The London School of Economics and Political Science
Data Protection, Law and Governance
Develop the expertise to analyse and navigate the evolving legal landscape that is moulding data laws and policies, through acquiring the necessary skills.
Start date
22 July 2026
97%
Cohort-based learning
Group learning, expert guidance
6 weeks
Excluding orientation
English
Access resources from start date
8–10 hours per week
Self-paced learning online
Course overview
The percentage of consumers who will only purchase from companies that have a reputation of protecting their customers’ data.
McKinsey & Company (2022).
The expected size of data protection as a service market by 2028.
Mordor Intelligence LLP (Feb, 2024).
Duration: 6 weeks (excluding orientation)
In an era of rapid digitalisation, privacy concerns have necessitated the development of data protection laws globally, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which updates laws to safeguard the personal information of individuals. These regulations alter how organisations handle the data of their customers and stakeholders. Andrew Murray, professor of law at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), claims that as digital data processing becomes the backbone of all business sectors, understanding how the law applies to digital decision-making is critical for business professionals worldwide.
LSE's Data Protection, Law and Governance online certificate course examines the function of law in the digital realm by contextualising legal principles and concepts connected to technology and data regulation. Ultimately, the course equips individuals with the expertise necessary to navigate the evolving legal landscape shaping data law and policy.
By critically analysing topical case studies and contemporary data regulations from a socio-legal standpoint, individuals will obtain insights into the legal difficulties created by digitisation. Created by leading academics from LSE's Law School, the content utilises the school's cutting-edge research and academic excellence to explore pressing legal debates concerning data protection and algorithmic regulation. Participants in this online certificate course will gain the skills to critically analyse the relationships between technology, policy, and the law.
Is this course for you?
This course caters to professionals seeking to understand global data protection concerns driving internet and technology regulations. It is relevant for individuals across geographical or jurisdictional contexts, offering practical applications for legal and business professionals, as well as data analysts and technologists. It provides expert perspectives on data law, regulation, and data-driven decision-making. Legal consultants, public policy specialists, and law graduates can gain knowledge on tech-driven policymaking, data privacy, protection, and regulation.
This Data Protection, Law and Governance online certificate course is certified by the United Kingdom CPD Certification Service, and may be applicable to individuals who are members of, or are associated with, UK-based professional bodies. The course has an estimated 60 hours of learning.
Note: should you wish to claim CPD activity, the onus is on you. The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and GetSmarter accept no responsibility, and cannot be held responsible, for the claiming or validation of hours or points.
Course overview
Introduction
Duration: 6 weeks (excluding orientation)
In an era of rapid digitalisation, privacy concerns have necessitated the development of data protection laws globally, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which updates laws to safeguard the personal information of individuals. These regulations alter how organisations handle the data of their customers and stakeholders. Andrew Murray, professor of law at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), claims that as digital data processing becomes the backbone of all business sectors, understanding how the law applies to digital decision-making is critical for business professionals worldwide.
LSE's Data Protection, Law and Governance online certificate course examines the function of law in the digital realm by contextualising legal principles and concepts connected to technology and data regulation. Ultimately, the course equips individuals with the expertise necessary to navigate the evolving legal landscape shaping data law and policy.
By critically analysing topical case studies and contemporary data regulations from a socio-legal standpoint, individuals will obtain insights into the legal difficulties created by digitisation. Created by leading academics from LSE's Law School, the content utilises the school's cutting-edge research and academic excellence to explore pressing legal debates concerning data protection and algorithmic regulation. Participants in this online certificate course will gain the skills to critically analyse the relationships between technology, policy, and the law.
Is this course for you?
This course caters to professionals seeking to understand global data protection concerns driving internet and technology regulations. It is relevant for individuals across geographical or jurisdictional contexts, offering practical applications for legal and business professionals, as well as data analysts and technologists. It provides expert perspectives on data law, regulation, and data-driven decision-making. Legal consultants, public policy specialists, and law graduates can gain knowledge on tech-driven policymaking, data privacy, protection, and regulation.
