BCS Data Protection Practitioner Course

Go beyond the basics and learn how to apply data protection law in practice. The BCS Practitioner Certificate in Data Protection builds on Foundation knowledge with deeper coverage of accountability, DPIAs, international transfers, breach management, children’s data, PECR, and the impact of AI. This Level 3–4 qualification is designed for those with data protection responsibilities, such as DPOs, compliance leads, or managers.

Pass the exam to gain a BCS eCertificate and one year of Associate Membership, demonstrating your expertise and commitment to compliance.

Pay with Klarna, PayPal, or card – interest-free instalments available, no credit check. Contact us to arrange live training or payment via invoice.

Accredited Excellence You Can Trust

Duco Digital is a BCS-accredited provider, delivering training that meets the highest standards in digital and data protection. Each module follows the official BCS exam syllabus, equipping you with the knowledge, confidence, and recognition to succeed.

Trusted by professionals and organisations worldwide. Certified by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT.

About the Course

Updated for 2025, this online Practitioner programme gives you deeper knowledge of data protection law and how to apply it in practice. Building on Foundation-level understanding, you’ll explore advanced topics such as accountability, DPIAs, international transfers, breach management, children’s data, PECR, and the impact of A

You'll learn:

  •  Interpret and apply the Data Protection Act 2018, UK GDPR, and EU GDPR in real organisational contexts
  •  Understand accountability, record keeping, and privacy by design requirements
  •  Manage issues such as data subject rights, breaches, audits, and ICO enforcement
  •  Recognise how data protection law applies in areas like HR, CCTV, marketing, and AI.

What you get:

 • Approx. 24 hours of online learning with 12 months’ access
 • BCS eCertificate on passing your exam
 • 1-year BCS Associate Membership (worth £92) after passing exam
 • Exam fee included — no hidden extras
 • Pass Assist package with live tutor support, practice exams, and exclusive video guides.
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Course Syllabus
Course Requirements
Career Path
course subjects you will learn

Course Syllabus

Context of
Data Protection
Principles of Data Protection & Applicable Terminology
Lawful
Bases
Accountability
Principle
Obligations of Controllers, Joint Controllers and Processors 
International Data Transfers
under UK GDPR 
Data Subject
Rights 
Independent Supervisory
Authorities and the ICO 
Breaches, Enforcement
and Liability 
*Updated* Processing of
Children's Data
Data Protection for
Public Authorities
Privacy & Electronic Communications Regulations 2003 (PECR)
Application of Data Protection Legislation in Key Areas of Industry
*Updated* AI and the Processing of Personal Data
Exam Preparation, Exercise paper, Specimen Test Paper, Sample Test Paper 
Eligibility for the course

Course Requirements

For learners who have completed the BCS Foundation in Data Protection or have 1–2 years’ practical experience.
A good level of English
is recommended
An internet connection with a mobile/tablet or laptop is required

Not sure if this course is right for you?
Contact us to check your suitability before starting.

career opportunities 

Career Path

While data protection training is valuable across all sectors, given the digital nature of today's world, there are certain sectors where it is particularly critical:

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  • Health
  • Information Technology (IT)
  • Cybersecurity
  • Finance and Banking

  • Retail
  • E-commerce
  • Government
  • Public Services

  • Education
  • Telecommunications
  • Advertising
  • Researchers

It's important to note that virtually all sectors can benefit from data protection training, as data has become a crucial part of nearly every industry.
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Pass Assist

Your course price isn’t just for learning materials — it includes the complete Pass Assist package, designed to give you the best chance of passing your BCS exam with confidence.

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Two live video calls

Two live video calls with your course trainer for Q&A and a deeper understanding

Practice exam papers

Practice exam papers to test your knowledge and get exam-ready

Exclusive video guides

Exclusive video guides to make a learning plan, maximise the course, and prepare effectively

Tutor support

Tutor support via forum, email, and WhatsApp for help whenever you need it

BCS exam included 

BCS exam fee included — take your exam when you’re ready, at no extra cost
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EMPLOYERS
NEED DATA
 PROTECTION SKILLS

95%

Data Breaches are
Caused by Human Error

90%

Employees Would Comply With Data Policies, if they Received Training

60%

Data Protection Training
Can Reduce the Risk of a Breach 

Learners from These Organisations Choose Us

Meet your instructor

Mandy Hargun 

Legal Counsel and BCS Accredited Data Protection Trainer
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Mandy is a qualified solicitor and Legal Counsel with over 18 years of experience in data protection. She brings a distinctive approach to teaching, breaking down complex privacy topics and using practical examples to make learning straightforward and engaging.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is BCS?

BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, is a globally recognised professional body trusted by corporations, academics, and IT practitioners alike. With more than 60,000 members across 150 countries,

BCS connects a diverse network of business leaders, educators, policy-makers, and technology professionals. Its mission is to guide the IT industry through ethical challenges, support the development of those working within the sector, and promote technology that benefits society as a whole. Through its qualifications, events, and community initiatives, BCS fosters professional growth, thought leadership, and responsible innovation in IT worldwide.

Why should I take this course?

The BCS Foundation Certificate in Data Protection is designed to boost your career by giving you a solid understanding of data protection, particularly UK GDPR. Whether your role requires it or having this knowledge would make you more effective, this qualification equips you with essential expertise.

