Certificate of Higher Education in Labour Relations and Law

Certificate of Higher Education in Labour Relations and Law
The challenges faced by trade union representatives the world over have always called for a range of skills and knowledge to be deployed. A combination of experiential learning and specific union provided training has frequently been the method by which generations of trade union representatives have 'learned their trade'.

Recently, changes such as globalisation, privatisation and the introduction of a range of new management techniques at the workplace have made the role and functions of trade unions more complex and more demanding. At the same time, trade union goals have expanded to reflect broader changes in society, for example, the pursuit of equal opportunity and the need to make sustainable economic development a reality.

The growth in influence of the European Union and the increasing use of the law to regulate labour relations have added further dimensions that have widened the demands placed upon trade union representatives.

Thus, today's trade union representative needs to have some knowledge of labour relations, economics, law, politics and psychology in order to thrive. They also need to be skilled in negotiations, problem solving, advocacy, communication and presentation.

To provide an appropriate educational response to these changes is of itself a major challenge. Working with a range of trade union partners, Ruskin has developed modules within the Cert HE programme that blend theory and practice in these knowledge and skill areas.

Overall Course Aims
This programme enables students to acquire the necessary knowledge, understanding skills and critical dimensions of the subject area through teaching, learning and assessment as a basis for:
* Personal academic and professional development
* Practical and vocational skills development for the benefit of their organisations
* The development of self confidence and citizenship
Students will achieve this through an integrated programme of modules which although presented on an individual basis, complement and consolidate each other.
By the end of the course students will have experienced study of labour, employment and economic issues in order to support their development of skills in analysis, methodology, research, problem solving, understanding and critical evaluation.
Experience has shown that this approach can equip students for further postgraduate as well as undergraduate studies and/or for the professional development in management, trade unions, government departments and international labour organisations.
One of our recent Ugandan students, for example, went on directly to take an Industrial Relations MA at Warwick, became an MP in Uganda and now works for the ILO in Africa.

Learning Methods and Strategies
The course deploys a range of teaching and learning methods which embrace formal class room sessions, student lead seminars, study visits, small group work , tutorials and debates.
Teaching is interactive and is designed to draw upon the worklife experience of students as a means of generating a body of shared practical knowledge against which more theoretical and research based material can be evaluated.
The choice of teaching mode takes into account the different levels of student ability and differing levels of experience and development.

Requirement
All candidates must be able to satisfy the general admissions requirements for Ruskin College. These are: * You should be aged 19 or over * You must obtain medical clearance * You must demonstrate commitment to the ethos and vocation of Ruskin College * You must have the ability to benefit from study at this level Selection interviews are conducted as a two-way process in which you can make an informed decision about the suitability of the programme for you. You will find this process valuable. You will participate in an induction week, which includes sessions on all aspects of the college.