What grades do you need to be a barrister?

Asked by: Miss Jodie Huels Sr.  |  Last update: July 11, 2022
Score: 4.4/5 (8 votes)

To become a barrister, you have to complete either a:
  • Qualifying law degree (with 2:2 (hons) as a minimum); or.
  • A non-law degree (with 2:2 (hons) as a minimum) and a law conversion course such as the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL)

What qualifications do you need to be a barrister UK?

A barrister must first complete Academic Training—meaning a law degree or an unrelated degree followed by a conversion course (or Graduate Diploma in Law). Instead of training in a law firm like a solicitor, a barrister candidate will take the Bar Course Aptitude Test (BCAT) and, if successful, join an Inn of Court.

What GCSEs do you need to be a barrister UK?

You'll usually need: 4 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) or equivalent, including maths and English. experience in administration, legal secretarial work, accounts or management.

What grades do u need to be a lawyer UK?

To study law, you'll need at least five GCSEs (or equivalent Level 2 qualifications) at grade 4/C or above, including Maths, English Language and Science. Courses are competitive, so you should aim for the highest grades possible.

What is the youngest age for a barrister?

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.

The Insider's Guide to Becoming a Barrister

45 related questions found

What is a barrister salary UK?

Qualified barristers in private practice with around five years' experience can earn anything from around £50,000 to £200,000. For those with over ten years' experience, earnings can range from £65,000 to £1,000,000.

What is a barrister salary?

£40,000 - £90,000. General Civil. £20,000 - £50,000. £40,000 - £100,000. Chancery.

What GCSEs are good for law?

A minimum of 5 GCSEs, including level 4 or C grades in maths, English and science, are typically necessary to study law at A-level.
...
Some of the most beneficial GCSEs to consider include:
  • English Language.
  • Maths.
  • Science.
  • History.
  • English Literature.
  • Geography.
  • a modern foreign language, such as French or Spanish.

Is there a GCSE in law?

The GCSE Law exam consists of one three-hour exam that comprises two papers. Paper 1- 41601 The English Legal System 1 hour 30 mins Candidates answer all questions from Section A and one from two options in Section B. Paper 2 - 41601 Law in Action 1 hour 30 mins Candidates answer two questions from a choice of four.

WHAT A Levels are good for law?

Which A-Levels to Take if You Want to Study Law
  • English. English is typically regarded as a good A-Level to take if you want to study law. ...
  • History. ...
  • Politics. ...
  • Languages. ...
  • Maths. ...
  • Sciences. ...
  • Geography, Religious Studies, Music, Philosophy, Economics. ...
  • Law.

What do I do if I fail my GCSEs?

There will be an option to take your exam

If you're unhappy with your grade you will have the opportunity to sit for an exam in the autumn series or the summer of 2023. If you're studying an Edexcel IGCSE, you may also have the chance to sit exams in November or January, depending on the subject you're studying.

Is the UK bar exam hard?

The Bar is competitive, but it is by no means impossible. Outside of London is probably infinitely easier than within. It's impossible to quantify how hard it is though, but just take it that loads and loads of really good people struggle intensely to get pupillage!

How hard is it to become a barrister?

The path to becoming a barrister is very challenging and competitive. Aspiring barristers can come from any degree discipline and they will need to undertake additional training and study after they leave university.

Is being a barrister worth it?

Being a barrister can be immensely satisfying in that it offers an opportunity to provide the specialist knowledge that can assist a client in obtaining their desired result, and therefore make a real difference to their lives. You are offering advice and representation to clients at a very stressful time.

What is the hardest bar exam to pass?

Delaware makes the list as one of the hardest bar exams in part because of the score required to pass. Students must obtain at least a 145 to pass, which is the highest in the nation. Delaware also only offers the exam once per year, giving students who fail a very long wait before they can take it again.

How long does it take to become a barrister?

Becoming a fully-fledged barrister takes five years - including three years for your law degree, one year for a Bar course and a one-year pupillage in chambers.

Is GCSE law hard?

"It is assessed by 100% examination and the course content is both detailed and demanding. "While I would never want to deny anyone the opportunity to study something that interested them, I'd only recommend it to the most academically able because the course is definitely challenging."

Do you need Maths for law?

No, you don't. The only two which you really need (or at least look really really good) are History and English Lit, so take English - especially if you don't like Maths.

What subjects do I need for law?

There aren't any specific subjects required to study law but history will come as an advantage, as there is a focus on the history in certain law modules. The minimum requirement to study law is a NQF level 4 certificate, which is a National Senior Certificate or a Senior Certificate.

WHAT A levels do I need for law UK?

A levels – To get on to a law degree you will usually require a minimum of two A levels, with three A levels and A grades needed for the most popular courses. Entry requirements range from BCC to AAA, with the universities and colleges most commonly asking for ABB.

What GCSEs do I need to be a criminal lawyer?

The short answer to this question is that, in order to be a Lawyer, you will be required to have a minimum of 5 GCSEs, including passes in English, Maths and Science. These GCSEs are required for most Law-related A-Levels, as well as being basic requirements for most Law University courses.

Can I study law with no GCSEs?

They will require you to have GCSE Maths and English, not even sure if there are Access courses which o not make this a minimum requirement and in any event Uni will require it. Its a long time since you studied and you dont know how bright you are, so use them as a means to get to grips with studying again.

Are barristers rich?

Barristers in chambers do not have salaries; they are self employed. That means that they get paid for the work that they do, and if they are not working (for example, if they are on holiday) they do not get paid. So it is not the case that you will pick up a set monthly amount as a barrister.

What is the highest paid job in the UK?

According to Glassdoor salary data, the highest paying jobs in the UK are:
  • Chief Financial Officer.
  • Executive Director.
  • Chief Technology Officer.
  • Senior Leader.
  • Chief Operating Officer.
  • Chief Executive Officer.
  • Medical Manager.
  • Director.

What is the most paid job in the UK 2020?

Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in UK
  • Aircraft Controllers. ...
  • Chief Executive and Senior Officials. ...
  • Aircraft Pilots and Flight Engineers. ...
  • Marketing and Sales Directors. ...
  • Legal Professionals. ...
  • Information Technology and Telecommunication Directors. ...
  • Brokers. ...
  • Financial Managers and Directors.