With UK data protection roles offering salaries from £34,140 to £65,000, there’s never been a better time to gain this credential.

Who is this course for?

This course will help your career if you are:
 • Already working with data protection and want to deepen your knowledge 
• Looking to move into a specialist compliance or DPO role 
• Responsible for advising on or implementing data protection policies 
• A manager or leader who must demonstrate compliance within your organisation.

Specifically, the following roles could benefit from this course (as well as good examples of career opportunities):
• Data Protection Officers (DPOs) 
• Information Governance, Risk, and Compliance professionals 
• Legal, HR, and Procurement professionals with data responsibilities 
• Senior Managers or Directors accountable for data protection 
• Project Managers handling high-risk or sensitive data processing
 • IT and Security managers who support GDPR and DPA compliance.

What does the course include?

  • Online access to structured modules and lessons that follow the official BCS syllabus
  • Pass Assist support package (tutor calls, practice papers, video guides, discussion forum, email/WhatsApp support)
  • A personal course login that saves your progress
  • Exam booking guidance and support
  • A BCS eCertificate and 1-year Associate Membership* when you pass
  • VAT.


*New BCS members only

What is Pass Assist?

Pass Assist is our unique support package designed to give you the knowledge, skills, and confidence to pass your BCS exam.

When you enroll in this course, Pass Assist gives you:
  • Two live video calls with your course trainer to ask questions and deepen your understanding
  • Practice exam papers to test your knowledge and get familiar with the exam format
  • Exclusive video guides to help you make a learning plan, get the most from the course, and prepare effectively for the exam
  • Ongoing tutor support via discussion forum, email, and WhatsApp for guidance whenever you need it


With Pass Assist, you’re never learning alone—you have the tools and support to succeed.

When is the start date of the course?

Self-study: Begin right after enrolment — learn anytime, anywhere. Book a 15-minute welcome call and a 15-minute exam prep session with your trainer directly via the course link.

Live training: Held on mutually agreed dates. Contact us to check availability.

How to start the course?

Enrol online now with card, PayPal, or Klarna — or contact us for invoice/bank transfer.

If you prefer live training, please contact us or message us on WhatsApp with a date you would like the training and any requirements, for example, the number of people. 

We train individuals and support teams with their training needs in organisations, colleges, universities, and government departments in different countries. Contact us if you have any questions.

What happens after I enroll?

  1. Click on the enrolment email to gain access.
  2. Complete your study
  3. Book your BCS exam using the link in the BCS email sent to you 14 days after enrolment
  4. Take your exam
  5. Download your BCS certificate from your BCS exam account when you pass
  6. Access your free* 1-year BCS Associate membership from the link in your BCS exam account when you pass
  7. Create a BCS professional profile, access further learning, build networks, and access career tools with a BCS membership

*New BCS members only

What is studying with Duco Digital Training like?


  • Self-paced learning that fits around your schedule

  • Step-by-step modules aligned with the syllabus

  • Our unique Pass Assist package of tutor support, BCS-recommended Books* discussion forums, and exam preparation resources

  • Accredited courses trusted by organisations worldwide

  • BCS certification and membership** that add real career value.


*BCS eBooks as recommended on your syllabus
** Pass the BCS exam to claim your certification. Membership for new BCS members only.

I prefer live training — how can I book this?

Prefer learning in real time with a trainer? We offer live online training for groups of two or more. If you’re learning solo, you can invite a friend or colleague to join. To book, just contact us with your preferred dates and group size, and we’ll confirm availability and customise the session to your needs.

Can organisations buy this course for teams?

Yes. Duco Digital Training partners with organisations, colleges, universities, and government departments around the world. We can enrol teams of any size, giving each learner their own login, progress tracking, and Pass Assist support. Payment is available by invoice or bank transfer, and our self-study approach allows groups to learn consistently, at their own pace, while keeping costs manageable.

How long will I have access to the course? 

You have 12 months to complete all BCS courses and take the exam. For career pathways that include multiple courses, simply contact us if you need extra time.

Live Training for Companies

Looking to train a team?* We deliver bespoke live training for organisations worldwide – online or onsite. Tailored sessions, group discounts, and the same exam-ready Pass Assist package.
*minimum of two people
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What People Say About Us

The course is really thorough about AI in general, and it covers all of the basic knowledge about AI. As a lecturer myself, I will teach this to my students.
Cholid
The training provided will assist me to conduct AI research projects in a more professional and systematic way. The knowledge provided will be incredibly valuable for my future study in the field of computer vision.
Muhammad
Good training materials for remote learning, and the most impressive part was the speed at which they responded to questions. I also had issues with the exam (through the exam platform, not Duco) and they were really helpful in resolving it.
Tom
The course is really thorough about AI in general, and it covers all of the basic knowledge about AI. As a lecturer myself, I will teach this to my students.
Cholid
The training provided will assist me to conduct AI research projects in a more professional and systematic way. The knowledge provided will be incredibly valuable for my future study in the field of computer vision.
Muhammad
Good training materials for remote learning, and the most impressive part was the speed at which they responded to questions. I also had issues with the exam (through the exam platform, not Duco) and they were really helpful in resolving it.
Tom

Get in touch today to discuss enrolment, team training, or payment options.

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