Advice for the Oxford BCL.

OP

7

Also, to note this is NOT what I have put in an application and a lot of it probably won't be included, but I wanted to provide everything I can remember to provide a holistic overview of what I was involved in. I 100% understand that Oxford care about academic accomplishments significantly higher than things like commercial law experience or other experience opportunities, but I still wanted to include (mostly) everything I can think of.

Reply 2

OP

7

Bump

Reply 3

8

I'm only a law undergrad, and have no clue re your questions 1 to 4, but re your extra question, maybe email Law Fellows at a bunch of colleges and see if one will give you ten minutes chat on BCL apps? My Dad says that you might be able to persuade the Bodleian to let you have a Bod card if you can show a legit reason, such as prepping for postgrad. He says to ask at the Bod office in the Weston Library.

Reply 4

JohnnyChilling

1

I think you've failed to mention the most important thing: your ranking in your graduating cohort. Most people applying for the Oxford BCL will have a first.

Reply 5

OP

7

Original post

by JohnnyChilling

I think you've failed to mention the most important thing: your ranking in your graduating cohort. Most people applying for the Oxford BCL will have a first.

Honestly, I’m not entirely sure. I was invited to my university’s high achievers event, which only included about 12 students from my degree. I know the university gives module-specific awards, but I don’t think they release full cohort rankings to students beyond individual modules or high-performing events.

I could be wrong, but I haven’t heard anyone mention cohort rankings, and I’ve spoken to most of the people who attended the high achievers event and they never said anything (and trust me, if they were the highest ranking student they would let everyone know lol) so I am not sure if it is a thing at my uni.

Reply 6

OP

7

Original post

by Mr Tangle

I'm only a law undergrad, and have no clue re your questions 1 to 4, but re your extra question, maybe email Law Fellows at a bunch of colleges and see if one will give you ten minutes chat on BCL apps? My Dad says that you might be able to persuade the Bodleian to let you have a Bod card if you can show a legit reason, such as prepping for postgrad. He says to ask at the Bod office in the Weston Library.

Hi thank you for the advice. I will look into this; seems like a good idea. I will send some emails this afternoon. I will also look into getting a Bod card tomorrow when I go into town.

Reply 7

18

Original post

by Psychidiot12

Hi everyone,
I’m really keen to apply for the Oxford BCL. I live in Oxford currently and would love the chance to study here. I posted about this about a year ago but didn’t apply in the end due to funding issues, and I’ve now just graduated, so I’d like some updated advice on my chances and what I can do to strengthen my application — or if realistically my chances are too slim.
Some background about me:
Academic background:

•

I graduated with a first-class LLB in Law from Sheffield University. I do not have a first in every module, but i do in a large majority of them.

•

In first year, my average was a low 2:1, but I had significant mitigating circumstances which can all be verified (close relatives death, mum heart attack and I had a suspected brain tumour).

•

In January 2025, I was Non-Assessed (basically I didn't sit anything) because my mum was hospitalised again and seriously ill. I have full verifiable proof of this, and my university advised me to take NA for that period because of the circumstances. I still got a first in my modules when I did them in August, but I worry this may affect how my grades are viewed.

Legal and professional experience:

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Completed 1 mini-pupillage at Radcliffe Chambers.

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Completed 2 mini-pupillages at Cornwall Street Chambers and have also been invited back to do another mini when I’m available.

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Served as the Freshfields Campus Ambassador at Sheffield.

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Completed two selective, real-facing, virtual commercial law internships (not Forage).

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Worked in my university’s pro bono commercial law clinic for two years. I met clients (mainly small businesses), wrote advisory legal letters, used case management systems and delegated tasks to a team of five. In my second year, I acted as the group leader and was responsible for 5 others. This role also qualified for QWE.

•

I have upcoming work experience with two solicitor firms in Oxford.

Awards and recognition:

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Announced as the regional winner in the Global Undergraduate Awards (law category), a worldwide competition.

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One of five COMBAR scholars awarded by Inner Temple.

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Attended my Universities high achiever event for the highest performing students in their cohort.

Publications:

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One paper published following my award win.

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One chapter written for a published paper where I am credited.

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A further publication currently pending.

