Explore UCD

UCD Home >

Data Protection Law & Governance

ProfDip (NFQ Level 9)

This course is available through the following application route(s)

Contact Us

This Diploma offers participants the unique opportunity to obtain a qualification in the highly topical area of Data Protection and Governance. The programme is co-ordinated by the renowned expert in the area, Dr TJ McIntyre of Sutherland School of Law with contributions from eminent industry specialists.

The programme uses learning and assessment approaches such as small group teaching, academic writing and summative examination assessments. The programme is delivered through two hour lectures each week over two trimesters (one evening per week).

The Diploma has been designed to meet the training needs that developed since the European Union General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into force. The GDPR has meant that significant new data protection obligations have been imposed on Irish organisations. Many organisations are obliged to appoint a Data Protection Officer (DPO) with an appropriate level of expertise in data protection law and practice. Organisations not required to appoint DPOs are still obliged to carry out a range of new tasks such as Data Protection Impact Assessments and will benefit from training their staff in this area.

.

About This Course

This Diploma is designed to meet the training needs of Data Protection Officers and others involved in the compliance role in organisations and the legal community involved in this area.  It will suit those who currently have responsibilities to fulfil these duties or those seeking to progress their careers in this direction.

Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Choose LAW41790 in January and choose LAW41270 in August/September.
LAW41270 Data Protection and Privacy: National and International Perspectives Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Choose LAW41790 in January and choose LAW41270 in August/September.
LAW41790 Data Protection Governance Spring  10

Data Protection Law & Governance (B659) Part Time
EU          fee per year - € 4700
nonEU    fee per year - € 7540

Data Protection Law & Governance (B720) Part Time
EU          fee per year - € 4700
nonEU    fee per year - € 7540

***Fees are subject to change

EU & NON-EU Fee information can be found by clicking here

You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: No


This Diploma is designed to meet the training needs of Data Protection Officers and others involved in the compliance role in organisations and the legal community involved in this area.


General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Data Protection Law & Governance:

ROWCLASS Apply to
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt
B659
Data Protection Law & Governance
Professional Diploma

Part-Time
Commencing September 2025
Graduate Taught
Not available to International applicantsApply
* you can change options at the top of the page