Employment Law and Practice - LLM
Employment law is fundamental to many aspects of our daily lives. It provides a framework for businesses to operate positive working environments, facilitating progress and success. It also protects individuals from unfair treatment and discrimination at work. This area of law is focused around people and as a result, it is constantly developing and changing. This programme allows you to enhance your knowledge of the law and its practical application through every stage of the employment journey as well as building your legal skills further by tailoring your programme of study to align with your career prospects and aspirations.
Month of entry
- September
Mode of study
- Full time, Part time
Fees for 2024/25 academic year
- UK - Full time £9,800 per year. Part time £5,400 per year.
International - £19,500 per year.
Duration of study
- Full time - 1 year, Part time - 2 years, Modular - 5 years
Why study Employment Law and Practice at Keele University?
Course summary
This course will develop your understanding and application of employment law, in practice. You will gain insight into the various contexts in which employment law is relevant including commercial, societal and political perspectives. You will investigate legal problems, learn how to implement solutions across various workplace environments, and acquire the expertise needed to gain insight into how claims may be processed in the Employment Tribunal.
With this, you will develop a variety of core skills including research, drafting, writing and negotiation whilst enhancing your analytical skills to investigate legal problems and scenarios, building a critical awareness of subject matter. You will have the opportunity to consider issues arising at all stages of the employment journey from employment status through to termination. You will consider the practical problems that are faced by individuals and organisations, with particular focus on the professional relationship between employees and employers.
This programme is ideal for graduates who wish to specialise in employment law and/or professionals who are involved in managing employment relationships.
Other courses you may be interested in:
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Course structure
The LLM in Employment Law and Practice consists of taught modules, each worth 30 credits. The dissertation module is worth 60 credits and you must complete 180 credits in order to qualify for the final LLM award. All taught modules must be completed successfully before the dissertation can be credited.
The programme can be studied full time over one year, part time over two years or up to five years if you choose to study on a modular basis.
The information below outlines a one year, full time study schedule.
Modules
- You will select four modules from the choices listed below, and will study these across two semesters.
- You must study LAW-40094 before/at the same time as studying LAW-40100.
- The below list is indicative and subject to change; some modules may run in a different semester, depending on demand.
Modules
The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods, as well as student voice. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.
Semester 1
- LAW-40088: Employment Status; current controversies (30 credits)
- LAW-40092: Employment law - best practice in policies and procedures (30 credits)
- LAW-40090: Contracts of Employment; interpretation and drafting (30 credits)
- LAW-40094: Termination of the employment relationship- Unfair and wrongful dismissal (30 credits)
Extended Project/Case Study/Dissertation
This module is your final assessment which allows you to complete an in-depth study on a topic of your choice. This can be in the format of an extended project, case study or dissertation of 15,000 - 20,000 words. You will explore your personal ideas and apply your knowledge to real legal problems or scenarios.
You will engage with research training at the beginning of the programme to help prepare you for this module, including the planning and execution of your final submission. For those in full-time or part-time employment, you may be inspired to tailor your chosen topic towards your employer's needs and challenges by considering a human resources or management issue which is directly impacting your organisation.
For example, you may critically evaluate your current company framework on a particular issue, outlining your recommendations for improvement in the form of a case study.
If you opt for a traditional dissertation, this will involve the academic review of a chosen topic, drawing upon your own research and existing literature to further develop this area.
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Entry requirements
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Entry requirements
The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don't see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications.
Typical offer
Please ensure that you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the dropdown menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and English Language requirements you may need.
Please select your country from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information
UK
2:2 degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Bangladesh
60% in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in any humanities or social science subject from a public university
or
CGPA 2.8 in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in any humanities or social science subject from a private university
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Canada
70% or C or a GPA of 2.5 in a degree (Ordinary or Honours) in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
China
70% in a degree in any humanities or social science subject or 65% in a degree in any humanities or social science subject from a '211' university
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Ghana
Second class degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
India
55% or CGPA 6/10 in a degree of at least 3 years in any Humanities, or Social Science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Kenya
Second class degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Nepal
60% / 2.4 in a 4-year Bachelor's degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
65% / CGPA 2.8 in a 3-year Bachelor's degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Nigeria
Second class degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Pakistan
We accept a range of qualifications from Pakistan. Please visit our Pakistan Country Page for more information or we will consider demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience.
You will also need an English language qualification (see below)
South Africa
Second class division 2 / 60% in a Bachelor's degree with Honours in any humanities or social science subject
or
Second class division 1 / 70% in an Ordinary Bachelor's degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Sri Lanka
55% in a Special Bachelor's degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Uganda
Second class degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Zimbabwe
Second class degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
English language requirements
All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group B.
References
Normally, you will need to provide at least one academic reference to support your application unless you have been out of study longer than two years. If it has been more than two years since you last studied on a degree-level programme, you will normally need to provide an employment reference instead. For more information about Academic References, please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages.
Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose
Please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages for guidance on what to include in your personal statement.
Recognition of Prior Learning
The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process which enables applicants to receive recognition and formal credit for learning acquired in the past through formal study or work and life experiences.
