---
title: Data Ethics Professional - ODI Learning
description: Our Data Ethics Professionals programme will help you learn the knowledge and skills needed to apply tools to help others make better use of data.
image: https://learning.theodi.org/hubfs/01_ODI%20Learning/Website/course_thumbnails_DEP.png
---
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# Data Ethics Professional
Certified learning for professionals who evaluate data practices and AI tools with the potential to adversely impact people and society. Learn from subject matter experts who are also educational practitioners, then join the alumni community and webinar series.
[Register interest](https://learning.theodi.org/courses/data-ethics-professional/register-your-interest?hsLang=en) [Programme hub](https://learning.theodi.org/data-ethics-professionals?hsLang=en)
## Become an ODI certified Data Ethics Professional
[Alumni community](https://theodi.org/about-the-odi/the-odi-team/data-ethics-professionals/) · [Webinar series](https://learning.theodi.org/data-ethics-professionals/webinars?hsLang=en) · [Meet Kay, Programme Lead](https://learning.theodi.org/trainers?hsLang=en) · [Programme hub](https://learning.theodi.org/data-ethics-professionals?hsLang=en)
Data ethics and responsible AI is not just a technical issue, it’s a pressing concern that has implications for all aspects of organisations, from the C-suite to the comms team, from the legal department to HR and finance. Many organisations in a range of sectors grapple with these issues, including the public sector, health, finance, technology, consultancy and more.
This comprehensive course is designed for forward-thinking individuals passionate about evaluating data practices and AI tools with the potential to adversely impact people and society; we will give you the tools to build trust and to be transparent and accountable in the data-driven world of AI, ensuring that your organisation is positioned to reap the benefits of data and AI while minimising risk.
This course is best suited to professionals who manage or use data or AI tools to inform organisational strategy as well as day to day decision making. Alumni from previous cohorts come from a range of roles, including data protection officers, software engineers, programme managers, data analysts and more.
As a sought-after data ethics professional, you will be able to unlock the potential of responsible data creation, sharing and use, and you will be well positioned to take the lead on ethical and responsible implementation of data projects and AI tools within your organisation.
After certification you join a growing [alumni community](https://theodi.org/about-the-odi/the-odi-team/data-ethics-professionals/) and can take part in the [Data Ethics Professional webinar series](https://learning.theodi.org/data-ethics-professionals/webinars?hsLang=en).
[Apply now](https://learning.theodi.org/courses/data-ethics-professional/apply?hsLang=en) [Request Info](https://hubspot-developers-irb9ce-19956213.hs-sites.com/en/become-an-instructor)
Delivery: Blended
Study Hours: 60h
Duration: 10 weeks
ODI members price:
£1,699 + VAT
Early bird price:
£1,799 + VAT
General admission price:
£1,999 + VAT
Early bird available if purchased 1 month prior to start date
[Book via Government Campus](https://prospectus.governmentcampus.co.uk/04-data-and-analytics/data-ethics-professionals/)
The Data Ethics Professionals programme consists of 8 weekly webinars lasting 2 hours each, during which we discuss real data ethics case studies linking to the weekly topic. These webinars give you the chance to explore ethical issues from a range of perspectives, discussing with peers from different sectors and roles. This is supplemented by linked online learning that you can complete at your own pace, covering material in greater depth to upskill in particular topic areas. The course culminates with an assessment that involves evaluating a case study on a topic of your choice, and can be submitted in a format that suits your job role. You will be supported throughout the assessment by 1:1 meetings with one of our expert tutors.
Weekly topics include:
Week 1: Introduction to data ethics and responsible AI
Week 2: Foundations of ethical decision making
Week 3: Ethics and personal data
Week 4: Ethics in data collection and data sharing
Week 5: Bias and fairness in the data lifecycle
Week 6: Bias and fairness in machine learning and AI
Week 7: Transparency and explainability
Week 8: Operationalising data ethics and responsible AI
[DOWNLOAD THE COURSE SCHEDULE](https://learning.theodi.org/hubfs/Data%20Ethics%20Professionals%20agenda%20-%20March%202026.pdf?hsLang=en)
Successful participants will be:
- **Recognised as competent in the area of data ethics** and the practical steps required to help organisations minimise potential harms that come from data collection, use and sharing – including the deployment of AI tools
- **Able to think critically** about data ethics and applications of AI
- **Prepared to lead discussions** on data ethics and responsible AI in the context of their own organisations
- **Ready to apply tools and techniques** to analyse the current situation within organisations.
- **Equipped to suggest potential actions** to minimise risk – be it through process adoption around the deployment of AI, as guided by tools such as the data ethics canvas; changes to the way the data itself is collected, used, or shared.
[](http://theodi.org)
We ask potential participants to complete a short application. The application process is to verify that the course is right for you. Our tutors review each application before confirming acceptance on the programme.
