1. Students are required to write 3 short essays each of 200 words on a range of related topics (25%), LO1

and

2. A case study assignment 2000 words (75%) LOs 2 and 3
or
3. A portfolio of students own work 2000 words (75%) LOs 2 and 3

Contributes to Law benchmarking statement 14-22
(pp24/25) and to Social Policy benchmarking statements 3.2.1;3.2.7; 3.2.9; 3.2.11; 3.2.12; 3.3; 4.2; 4.3.2; 4.4

Encompasses CLS Quality Mark for Generalist Help with Casework for some aspects of Disability; Race Equality
Formative Assessment - Tutor feedback will be provided via the online seminar discussion forums and also during the module via email and telephone responses to tasks and exercises.

The student must achieve an aggregate score of at least 40% overall when part one and two are added together, in order to pass the module.

Key issues will be :-

1) Equal opportunities; concepts of equal opportunities; the need for equal opportunities - evidence of structural inequality; good practice; problems of implementing policy; the importance of language.
2) `Race' and ethnic relations law - a critical appreciation of key legislation 1976 - 2003 including some consideration of immigration law (mostly dealt with in module on Asylum Seekers, Refugees and Immigration Advice);
3) Sex and gender discrimination including issues concerning equal pay, maternity rights; rights of part-time workers; parental rights
4) Disability discrimination from 1944 - 2003 including work of disability employment advice service
5) Discrimination on grounds of age, religion and sexual orientation. Current issues and proposals. The work of the Equalities Commission in NI.
6) The influence of Europe on UK legislation and case law
7) Human Rights Act, 2000; impact upon UK law.

The focus of this award is on a mix of independent as well as directed study, but with opportunities to undertake a range of collaborative work with other participants on line - for example in preparing advice-related, and transactional tasks.

Contact Hours (30) on this module means on-screen hours engaging with the on screen study materials in the course documents, course information sections of the module.

Independent Study (120) means your on-line and off-line activity, including work in the course documents, course information, and discussion forums and assignments sections of the module. It also includes further relevant background and developmental reading and research. Preparation and engagement with the discussion forums, self-assessment exercises, tasks together with assessment preparation and completion.

The VLE Blackboard will provide a structured framework for the delivery of this module.

Course Information. This section provides students with important module overview information for students.

Course Documents. This contains all the study materials separated into sections, each section being further broken down to contain the module materials and exercises.

Discussion Board: Students through regular engagement in the forums within the discussion board will facilitate interactive, asynchronous discussion on the exercises/tasks, which support and develop through critical analysis, student learning and allow for formative assessment of individual progress.

In some sections there may be no formal assessment of work undertaken, but there will be 'questions' for consideration, or other tasks to complete. Feedback will be provided.

Participants are encouraged to communicate with the tutor and fellow students using e-mail or the discussion forum and to do so if there are matters needing assistance or support.

As this is a distance learning award, participants will need to adopt a disciplined approach to study and work, for example by ensuring that activities, tasks, and assignments (whether formally assessed or not) are completed within specified time limits and discussion with other participants may need to be undertaken within specified time frames.

Web-based material will be utilised to support all aspects of the module, providing links to latest Government information and latest case law and legislation.

- Access to a PC (with use of CD ROMS) is necessary
- Access to the Internet
- Access to hard-copy formats of texts, materials, and other guidance, such as government information, Explanatory Notes to legislation, etc

- Fredman,, S (2002) Discrimination Law, Oxford University Press, Oxford. ISBN 10:079 876566-5
- McColgan, A (Ed), (2002) Discrimination Law Handbook, LAG, London ISBN 01903307139
- Edwards, M & Malone, M (2001) Tolley's Wqual Opportunities Handbook, Butterworth. ISBN 0754524949
- Starmer, K (2000) European Human Rights Law, LAG, London ISBN 090509977X
- Shorts, E & de Than, C (2001) Human Rights Law in the UK, Sweet & Maxwell ISBN 0421754605