Bar Course

Northumbria University, Newcastle has opted into the TEF and received a Silver award.

In a demanding and rapidly changing legal landscape, the highest quality training is required to succeed as a barrister. Northumbria University's Bar Course will support you in acquiring the necessary knowledge and practical skills crucial to practice at the modern Bar.The new Bar Courses will be available from September 2020 and will replace the existing Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC). Teaching on Northumbria's Bar Course will be led by a team of highly experienced barristers and supported by a well-established network of members of the Bar, Judges and other relevant practitioners. You will study: Civil Litigation (incorporating evidence and alternative dispute resolution)Criminal Litigation (incorporating evidence and sentencing)Advocacy ConferencingDraftingOpinion WritingProfessional EthicsLegal Research You will develop the knowledge and skills to practice in a broad range of briefs focused on foundational areas of pupillage and early practice. From the outset you will be taught to think and behave like a barrister. You will be instructed in cases conducted as in practice: incorporating conferences, advocacy, drafting and opinion writing alongside both the knowledge you have developed and a sound understanding of your professional ethical obligations. This invaluable, practical experience will equip you to be immediately effective in pupillage.You will benefit from generous contact hours throughout the course: including dedicated exam-focused teaching sessions - in which the teaching team will share their expertise to support you in preparing for the Bar Standards Board (BSB) centralised assessments. Alongside practice-focused teaching, students will also benefit from a year-long series of workshops designed to support knowledge, understanding and exam techniques and preparation for these assessments. You may also gain, at no further cost, an additional qualification in Mediation. Northumbria delivers opportunities to develop distinctive and unique knowledge and skills with opportunities to undertake:Vulnerable witness trainingPractitioner advocacy masterclassesTeaching in respect of forensic science and forensic statisticsParticipation in international mooting competitionsA mentoring scheme delivered in conjunction with the BarTogether these opportunities will allow you to distinguish yourself in a competitive environment and ultimately thrive in this prestigious profession.On successful completion of the Bar Course you will be eligible for Call to the Bar of England and Wales (subject to meeting the qualifying requirements of your Inn of Court) All fees are inclusive of the Bar Standards Board (BSB) fee, practitioner texts required for study, external Mediation training & the Northumbria Qualifying Dinner.

Students from over 100 countries travel to study at Northumbria and there is plenty of support and assistance on hand to help them adapt to their new home. To start with there is country specific information for applicants on the website as well as information about immigration and visas. Once in Newcastle, there is plenty of help and assistance including English language courses and assistance with those trying to find employment between their studies. The union is responsible for the organisation of various volunteering and charity work opportunities in the larger community and further afield. In addition, there are more than 100 societies to get involved with based around interests, cultures, sports or arts to name a few. Societies are a great way to meet people with similar interests or learn about something completely new. Students even have the chance to start up their own club or societies if they find a gap and have a shared interest with others. The Student Union is the representation of students attending the university as well as organising various services and the clubs and societies for outside the classroom. Within the student union building are a number of social venues including three bars.