## Upcoming Dates
### September 2026
Starts 15th September 2026
[Download course schedule](https://learning.theodi.org/hubfs/Data%20Ethics%20Professionals%20agenda%20-%20September%202026.pdf?hsLang=en)
From £1,699 + VAT
## More about the course
###### Who is this course for?
This course is best suited to professionals who manage or use data or AI tools to inform organisational strategy as well as day to day decision making. Alumni from previous cohorts come from a range of roles, including data protection officers, software engineers, programme managers, data analysts and more.
###### Why become an ODI Data Ethics Professional?
An ODI Data Ethics Professional is recognised by the ODI as competent in the area of data ethics, and the practical steps required to help organisations minimise potential harms that come from data collection, use, and sharing.
As a certified professional you will:
- Be listed on the ODI website as a certified professional
- Be part of a network of professionals, and invited to regular peer learning events.
- Be able to use your certification to create, market and sell services that are aimed at improving data ethics practices in projects and organisations.
- Get access to exclusive content and tools via the ODI Learning Experience Platform
###### Course prerequisites
There are no specific prerequisites for this course. Participants should be open minded and willing to learn through their own self-directed research. A good level of general literacy and numeracy will offer the best chances of success from the course.
###### Learning experience
This is a blended course. Dependent on the chosen pathway, your learning experience includes:
- (Self-Directed) self-directed activities which follow the theming of each week and allow you to build your understanding of different concepts in the domain of data ethics
- (Champions) Tutor-led webinars that focus the discussion on the different topics and contextualise these for the varied domains of the learners. There will also be discussions related to the learning that provide opportunities to develop your understanding and debate key topics with peers
- (Professionals) An assessment to recognise your ability to actively demonstrate the key data ethics skills in a professional context
###### Assessment criteria
The assessment framework forms the fundamental basis for how we assess whether people have passed the course, and **focuses on three areas**:
1. an understanding of data ethics as a field--for example, recognising how certain data-driven processes or tools might adversely impact some groups or unevenly distribute the benefits
2. an understanding of the types of data techniques that can lead to harmful impacts (e.g., training an AI algorithm with data containing historical bias) or be harnessed to drive more equitable outcomes (e.g., data minimisation, aggregation and anonymisation)
3. the ability to use tools and frameworks to evaluate projects and make suggestions that can mitigate harmful impacts. The ODI's data ethics canvas is one example of a tool that can be applied in this way, although learners are encouraged to use any suitable tool or framework relevant to their sector.
To become a Data Ethics Professional, a minimum of a **pass mark must be achieved in all three areas**.
## Assessment components
**We offer a flexible assessment format for this course, allowing participants to choose a case study relevant to their sector and job role. Assessments typically take the form of a 2500-word report, but other formats are also acceptable (for example, a recording of a talk at a professional conference), empowering participants to demonstrate their understanding of ethical data practices in a manner that suits their expertise and professional needs.**
There are two components to the assessment which form part of the programme.
**1 – Written case study**
The written case study is the main piece of assessment and requires participants to demonstrate their knowledge and skills as a data ethics professional. The case study must be a piece of original research, written by the participant. Case studies should be no longer than 2500 words (excluding references and appendices).
Case studies can be written in two ways:
1. A research paper examining an existing or third party case study. In such studies we would expect to see extensive use of references to professional peer-reviewed works and an evaluation of the case study against the principles taught in the course in order to create a number of recommendations.
2. An original piece of work applying the teachings of the course to the participants’ own area. This type of case study may require fewer references as the participant is directly investigating the practical data ethics questions on data/processes/technologies to which they have access.
Time requirement: **30 hours**
**2 – Case study discussion**
In order to help develop case studies, participants are required to engage in discussions throughout the course related to the topics covered, as well as their chosen case study.
**Weekly engagement:** 30~ mins
It is expected that the assessed case study will require approximately 30 hours of engagement.
###### Course Cost
The course cost is:
**ODI member's price:**
£1,658 + VAT
**Early bird price** (Early bird available if purchased 3 months prior to start date)**:**
£1,755 + VAT
**General admission price:**
£1,950 + VAT
**Payment methods:**
Payment is made via Eventbrite and can be made through PayPal or via Invoice.
###### FAQs
##### Who is this course for?
This course is best suited to professionals who manage or use data or AI tools to inform organisational strategy as well as day to day decision making. Alumni from previous cohorts come from a range of roles, including data protection officers, software engineers, programme managers, data analysts and more.
##### How many places/people are on each course?
Up to 24 participants.
##### What are the practical course requirements?
Just an internet-enabled laptop or PC, that can access Zoom calls for the teacher lead aspects of the course. That’s all.
##### Can you tell me more about ODI Courses?
Founded in 2012 by Sir Tim Berners-Lee and Sir Nigel Shadbolt, the ODI offers courses that are friendly, supportive and fun. No question is a silly question in our classrooms, and our expert teachers will arm you with all the practical skills you need for applying what you’ve learnt to the real world. The majority of the course content is made available to reuse under an open licence.
##### About this course
This course was created by and is © The Open Data Institute.
