Professional Diploma in Data Protection & GDPR Course

The Diploma in Data Protection and GDPR is one of the most comprehensive GDPR courses Ireland, offering a 10-week structure that blends practical insights with legal and regulatory foundations.

Week 1

Introduction

• Course and assessment outline
• Sources of law
• Right to privacy under international and domestic law
• The need for GDPR
• Overview of the current legislative context
• GDPR terminology

Week 2

The General Data Protection Regulation: Who, What and How

• The 7 data protection principles
• The conditions and challenges for the lawful processing of data
• Issues with data subject consent
• Retention and disposal of data
• Data security

Week 3

My Data, My Rights: Rights of Data Subjects

• Provision of information and right of access
• Rights to rectify and erase data
• Right to restrict processing
• Right to data portability
• Right to object to processing
• Rights over automated decision making
• Responding to data subject requests
• Breaches and fines

Week 4

Who’s in charge: Obligations on Controllers and Processors

• The 7 principles of data protection by design and default
• Data protection impact assessments
• The role of the data protection officer and data controller
• The role of the data processor
• Record-keeping
• Co-operation with the supervisory authority
• Security of data and notification of breaches

Week 5

Free movement of data and transfers of personal data to third countries or international organisations

• The right to data portability
• Transfer of data outside the EU/EEA
• Adequacy decisions
• Standard contractual clauses
• Binding corporate rules
• Derogations
• UK GDPR legislation
• US data protection legislation
• International cooperation
• Data protection around the world

Week 6

Keeping a close eye: The Supervisory Authorities and the Data Protection Commissioner

• The role and function of the data protection commission
• The European data protection board
• The European data protection supervisor
• International Data Protection Authorities

Week 7

Falling foul of the rules: remedies, liability and penalties

• Right to lodge a complaint
• Right to an effective remedy
• Judicial review
• Representation
• Right to compensation and liability
• Administrative fines
• Damages and penalties
• Privacy v data protection
• The emergence of data protection in tort claims

Week 8

Specific Processing Situations Part 1: Employers and Employees

• Potential data security risks for an organisation
• Employee training
• Garda vetting of prospective employees
• Staff surveillance
• Biometrics in the workplace
• Transfer of ownership of business
• Employee access requests

Week 9

Specific Processing Situations Part 2: Marketing and Work Devices

• Direct marketing
• National directory database
• Publicly available information
• Unsolicited marketing
• E-receipts
• Devices, apps and social media at work

Week 10

       Current Issues in Data Protection

• The law enforcement directive
• State surveillance
• The internet of things
• The public sector
• The use of algorithms and privacy
• The future of data privacy
• Creating a compliance plan for your organisation

*Course content is subject to review after each intake and may be updated in line with industry standards.

To be awarded the Diploma on our GDPR courses Ireland, a pass grade on the written assignment.

The assignment/project must be handed in on the due date unless a sound reason for lateness is provided. In such instances, an extension may be awarded at the discretion of the lecturer.

Organisations operating in Ireland are legally required to comply with the GDPR and the Irish Data Protection Act. Understanding how EU data protection law is applied by the Data Protection Commission (DPC) is essential for avoiding breaches, reputational damage and regulatory penalties.

Our GDPR courses Ireland focuse on real-world compliance challenges faced by organisations in Ireland, including lawful processing, consent, data subject rights, data breaches and organisational accountability.

This diploma helps learners gain the skills to navigate and critically analyse the changing legal environment of GDPR and what it means for data subjects, controllers, and processors.

• Data Protection Officers are in high demand
• Average salary for a Data Protection Officer is €70k
• An excellent career option for anyone looking to earn a great salary
• Data Protection Officers are in high demand in Ireland
• You will have the ability to work across multiple industries

Our GDPR courses Ireland are accredited by the Institute of Bankers.

After completing our GDPR courses Ireland, learners will be able to:

• Understand the core principles of the GDPR and data protection law
• Identify the rights of data subjects and the obligations of data controllers and processors
• Apply GDPR requirements within Irish organisations
• Recognise common compliance risks and data protection breaches
• Support GDPR compliance policies and procedures in the workplace

City College Dublin’s Professional Diploma in Data Protection and GDPR is recognised nationally as one of the leading GDPR Courses Ireland professionals trust for developing practical skills in data protection and compliance.

Each Professional Diploma at City College Dublin is a focused, industry-led programme designed and delivered by expert practitioners. These stand-alone qualifications allow learners to consolidate, upskill, or reskill in a specialised professional area, demonstrating recognised training in a specific field.

Our Diplomas are ideal for career-minded learners seeking to advance their professional skills and employment prospects. They are widely recognised by employers, and many participants are sponsored by their organisations to complete the programme.

In addition to our scheduled Professional Diploma courses, City College Dublin  can provide bespoke training over 3 – 4 days, please contact [email protected] for further details.

Our professional Data Protection and GDPR courses Ireland offers a comprehensive introduction to the principles, rights and responsibilities set out under the GDPR. Learners will gain a clear understanding of how data protection law applies in practice, with a strong focus on compliance, risk management and accountability within organisations operating in Ireland.

Suitable for professionals across public, private and voluntary sectors, this course is ideal for anyone responsible for handling personal data, implementing GDPR policies or supporting organisational compliance.

Our GDPR courses Ireland are suitable for:

• HR professionals and managers
• Administrators and office staff
• Business owners and managers
• Compliance, governance and risk professionals
• Anyone handling personal or sensitive data in Ireland