Module catalogue: LL6078

LL6078 - Employment and Equality Law (2026/27)

Module specification

Module approved to run in 2026/27, but may be subject to modification

Module title

Employment and Equality Law

Module level

Honours (06)

Credit rating for module

School

Guildhall School of Business and Law

Total study hours

150

114 hours	Guided independent study
36 hours	Scheduled learning & teaching activities

Assessment components

Type	Weighting	Qualifying mark	Description
Coursework	50%		Written Report (1,000 words maximum)
Coursework	50%		Legal Advice (1,000 words maximum)

Running in 2026/27

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)

Period	Campus	Day	Time	Module Leader
Autumn semester	North	-	-

Module summary

Employment and Equality Law will focus on the legal relationship between employers and workers as well as the law relating to the prohibition of discrimination both within and outside the employment context. The module examines the diverse nature of individual employment relationships, the content of the contract of employment and the remedies available to the parties on its termination. It outlines the domestic statutory and common law provisions which govern the employment relationship between employers and employees and employers and workers.

The aims of the module are as follows:
1. You will be given opportunities for critical examination of domestic statute and case law related to the prohibition of discrimination.
2. You will develop your practical knowledge of employment and equality law through independent research and application to hypothetical problem questions.
3. You will develop a critical understanding of employment and equality law through analysis of the social and economic context in which the law has developed.
4. You will develop your oral presentation skills in a supportive atmosphere in seminars.
5. You will develop your professional skills through observation of tribunal proceedings.

This module supports graduate opportunity and employability by giving you key knowledge of a subject which is practised within the professional legal sector; and by giving you a host of transferable skills, including research, critical thinking and communication.

Syllabus

1. Introduction to the Employment Relationship LO1 and LO2
• The distinction between the contract of employment and the contract for services
2. Implied and Express Terms LO1 and LO2
• The rules which govern terms in the contract of employment
3. Termination of Employment LO1 and LO2
• Unfair and wrongful dismissal, and redundancy
4. Equality Law LO1 and LO2
• English statute and case law relating to discrimination, and the protections afforded by the Equality Act 2010
• Enforcement of Equality Law including exceptions and defences.
5. Employment Litigation LO3
• Completion and submission of claims to the employment tribunal
• Observation and written report of a tribunal hearing

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

Learning & Teaching Strategy

Weekly two-hour lecture and one-hour seminar.

The lecture will be used for:
• Dissemination of knowledge through an overview of each topic with detailed guidance on appropriate aspects;
• An introduction to relevant academic literature;
• Guidance on learning strategies;
• Use of WebLearn and IT resources;
• Whole group questions and discussion.
The seminar will be used for the development of skills necessary to attain the module learning outcomes through:
• Written and oral questions/answers designed to reinforce fundamental rules, principles and cases;
• A range of step-by-step analytical exercises;
• Problem solving;
• IT tasks, such as research of cases and statutes;
• Legal writing;
• Oral presentation;
• Oral communication;
• Teamwork.

Blended Learning
All learning materials, previous examination questions and sample Q/A’s will be on blackboard for use in directed private study.

Student engagement will be encouraged in both lectures and seminars through weekly use of WebLearn for access to all of the above materials.

There will be required use of the professional legal databases, especially Westlaw and Lexis Library, for legal research.

Opportunities for reflective learning/pdp
Each weekly seminar will contain space for students to reflect on what they have learnt in relation to the overall syllabus. There will be frequent feedback opportunities structured into the timetable and a range of sample answers posted onto WebLearn.

Employability
Employability strategy will aim to acquaint students with a range of employment avenues both in the legal profession and in those professions into which legal qualifications and skills are transferable.

Student’s Study Responsibilities
The need for attendance, punctuality, preparation and engagement will be emphasised with particular reference to written and IT research, problem-solving, team-work, discussion, debate and critical awareness of the subject.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

1, Demonstrate a systematic understanding of key aspects of the syllabus.

2. Demonstrate the ability critically to discuss case study problems relating to the syllabus, devising and sustaining arguments, and showing appreciation of uncertainties and ambiguities in legal principles and policy.

3. Make astute and cogent written observations in the social context of a real-life employment dispute setting.

Bibliography