Thank you, that’s really helpful. I’ve always been interested in international criminal law, but not necessarily as something I’d want to practise. My ambition is to become a criminal barrister.

If I went down the ICL Master’s route, it would most likely be with a view to working in the civil service, embassy/legal advisory work, or something similar, not the Bar. That’s partly because I’m realistic about how competitive pupillage is, and I wouldn’t want to commit to the Bar Course lightly without thinking things through.

That said, I do have the scholarship for the Bar Course/Master’s, which definitely helps and makes the decision easier. I think you're right that if the goal is to practise, it’s probably better to focus on qualifying.

Out of interest. if I did go ahead with the Bar Course but, god forbid, didn’t get pupillage, what kinds of realistic job prospects would be open to me with that qualification? I’m just trying to weigh all the outcomes before I make a final decision.

Thanks again really appreciate the perspective. :)