This Data Protection, Law and Governance online certificate course is certified by the United Kingdom CPD Certification Service, and may be applicable to individuals who are members of, or are associated with, UK-based professional bodies. The course has an estimated 60 hours of learning.
Note: should you wish to claim CPD activity, the onus is on you. The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and GetSmarter accept no responsibility, and cannot be held responsible, for the claiming or validation of hours or points.
Get this course for your team
Leading organisations recognise the value of this course and invest in it to enhance their employees' skills and expertise.
What will set you apart
Develop and contextualise your knowledge of foundational legal principles, and improve your understanding of core debates regarding data governance.
Examine traditional regulatory models and how they are being replaced or supplemented by the application of algorithmic, data-driven decision-making.
Discover the practical applications and regulatory challenges of algorithmic decision-making.
Navigate the changing legal environment that is shaping data law and policy.Course curriculum
Orientation module
Welcome to your Online Campus
Section I
Datafication and the law
Module 1
Digitisation and its challenges for regulation
Module 2
Data governance
Section II
Regulating data: Between markets and rights
Module 3
Data locality
Module 4
Data markets
Section III
Profiling, AI, and regulation of and by algorithms
Module 5
Profiling and GDPR
Module 6
AI and algorithmic regulation
What past students
think
Cdr Abhiram Sripathy
CSO, GeoSpoc
Overall a thought-provoking course and plenty to learn in the changing environment of Data Policy. This course is great for senior executives in the field of AI, Data Analytics, and Technology Law! The delivery of the course is well thought out and allows one to learn through different and engaging ways!
Course Convenor
Dr Damian Clifford
Assistant Professor, LSE Law School
Professor Andrew Murray
Professor of Law, LSE Law School
About the certificate
Examine the function of law in the digital realm and earn an official certificate of competence from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Assessment is continuous and based on a series of practical assignments completed online. In order to be issued with a digital certificate, you’ll need to meet the requirements outlined in the course handbook. The handbook will be made available to you as soon as you begin the course.
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Payment options
You can pay your course fees before the course starts, or you may opt for a split payment plan on courses that are nine weeks and shorter. For courses 10 weeks and longer, there is a three-part payment plan available. To find out more about payment options please visit our Payment and Financing page, or contact an enrollment specialist, to find out which option you qualify for.
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GetSmarter's learning model is designed to help you, as a working professional, improve your skills without compromising on work and family responsibilities. The course work is broken up into weekly, manageable bite-sized modules, with incremental deadlines, designed to help you pace yourself over the duration of the course and allow you the legroom to work when it suits you best.
At the beginning of each module you'll be presented with the course content and assignments necessary for completion. You also have access to your Success Adviser who will help you manage your time, and support you with any administrative or technical queries you might have.
Seek employer assistance
By improving your skills and industry knowledge, you'll have an influence on the success of your organization. Why wouldn't you ask your boss to help you fund your studies if it's going to have an impact on the way you do business?
Of our past students, 37 percent have received financial assistance from their employers. You can ask for help, too. Here is a guide to show you how to request financial assistance from your employer.
If you are a Learning & Development (L&D) manager, or involved in training and upskilling for an organization, you can request information regarding our corporate offering on our GetSmarter for business page.
How to change your start date
As part of our commitment to your professional development, GetSmarter offers you a two-week period to change your course start date or request your money back if you’re not fully satisfied.
To qualify for a deferral of your course start date, or to cancel your enrollment and receive a refund of your course fee, your request would need to reach our Success Advisers before the release of Module 2. For more information, please read our Terms and Conditions.
Discover the Online Campus
The Online Campus will be your virtual classroom for the duration of your course. Through its easy-to-use interface you'll have access to a diverse variety of course content formats including: interactive videos, module notes, practice quizzes, presentations, assignment briefs, and additional web resources.
On the Online Campus, you'll also be able to ask questions and interact with your fellow students and teaching team through the discussion forums. If you are looking for your Online Campus login, please visit your Account page here.
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