Module Details

Module Code: LEGS6004
Title: Introduction to Employment Law
Long Title: Introduction to Employment Law
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2016/17 ( September 2016 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 3800 - Law
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: This module is designed to introduce students to the core principles of Irish employment law, with particular reference to the contractual and statutory framework under which the employer-employee relationship is regulated. The module focuses on the sources of employment law, the nature of the employment relationship, and the rights and obligations of employers and employees.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Identify the sources of Irish employment law.
LO2 Distinguish between a contract of service and a contract for services.
LO3 Describe the key terms of the contract of employment with reference to both legislation and case law.
LO4 Discuss the legislation governing statutory leave entitlements for employees in Ireland.
LO5 Explain the concepts of unfair and wrongful dismissal.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Sources of Irish Employment Law
The principal sources of Irish employment law, including the Irish Constitution, Common Law/Precedent, Legislation and EU Law.
Employment Status
The difference between a contract of service and a contract for services, the significance of this distinction in employment law and the tests developed and applied by the courts. Different categories of employees.
Terms of the Contract of Employment
Terms implied by common law and terms implied by legislation. The impact of collective agreements. Requirements relating to notice and information. Payment of wages, minimum wage, working time, maternity, parental and adoptive leave.
Termination of Employment
Introduction to Unfair, Constructive and Wrongful dismissal, and Redundancy.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework40.00%
End of Module Formal Examination60.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 40
Timing Week 8 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
Case-study requiring the application of legal theory to a practical employment law scenario
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 60
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,3,4,5
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Classic Lecture Every Week 2.00 2
Lecturer Supervised Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Reading, Research and Private Study Every Week 4.00 4
Tutorial Contact Questions and Answers Every Week 1.00 1
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Classic Lecture Every Week 1.50 1.5
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Directed Learning, Research and Private Study Every Week 5.00 5
Tutorial Contact Questions and Answers Every Week 0.50 0.5
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Brenda Daly, Michael Doherty. (2010), Principles of Irish Employment Law, Clarus Press Ltd, p.468, [ISBN: 9781905536313].
  • Mary Faulkner. (2013), Essentials of Irish Labour Law, 2nd. Gill and Macmillan, [ISBN: 9780717152629].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Jane Moffatt. (2011), Employment Law, Oxford University Press, USA, p.500, [ISBN: 9780199544295].
  • John Eardly. (2008), Employees: Know Your Rights in Irish Law, First Law, p.128, [ISBN: 9781904480808].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_BHRMN_7 Bachelor of Arts in Human Resource Management 2 Mandatory
CR_BCPPR_6 Certificate in Human Resource Management and Development 1 Mandatory