The Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC), formerly Bar Vocational Course (BVC), covers seven briefs (three Civil and four Criminal) which progress from commencement towards trial throughout the first two terms. Through handling these briefs, and responding to Instructions to Counsel, you acquire and apply knowledge as well as develop and practice skills during your BPTC studies. The BPTC course outline falls into three terms:
BPTC Course Outline Terms 1 & 2
Following a foundation course, in terms 1 & 2 you will cover:
- Criminal litigation & sentencing
- Civil litigation & remedies
- Evidence
- Advocacy
- Resolution of disputes out of court
- Drafting
- Opinion writing
- Conference skills
- Professional ethics
- Legal research
BPTC Course Outline Term 3
In the 3rd term students undertake two options from:
- Family practice
- Advanced criminal practice
- Advanced civil practice (judicial review)
- Employment
- Landlord & tenant
- Commercial practice
- Immigration
Skills training amounts to approximately 60% of the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC). You will learn by doing during your BPTC study; as we give you plenty of opportunities to practice, with lots of constructive feedback. All oral skills will be taught in groups of six.
Please read our How will I study? section to find out more about our BPTC teaching methods.