Program Overview

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Diploma in Employment Law

Overview

The Diploma in Employment Law is an introductory course that provides an overview of the main elements of both Irish and European employment legislation as it relates to both employers and employees.

Programme Aims and Objectives

The aim of the course is to provide the student with an overview of the laws and regulations that affect the functioning of the employment relationship. The programme examines the duties of both employees and employers and attempts to provide students with a broad understanding of employment law issues through the analysis of existing legislation and case law.

Timetable

The course is delivered online, one evening per week, from 6:15-8:30pm.

Assessment

To meet the requirements of the Diploma in Employment Law, a student will be required to complete a written assignment (100%).

Programme Content

Contract of Employment

Students will examine the difference between employees and independent contractors and be introduced to the concept of vicarious liability. The main terms that a prudent employer should include in a contract of employment and the various types of employment contracts are also explored.

Legal framework in Employment Law

The legal framework within which Employment Law operates including an analysis of the Constitution, Statute Law, Common Law and European Law. The various forums that are used for dispute resolution are also examined.

Protective Legislation

This section looks at the obligations imposed upon employers in relation to the provision of protective leave including leave under the Organisation of Working Time legislation, maternity, parental, carer and adoptive leave.

Employment Equality and Harassment

Students will discuss the main features of the Employment Equality Acts in relation to equal treatment and equal pay and direct and indirect discrimination and the limited grounds where discrimination is permitted. The related topics of harassment and sexual harassment in the workplace will also be explored.

Bullying and Stress Claims

The duties and obligations imposed upon an employer to provide a bullying and stress free working environment are examined and assessed.

Termination of the contract of employment

Lawful means of terminating the employment contract are discussed alongside the doctrines of unfair and wrongful dismissal. This lecture also covers termination by redundancy and the various factors involved in the redundancy process including calculation of payments and collective redundancies.

Health and Safety

This section looks at the area of health and safety legislation and current standards as expressed in legislation.

Confidentiality, Restraint of Trade, and Data Protection

This section of the course examines post-termination restrictive covenants in the context of the employment contract. Common law and statutory duties in relation to the acquisition, preservation and treatment of sensitive information – by both employers and employees.

Employment of Non-Nationals

Obligations on employers as regards the employment of non-nationals including an analysis of The Employment Permits Acts and the various types of work permits available for foreign workers.

Structure

This programme examines the duties of both employees and employers and attempts to provide students with a broad understanding of employment law issues through the analysis of existing legislation and case law. Students will attend class one evening per week.

Career Progression Opportunities

Due to the complexity and increasing relevance of employment law in running a business today this course has a huge practical significance for individuals who are engaged in any business where employees are engaged. From an academic perspective it provides an insight and analysis of the main components of a highly specialised area of law.

Student Profile

Due to its increasing relevance this course has attracted a wide variety of participants including employers, lawyers and human resource executives.

Fees

The fee for this Diploma is €1,325. This is inclusive of tuition, registration, exam fees and DBS library membership. This fee must be paid in full before the course begins.

Student Facilities

DBS Diploma students can also avail of a wide range of facilities to assist them in every aspect of their studies, including:

• Online Notes System (DBS Moodle)
• DBS Library Aungier Street
• DBS Careers and Appointment Service
• Subsidised Parking
• Subsidised Student Canteen

Certification

Dublin Business School

Schedule

1 evening per week, 6.15-8.30pm

Next Intake

September 2025

Duration

10 weeks (part-time)

Mode

Online

Categories

• Professional Diplomas
• Part-Time
• Law
• 10 Weeks
• Business & Management