Bar Professional Training Course

The Bar Training Course (BTC) is part of the process of qualifying as a barrister. It builds on the law degree/graduate diploma in law and prepares you for your work based training as a pupil. It is an intensive, highly interactive, skills-based course. Assessment is by examination, coursework and live skills assessment. The BTC is available with a master's qualification (LLM) or without a master's qualification (PgDip). If you opt to study the LLM, you may be eligible for a UK Government Postgraduate Loan. Please note that applicants requiring a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK will not be permitted to transfer between the Diploma and LLM courses once they have arrived in the UK due to Home Office visa rules. You should decide which course you wish to pursue at the time you make their visa application, otherwise you will be required to apply for another visa at further cost, as you will be unable to change course once your visa has been granted. In light of the above, applicants should consider carefully which programme of study they wish to apply for.

There is plenty of help and advice on offer to students who are travelling from outside the UK to study in Cardiff. This includes information on immigration and visas, with the main website having advice for each individual country. There is also help regarding fees and funding and even how to apply for the university. Once students are committing to attending, there is help to prepare for their time in Cardiff as well as assistance once they arrive. There is also an International Student Support service dedicated to the welfare of students travelling from abroad. They can help with matters such as getting into employment, changing studies and for those bringing families with them. Cardiff University Students Union is the representative of the student body as well as being in charge of the various organisations and clubs on offer. Their building is found near the Cathays railway station and the union also operates a nightclub, radio station and student newspaper. Other services provided include cafes, bars and shops. There are some 150 clubs and societies to get involved with outside the classroom. All offer everything from complete beginners to experienced levels and range from debating societies, volunteering opportunities to student media and other arts. In the sports arena, there are some 60 competitive and non-competitive sports clubs, most of whom take part in the BUCS leagues.