Data Protection and Privacy: Law and Computing

Entry requirements

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.

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

Months of entry

September

Course content

In an era where personal data fuels the global economy, understanding and navigating data protection laws is more essential than ever. This course will help position you to be at the forefront of data protection, ensuring you are prepared for impactful roles in both the public and private sectors.

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.