Access to appropriate texts, cases and legislation, especially via specialist online legal databases e.g. Westlaw [utilising the Athens password system]. Comprehensive online course materials and linked resources.

Directed Study and Independent Learning - Students will be required to carry out a substantial amount of independent reading and research. This will be guided by course materials and group discussions via the discussion boards on Blackboard. Detailed reading suggestions are provided throughout the course materials provided.

Students will be expected to make regular use of, for example, Westlaw, LexisNexis and other electronic sources as an independent research tool. Those students who make regular and appropriate use of these research tools will develop their skills in IT and independent research. In addition such students should be able to make a more meaningful contribution to the discussion board, and assessment performance will benefit. The focus of this award is on independent directed study. The online module is constructed in such a way as to provide guidance as to each section by providing:

- Learning Outcomes
- Module Outline
- Reading
- Tasks / Discussions

In every section there are topics for discussion which will be indicated in the Course Documents section and conducted via the Discussion Boards. The tutor will regularly monitor the discussions and contribute where appropriate.
Students will also be encouraged to communicate with the tutor via email if they feel it is a matter unsuitable for the Discussion Boards.
Discussion Boards will be 'live' for limited periods only, to encourage students to participate regularly, rather than leave it all to the last-minute. At the end of the 'live' period, all discussions will be archived, and the archives will still be accessible to the students on a 'read-only' basis.

This module is designed to provide students with an understanding of the causes of inequality and the ways in which EC and UK law address discrimination at work. The emphasis is placed on the study of the law and codes of practice in relation to:

- Direct and indirect discrimination, harassment and victimisation
- the relevance of European law and human rights
- Equal pay and equal treatment
- Gender discrimination
- Discrimination based upon race, religion and nationality
- Discrimination based upon sexual orientation, transgender and marital status
- Disability discrimination
- Discrimination based upon age

One assignment of 3000 words counting for 100% (learning outcomes 1- 6) to incorporate problem-based and essay-based questions. The student is required to demonstrate a clear understanding of the relevant areas of law via direct application of legislative provisions and supporting case authority. An awareness of the development, limitations and possible inconsistencies of the law should be apparent.

No set text, but suggested reading:

Discrimination Law. Michael Connolly. Thompson, Sweet & Maxwell. First Edition 2006

Employment Law. Gwyneth Pitt. Thomson Sweet & Maxwell. Sixth edition. 2007.

Smith & Wood's Employment Law. Ian Smith & Gareth Thomas. Oxford University Press. Ninth edition 2008.
Discrimination law. Malcolm Sargeant and David Lewis. Pearson Longman 2008 Fourth edition
Selwyn's Law of Employment. N.M. Selwyn. Oxford University Press. 14th Edition 2006.
Employment Law. Andrew C. Bell. Thompson, Sweet & Maxwell. 2nd Edition 2006.
Cases and Materials on Employment Law. Painter and Holmes. Oxford University Press 2008
Please note that text books alone will not be sufficient to gain a thorough understanding of the topic areas and that since publication, significant legislative changes may be occurred.