University of Cape Town
Data Protection and Privacy
Take charge of data policy within your organisation by acquiring an understanding of South African and international data laws and regulations.
Start date
03 March 2025
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Course duration
8 weeks
Excluding orientation
Language
English
Access resources from start date
Effort
7–10 hours per week
Self-paced learning online
Course overview
The amount of surveyed consumers who believe that companies need to improve their trustworthiness.
Salesforce (2020).
The maximum penalty under the South African Protection of Personal Information Act of 2013, as well as a potential maximum of 10 years imprisonment.
POPI Act Compliance (Nd). Accessed 23 April 2021.
Duration: 8 weeks (excluding orientation)
Data has emerged as a valuable asset for businesses, but it can be disastrous if not managed correctly. Governments globally are increasingly focusing on data protection and privacy, while consumers are now well-informed about their data rights. As a result, organisations require experts who can understand local and global regulations and offer guidance in designing, implementing, and monitoring data policies. The UCT Data Protection and Privacy online short course teaches you the skills to minimise the financial, legal, and reputational risks associated with data management. Starting with an overview of South Africa's Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and its international equivalents, this course equips you with the knowledge to lead data protection initiatives in your organisation. You will learn practical tools to monitor, review, report, and enhance data controls and earn a certificate of completion from UCT, Africa’s leading university.1
1QS Top Universities (Apr, 2021).
Is this course for you?
This course caters to individuals working in the legal, risk, and compliance sectors who aspire to lead the implementation of their company's data policies. For those who are just starting their career or are keen on pursuing a profession in data protection, the course offers a pragmatic and risk-oriented methodology to master their skills. Existing data protection professionals and corporate executives will benefit from gaining insights into the latest regulations and laws governing data privacy, locally and globally, to make informed strategic decisions and seize opportunities in the contemporary business environment. Additionally, participants will get hands-on experience in creating and executing data policies and exploring emerging data protection trends.
Course overview
Course overview
Duration: 8 weeks (excluding orientation)
Data has emerged as a valuable asset for businesses, but it can be disastrous if not managed correctly. Governments globally are increasingly focusing on data protection and privacy, while consumers are now well-informed about their data rights. As a result, organisations require experts who can understand local and global regulations and offer guidance in designing, implementing, and monitoring data policies. The UCT Data Protection and Privacy online short course teaches you the skills to minimise the financial, legal, and reputational risks associated with data management. Starting with an overview of South Africa's Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and its international equivalents, this course equips you with the knowledge to lead data protection initiatives in your organisation. You will learn practical tools to monitor, review, report, and enhance data controls and earn a certificate of completion from UCT, Africa’s leading university.1
1QS Top Universities (Apr, 2021).
Is this course for you?
This course caters to individuals working in the legal, risk, and compliance sectors who aspire to lead the implementation of their company's data policies. For those who are just starting their career or are keen on pursuing a profession in data protection, the course offers a pragmatic and risk-oriented methodology to master their skills. Existing data protection professionals and corporate executives will benefit from gaining insights into the latest regulations and laws governing data privacy, locally and globally, to make informed strategic decisions and seize opportunities in the contemporary business environment. Additionally, participants will get hands-on experience in creating and executing data policies and exploring emerging data protection trends.
What will set you apart
Working knowledge of international data laws and the practicalities underpinning regulatory frameworks in South Africa.
The ability to develop and implement data policies for effective data protection in your organisation.
Practical tools to monitor, review, report on, and improve data controls within your organisation.
Unlimited access to edX’s Career Engagement Network, offering you exclusive resources and events to support your professional journey and drive your career forward.Course curriculum
Orientation module
Welcome to your Online Campus
Module 1
Privacy and the people problem
Module 2
The regulatory universe and best practice standards
Module 3
Governance structures and responsibilities
Module 4
Critical organisational stakeholders
Module 5
Policy development and control design
Module 6
Implementing data protection controls
Module 7
Monitor and review the efficacy of controls
Module 8
The future of privacy and data protection
Course Convenor
Tobias Schonwetter
Associate Professor and Director, Intellectual Property Unit and Founding Director, iNtaka Centre for Law and Technology, Faculty of Law, UCT
About the certificate
Gain knowledge about data policy design and implementation, and earn an official certificate of completion from the University of Cape Town.
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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Why choose GetSmarter?
GetSmarter operates as edX's partner for premium online short course products from the world's leading universities and institutions. With edX, we leverage our people, technology, and resources to power your education and your potential.
We deliver market-led courses that equip working professionals with the expertise required to upskill, reskill or kickstart a completely new career. Through a data-driven approach, we analyze future skills requirements and ensure all courses address this need. We ensure that leading universities and institutions are your expert guides and our people, technology, and resources are your engine – together we power more than just education, we power your potential.
Read more about GetSmarter here and edX here.
Find out more about GetSmarter’s approach to digital learning, course design, and online delivery here.
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 Adviser, to find out which option you qualify for.
Manage your time
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.
Financing options
We've recently partnered with financial services firm, FeverTree, to offer you another convenient way to finance your short course education. Find out how you can apply for a short-term loan below.
How do I apply?
- You have the option of applying for a full course-cost loan agreement with FeverTree (South African citizens and short courses only)
- FeverTree works with GetSmarter to ensure your studies are financed right away, giving you the chance to join the soonest presentation
- You can find out if you pre-qualify in seconds. Send an SMS with your “Name*Surname*ID Number*Gross Salary” to 30082
- FeverTree’s application process is simple and quick – expect a 15-minute turnaround to find out if you’ve been successful with your loan application
- Even if you aren’t successful in your FeverTree application, you’ll still be eligible for the payment plan options with GetSmarter
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