Law isn't my field, but a 60-minute video talking through the experience of this programme for all those interested in applying is so invaluable. It's also just really valuable for anyone who is interested in other Oxbridge courses and is apprehensive and unclear about what it's like. I really respect this!

Another interesting video. I am loving the regular content!

Fantastic video

I completely agree with most of this - great summary of the course! The only area where I might have had a bit of a different experience is I actually found there was quite a *lot* of weight put on 'novelty' or on making some kind of original or novel/'outside-the-box' contribution in your essays. And unfortunately, I found that this was often rewarded at the expense of thoroughness. So for example, my experience was a student who wrote an essay that presented a novel view, although not particularly well researched or supported, might be awarded a first grade, whereas I student who makes a slightly less novel argument, but nonetheless very well researched and supported, might get a 2:1. I found this kind of system frustrating, because in my view there is little utility in novelty for the sake of novelty. I think it reflects that the Oxbridge system places a great wait on 'argument' or the clash of ideas -- it likes to distinguish itself as a more 'academic' institution on this basis. But, in my view, a focus on 'novelty' is better reserved for research-based degrees like the MPhil/DPhil where students actually have time to properly research and articulate those kinds of arguments.

@eloiseslawchannel2129

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That’s very interesting. I wouldn’t claim to have ever fully got to grips with the system (I think it would probably have taken me three years to do that…) This wasn’t feedback that I ever had, but then my undergraduate degree rewarded novelty enormously. In the abstract, I think a focus on novelty can be quite a nice approach. I think the far harder skill is coming up with the interesting perspectives and that students shouldn’t be discouraged from doing this by the prospect of another argument being easier to back up. That being said, I can absolutely see why a novelty-centric approach would be unsuited to the BCL (where, as you say, there’s very little time to back up original thoughts at all and the aim of the course seems to be learning vast amounts of content.) Very interesting to hear how our experiences differed 🙂.

Very similar to my experience too many years ago to mention now. I was lucky enough to get funding, but that is less common now and the fees have gone up considerably. All my essays were due altogether in the Trinity term. It was exhausting.

I really enjoy your videos and thank you for making them. If I can offer a very general opinion in regards to working (here, studying) environment. Often a lot of weird or uncomfortable situations are normalised in a group of people by accepting them whenever they are brought up, usually by one of the group. I said weird and uncomfortable because this is what accumulates in one's life as they get older and spent more and more time among people who have their own separate lives as well as the communal life in the office. I am not trying to be patronising. I am sure you will do excellent in whatever you choose to do, or end up doing. You have the drive for it. I'm just saying this in case you notice it because you will notice it. You don't seem to be the person who will go through life completely oblivious.

Interesting (rather great) reflection. Wonder, how popular dissertation option course is for BCL students (and any drawbacks or advantages either based on your experience or from observing your peers/their shared experiences), as dissertation is often perceived as an opportunity where students can pursue what interests them (within the framework of the law courses they are taught in BCL), where in the dissertation course option, students can research on a critical thinking/novelty/some original research basis instead mass meta black letter substance regurgitated in both regular tutorial essays and end of year exams for the course options taken. Not sure if dissertation would be popular/advisable for those intending to pursue the Bar though, as there I guess knowing substance and Oxford style black letter law contents may matter more than legal research/legal academia debates.

You’ve put succinctly the drawbacks of the BCL. I’m of the view that had I gone to Oxford for undergrad I would have come out a much poorer lawyer. My undergrad taught me everything I know about teamwork in a professional setting, digesting other’s original ideas and putting mine across as well. Those skills are terribly undervalued in the profession.

@eloiseslawchannel2129

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Thanks! It’s really interesting to hear that you have a similar viewpoint.

Can someone with a 2.1 from an ex poly uni, but with high grades on the bar course (VC) at City, get into the BCL? Or you’d say it’s useless to apply because of my 2.1 and ex uni name

@eloiseslawchannel2129

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Looking at the profiles of previous candidates (available online), my understanding is that it’s very difficult to get onto the BCL with a 2.1. That being said, it has happened previously and I wouldn’t want to discourage anyone from applying. If you’re unsure, you could always contact admissions (I don’t want give the impression that I’m knowledgable about admissions in any way). Whatever you decide to do, best of luck.

Great video and agree with lots of the points you raised! Good luck with everything going forward :)

Aren't barristers sometimes in court and need to quickly engage/respond to an argument/theory they might not have prepared for? Isn't "thinking on your feet" one of the attributes the bar is valuing?

@eloiseslawchannel2129

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Sure, three points: 1. The BCL isn’t the Bar, it’s an academic course. Plenty of people will go into academia or something else entirely after studying the BCL. There’s no reason that success on the BCL should depend on potential for the Bar. 2. Thinking on your feet about a sophisticated academic argument and then writing that up as a good essay is entirely different to answering questions about a case on your feet. Questions in court tend to be narrow (and therefore easier to address quickly). A barrister should also be intimately familiar with their argument and the facts supporting it before going into court. This is a different exercise to answering an entirely unseen academic question in 45 minutes. 3. Barristers often have boxes of material, juniors, and solicitors to help them in court. They can also also ask to pause to think or take further instructions. None of these resources are available during exams.

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Hi Eloise, I am aspiring to do the BCL course at Oxford and was hoping there would be a way for me to contact you for some advice on my application. I'm hoping you could provide me with an email or your LinkedIn. Thank you.