Who is this programme for?
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.

The prospect of such liabilities and penalties requires that data controllers and data processors reform their internal governance of personal data processing to ensure that the new standards of data protection that the GDPR imposes are complied with. Many organisations are required to appoint a Data Protection Officer; all organisations have to significantly enhance their compliance functions in order to ensure that the obligations of Data Protection Impact Assessments and data protection by default and design are complied with.

The Professional Certificate in Data Protection has been carefully designed to provide Data Protection Officers and Compliance Officers with the professional qualities and expert knowledge of data protection law along with guidance on practical application that they will need to implement in order to discharge their requirements under the GDPR.

The programme has been designed in consultation with the office of the Data Protection Commissioner. The programme is accredited by UCD and is the only accredited qualification at this level.

How you will benefit
This programme will support your personal and professional development and will enable you to:

•understand the obligations imposed by the GDPR in law and practice

•undertake a Data Protection Impact Assessment

•use contemporary theories and practical evidence to design a data protection framework within your organisation

•design, complete and report on major data protection projects which may be required to enhance your firm's positioning within the sector

•justify the rationale behind recommendations in relation to data protection

•analyse and discuss data protection case-studies and scenarios in a class-room setting

•maintain, develop and apply contemporary professional best practice and contribute to a personal ethos of life-long learning and selfimprovement.

Professional designation
Individuals who complete the Professional Certificate in Data Protection , are entitled to apply for the designation 'Certified Data Protection Officer' and use the designatory letters CDPO. Continued use of this designation is subject to meeting ACOI's Continuing Professional Development requirements.