Page last updated: Tuesday, March 14, 2023

Introduction

Data protection has gained an increasingly high profile, both in Ireland and internationally, over recent years. Since the introduction of the General Data Protection Regulation (“the GDPR”), which significantly reformed the regulatory regime, it is more important than ever for citizens, businesses and public institutions to become familiar with their rights and obligations under Irish and EU data protection law. 

PROGRAMME AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

This course aims to provide participants with a comprehensive and practical grounding in the changing framework for data protection law and practice, knowledge of which will be essential for almost all businesses and public and private entities in the State.

On completion of the Advanced Diploma, participants should be better able to:

1. Understand the legal framework governing data protection in Ireland and the EU;
2. Identify the structure of the regulatory regime, including enforcement and remedies;
3. Apply the practical application of data protection law.

WHO IS THE COURSE FOR?

The GDPR is of such wide application that it will affect anyone dealing with personal data. This course will be of interest to; prospective data protection officers and members of DPO teams; those working in technology and data–driven sectors; employed and self–employed persons whose work brings them into contact with data protection issues on a regular basis in large, medium and small enterprises; barristers and solicitors; employees of financial institutions; those working in central or local government, as well as the health and education sectors. 

Having a diverse group of professionals studying this course together allows participants to learn from each other, especially during tutorials and Q&A sessions.

“This is an excellent course delivered by subject matter experts in an easy to understand format. Despite being a law based course, it was easy to understand and the presentations and papers provided gave lots of additional detail that will be very useful in carrying out my role as DPO.”

2022 Graduate

COURSE DESIGNER AND LEAD LECTURER

The designer and lead lecturer of the course is barrister and academic Dr David Fennelly BL, assisted by barrister James Byrne BL.

David specialises in EU and international law, particularly in the fields of human rights, equality and data protection. He is also the current Chair of the Free Legal Advice Centres (FLAC), a human rights NGO that promotes access to justice for all.

COURSE CONTENT AND DELIVERY 2023–2024

This course takes place in an online format only, live via Zoom, with recordings of lectures available after class is over. Interactive elements such as class discussions / tutorials will not be recorded and will be cast online live only.

The course takes place over 18 weeks from October to March, with lectures on Tuesdays from 8.30 am to 10 am.

Course Start Date: October 2023 – date to be confirmed

Classes are recorded using eLearning software and made available to students for streaming via our Virtual Learning Environment (Moodle). This means that, while all students are welcome to attend class online live via Zoom, most of the sessions will be recorded so that students who are unable to attend can catch up on the material by streaming the video in their own time.

All class notes are available to read through our Virtual Learning Environment. Online tutorials and IT support are available to help students navigate their way through our library and legal resource databases.

King’s Inns is built on networking and engagement. Over the year, we invite students to attend and participate in various social events, fireside chats and talks. Events take place either online or in–person. All of this contributes to the learning experience that is King’s Inns.

Course Content

• Course overview and introduction (live session, not recorded)
• Introduction to data protection law
• Data processing principles
• Lawfulness of data processing 
• Data processors and data controllers: roles and responsibilities 
• Data subjects’ rights
• The right to be forgotten
• Dealing with access requests
• Data security 
• Data protection officer
• Data protection: the EU regulatory framework
• Data protection remedies 
• Data protection enforcement
• Dealing with data breaches
• Data protection impact assessment
• State surveillance
• International data transfers
• Data protection law: public sector issues 
• Data protection and law enforcement
• Current issues in data protection law

Please note the course content is subject to change in accordance with new developments in this area. 

Previous Speakers

• Anna Morgan, Head of Legal ODPC
• Brian Honan, BH Consulting
• Dr Catherine Donnelly SC
• Colin Rooney, Arthur Cox
• Damien Young, Partner Philip Lee
• Dr David Fennelly BL
• Eileen Barrington SC 
• Emily Gibson BL
• Dr Eoin O’Dell, TCD
• Gráinne Gilmore BL
• James Byrne BL 
• Jevan Neilan, Senior Associate, Mason Hayes & Curran
• Kate Colleary, Colleary & Co. 
• Kate O’Donnell BL, Governance Specialist, Institute of Public Administration
• Kenneth Ruane, Head of Civil Legal, An Garda Síochána
• Noel Travers SC
• Paul Lavery, Partner, McCann FitzGerald
• Dr TJ McIntyre, UCD/Digital Rights Ireland

ASSESSMENT AND ACCREDITATION

This is a professional development course and it is accredited independently by The Honorable Society of King’s Inns. The skills and competence gained in studying at King’s Inns are transferable, portable and recognised internationally. It is a valuable qualification delivered by distinguished lawyers, members of the judiciary, legal and other practitioners specialising in legal education.

To be awarded the Advanced Diploma, a participant is required to successfully complete one written assignment. 

Provisional assessment schedule: Assignment will be released in term 2. 

COURSE FEE

• Course fee: €2,550. 
• You should view the fee structure, payment terms, and other charges here. 

Barrister–at–Law graduates who are subscribing members to King’s Inns receive a 10% discount on this course. You must receive your discount code before applying. View more information here.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

There are no admission requirements for this course. A place on the highly sought–after course is not secured until the tuition fee is received in full. Once payment is received, you are automatically accepted on the course.

HOW DO I APPLY?

Application Deadline: Applications will open in April 2023

• In order to verify your personal details, you must first create an account on the Application Portal through the ‘register and apply here’ button below. Once you verify your email address in the Portal, you can then proceed with your application. 
• The application process is very short and your place on the course will not be secured until payment is received in full. Once payment is received, you are automatically accepted on the course.
• Payment can be made through the Application Portal using your credit or debit card (please make sure your bank allows you to process the full payment in one go), or 
• If your employer is paying for your studies, you will require a valid PO number in advance of making the application, the name and email address for the person responsible for payment in your organisation. 
• The invoice will issue directly to the person whose details you enter. The participant will also be able to download a copy of the invoice through the Application Portal. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure their employer has paid in full within the timeframe required in order to secure a place. King’s Inns cannot contact your employer for payment, we can only liaise with the applicant.
• An automated payment receipt will be generated confirming your place on the course.
• Subscribing members: You must apply your discount code upon application. It cannot be applied after the application is made. 

Register and apply here

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WHAT DO PREVIOUS STUDENTS SAY?