Number of places: 108 FT, 48 PT

Excellent links with local chambers make Manchester Met an excellent choice for those looking to pursue a career on the Northern Circuit. The list of experienced teaching staff numbers Deputy District Judges, mediators, pupil supervisors and Inns’ advocacy trainers. Students can also take advantage of additional advocacy classes (delivered by practitioners) and the Continuing Professional Development events hosted by the school for members of the Bar. In the past the law school has even brought in voice coaches and trainee police officers to practise cross-examination.

The part-time course was switched from evenings to weekends in 2010 in response to student feedback. Full-timers are still taught across the usual four days. At the beginning of the course students are split up into ‘chambers’ of 12 and further divided into groups of six for practising of oral skills. These ‘chambers’ are rotated at the elective stage of the course.

In 2010 a new mode of teaching civil and criminal litigation was introduced: students alternate between these week to week. Teaching focuses on knowledge at the beginning of the week, building up to the relevant skill, such as advocacy, at the end. Some lectures are available online and the school has a variety of electronic support, including podcasts. A dedicated careers adviser and a speaker programme enable students to learn about pupillage and the Bar. Students are also assigned a mentor currently practising at the Bar. Pro bono opportunities include the Personal Support Unit at Manchester Civil Justice Centre, the Manchester Mediation Service, visits to Strangeways prison and Partners of Prisoners. Some students volunteer with Amicus, which offers legal representation to death row inmates. Mock trial, interview and negotiation competitions are set up for students to develop their skills and CVs.