foreign Lawyers from another jurisdiction who want to practise in England and Wales as barristers are required to submit an application to the Bar Standards Board (BSB). This application provides evidence of their legal qualifications.

What country pays barristers the most?

10 Highest Paying Countries for Lawyers
  • Australia – Average Annual Salary (AUD 119,278) ...
  • New Zealand – Average Annual Salary (NZD 84,047) ...
  • Netherlands – Average Annual Salary (EUR 65,000) ...
  • Ireland – Average Annual Salary (EUR 77,148) ...
  • Switzerland – Average Annual Salary (CHF 140,000)

How many hours do barristers work UK?

As a guide, you can expect the day to start around 8.30 am and finish at 7 pm, with later finishing hours for busier days. Barristers depend on solicitors for the bulk of their instructions, so being available on-demand means more income, exposure and experience.

Is a barrister the same as a lawyer?

In general, the terms lawyer and attorney are used interchangeably in the United States and Canada, while solicitor and barrister are more common in the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth countries.