LLM Barristers Training Course

Nottingham Trent University

Why choose this course?

Successful completion of this course enables you to be called to the Bar, and proceed to pupillage. Our nine-month LLM BTC gives you the opportunity to gain the award of a Masters (LLM), assuming successful completion of the BTC and an additional module, Advanced Advocacy, Advice and ADR, which has been created to give you experience of issues that are at the cutting-edge of practice, such as vulnerable witnesses and expert evidence.

The LLM qualification is internationally recognised, and is eligible for the UK postgraduate government loan. Our LLM incorporates a number of unique, practical elements which are at the forefront of legal practice and which will aid you in your future career.

Why study at Nottingham Law School?

• All our staff are experienced lawyers and you will benefit from their practical knowledge, as well as from visiting lecturers.
• Our teaching is consistently commended as excellent.
• You'll receive face-to-face feedback in all assessable skills.
• You'll undertake assessments with a practical focus.
• Our dedicated and experienced careers consultants provide guidance and support to help you secure qualifying work experience or other legal employment. You'll also benefit from working with our successful careers team.
• We have considerable expertise in advocacy and alternative dispute resolution. We're home to the first Centre for Advocacy in the UK and our Centre for Mediation and Dispute Resolution was opened in 2016 by Sir Peter Coulson, now a judge of the Court of Appeal.
• As well as access to an exclusive BTC study area, studying with Nottingham Law School also means that you have all the facilities a large Law School can offer, plus the advantages of studying within a university environment which offers outstanding library, IT, support, sports, language and Student Union services.

What you'll study

The course will build on your knowledge and understanding of the law, enhancing the attributes required to be an effective member of the Bar and demonstrate that you have met the requirements of the BSB's Professional Statement.

After a short introductory period, you'll commence your study of the compulsory subjects. You'll handle seven realistic briefs (four criminal and three civil) from commencement to trial. Knowledge and skills are taught and learned through the progress of these case studies, as you respond to instructions to Counsel.

To gain the LLM, you'll study an additional module in the third term, which incorporates topics such as vulnerable witnesses and expert evidence, and you will gain practical experience of mediation and further experience of trial advocacy. You'll also need to complete a dissertation linked to one of the topics you have covered or (where you have undertaken practical legal work experience) submit a critical reflective report. In respect of legal work experience, there are a number of options available, such as undertaking pro bono activity, including handling real cases, through our Legal Advice Centre, working for the Citizens Advice Bureau, or carrying our placements within a professional legal setting.

Your future career

Successful completion of this course enables you to proceed to be called to the Bar and proceed to pupillage. We have a dedicated careers and placement service who will support you in your search for both pupillage and alternative employment. The team provides practical sessions and advice.