Employment Law and Practice PgCert

Program Overview

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The Employment Law and Practice PgCert at Ulster University is a part-time postgraduate program designed for professionals in employment-related fields. Delivered through a blended learning approach, it provides a comprehensive understanding of employment law and compliance practices, equipping participants with the skills and knowledge to navigate complex legal and ethical issues in the workplace. The program culminates in a Postgraduate Certificate upon successful completion of all requirements.

Program Outline

It is designed for those working in various capacities related to employment, including lawyers, human resources professionals, personnel officers, and industrial relations officers.

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Objectives:

• Develop specialist knowledge and understanding of employment law and compliance issues.
• Enhance skills and expertise in applying employment law principles in practical situations.
• Provide participants with the ability to critically analyze legal problems and develop effective solutions.
• Equip individuals to navigate complex ethical issues in the employment context.

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Description:

The program comprises a total of 60 credits, delivered through a blended learning approach. This includes:

• Live online sessions: Held primarily on Tuesday afternoons, these sessions feature leading employment law practitioners who share their expertise and insights.
• Recordings and presentations: Participants can access recordings of all sessions and presentations for review and reinforcement of learning.
• Independent study: This allows participants to delve deeper into the course content and complete assessments at their own pace.
The program culminates in the awarding of a Postgraduate Certificate in Employment Law and Practice, upon successful completion of all requirements.

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Outline

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Program structure:

• The program is delivered part-time over one academic year.
• Coursework consists of two modules:
• Employment Compliance and Development:
This module focuses on current legislation and case law developments in employment compliance, equipping participants to handle practical, legal, and ethical challenges effectively.
• Employment Law: This module provides a thorough grounding in the complexities of employment law, enabling participants to understand and apply legal principles across diverse scenarios.
• Each module is assessed through a combination of coursework and examinations.

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Course schedule:

• The course schedule is available online and subject to yearly updates.
• Live online sessions typically take place on Tuesday afternoons.
• Participants can access recordings and presentations on the course platform for flexible learning.

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Module descriptions:

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Employment Compliance and Development:

• This module explores various aspects of employment compliance, including:
• Recruitment and selection
• Equal opportunities
• Pay and benefits
• Disciplinary procedures
• Grievances
• Participants will gain practical skills in managing compliance issues and advising on best practices.

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Employment Law:

• This module covers a wide range of employment law topics, such as:
• Contract of employment
• Unfair dismissal
• Discrimination
• Health and safety
• Collective bargaining
• The module equips participants with the ability to interpret legal principles and apply them in real-world situations.

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Assessment:

• Assessment methods vary depending on the module but may include:
• Essays
• Reports
• Presentations
• Examinations
• The overall program grade is determined by a combination of coursework and examination marks.

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Teaching

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Teaching methods:

• The program adopts a blended learning approach that combines live online sessions with independent study.
• Live sessions are interactive and encourage active participation from participants.
• Participants have access to a dedicated online platform with resources, recordings, and communication channels.

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Faculty:

• The program is led by Dr. Esther McGuinness, Course Director and experienced employment law expert with over 25 years of experience.
• The faculty comprises practicing employment lawyers, HR professionals, and academic experts who bring real-world insights to the learning experience.

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Unique approaches:

• The program features guest lectures by renowned employment law practitioners, offering valuable industry perspectives.
• Participants have access to the Ulster Law Clinic, where they can gain practical experience under the supervision of experienced professionals.
• The program utilizes innovative online tools and resources to enhance the learning experience.

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Careers

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Career options:

• Graduates can pursue diverse career paths in various sectors, including:
• Private practice law firms
• In-house legal teams of companies
• Human resource departments
• Government agencies
• Trade unions
• Educational institutions

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Opportunities:

• Graduates can seek promotions within existing organizations, secure higher-level positions elsewhere, or establish themselves as independent practitioners.
• The program strengthens career prospects and opens doors to specialized employment law roles.

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Other

• The program emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations in the employment law field.
• Participants develop critical thinking skills and the ability to analyze complex legal problems effectively.
• The program fosters a strong sense of community through interactive online sessions and dedicated communication channels.