Professional Certificate in Data Protection

Start Date: 3rd February 2026

Programme Overview

The Professional Certificate in Data Protection is provided by Compliance Institute's education partner, IOB, a recognised college of UCD.

EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in force since May 2018 has significantly changed what data protection law is and how it applies. GDPR imposes new penalties and liabilities on data controllers and processors who fail to comply with its provisions.

The Professional Certificate in Data Protection, a 10 ECTS award at level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications was designed in consultation with the office of the Data Protection Commissioner. It provides Data Protection Officers, Compliance Officers and those working in data related roles with the expert knowledge of data protection and is the only accredited qualification at this level. Participants will learn through an applied approach and develop specialist skills and competence to support and advise their organisation in managing and mitigating data protection related reputational, compliance and financial risks. 

The programme is delivered on a part-time basis across one semester. It comprises of one module, Data Protection Policy and Procedures and forms part of the MSc in Compliance. Students who successfully complete the certificate are exempt from this module if they subsequently decide to apply for the MSc in Compliance.

How you will benefit:

On successful completion of the Professional Certificate in Data Protection, graduates will be able to:

1. Critically assess best practice in data protection and the objectives, and challenges, of applying data protection legislation.
   

2. Design a robust and appropriate data compliance and governance programme for an organisation processing a variety of personal data.
   

3. Appraise the risks associated with the technological advances in managing data and recommend appropriate risk management processes.
   

4. Critically evaluate the regulatory and practical implications of transferring data to the Cloud and/or outside the European Economic Area.
   

5. Consider the role of the compliance professional in the managing the organisations data protection obligations.

Award

On successful completion of the programme, you will be awarded the Professional Certificate in Data Protection from UCD.

Graduates who complete the Professional Certificate in Data Protection, will be invited to apply for the designation ‘Certified Data Protection Officer’ and use the designatory letters CDPO. Continued use of this designation is subject to meeting Compliance Institute’s CPD requirements. For more on Compliance Institute's designations, click here.

Fees

The fees is €1,595 for the programme in total.

This programme has IFS Skillnet funding available for certain companies. You should check if your company has IFS Skillnet approval. IFS Skillnet price is €1,196 for the programme in total.

For information on Skillnet funding, click here.

How to Apply

1. You will need to be a current member of the Compliance Institute to register for this programme.
2. Register for this programme through our education partner, IOB.

Any Questions?

If you have any questions about the Professional Certificate in Data Protection, or any education programme:

Contact:  [email protected]

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