Bar Route — Becoming a Barrister
The traditional route to qualifying as a barrister, involving an undergraduate degree, the Bar Training Course, and a highly competitive 12-month pupillage.
Overview
The route to becoming a barrister in England & Wales is one of the most competitive and demanding in any profession. Only around 3,000 people complete the Bar Training Course each year, but only 450–500 pupillages are available — meaning roughly 5 out of 6 candidates will not secure the practical training needed to qualify.
The Bar Standards Board (BSB) regulates the profession and sets the requirements for qualification. The current pathway requires an undergraduate degree (minimum 2:2, though 2:1 or First is expected in practice), membership of an Inn of Court, completion of the Bar Training Course (BTC, formerly BPTC), and a 12-month pupillage at a set of chambers or with an approved employer.
The four Inns of Court (Lincoln's Inn, Inner Temple, Middle Temple, and Gray's Inn) are ancient institutions that play a central role in the life of the Bar. All barristers must be members of an Inn, and the Inns provide scholarships, dining requirements, mentoring, and a sense of professional community. Many aspiring barristers choose their Inn based on scholarship availability and the Inn's specialism.
Qualification Journey
Undergraduate Degree
Complete a qualifying law degree (QLD) or any other degree. Non-law graduates must then complete a law conversion course. A 2:1 or First is effectively essential for competitive pupillage applications.
GDL / PGDL (if non-law graduate)
The Graduate Diploma in Law (now often called PGDL) is an intensive conversion course covering the seven foundations of legal knowledge: contract, tort, criminal law, equity & trusts, EU law, property law, and public law.
Join an Inn of Court
Apply for membership of one of the four Inns of Court: Lincoln's Inn, Inner Temple, Middle Temple, or Gray's Inn. Complete 12 qualifying sessions (dinners, education events, or advocacy workshops). Apply for Inn scholarships — they can be substantial.
Bar Training Course (BTC)
The vocational stage of training, covering advocacy, opinion writing, drafting, conferencing, negotiation, professional ethics, and evidence. Assessed through practical exercises. Formerly called BPTC. Available at approved providers across England & Wales.
Pupillage — First Six
The non-practising period of pupillage. Shadow your pupil supervisor in court and in conference, read their papers, attend hearings, and draft opinions. You observe and assist but do not take cases of your own. Minimum pupillage award applies.
Pupillage — Second Six
The practising period. Begin accepting your own briefs and appearing in court under supervision. Build your reputation and demonstrate your ability to chambers. Your pupil supervisor and other members of chambers will assess your suitability for tenancy.
Tenancy or Employment
At the end of pupillage, your chambers decides whether to offer tenancy (a permanent seat). If not offered tenancy, you may apply to other sets ('squatting' / 'third six') or become an employed barrister. Tenancy is not guaranteed — around 70% of pupils secure it at their chambers.
Entry Requirements
- Undergraduate degree (2:1 or above strongly expected)
- If non-law degree: GDL/PGDL conversion course
- Membership of an Inn of Court
- Completion of Bar Training Course
- Strong mooting, debating, and/or mini-pupillage experience
- Demonstrated commitment to the Bar through work experience
Alternative entry routes
The BSB permits some alternative routes, including the Inns of Court College of Advocacy courses and, in limited cases, transfer from other legal professions (solicitors, overseas lawyers). The Bar apprenticeship route is being developed but is not yet widely available.
Cost Breakdown
Related Careers
Barrister
Specialist advocates who represent clients in court, draft legal opinions, and provide expert advice on complex points of law.
Junior Barrister (Pupil & Early Tenant)
The critical early years of a barrister's career, from pupillage through to establishing a practice as a junior tenant in chambers.
Regulated by: Bar Standards Board (BSB) · Last updated: 2025-03-01