BVC course content and assessment
Getting started
You’ll begin your Bar Vocational Course (BVC) by studying the criminal practice course and the civil practice course, taking you through the different stages of litigation, including evidence and sentencing.
Later you’ll take part in mock trials and choose two options for further study and skills development.
Knowledge areas
- civil litigation
- criminal litigation and sentencing
- evidence
Core skills
These seven skills are fully integrated into the knowledge areas, so course learning can be applied in a practical context.
Casework skills
- legal research skills
- fact management
Written skills
Interpersonal skills
- advocacy
- conference skills
- negotiation
Sample options
In your final term, you’ll choose to study two options from a list that typically includes:
- advanced civil litigation
- advanced criminal litigation
- alternative dispute resolution and mediation
- commercial practice
- family practice
- immigration practice
- judicial review practice
- pro bono
- employment practice
You’ll also cover professional ethics, in accordance with the Bar Council's Code of Conduct. This includes identifying and addressing professional conduct issues, becoming familiar with the Bar Council's Code of Conduct and observing and reflecting on the role of barristers in court.
Assessment
There are 13 assessments in total. Practice assessments are held for all subjects, which include advocacy, research, drafting, conference skills, negotiation, civil and criminal litigation, and evidence and sentencing.