Extracurricular activities and competitions:

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Ran my law school’s podcast, which involved recording and editing episodes and interviewing people.

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Won a competition with Ashurst, which led to an exclusive open day at the firm.

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Reached the interview stage with Ashurst.

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Reached the assessment centre with Allen & Overy.

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Took an extra language modules in Arabic in addition to the six modules required for my law degree.

Other work experience:

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Currently work as a tutor, teaching law, maths, English, and history.

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Worked for the NHS on the internal helpdesk.

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Worked as a payroll and accounts administrator for a recruitment agency.

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Worked as a paid carer.

Certificates and qualifications:

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Certificate from Oxford University German Olympiad.

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Young Writers Creativity Award certifying I have written a creative piece of Distinction selected for publication

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Lexis+ certificates (Research Advanced & Practical Guidance).

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University of Law Commercial Awareness certificate.

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6 certificates from Forage.

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2 certificates from Bright Network.

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ICT Award from secondary school.

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2 Open Learn course certificates.

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CPD-recognised certificates in Employment Law, Business & Corporate Taxation, and Bookkeeping.

References:

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My academic tutor, who attended Oxford and completed the BCL, has agreed to act as a referee.

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I also have another senior lecturer whi worked for A&O who would be willing to act as my referee.

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I can also get a reference from a deputy head of a fairly large cgambers set, but I believe Oxford value academic references anyway. But I am struggling for a 3rd referee.

My questions:

1.

Given all of this, do I stand a realistic chance of being accepted onto the BCL, or would my grades/mitigating circumstances make this unlikely?

2.

How much weight do strong references (Oxford BCL alum + senior lecturer + chambers deputy head) carry in the process?

3.

Is there anything else I can do at this stage to improve my competitiveness?

4.

Funding: since I live in Oxford, accommodation isn’t an issue. Does the BCL qualify for the £12,000 Postgraduate Master’s Loan?

Extra question: Since I live in Oxford — is there anyone or anywhere I could go locally (within the university or law faculty) to try and speak to people about this? I am in a lucky position where it is all pretty much on my doorstep, so I will attempt to speak to anyone who could help.

Take a look at the current BCL students intake profiles:

bclmjur_profile_book_2023_-_24_online.pdf

Because they all had first class Law degrees. 🙂

Most of them graduated from Oxbridge, London and the rest of the Russell Group or their country equivalent. 😉

Reply 8

OP

7

Original post

by thegeek888

Take a look at the current BCL students intake profiles:
bclmjur_profile_book_2023_-_24_online.pdf
Because they all had first class Law degrees. 🙂
Most of them graduated from Oxbridge, London and the rest of the Russell Group or their country equivalent. 😉

Hi thank you for this. It says everyone finished the top of their cohort, but I really am unsure as to whether this is a thing at my uni. I actually saw someone from my university and it only mentioned specific modules with no reference to actual module rankings. I got a first in my degree and I have won a few awards both externally and internally, so this does fill me with a little confidence, so thank you very much.

Reply 9

18

Original post

by Psychidiot12

Hi thank you for this. It says everyone finished the top of their cohort, but I really am unsure as to whether this is a thing at my uni. I actually saw someone from my university and it only mentioned specific modules with no reference to actual module rankings. I got a first in my degree and I have won a few awards both externally and internally, so this does fill me with a little confidence, so thank you very much.

There are lots of students from Australia, India, China, Singapore and some South American countries and some EU countries as well but well over half are from the UK Home students.

You have published research papers, so you will be at an advantage.

Also, you have had mini pupillages at barrister chambers.

So, you would have a strong chance. 😉

Reply 10

Anonymous #1

Original post

by Psychidiot12

Hi thank you for this. It says everyone finished the top of their cohort, but I really am unsure as to whether this is a thing at my uni. I actually saw someone from my university and it only mentioned specific modules with no reference to actual module rankings. I got a first in my degree and I have won a few awards both externally and internally, so this does fill me with a little confidence, so thank you very much.