###### The important legal bit
1. Individuals certified as ODI Data Ethics Professionals can use their certification to help promote their expertise in support of creating, marketing and selling services aimed at improving data ethics practices in projects and organisations.
2. ODI certification of an individual as a Data Ethics Professional must not be used to suggest the ODI recognises or endorses an organisation, product or services ethical practices. The course equips you to adopt practices that embed ethical thinking around collection, use and sharing of data, not to meet a particular ethical standard.
3. Certified individuals must agree to be listed on our network pages along with a picture that clearly identifies them. This enables those engaging an ODI Data Ethics Professional to check their identity and certification status. Certified individuals will receive one year of free [individual membership](https://theodi.org/membership/) (including regular email updates) to the ODI.
4. The ODI reserves the right to revoke certification of any individual at any time if individuals or associated organisations are found to be in breach of these conditions.
## Course instructors
###### [Dr David Tarrant](https://learning.theodi.org/trainers?hsLang=en)
Academic Lead
###### [Dr Kay Achenbach](https://learning.theodi.org/trainers?hsLang=en)
Data Trainer
*"**The course was mind-opening. Before taking it, data ethics felt quite an abstract field, difficult to pin down through practical observations and recommendations. The ODI was really able to bring the topic to life and show how to work with data ethics in practice through so many examples and group exercises. The course was also a great opportunity to work in a cross-functional environment, where each person brought different ideas from their own background. Highly recommended.**”*
**Cristina U**
*"The assignments were the highlight of the course. They were well designed – it’s good to use real live data from a different sphere than I’m used to working in. And I really liked how they built on the previous assignment learnings.”*
**Digital Analyst, Boots**
*"**I would recommend the ODI's Data Ethics Course to anyone genuinely wanting to broaden their perspectives and understand more about ethics as a concept. It is a challenging course but the tutors, the content and the other students make it interesting. It is not an easy pass, or a quick win certificate, you need to invest a decent amount of time in both the sessions and in your own time for study and assignment preparation. I will definitely be taking my new knowledge and learnings back into my role.**”*
**Sarah Kennedy, Senior Case Officer (Sandbox), ICO**
### Become a Data Ethics Professional: Watch the video for a brief overview from one of our expert tutors
To ensure inclusivity, we offer discounted pricing for customers from lower or middle-income countries.
[**Please contact us for further information**](mailto:training@theodi.org).
If you represent a business interested in purchasing four or more course spaces, please [**reach out to us**](mailto:training@theodi.org) for personalised discounted rates.
[](https://directory.cpdstandards.com/providers/the-open-data-institute/)
### Learning Pathway: Empower Your Data-Driven Decision Making
**Potential Learning Journey:
Strategic Data Skills**
Specifically designed for professionals and practitioners who leverage data to inform business strategy and daily decision-making processes.
Encompasses activities such as data organisation, analysis using spreadsheet software or BI tools, and effective interpretation of data outputs for stakeholder communication.
For learners aspiring to develop skills from a strategic leadership perspective.
Strategic Data Skills will further enhance your capabilities and compliment your DEP knowledge.
## Data Ethics Professional (DEP)
[](https://learning.theodi.org/courses/data-ethics-professional)
## Strategic Data Skills
**Potential Learning Journey:
Strategic Data Skills**
Specifically designed for professionals and practitioners who leverage data to inform business strategy and daily decision-making processes.
Encompasses activities such as data organisation, analysis using spreadsheet software or BI tools, and effective interpretation of data outputs for stakeholder communication.
For learners aspiring to develop skills from a strategic leadership perspective.
Strategic Data Skills will further enhance your capabilities and compliment your DEP knowledge.
## You may also be interested in...
###### Introduction to Data Ethics
This two-hour online course gives an introduction to the concept of data ethics, how ethics is addressed in other domains, and how data ethics can be applied...
[Discover More](https://learning.theodi.org/courses/introduction-to-data-ethics-and-responsible-ai?hsLang=en)
###### Open Data in a Day
Learn how to discover, use and describe the benefits of open data, and how it impacts your organisation on this live, instructor-led, online and interactive course...
[Discover More](https://learning.theodi.org/courses/open-data-in-a-day?hsLang=en)
###### Strategic Data Skills
This course will equip you with the theoretical knowledge, practical skills and technical know-how to make better decisions using data...
[Discover More](https://learning.theodi.org/courses/strategic-data-skills?hsLang=en)
[.png?width=121&height=56&name=learning-150-Blue-L%20(1).png)](https://theodi.org/)
**ODI Learning** offers courses that are friendly, supportive and fun. No question is a silly question in our classrooms, and our expert trainers will arm you with all the practical skills you need for applying what you’ve learnt to the real world.
The majority of the course content is made available to reuse under an open licence.
[](https://theodi.org/)
The ODI is a non-profit company, founded in 2012 by Sir Tim Berners-Lee and Sir Nigel Shadbolt. At the ODI, our mission is to work with companies and governments to build an open, trustworthy data ecosystem. We work with a range of organisations, governments, public bodies and civil society to create a world where data works for everyone.
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