Key facts
UNE unit code: LLM508
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 3 - Online
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information

This is an advanced unit of study that delves further into individual issues within employment law.
You will examine a variety of social issues from a legal perspective. These include the development of Australian employment law, unionisation within and casualisation of the Australian workforce, the notions of ‘employee’ and ‘contractor’ and alternative modes for the performance of work and their regulation and implied terms, as well as the scope of employer and employee duties.
You will also explore the distribution of opportunity at work, including employee entitlements, leave arrangements and anti-discrimination, as well as legal regimes that promote work-life balance and issues surrounding termination of employment at common law and statute.
Throughout, you will build transferable critical thinking, legal reasoning and analytical skills.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 3 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)

Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate a command and coherent understanding of the nature and scope of the applicable rules, concepts, and theoretical underpinnings of employment law and the various sources of employment law including statutes, common law, awards, enterprise agreements and various international instruments;
- use initiative and judgement to critically analyse and reflect on the current legislation and the applicable literature for the purpose of discussing contemporary issues in Australian employment law, and the role of the state in regulating labour relations;
- demonstrate advanced analysis and critical thinking ability to identify legal issues from a set of hypothetical facts relating to an employment law dispute and apply the applicable legal principles to determine the obligations of those involved in the dispute; and
- produce clear and coherent written communications that are based upon analysis, synthesis, and the application of professional judgement, as well as reflection and evaluation of the relevant law, the underlying theoretical principles, and independent research.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final invigilated examination - assurance task | Yes | 60% | All offerings | There is a supervised exam at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. To pass this unit, you must sit the supervised exam and achieve at least 50% in this task and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
| Online Assessment | Yes | 40% | All offerings | Online group work or critical online interactions No. Words: 1500 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Macken's Law of Employment
ISBN: 9780455502380
O'Grady, P., Riley, J., Sappideen, C., Thomson Reuters 9th 2022
Text refers to: All offerings
Employment Law: Concepts and Cases
ISBN: 9780409344691
van der Waarden, N., LexisNexis 4th 2017
Text refers to: All offerings
Excellence in experience, equity and employability
Five Stars,
20 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 20 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience.
Good Universities Guide 2007-2026Five Stars for
Social Equity
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities nationally and is #1 in NSW for Social Equity.
Good Universities Guide 2026Five Stars for
Graduate Employment
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities for Graduate Full-Time Employment and Starting Salary.
Good Universities Guide 2026 (Undergraduate)Diamond-Rated Digital Learning
UNE’s leadership in digital learning earned the highest ‘Diamond’ rating in a peer review.
ASCILITE TELAS 2025
Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
Stay connected
Join our mailing list for updates and helpful tips to support your study plans. You can unsubscribe at any time.
- •Course updates and important changes as they happen
- •Key dates for intakes, deadlines, and enrolment steps
- •Application guidance, including supporting documentation requirements
- •Next steps and what to expect after you apply or enquire
Ready to stay in the loop?
GET IN TOUCH
Why study with us?

UNE’s flexibility and support made the transition smooth and helped me find a great balance between academic responsibilities and personal growth. It was the perfect place to study education while staying true to my rural roots.
What happens next?
Got a question about a course you'd like to study? Contact our Future Student Team for help.
2026 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!
Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.