Reading time: three minutes

The Bar course is notorious for being very content heavy and time management is one thing that causes many students to drop out or fail. But how exactly does one manage their time on the Bar course? In this blog, I’ve provided a detailed breakdown of how much time you should aim to schedule for each module.

Note: each Bar course provider has a different approach to how it structures its timetables and modules, so make sure you prepare in accordance with your syllabus.

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Civil litigation

This module comes with two 3kg heavy books known as the White Book. It’s fair to say that civil litigation is easily the most time-consuming module on the Bar course due to the large volumes of reading. My advice is to block out at least one to two days every week to complete the reading, depending on how your course provider has spread the classes.

Also, don’t forget that one exam is closed book and the other is open book. Make concise notes as you go along for last-minute revision, or you’ll end up having to re-read everything (which, trust me, you don’t have the time for).

Criminal litigation

This module has only one three-kilogram heavy book, so it involves slightly less reading than civil litigation. Don’t be fooled though, it’s still quite content-heavy and isn't a module to take lightly. I’d recommend blocking out between half a day to a day to prepare for this class.

The exam for criminal litigation is closed book so make sure you create a set of concise revision notes or you might end up regretting it.

Drafting

I’d say that drafting is more skills-based than content-heavy, which might be good depending on your preference. There's some foundational knowledge you need to have to succeed in this module, but ultimately practice makes perfect. My advice is to do each sample draft assigned and get feedback to improve your skills – for this, I’d suggest blocking out about half a day to get the draft done.

Pro tip: try doing some drafts under exam conditions closer to your assessment date, so you know what to expect. Exam conditions for the academic year 2022/23 include allowing physical notes and three and a half hours to complete the draft.

Legal research and opinion writing

This is one of the more difficult modules because it takes all the academic legal knowledge you have and converts it into real-world application. It’s ultimately a learning curve and the only way you’ll succeed is to complete the sample opinions. I’d say that around a day is enough to do the requisite preparation for this module.

Ethics

Ethics is one of those modules that people often don’t take seriously because of how ‘easy’ it can seem, but then end up failing. Yes, it’s a less taxing module but it isn’t one to take lightly. Make sure you memorise the relevant bits of the Bar Standards Board Handbook and create notes to reflect on closer to the assessments. It doesn’t take very long, two to three hours a week is more than enough time to get everything done.

Advocacy: submissions, examination-in-chief and cross-examination

There are three advocacy modules: submissions, examination-in-chief and cross-examination. Each type of advocacy has its own rules and skill set that you learn at the start of the term, but ultimately these are practical modules. Preparation for each takes about four to six hours and involves reading case papers and/or creating a skeleton argument. The best advice I can offer for the advocacy modules is to make sure you attend every scheduled class and have an ‘advocacy buddy’ who you can practice your skills with.

Conference skills

This module is similar to the advocacy modules and is one that students tend to find a bit easier. I’d recommend blocking out about two to three hours to prepare for classes and to practise your skills with your ‘advocacy buddy’.