Data Protection - Online

At a glance

Data protection law underwent a fundamental reform on 25th May 2018, being the date on which the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation came into force. This new law has significantly changed what data protection law is and how it applies. The GDPR imposes new penalties and liabilities on data controllers and processors who fail to comply with its provisions.



Who is it for?

• The complexity and volume of regulation underpinning compliance in data collection, use and management continues to be an area of focus in organisations. As well as a thorough understanding of the regulatory and legislative framework, professional practice in data protection requires judgements and decisions to be made for many scenarios.

• The primary motivation underpinning the Professional Certificate in Data Protection is to provide a learning opportunity for compliance professionals, and those managing personal data, to develop the necessary skills to ensure that their organisation meets their current and future data protection responsibilities.

• The programme has been designed in consultation with the office of the Data Protection Commissioner.



Award

Professional Certificate in Data Protection from UCD.

This is a special purpose award and a level 9 qualification on the National Framework of Qualifications.

Data Protection Policies and Procedures (NFQ level 9, 10 ECTS)

Irish and EU data protection law changed when the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into effect in 2018. This will impose a heavier compliance burden on data controllers and will grant data subjects enhanced rights. Controllers will be held accountable and have to keep records, conduct impact assessments and appoint Data Protection Officers. Supervision and enforcement will be enhanced. This module will provide students with the tools to understand and navigate an increasingly complex and challenging environment for the controllers and processors of personal data.

The minimum entry requirements to the Professional Certificate in Data Protection are as follows:



An Honours degree (minimum 2.2).



or



Admission may also be considered for experienced professionals who do not meet the admission requirements as set out above, where they can demonstrate knowledge through their work.



Professional body membership

You must be a current member of the Compliance Institute, or become a member, to undertake this programme.



To become a member, or renew your membership of the Compliance Institute click here. When applying for the programme you will be asked to upload a receipt of your Compliance membership payment.



English Language Requirements

Teaching in IOB is through the medium of English; therefore, applicants must demonstrate a high level of competence in the English language to be admitted to study. Students whose native language is not English are required to demonstrate their proficiency in the language and must provide verifiable evidence of that proficiency.

1 trimester.

Lectures are delivered online across five Saturdays in the trimester.

Next intake

Autumn Trimester (September 2026 - January 2027)



Closing dates

Application closing date - 18 September 2026



Registration closing date - 30 September 2026

Progression

The Professional Education Framework is a flexible education pathway that provides learning and development opportunities wherever you are in your career. You can access the framework at any step to take specialist qualifications depending on your career and learning need. Please click here to view the 2024/25 portfolio of programmes.