Micro-Credentials

Micro-Credentials is a term that is used to describe short, focused courses that validate specific skills and competencies. They are a smaller commitment than a full qualification like an HNC or degree and are ideal for individuals looking to quickly upskill, demonstrate professional development, or explore a subject before committing to further study.

Micro-Credentials and Upskilling

Micro-Credentials can also encompass upskilling or re-skilling courses, which are increasingly important due to the benefits for individuals, employers and the economy. These courses tend to focus on in-demand skills and can cover a broad range of subjects. They can vary in length and format and are often flexible to support learning alongside work and personal commitments.

They are designed to help individuals develop new skills or enhance existing ones to remain competitive in the ever-evolving job market.

Micro-Credentials Network

To support the development of Micro-Credentials in Scotland, the Micro-Credentials Network (MCN) was established with the purpose and remit to engage in a collaborative effort to co-develop a proposal for a Micro-Credential Framework for Scotland (MCFS). This initiative builds upon the recommendations provided by The Scottish Tertiary Education Network for Micro-Credentials.

It also aligns with the Scottish Funding Council’s commitment, as outlined in its 2021 Review of Coherence and Sustainability, to:

• Enhance access to shorter, targeted courses that support lifelong learning.
• Pilot a National Micro-Credential Framework and Delivery Plan for Scotland to certify this bite-sized learning and explore how modules may be combined to form larger qualifications over time.

Members of the network are drawn from across the Scottish tertiary sector who were previously engaged in the Scottish Tertiary Education Network for Micro-Credentials or who have subsequently been nominated for their interest in micro-credentials. The network is co-chaired by two representatives – one from a college and one from a university – drawn from the membership of the group. SFC provides support for the group but is not a member of the network.

The network will present their proposal for a Micro-Credential Framework for Scotland to the Scottish Funding Council.

We anticipate that the proposal will build on the outputs from QAA Scotland’s ‘Resilient Learning Communities’ Enhancement Theme, including The Recognition of Prior Learning: Framework for Scotland (2022) and the Good Practice Guide (2023), in addition to QAA Scotland’s previous collaborative cluster work, Exploring the Potential of Micro-Credentials and Digital Badging (2021) and on further research and collaboration undertaken by the group.

Micro-Credentials Network Meeting Minutes

• 30 January 2024.
• 16 April 2024.
• 3 June 2024.
• 17 September 2024.