What is the format of the programme?

The Advanced Certificate in Employment Law is made up of 10 class room based course modules, plus introductory and study skills workshops. The Postgraduate Certificate in Employment Law involves the same course modules, split up into four programme modules.

Each course module involves pre-course preparation, post-course exercises, use of the learner support site, plus extensive reading, research, and activities to consolidate and transfer learning to the workplace.

For both routes you must attend the introductory workshop first, as this will fully prepare you to plan and complete your studies successfully. Then, if you have not already done so, you need to confirm whether you wish to do the exam route or the continuous assessment route. Once you have confirmed, you will be expected to follow that route to completion.

Exam route

Once you have completed the introductory workshop and confirmed that you will be taking the exam route, you can attend the remaining course modules in any order over a two year period.

• Introductory Workshop (1-day)
• Final confirmation of study route within 4 weeks
• The following course modules can be taken in any order, but the suggested route is:
  • Fundamentals of Employment Contracts (1-day)
  • Employment Contracts in Depth (1-day)
  • Discrimination and the Law (1-day)
  • Employee Relations and the Law (1-day)
  • Maternity and Family Leave: Rights and the Law (1-day)
  • Grievance, Discipline and Dismissals (2-days)
  • How to Prepare for an Employment Tribunal (2-days)
  • TUPE: Transfer of Undertakings (1-day)
  • Health and Safety Law (1 day)
  • Understanding Data Protection (1-day)
• Completion of one 3,000 word assignment
• Study Skills Workshops (optional)
  • Exam Skills Workshop (1-day)
  • Revision Workshop – including mock examination (1-day)
• CIPD National Employment Law Exam
• Advanced Certificate in Employment Law (awarded by the CIPD)

Continuous assessment route

When you have completed the introductory workshop and confirmed you will be taking the continuous assessment route, the remaining course modules need to be attended in a specific order to tie in with the assessments. They have been grouped into four programme modules as explained in the diagram below.

• Introductory Workshop (1-day)
• Final confirmation of study route within 4 weeks
• Programme Module 1:
  • Assignment Skills Workshop (1-day)
  • Fundamentals of Employment Contracts (1-day)
  • Employment Contracts in Depth (1-day)
• Assignment One (2,500 words)
• Programme Module 2:
  • Discrimination and the Law (1-day)
  • Employee Relations and the Law (1-day)
  • Maternity and Family Leave: Rights and the Law (1-day)
• Assignment Two (3,000 words)
• Programme Module 3:
  • Grievance, Discipline and Dismissals (2-days)
  • How to Prepare for an Employment Tribunal (2-days)
• Assignment Three (3,000 words)
• Programme Module 4:
  • TUPE: Transfer of Undertakings (1-day)
  • Health and Safety Law (1-day)
  • Understanding Data Protection (1-day)
• Assignment Four (1,500 words)
• Postgraduate Certificate in Employment Law (awarded by University of Surrey*)

*subject to final validation by University of Surrey.

How will I learn?

Classroom based learning and independent study

Studying for the Advanced Certificate in Employment Law involves attending up to 13 classroom based course modules to be completed within two years, and studying independently for approximately five hours a week.

To ensure that your learning is interactive, engaging and participative, the programme uses case studies, role-plays, discussion groups, and question and answer sessions.

Expert tutors

All our tutors are experienced practitioners in employment law and HR, giving you access to a wealth of knowledge and expertise.

Your own personal tutor

Your personal tutor will provide you with one-to-one guidance, advice and support by telephone, post and/or email for the duration of your programme. All our personal tutors have extensive experience in both the legal and HR fields, and regularly attend professional development workshops to ensure they continue to offer you the best support available.

Comprehensive course documentation and practical materials

These include:

• core texts and statutes
• CD/audio of a mock tribunal hearing with accompanying documentation
• legal references, checklists and employment law jargon buster
• document templates and case studies.

Access to the online Learner Support Site

You’ll find an extensive range of resources including:

• practical checklists and templates for letters, contracts and policies
• details of new and forthcoming legislation
• networked discussion forums
• assignment guidance
• revision tips, exam papers, examiner’s reports
• access to the EBSCO research site.