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.

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 ...

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.

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.

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.