RPL can also be requested for admission onto the start of a programme in lieu of the admission requirements. For more information, see our Recognition of Prior Learning web pages.
Professional qualifications and work experience
The majority of our courses will consider relevant work experience and/or professional qualifications at the appropriate level, as an alternative to an undergraduate degree for entry. The work experience should be for a sustained period and at a suitable level, based within a relevant sector to your chosen course.
Admissions staff will review your work experience and/or professional qualifications during the assessment of your application to ensure suitability in terms of relevancy, level and appropriate learning outcomes.
General information
The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.
Funding
Please note, if your course offers a January start date, the January 2024 start date falls in the 2023/24 academic year. Please see the 2023/24 academic year fees for the relevant fees for starting this course in January 2024.
Planning your funding
It's important to plan carefully for your funding before you start your course. Please be aware that not all postgraduate courses and not all students are eligible for the UK government postgraduate loans and, in some cases, you would be expected to source alternative funding yourself. If you need support researching your funding options, please contact our Financial Support Team.
Scholarships
We are committed to rewarding excellence and potential. Please visit our scholarships and bursaries webpage for more information.
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Your career
The LLM in Employment Law and Practice is designed to equip you with up-to-date knowledge of the law and its application, which will enable you to evaluate, develop and implement employment policies and procedures. You will attain various graduate attributes that will enhance your career prospects within the legal profession or related fields, as well as further study at doctoral level (PhD).
In addition to the specialist knowledge you will gain, you will also develop a range of transferable skills in communication, problem-solving, creative thinking and management. Your knowledge and expertise will be valued by employers and your experience on this programme will prepare you to work both effectively with others and independently across a range of professional environments.
You may also have the opportunity to get involved with Keele's dedicated Legal Advice Clinics, where you can gain valuable legal work experience as a 'Student Advisor'. This may qualify as 'Qualifying Work Experience' (QWE) towards your qualification as a Solicitor and can also help to enhance your employability.
Graduates may progress into the following sectors:
- Legal Practice
- Human Resources
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Business Management
- Trade Union
- Finance
- Charities
- Teaching/Education
- Academia
- Policing
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Teaching, learning and assessment
How you'll be taught
This course is taught by a team of experienced academics and practitioners with expertise in employment law.
The LLM is a flexible programme allowing you to tailor your course of study to your interests and commitments. Most modules on this programme are made up of intensive 3-day blocks of teaching, which allow you to combine your studies with full-time employment.
During the teaching blocks, you will take part in tutor-led lectures and seminars as well as small group exercises, enabling you to collaborate with peers to develop your knowledge as well as enhancing your written and oral skills. You will also be given suggested independent reading to supplement and consolidate the knowledge gained in your classes, and to broaden your knowledge and understanding of the subject matter.
The Law School also organises a wide range of seminars, workshops and lectures, which all students are welcome to attend. These events provide opportunities to hear directly from leading researchers and external practitioners, who will share insight into different perspectives.
Support
During your studies at Keele, you will be supported by a team of staff who are available to provide advice and guidance on personal and academic queries. This includes the Student Experience and Support Officer, Academic Mentor, Course Director and Learning Development Support Tutor.
Teaching Schedule
The provisional teaching schedule for the taught modules is outlined below. (Dates to be confirmed)
Semester 1
Induction Day:
LAW-40088 | Employment Status: The current controversies
LAW-40092 | Employment Law - Best practice in policies and procedures
LAW-40090 | Contracts of Employment: Interpretation and Drafting
LAW-40094 | Termination of the Employment Relationship: Unfair and Wrongful Dismissal
LAW-40015 | Dissertation Training Day
Semester 2
LAW-40100: A Practical Approach to Employment Tribunal Practice and Procedure
LAW-40096 | Discrimination in Employment: Law and Practice
LAW-40015 | Second Dissertation Training Day
How you'll be assessed
Assessment is based on coursework and a dissertation. There are no exams. Each taught module is assessed through a practice-based written assignment and a reflective analysis. The pass mark for all assessments is 50%. Detailed feedback is provided on all coursework to enable continuous improvement and development throughout the course.
Whilst studying at Keele, you will have the opportunity to build on your written and oral communication skills in preparation for your assessments. You will also have access to our learning and development advisors who can provide support with study skills.
At the start of the programme, you will begin a diary which will contribute to your professional development and allow you to discuss your progress and opportunities with employers.
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Our expertise
Teaching staff
This programme is delivered by the School of Law, which has a diverse body of expertise in both legal practice and research. Teaching team includes:
Catherine Edwards, Reader in Legal Education - Catherine has extensive experience of employment law and is responsible for employer engagement and employability initiatives within the School of Law, and also chairs the Birmingham Law Society Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
Abigail Pearson, Lecturer in Law – Abi is an experienced academic and Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. Her research interests centre around disability, equality and legal education.
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Facilities
As a postgraduate student in the School of Law you will have access to a dedicated PGT study room in the school. You will also be able to work in central spaces such as the library and independent study spaces to suit your requirements. You may also wish to use our dedicated law library for silent study, located in the campus library.
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