Course Summary
The MA in Data Protection and Privacy Law is an interdisciplinary degree run jointly by the School of Law and Government and the School of Computing. The aim of the programme is to combine the University’s expertise in law and computing to provide students with advanced expertise in the technological and legal aspects of data protection and privacy law.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
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 One (H2.1) 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 H2.1 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.
Applicants with appropriate combinations of professional qualification and experience may also be considered. This includes discipline-specific knowledge and know-how; transferable skills; basic research competency; personal effectiveness.
International candidates who are non-native speakers of English must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language.
Application Details
Application Deadlines
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the programme is full or until the following dates:
• Closing date for non EU applicants is 1st July 2025.
• Closing date for EU applicants is 31st July 2025.
Note applicants who require a study visa for the purposes of studying at DCU, are advised to apply as early as possible.
All entry requirements should be met before the commencement of the programme.
Queries
Queries from EU applicants should be directed to [email protected]
Queries from non EU applicants should be directed to [email protected]
To apply for this programme:
• All Applicants must apply through DCU's Student Application Portal.
• Provide Academic Transcripts for each and every year of study with English translation, if applicable.
• Provide a 500 - 750 word (approx.) personal statement including:
1. State which stream you are applying for (Law stream or Computing stream);
2. Why you wish to study the programme;
3. What in your record and experience makes you suitable for the MA programme;
4. The impact which you expect the MA. programme would have on your future career.
• Please upload a CV under the "Supplemental Items & Documents" section.
• If applicable, provide evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements.
Please see link http://www.dcu.ie/registry/english.shtml
Please note if you are a non EU student and require a study visa, you are not eligible to apply for part-time programmes as study visas are only granted for full-time programmes.
The programme commences in September 2025
Fees
EU Status Fee €7,400
Non EU Fee €16,000
Part time
EU Status Fee Part-time €4,000 Per Annum
Non EU Fee Part time €7,800 Per Annum
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Career Progression
The MA in Data Protection and Privacy Law attracts both recent undergraduates and those already established in their careers. The knowledge and skills you acquire through this programme are highly sought by law firms, tech companies, the compliance sector, research organisations and across multiple government departments.
Graduates seek work in a variety of government departments, including the Data Protection Commission, the Department of Health, and Universities. Others may gravitate toward the private sector as many large firms, working across a range of services, continue to expand their privacy and data protection teams. These include, but are not limited to, financial services companies, law and accountancy firms and consultancy firms.
Potential Careers
Legal professional offering expertise in privacy and the GDPR
Data protection officer
Privacy engineer
Professional advisor on data governance and best practice models
IT consultant
Researcher
Compliance professional
Data Analyst