Don't worry. There are a decent few universities that don't offer many awards/any at all. Honestly, if you have a lot of high firsts across your modules, that can kind of speak for itself. Yes, having an actual formal ranking would defo help, but Oxford aren't silly, and would not ignore high grades! I am also planning on applying for the BCL this year, and I have reached out to a ton of ex BCL students, and at least 3 of the one I spoken to did not include specific/formal rankings. What I have been led to understand, is that as long as you ace your written piece AND have great references (not just their title, but the substance of what they actually say), you will have a good shot. I think we should also take into account that those who rank top 5 in their cohort also probably have the capability of writing a great written piece, moreso than those who rank less impressively, which could answer the question of why there are so many highly ranked profiles in the BCL. I am saying that to reinforce the fact that ranking defo does play a part, but its not the sole thing. Hope that gives you some reassurance! I would suggest reaching out to people who have recently completed the BCL, the ones I have spoken to were incredibly kind and forthcoming, they really do want to answer your questions (.. well some of them). Good luck!

Reply 11

mishieru07

12

Original post

by Psychidiot12

Hi thank you for this. It says everyone finished the top of their cohort, but I really am unsure as to whether this is a thing at my uni. I actually saw someone from my university and it only mentioned specific modules with no reference to actual module rankings. I got a first in my degree and I have won a few awards both externally and internally, so this does fill me with a little confidence, so thank you very much.

Can you email your tutors and ask them if (a) Sheffield Law does in fact rank each graduating class; and (b) if yes, what was your ranking?

Oxford awards prizes to the top overall Law graduate and those ranked 2 to 4 (ish), but my tutors were able to tell me my exact ranking when I asked. This was not actually reflected on my transcript or my graduation certificate, it was something I had to specifically ask for.

I suggest that you reach out to recent Sheffield graduates who also did the BCL (send them a cold message on LinkedIn, or ask your tutors/ friends if they can introduce you). Alternatively, you can try emailing the Law Faculty/ college MCRs and ask if they can put you in touch with a BCL student.

Reply 12

8

Original post

by Psychidiot12

Hi thank you for this. It says everyone finished the top of their cohort, but I really am unsure as to whether this is a thing at my uni. I actually saw someone from my university and it only mentioned specific modules with no reference to actual module rankings. I got a first in my degree and I have won a few awards both externally and internally, so this does fill me with a little confidence, so thank you very much.

Hey, respect to you, OP, you got a First in law! That geek88 guy is just some middle aged weirdo who hasn't even got an A level. I'm just a law student, and I doubt I'll be getting a first. I have no clue what it takes to get on the BCL course, and am unlikely to be anywhere near that course, so I'm diffident in making any suggestions to you. As an Oxford student, I am of course a fan of confident bluffing, but that geek dude has nothing to bluff on.

Reply 13

8

Original post

by thegeek888

There are lots of students from Australia, India, China, Singapore and some South American countries and some EU countries as well but well over half are from the UK Home students.
You have published research papers, so you will be at an advantage.
Also, you have had mini pupillages at barrister chambers.
So, you would have a strong chance. 😉

How do you know whether the OP has a chance? You're sat there in your jammies at your Momma house. Bro, we all got the internet. Posting stuff you've copied off the net doesn't make you an expert.

Reply 14

18

Original post

by Mr Tangle

How do you know whether the OP has a chance? You're sat there in your jammies at your Momma house. Bro, we all got the internet. Posting stuff you've copied off the net doesn't make you an expert.

It's based on the current student's profiles. i.e. Those who have been accepted to the BCL with their profiles published in the handbook.

BCL/MJur Handbook

Reply 15

8

Original post

by thegeek888

It's based on the current student's profiles. i.e. Those who have been accepted to the BCL with their profiles published in the handbook.
BCL/MJur Handbook

Yeah, I figured you'd read something on the internet. Your compulsive need to pretend to be an expert on stuff of which you have no personal experience is weird. Maybe get that looked at? "Advice" from you ain't worth the paper it's not printed on.

Reply 16

18

Original post

by Mr Tangle

Yeah, I figured you'd read something on the internet. Your compulsive need to pretend to be an expert on stuff of which you have no personal experience is weird. Maybe get that looked at? "Advice" from you ain't worth the paper it's not printed on.

You percieve that I'm an expert when I did not claim to be but I have been reading the BCL handbook every year for over a decade. So, to some extent that would make me an expert? 😛 lol

Reply 17