Employment Law LLM, PGDip, by distance learning

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).

Powered by world-class research, the University of Leicester delivers research-inspired education across the Sciences, Humanities, Law, Medicine, the Arts and Business, with staff and students collaborating to create, share and apply knowledge to change the world. It is a world-leading, diverse and inclusive university based in the UK’s most multicultural city.

Whether you choose to study full-time on campus, or part-time via distance learning, through your studies and independent research you will acquire the advanced skills and knowledge to pursue your passion and enhance your career options.

The University of Leicester is a top 30 UK university (Complete University Guide 2023) and is proud to be one of the world’s leading research-intensive universities. Our research changes the way we think about the past, present and future. As a discovery-led University, we are elite in the excellence of our research, as well as being focused on innovation. Research underpins all of our taught postgraduate courses so you can be sure that the knowledge you’re learning, and skills you’re developing, are at the forefront of available knowledge.

Why Leicester

The University of Leicester is a leading research and teaching university with more than 30 years of experience offering high-quality distance learning courses. Over 25,000 Citizens of Change have graduated from our distance learning courses. We invite you to be the next one.

Unlike some distance learning providers, our distance learning courses are taught by the same academic staff who teach our undergraduates and postgraduates on campus. You are assured of a real university education and a real university qualification.

Each of our distance learning courses is tailored to the subject, level and requirements of our students. Some courses even include residential visits or workshops.

Supporting our students

As a Leicester distance learning student, you have full access to the same student support services as our on-campus students. This includes the Students’ Union which has a dedicated Distance Learning Officer who makes sure that your views and needs are considered in Union affairs. The Distance Learning Officer is elected each year – maybe you could be the next one?

Library

You will have access to the Library’s comprehensive online catalogue containing thousands of electronic journals and over 350,000 books. This includes the Leicester Research Archive, a digital collection of research papers and theses from members of the University.

As a Leicester student, you will be able to access the online catalogue and download these resources free of charge - wherever you are in the world. You are, of course, welcome to come onto campus and use our Library facilities at any time.

Career Development Service

For most distance-learning students, career advancement is a prime motivating factor. Our Career Development Service will offer you guidance and support throughout your studies – and beyond. The Career Development Service offers:

• Online tools and individually tailored advice to help you extend and develop your academic skills
• Employability programmes and awards including the online version of our Leicester Award
• A wide selection of one-to-one careers consultations, workshops and webinars covering interview and assessment centre skills, psychometric testing and CVs, covering letters and application forms
• Links with employers to discover the career paths that are open to you

Graduation – and beyond

As a distance learning student, you are welcome to campus at any time. We would love to meet you in person, though obviously, this is dependent on where you live. It is particularly gratifying when distance learning students are able to visit campus to take part in our graduation ceremonies, celebrating their academic achievement in the best way possible.

As part of our global alumni family, you can maintain links with the University through our Alumni Association, which has chapters around the world.