What is Employment Law?
Employment Law, or Labour Law, mediates the relationship between workers, employers, trade unions, and the government. Students interested in careers in Employment Law will study the basic principles of law followed by a more in depth study of the terms and principles involved in employment based legal studies.
What 3rd Level Courses are Available?
Universities and colleges in Ireland are offering courses in the following subject areas:
- Employment Law – the study of the relationship between workers, employers, and the government.
- Law and History – the study of the interactions between law and history and how the two have shaped one another.
- Legal Studies – the study of the practice of law.
Studying Employment Law in College
Most first year study involves an overview of the subject. This will offer students an introduction to the foundational areas of law, including legal skills, contract law, tort law, and constitutional law. Employment law will often be a core area of study in subsequent years of study.
Depending on the sub-discipline of legal studies, students will likely move from exam-based study modules to more hands-on ‘clinical’ modules. Most Employment law modules will combine lectures, exams, case studies, and written practical work.
Most undergraduate Employment Law courses run for three or four years. In some cases universities will facilitate work or internship experience as well.
It is common that all law-based courses will require students to complete long-term research projects including a final dissertation or Capstone project. This will ensure the completion of a rigorous curriculum and prepare students for postgraduate studies and/or careers in employment law.
A bachelor’s degree in Law is adequate for many careers in employment law. For example, graduates with a bachelor’s degree may start working as solicitors or barristers, or as diplomats, journalists, and broadcasters.
Career Options
Graduating from college with a degree in Employment Law will serve you well in the job market as it provides you with a unique and marketable skill set. A law degree teaches students how to think logically and analytically as well as equipping them with invaluable research and communication skills.
Many recent graduates have entered into ‘entry-level’ positions working as journalists, accountants, solicitors, and barristers in Ireland and abroad. Some have gone on to work as research assistants, lawyers, or teachers.
Other careers in employment law that require a higher degree of responsibility will typically require further education, training, and/or experience to qualify for.
Related Jobs Include:
- Solicitor / Barrister
- Lawyer /Legal Assistant
- Legal Researcher
- Professor / Lecturer
- Diplomat
- Journalist / Broadcaster
- Author
- Foreign Affairs Consultant
- Insurance Agent
Further Study
An undergraduate degree in Employment Law is often the first step towards further postgraduate study. Postgraduate students will often specialize in their particular legal sub-disciplines, often times while working as an assistant or junior lawyer for a local firm in their field.
Visit postgrad.ie for more information.
FAQ
What points do I need to study Employment Law?
- Different courses and different colleges will have different entry requirements. It’s always best that you check with the individual higher education institution which is available on their websites. As a general rule Leaving Cert students should have a minimum of six subjects which should include: Two H5 (Higher Level) grades and Four O6 (Ordinary Level) grades or Four H7 (Higher Level) grades. Subjects must include Mathematics, English, Irish or another language.
Are there any particular qualities you need to study Employment Law?
- Law students will need to enjoy problem solving, history, sociology and cultural studies, Additionally law students will need to be detail-oriented, focused, determined, and curious.
Where can I study Employment Law?
- Explore your options here.
Did You Know?
- The Irish Proclamation of 1817 made foods like porridge and potatoes legally reserved for “lower orders of people.” Lawmakers hoped that this would protects the vulnerable communities against famine.
- According to Trinity College legislation, it is illegal for any student to walk through campus grounds while carrying a sword!
- Discrimination in employment in Ireland is prohibited by law on nine grounds, including age, sex, race, and family status!
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