The academic stage of training at university provides a general, theoretical introduction to the law. After obtaining a qualifying law degree (which includes PgDL and CPE, as well as recognised undergraduate law degrees), the next step is to get some legal training specific to work as a barrister. This is known as the 'vocational stage' and consists of a one-year course - the Bar Vocational Course (BVC).The BVC is offered by the following institutions:

BPP Law School (Leeds)

BPP Law School (London)

Cardiff Law School
College of Law (Birmingham)

College of Law (London)

Manchester Metropolitan University

Nottingham Law School
The City Law School - formerly ICSL (London)
University of Northumbria (Newcastle)
University of the West of England (Bristol)

A prospectus of all courses can be obtained from the Bar Council.