Progress to Postgrad: Brooke
Posted on: 6 November 2025 by Richard Finch in Class of 2024
Brooke is a LLB Law graduate who progressed to study the BPC LLM at the University of Law.
How did you hear about your course?
I heard about the BPC through my aspirations of becoming a barrister.
How did you get to where you are now?
If you had told me back in secondary school that one day I’d be on the Bar Practice Course (BPC), I probably wouldn’t have believed you. I didn’t leave school with the most amazing GCSEs, but they were just enough to get me in college. I studied Sociology, Law, and History, and that’s where my passion for law started to grow.
That interest pushed me to apply to university, and I was lucky enough to be offered a place to study Law at the University of Liverpool. I worked extremely hard throughout those three tough years and graduated with a First Class degree which something I’m proud of. That achievement helped strengthen my application for the BPC and is something I will have for life!
When it came to applying to University of Law for the BPC, the process included an interview and an advocacy exercise which something I had never done before. Coming out the interview completely convinced I wouldn’t get a place, to my surprise (and relief), I was offered a place and started the BPC in September 2024.
Ahead of the BPC, I took every opportunity I could to complete mini pupillages with chambers. Not only did this give me invaluable insight into life at the Bar, but it also helped me build connections with barristers on the Northern Circuit. Honestly, if you're thinking of going down this route, networking is everything. LinkedIn became my go-to tool—it’s such a powerful way to connect with barristers, chambers, and aspiring students alike. And the best part? Everyone I reached out to was friendly, supportive, and willing to answer any questions I had.
But I couldn’t have done any of this without the support of my family. My family does not include barristers, so it’s all been new territory. But even when they didn’t fully understand what I was studying or going through, they were always there, ready to listen, encourage, and remind me that I’m more than capable.
There have been hard days. The stress, the sacrifices, the endless hours of studying, and of course, the constant feeling of imposter syndrome. But my constant drive, motivation and hard work has paid off. I got my results from my BPC yesterday and I achieved the highest classification, a High Distinction. I am going to be called to the Bar of England and Wales. It is crazy that I have just said that, I am still in shock that I have been able to achieve this.
My journey is far from easy, but it’s worth it. Every step brings me closer to becoming the barrister I’ve always wanted to be.
Your favourite experience?
The Bar Practice Course (BPC) was a completely different experience from my law degree. My undergraduate studies were heavily focused on theory; the BPC was much more practical—and that’s exactly what made it so exciting. I finally felt like I was doing the kind of work I’ve always dreamed of. One of the most enjoyable parts for me was the advocacy sessions, especially exercises like cross-examination (not as dramatic as it is on TV). Those moments really brought the idea of becoming a barrister to life and reminded me exactly why I’m on this journey.
The most challenging part of your journey?
At the start of my degree, I was struggling to get to grips with this new way of learning. From college you aren't giving vast amounts of articles, textbooks, etc to read a week! Also, going from college to university, the exam technique was completely different.
What's your #1 piece of advice for future grads?
Research everything about the career you want to go into and do as much as you can to increase your chances of getting there!
If you know where you want to go and what you want to do, try to do as much volunteering/work experience as possible- Grow your CV, it will really help you in the future after you finish your degree.
Graduate+
Graduate+ is just for University of Liverpool finalists and graduates. It's a new way to stay connected, get career support, build the right skills and experiences, and hear about exclusive career opportunities in Liverpool, the UK, and beyond. Let us help you get the job that you deserve!
Graduate+
Graduate+ is just for University of Liverpool finalists and graduates. It's a new way to stay connected, get career support, build the right skills and experiences, and hear about exclusive career opportunities in Liverpool, the UK, and beyond. Let us help you get the job that you deserve!
Graduate Outcomes Survey
The Graduate Outcomes survey exists to improve the experience of future students. All graduates are asked to share their perspectives 15 months after they finish their course, to build a national picture that UK universities and colleges use to innovate their services. League tables, Prospects and The Complete University Guide use our Graduate Outcomes data to help students make decisions about their future.
Keywords: Graduate, Class of 2024, progress to postgraduate, Case Studies.