Employment Law LLM, PGDip, by distance learning University of Leicester

This is for you if... you want to develop your professional knowledge and skills in the practice of employment law and the management of employment relationships.

This degree will provide you with an understanding of UK and EU employment legislation and case law that you can directly apply to your career in HR or legal practice.

It is divided into four broad subject areas: individual employment relations; equality at work; termination of employment and individual dispute resolution; and key themes in employment law. Within these four areas you will critically analyse the scope and limitation of the law in relation to discrimination, gain a deeper understanding of the legal regulation of termination of employment, the role of collective bargaining and employee participation in the workplace and consider the effect of human rights and international labour law on the employment relationship. You will examine the law in-depth in its wider context to determine its effectiveness in the modern workplace, graduating with a comprehensive critical understanding of employment law relevant to your career.

Studying by distance learning allows you to fit your work around your existing employment and family commitments. You will be provided with support from our expert academic staff combined with the opportunity to meet tutors and colleagues face-to-face during our scheduled synchronous teaching events which take place on Fridays and Saturdays. To ensure flexibility, some synchronous teaching events will be delivered on Microsoft Teams, whilst others will be held in Leicester with an option to join on Microsoft Teams. During these synchronous teaching events, you will have the opportunity to attend lectures and participate in case studies, discussions, role-play and other exercises.

What's the difference?

If you take the PGDip you will follow the same course structure and uses the same course materials as the LLM but will not complete a dissertation. If you register for the Postgraduate Diploma and at the end of the final module have enough pass marks, you can transfer to the LLM, pay the fee difference and complete the dissertation.

Why Leicester?

• Be assessed by coursework only and have maximum flexibility to study alongside your other commitments.
• Learn from acknowledged national experts who are the leading thinkers within the field.
• Be part of our strong and supportive distance learning community and receive individual guidance from your own Personal Tutor.
• Bring your course materials to life and enhance your learning through interactive workshops, lectures and tutorials at our optional synchronous teaching events.

Teaching and learning

The course is taught by guided distance learning independent study combined with synchronous teaching events. Synchronous teaching events are live and you attend at the same time. They take place at the end of each period of study. Some of these are currently delivered online, whilst others are held in Leicester with an option to join remotely. Access to online classes is through Microsoft Teams.

The teaching events are optional but we recommend you attend at least two, and we strongly advise you to attend all of them if possible. The teaching events provide the opportunity to interact with lecturers and tutors, embed your knowledge alongside fellow students in our distance learning community, share your work, and learning experiences, and receive guidance of your assignment before submission. The events can also help you build your network of like-minded professionals.

Assessment

The course is assessed by means of module assignments and a dissertation (the dissertation requirement is applicable to those who are registered for the LLM degree).

Core modules

• Individual Employment Relations (double module)
• Equality at Work (double module)
• Termination of Employment and Individual Dispute Resolution (double module)
• International Labour Law, Human Rights and Trade Union Law (double module)
• Employment Law Dissertation

You will complete your 12,000-15,000-word dissertation in the field of employment law over the summer. Your dissertation is an extended piece of academic writing on a subject of your choosing. You will be supervised by an academic who specialises in your chosen topic.

The modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

Our supported distance learning and part-time routes enable you to apply your new skills to your current employment role immediately, allowing you to benefit from the course straight away.

Although you are enrolled on a Distance Learning course you are encouraged to use the facilities on campus whenever you can, including specific career-focused events such as our Law Fair, which is held annually and attracts more than 40 law firms and other graduate employers.

We have two members of staff who are dedicated law careers tutors on campus and are on hand to discuss career options, and upcoming opportunities and give advice about different firms.

We host a wide range of external speakers every year, representing the whole legal profession.