BPC introduces full-time and part-time to make accessibility more flexible
After the word broke on 29th October, that The University of Law (ULaw) wants to launch a new Bar Practice Course (BPC) to replace the existing Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC), subject to approval by the Bar Standards Board (BSB).
Jacqueline Cheltenham, BPC National Programme & Student Affairs Director said on Tuesday that the new Bar Practice Course (BPC) at The University of Law combines exciting new aspects whilst retaining the best of what went before, which serves as a sort of logo for the BPC providing a more flexible and accessible approach to qualifying a Barrister.
The replacement follows the BSB approval of a series of new training rules, representing the values of the route to qualification as a barrister more flexible and affordable. The new course will be started practicing in the next 2020 recruitment cycle.
BPC is tailored and flexible than the BPTC
Jacqueline explained that students will study in a supportive environment, with pathways tailored to suit their needs and fit around their life where required. This is all underpinned by the excellent wealth of expertise that exists within ULaw, as well as support from a community of learners and BPC’s innovative online platforms. With the help of blended learning (online and classroom study), the course aims to cater as many working styles as possible, fulfilling all the commitments of students. Offline learning includes cyberspace study will help BPC to become more accessible and engaging than before. Some important BPC’s aspects are;
- To enrich and make the course more interactive, online study and the use of advanced technology, as well as access to the new exclusive learning and revision app Synapwill be introduced to the students.
- Regular weekly face-to-face sessions enable extra support from tutors, as well as creating a learning environment and social opportunities between students.
- Law students can also study the LLM available with three pathways to success – Pro Bono experience and a Critical Reflective Review, writing a dissertation or studying additional optional modules.
- BPC will continue to be supported by ULaw’s excellent employability service that has led to 58% of students securing pupillages within one year of successfully completing their course.
- BPC’s fee aims to be more accessible and affordable than the BPTC. The fee of £13,000 in London and £11,750 outside of London includes textbooks, unlike other BPC providers.
- There are two start date routes: the usual September full-time and part-time start, as well as the introduction of a July full-time route, both of which are available from 2020.
The University of Law with BPC introduces three new locations that aim to tap into legal talent outside of London, with study options available at ULaw’s campuses in London Bloomsbury, Birmingham, Nottingham, Bristol, Manchester and Leeds, Leeds will now also offer the course part-time.
