Page content

Micro-credentials

Ulster University has offered micro-credentials (previously known as professional development short courses) for more than 15 years. Our micro-credentials are short, flexible learning opportunities designed to support upskilling and reskilling, informed by employer needs, strong partnerships, and the lifelong learning priorities of Northern Ireland.

Micro-credentials are small, credit-bearing qualifications that are outcome-based.  To achieve a micro-credential, learners are assessed to demonstrate they have achieved the learning outcomes.

Micro-credentials are:

  • credit-bearing against a recognised level of the Qualifications Frameworks.
  • subject to standard quality assurance mechanisms.
  • not normally an award in its own right on the Qualifications Frameworks.

Micro-credentials can be offered at all levels of the Qualifications Frameworks, from The Framework for Higher Education Qualifications of Degree-Awarding Bodies in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (FHEQ) Levels 4-7.  They typically have a credit value ranging from 5 to 30 credits (although 40 credits can be considered).  Upon successful completion, learners receive confirmation of the level and credits typically in the format of a Modular Certificate.  All micro-credentials are subject to the university approval and quality processes.

Learners can enrol to take individual, already approved modules from a credit-bearing programme on a stand-alone basis. These will be considered as micro-credentials.

Micro-credentials and Awards

Micro-credentials (at levels 4 and 7) can be studied on a standalone basis; provide an introduction and progression to a linked Macro-credential e.g Masters programme or form part of a range of “stackable” micro-credential which on achievement of 60 credits can considered for an award in Professional Development.  The Certificate of Personal and Professional Development (UG CPPD) provides an award framework for micro-credentials at level 4 and the Postgraduate Certificate of Professional Development (PG CPD) does so at Level 7.   The following statements apply to micro-credentials within these frameworks. Not all micro-credentials will form part of these frameworks, please check the Linked Programme section of the programme entry for confirmation of contribution to the PG Cert professional development.

The Undergraduate Certificate and Postgraduate Certificate are not intended to represent integrated programmes of study although learners may choose to take micro-credentials in related areas.  They are separate awards within the University’s Qualifications and Credit Framework for the accumulation of credit from approved micro-credentials.

Micro-credentials are available to current registered students who may wish to study them in addition to those within their award-bearing programmes.  Such micro-credentials are attached to the students’ existing records and will appear on their transcripts.  They cannot be substituted for modules in their main programme of study.

Micro-credential Learners have access to the full range of student and information services, including borrowing and electronic access in the library.

Short Courses

Short courses are considered ‘stand-alone’ packages of learning that can only be used at Ulster University for recognition of completion/attendance.  They cannot be used by themselves as credit toward any accredited programme or qualification or for admission purposes unless they form part of a portfolio-based application for recognition of informal learning.

A short course does not include any formal assessment but may contain some form of evaluation.

A certificate of participation or attendance may be provided as a means of recognising participant engagement with the short course.  Results are not included in the learner’s transcript.

Short Course learners are not considered students of the university and do not have access to standard student services or support including borrowing or electronic access in the library.