Data Protection & Privacy - Law & Computing

The digital economy has experienced immense growth, transforming personal data processing into a lucrative global industry. To address this, the European Union introduced the General Data Protection Regulation in May 2018, aiming to harmonise data protection laws and protect the privacy rights of EU citizens . The GDPR introduces significant changes to the ways in which personal data must be collected, stored, and processed, making data privacy an essential concern for businesses, internet users, lawyers, and public bodies alike .



In recognition of the growing importance of data protection and privacy, the School of Law and Government and the School of Computing at DCU have joined forces to offer an interdisciplinary MA in Data Protection and Privacy Law. This innovative programme combines the University's expertise in law and computing to provide students with advanced knowledge of the technological and legal aspects of data protection and privacy law, preparing them to navigate the complexities of this rapidly evolving field.



Shaping Experts in the Age of Data and Privacy



The MA programme is designed to foster both interdisciplinary knowledge and specialised expertise. It features two distinct tracks: one focused on law, and another on computing. Applicants will be admitted to the track that aligns with their existing academic background.



All students will complete a set of four core modules, combining elements of both law and computing, accessible to all enrollees. For instance, the law-focused core courses will be open to students without a legal background, while the computing-focused core courses will accommodate those without prior experience in that field.



Students on the law track will undertake a law-oriented research module and dissertation, alongside the shared core courses and two elective modules. Those on the computing track will similarly complete a computing-centred research module and practicum, the common core courses, and two electives. This structured approach ensures comprehensive grounding in both domains, while also allowing students to develop advanced proficiency in either law or computing through their research, dissertation/practicum, and optional coursework.

To facilitate both interdisciplinarity and specialisation, the MA will be divided into two streams: law and computing. Entrance on to either the law or computing stream will be dependent upon existing education. All students will complete 4 core modules which will offer a mix of law and computing and will be accessible to all admitted students.



Law Steam



Core Modules



Legal and Socio-Legal Research Skills

EU Data Protection Law

Artificial Intelligence, Information and Information Seeking

Data Governance

Dissertation

Optional Modules



EU Institutional Law

Contemporary Legal Issues in Commercial Practice

Law and Politics of Brexit

European & International Human Rights Law

Comparative Digital Law: Privacy, Data and AI





Computing Stream



Core Modules



Professional & Research Practice

EU Data Protection Law

Data Management and Visualisation

Artificial Intelligence, Information and Information Seeking

Data Governance

Practicum (Data Protection and Privacy)

Optional Modules



Law and Politics of Brexit

European & International Human Rights Law

Comparative Digital Law Privacy Data and AI

For admission to the MA in Data Protection and Privacy: Law and Government programme, successful applicants will have:



• Computing stream 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.



• Law stream applicants must normally have achieved a Second Class Honours Grade Two (H2.2) in a primary degree (level 08) in law or an interdisciplinary degree which includes law as a significant component. Examples of relevant experience for the programme are:

- Irish Computer Society DPO/GDPR qualifications

- The Advanced Diploma in Data Protection Law by the Kings Inns

- The certificate in data protection by the Law Society

- Relevant practical experience working with data protection related issues.



• Applicants who have not achieved a H2.2 may apply but applications will be assessed on a competitive basis.



• If an applicant has not yet completed their degree, then a conditional offer may be made on the basis of most recent grades and pending the achievement of no less than a H2.2 degree.



• Applicants with appropriate combinations of professional qualification and experience may also be considered. This includes discipline-specific knowledge and know-how; transferable skills; basic research competency; personal effectiveness.



• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) applicants are required to submit a cover letter along with their application under the Transcripts section of the portal, affirming their intent to apply for RPL. For more information on RPL see here.



• International candidates who are non-native speakers of English must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language.

1 year full-time or 2 years part-time.

Careers

This MA programme is designed to foster both interdisciplinary knowledge and specialised expertise, preparing graduates for diverse career paths. Graduates of this course can go on to pursue a wide range of professional opportunities. The knowledge and skills you acquire through this programme are highly sought by law firms, tech companies, the compliance sector, research organisations and across multiple government departments.



Graduates seek work in a variety of government departments, including the Data Protection Commission, the Department of Health, and Universities. Others may gravitate toward the private sector as many large firms, working across a range of services, continue to expand their privacy and data protection teams. These include, but are not limited to, financial services companies, law and accountancy firms and consultancy firms.



Potential Careers

Legal professional offering expertise in privacy and the GDPR

Data protection officer

Privacy engineer

Professional advisor on data governance and best practice models

IT consultant

Researcher

Compliance professional

Data Analyst