Data Protection - Law & Computing

Graduate Certificate in Data Protection (Law & Computing)
The growth of the digital economy has resulted in personal data processing becoming a global industry of enormous value. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which came into effect in May 2018, aims to protect EU privacy rights and harmonise data protection law across the EU. The GDPR changes the way in which personal data must be collected, stored and processed. Given that personal data is used so widely, the GDPR impacts upon a vast number of sectors and data privacy has become an important concern for businesses, internet users, lawyers and public bodies.

Programme Structure
The course consists of 3 modules, 10 ECTS credits each: one law focused module, one computing focused module and one module very practical in nature delivered by the School of Computing, but with quite an interdisciplinary approach. This latter module encompasses material provided by the Association of Data Protection Officers (ADPO), a special interest society within the Irish Computer Society (ICS). It also encompasses a practical project that students need to complete throughout the whole year.

Project Aims and Objectives:
• Provide students with a systematic understanding and critical awareness of the legal and technological issues at the forefront of data privacy.

• Enable graduates to be highly competitive in a field which has a high demand for well qualified graduates.

• Provide students with a unique interdisciplinary education.

To view the current course structure, please visit the Provider's website.

Requirements
Applicants must have an Irish or UK Honours undergraduate degree (H2.2 or above) or equivalent in Computer Science, Computing, Computer applications or a related discipline.

Candidates with significant experience in the software development sector in addition to an Honours primary degree in some other discipline, may also be considered for entry.

Prior professional qualifications and experience may be decisive in admission. For example the ICS certified Data Protection Practitioner will be accepted for entry.

Application Deadlines:
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the programme is full or until the closing date of 31st July 2023. All entry requirements should be met before the commencement of the programme.

Queries:
Queries from EU applicants should be directed to postgraduateadmissions@dcu.ie

Queries from non EU applicants should be directed to internationalapplications@dcu.ie

All Applicants must apply through DCU's Student Application Portal which is available here - https://dcuie.elluciancrmrecruit.com/Apply/Account/Login.

Here's a quick step by step guide if you need help with your application - https://www.dcu.ie/your-guide-to-student-application-portal.

To apply for this programme:
Provide Academic Transcripts for each and every year of study (with English translation, if applicable).
Provide a 500 - 750 word (approx.) personal statement including:
- Why you wish to study the programme;
- What in your record and experience makes you suitable for the programme;
- The impact which you expect the programme would have on your future career.

Please upload a CV under the "Supplemental Items & Documents" section.

If applicable, provide evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements, please see link - http://www.dcu.ie/registry/english.shtml

Please note if you are a non EU student and require a study visa, you are not eligible to apply for part-time programmes as study visas are only granted for full-time programmes.

1 year full-time

Careers
There are significant demands from the public and private sector and professional external stakeholders for Data Protection Officers and participants on this course will have the skill set required to fill these positions. It will also provide people working in the relevant sector the opportunity to upskill for either their current position or for promotion.