The ICCA Bar Course

Professional Bar Training for Future Barristers

The ICCA Bar Course is a professional postgraduate course designed to prepare you for practice as a barrister in England and Wales.

Delivered by experienced practitioners and legal academics, the course combines academic rigour with a strong focus on advocacy, professional skills and preparation for pupillage.

The course is divided into two parts. Part One develops your knowledge of civil and criminal procedure and prepares you for the Bar Standards Board (BSB) centrally set assessments. Part Two focuses on advocacy, opinion writing, drafting, conference skills, professional ethics and the practical skills required of a barrister.

In summary

• Flexible two-part course structure
• Part One studied online at a pace suited to your individual circumstances
• Part Two taught in person at the Inns of Court
• Strong emphasis on advocacy and professional skills
• Designed to prepare students for pupillage and practice

Outcomes and performance

ICCA students consistently achieve strong outcomes in Bar Course assessments and in securing pupillage.

The BSB Central Examinations Board Chair’s Report Part 2, 2 April 2026 noted that:

“The ICCA has the highest average passing rate across both Litigation subjects and all sittings to date … The ICCA is, thus far, some way ahead of the other AETO centres in terms of single-sit performance.”

Explore the ICCA Bar Course below.