3 ECTS credits
75 h study time

Offer 1 with catalog number 6022048FNR for all students in the 2nd semester at a (F) Master - specialised level.

Semester
2nd semester
Enrollment based on exam contract
Impossible
Grading method
Grading (scale from 0 to 20)
Can retake in second session
Yes
Taught in
English
Faculty
Faculty of Law and Criminology
Department
International and European Law
Educational team
Hielke Hijmans (course titular)
Activities and contact hours

26 contact hours Lecture
Course Content

This course tackles the fundamentals of International and European Data Protection Law, granting particular attention to the global challenges of privacy and data protection regulation. After introducing the main theories surrounding data protection and privacy, it enters into an in-depth exploration of European Union (EU) data protection law, in particular the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the EU law aspects of European data protection law, and the relation between European human and fundamental rights and EU data protection. Exercises on the practice of data protection law and ‘data protection on the ground’ will be used throughout the course. The course also covers the international perspective by examining data protection law in international law and in other legal systems. Beyond giving students a thorough grounding in the normative legal basis of EU data protection law, the course will also cover practical application of the law, particular in the international involvement. Finally, it also considers both existing principles and mechanisms, as well as possibilities for improvement, and will include a forward-looking reflection of the key future challenges in the area.

Course material
Practical course material (Required) : A specific list of reading assignments is prepared for the course. Students are expected to read the relevant materials before each lecture, and should be prepared to discuss what they have read. The Course Handbook is : European Fundamental Rights Agen
Additional info

In relation to teaching methods:

  • In addition to traditional lectures, the teaching will engage the students in discussing selected case studies and ‘real-life’ practical examples.
  • Expert guest lectures will allow the students to learn from and interact with representatives of Data Protection Authorities (DPAs), EU institutions, and privacy professionals working in the private sector.
Learning Outcomes

General competencies

As a result of following this course, students will obtain: a sound understanding of International and European data protection law and their conceptual underpinnings, a clear view of the main international legal systems on privacy and data protection, as well as the crucial differences and similarities between them, and confirmed knowledge on the fundamental elements of EU data protection law. The students will learn to grasp the complexities of regulating data processing in light of stringent fundamental rights requirements, massive flows of data and where incessant technological development. They will have knowledge on contemporary and upcoming challenges, and have an understanding and initial familiarity with the skills of the practitioners and decision- makers. In sum, the students will be prepared to apply present International and European data protection law, and capable of thinking about, and adapting to, the evolution of such law in the future.

Grading

The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Written Exam determines 75% of the final mark.
Practical Exam determines 25% of the final mark.

Within the Written Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:

  • Written exam with a relative weight of 75 which comprises 75% of the final mark.

Within the Practical Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:

  • Presentation with a relative weight of 25 which comprises 25% of the final mark.

Additional info regarding evaluation

The examination consists of two parts:

  • Student lecture, where each student is requested to prepare a 5-10 minute lecture on a predefined subject. (25 % of the grade)  
  • Closed book written exam consisting of three questions. (75 % of the grade)

In addition, active participation at lectures may positively influence the final grade. (+ 10 %).

Allowed unsatisfactory mark
The supplementary Teaching and Examination Regulations of your faculty stipulate whether an allowed unsatisfactory mark for this programme unit is permitted.

Academic context

This offer is part of the following study plans:
Master of International and European Law: Standaard traject