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How excellent results do you need for BCL?

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Myshkin

Joined: 04 Jun 2008
Posts: 1
How excellent results do you need for BCL?
Thu Jun 05, 2008 06:29 AM
Hi
I am an Australian law graduate and I'm trying to get a sense of how realistic it would be for me to apply for the BCL.

I have a first class honours degree from ANU, but I get a sense that you need to be top of the class material to get into the BCL. While I have a first, and my university doesn't rank students, my degree is more a 'middling' first.

Would it even be worthwhile for me to apply? I am currently working for the government, and hope to get an judge's associate position, and then apply in a couple of years.
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jon4068

Joined: 09 Jun 2008
Posts: 2
How excellent results do you need for BCL?
Tue Jun 10, 2008 10:09 AM
With a first from ANU you will almost certainly get into the BCL. My experience has been that if you get a first from one of the big Australian law schools (not so sure about others) you will almost certainly be accepted. I was accepted into the BCL (but ultimately decided on the LLM at Cantab) with what I would describe as a "middling" first from UQ. The hard bit is not getting accepted ... it is getting the funding ... which is quite hard without a v strong first ...
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Blueprint

Joined: 01 Feb 2008
Posts: 13
How excellent results do you need for BCL?
Tue Jun 10, 2008 01:09 PM
What were your factors in deciding on Cantab v. Oxon? I only applied to the two and got offers from both but am leaning toward Oxon, with a little reservation.
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jon4068

Joined: 09 Jun 2008
Posts: 2
How excellent results do you need for BCL?
Thu Jun 12, 2008 10:52 AM
A variety of factors made me choose the LLM though I was very tempted to do the BCL. The main reason was my interest in public international law and Cambridge's strength in this area. I was also somewhat worried about missing out on the "Oxbridge experience" having heard horror stories about workloads (though I dont know how true this is as my friends seem doing the BCL dont seem too overworked). Funding was also an issue, though I could have afforded the BCL. In the end I was glad that I chose the LLM but if you are wanting to go the bar the BCL is probably the course for you.
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Blueprint

Joined: 01 Feb 2008
Posts: 13
How excellent results do you need for BCL?
Thu Jun 12, 2008 01:02 PM
Many thanks,

There does seem to be a common perception that the BLC is better for those wanting to become a barrister. In Canada you get licensed as both barrister and solicitor.

Good to hear that your BCL pals aren't being too overworked.
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