Exploring assessment workload in micro-credentials: Read the findings from our Collaborative Enhancement Project

Although micro-credentials have been around in varying forms for a long time, they have risen to greater prominence globally over the last two or three years owing to the opportunities they present for swift, focused upskilling and more accessible engagement in higher education.

This Collaborative Enhancement Project, led by the University of Huddersfield, aimed to address concerns raised regarding increasing assessment workload when making existing degree courses more granular. The project team have produced a report which presents six case studies from across the UK demonstrating different ways in which badges and micro-credentials can be accommodated either alongside or within existing courses.

The project report also makes a number of recommendations regarding potential steps to realising the opportunities offered by micro-credentials. A podcast recorded by project lead Rupert Ward is also available, which discusses the role of technology in shaping the future of learning.

Collaborative partners on the project include Abertay University, Ulster University, University of Bath, Manchester Metropolitan University, Northumbria University and University of Sunderland.

Dr Ailsa Crum, QAA’s Director of Membership, Quality Enhancement and Standards commented: ‘Micro-credentials are a growing area of interest for many higher education institutions across the UK and worldwide. The project team have developed a rich overview of current practice across UK higher education that makes it a must read for anybody with an interest in developing micro-credentials and modular qualifications.’

The project report and podcast are available on the 'Exploring Assessment Workload in Micro-credentials' project page.