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

¿ the principles determining the classification of discriminatory acts
¿ occupational requirements, justification and remedies
¿ the relevance of European law and human rights
¿ the content will focus on the protected characteristics including gender, race, religion and belief, nationality, disability, age, sexual orientation, equal pay, pregnancy, transgender and marital status.

A compulsory problem question (part A - 50%) and a choice of 1 out of 4 essay questions (Part B - 50%) assessing learning outcomes 1-6. (100%).

To pass this module, students must achieve a mark of at least 40%.

Directed Study and Independent Learning - Students will be required to participate in asynchronous online seminars and online discussion boards to develop knowledge and understanding and to gain formative feedback. Students are also required to complete a substantial amount of independent reading and research to address the final summative assignment which is submitted online.
Expectation of minimum online contact
Online seminars 8 hours (1 hour per week)
Online discussion boards 16 hours (2 hours per week)
Online lecture materials including audio content 16 hours (2 hours per week)



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 module is on interactive and independent directed study. The online module is constructed in such a way as to provide guidance as to each section by providing tasks, discussion points and online seminars.


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. Online seminars will be conducted asynchronously on a weekly basis.
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.

Pitt, Gwyneth. Cases and Materials on Employment Law (Sweet and Maxwell) eighth edition 2011.
OR

Connolly, Michael. Discrimination Law (Sweet & Maxwell) Second edition 2011.

You may use any other employment text providing that its publication date is no older than 2011
Students are also encouraged to access relevant Journals such as the Equal Opportunities Review.

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.