Defence Against the Dark Arts runs through all seven years of a student's enrollment in Hogwarts, although it may be selected as an elective after the fifth year. It is a class that primarily teaches self-defence against malevolent magic and Dark Creatures, and it does so by focusing upon dueling techniques, the creation of wards, studying protective charms and the characteristics of Dark Creatures. Some schools, such as Durmstrang, teach their students the Dark Arts themselves. Hogwarts is not one of these.

First year: An introduction to the Dark Arts. Low-level hexes and shielding charms are studied. The more renowned Dark Creatures (vampires, werewolves, etc.) are studied in text books.

Second year: Basic dueling techniques are studied. More low-level hexes and shielding charms, and how they may be used in combat situations. Lesser known Dark Creatures (grindylows, boggarts, Dementors, etc) are studied in text books.

Third year: Basic dueling techniques, which often involve sparring. Dark Creatures are studied, some techniques to deter weaker creatures are practised in class. (Riddikulus spell to deter boggarts, how to grapple with grindylows, etc.)

Fourth year: Intermediate dueling techniques, which can include Hex-Deflection. More advanced shield charms and hexes are studied. Cursed Items are introduced, as well as simple methods of detecting curses and means of breaking them. Continued study of Dark Creatures.

Fifth year: Intermediate dueling techniques. Intermediate coverage of detecting curses and breaking them. Creation of basic protective wards. Students review and focus upon preparing for their OWLs.

For the OWLs: Students are tested in theoretical knowledge covering everything they've learned so far. They are also given a Dark Item cursed with a minor hex to identify and break. Dueling techniques are tested against a visiting Auror.

Sixth year: Advanced dueling techniques. Intermediate coverage of detecting curses, breaking them, and creation of wards. More advanced protective charms are studied - such as the Patronus Charm.

Seventh year: Advanced dueling techniques. Advanced coverage of curses, curse-breaking and creation of strong wards. Continued study of more advanced protective charms.

For the NEWTs: Those wishing to specialise in DAtDA will be expected to again demonstrate their dueling with an Auror. A semi-powerful Dark Creature is brought in to be subdued, and a more powerful Dark Item is submitted for identification and cleansing. Theoretical knowledge of other areas of DAtDA is covered with written examinations.