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Introduction to GDPR: General Data Protection Regulation

Learn how to handle data in the digital economy safely, securely and respectfully.

20,795 enrolled on this course

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  • Duration

    3 weeks
  • Weekly study

    2 hours

Learn how to handle data responsibly

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is designed to balance the need for businesses’ and customers’ data information to flow freely, and the need to protect the rights of the individual.

As a professional you need to be aware of the legal requirements of the GDPR so you can ensure your organisation is compliant.

On this course you will get a thorough introduction to GDPR so you can grow your understanding of protecting personal data and be able to handle data in the digital economy appropriately.

What topics will you cover?

Week 1 - Law and history

  • The purpose and history of data regulation in relation to the new legislation
  • The principles of General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
  • Key concepts, including (but not limited to) the natural person, personal data, controllers and processors, and legitimate interests

Week 2 - The Natural Person

  • Legal bases for processing, including consent, legitimate interests and contracts
  • The rights of the individual, including (but not limited to) erasure, access and automated decision-making
  • Identifying how the implementation of GDPR could help to prevent particular breaches of data

Week 3 - The organisation and the data lifecycle

  • Implications of GDPR for workers, their places of work and their customers
  • Mitigating risks associated with the handling and processing of data
  • Third party contracts and transfers
  • Roles and responsibilities regarding Data Protection in the workplace

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Explain the history and principles of data regulation which resulted in the GDPR
  • Identify the key concepts and purpose of the GDPR
  • Explain legal bases for processing personal data, including performance of contracts and how consent is obtained
  • Describe the rights of the individual under the regulations
  • Identify the ways in which the GDPR can help to avoid confidentiality breaches
  • Identify the implications of GDPR for you and your workplace
  • Explain actions you and your workplace can take to mitigate risks
  • Describe the role and responsibilities of Data Protection Officers

Who is the course for?

This course is for anyone handling customer data, whether you work with customers in person, over the phone, or through digital or paper correspondence. You don’t need any previous experience.


If you are an employer, you can invite your staff to this course, with the ability to track their progress and evidence completion with digital and downloadable certificates.

If these services are of interest, register your interest here and we will contact you to discuss further.


Who will you learn with?

Nathan is a Senior Research Associate at UCL with special interest in information security, governance and ethics for shared data to support healthcare and industry.

Ross is a data protection, information security and risk management professional. He helps PA's clients to understand and implement the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Who developed the course?

UCL (University College London)

UCL was founded in 1826. It was the first English university established after Oxford and Cambridge, and the first to open up university education to those previously excluded from it.

UCL Consultants

We connect you with the best of UCL: We help you access critical specialist knowledge and first class research facilities across 11 faculties and 100+ departments.

PA Consulting

An independent firm of over 2,600 people, we operate globally from offices across the Americas, Europe, the Nordics, the Gulf and Asia Pacific.

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

Want to know more about learning on FutureLearn? Using FutureLearn

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