Micro-credentials (MicroCreds ), an exciting new project at the University of Galway, was born out of a HEA funded human capital initiative, identifing gaps for future needs of the workforce.
“With the ever-changing landscape of technology, climate action, and sustainability, it's critical the university keeps pace with its learning offerings,” explained Janice Mulvany Glennon, micro-credentials project lead. “Being mindful of how adults learn: short, focused, and flexible learning, specific to what they need to know."
The University of Galway is developing MicroCreds to contribute to the upskilling and reskilling, which adds to its current rich adult learning offerings. These MicroCreds are small, accredited courses designed to meet the demands of learners, enterprise, and organisations, offering a highly flexible, bite sized, and accessible way of learning. These are credit bearing and research-led by leading universities.
“Some micro-credentials offer pathways to allow learners to stack micro-credentials into a larger credential or award,” said Nuala McGuinn, director of the Centre for Adult Learning and Professional Development, “complementing the range of flexible courses currently offered at the university.”
The MicroCreds team work with academics and industry to establish future needs, keeping Ireland competitive and at the cutting-edge of technology and medical developments. “These are focused on specific skill needs in AI, climate action, software, and many other skills needs publications,” Janice notes.
“Studying for a MicroCred at our university will give adult learners credentials, recognised by employers, enhancing employment opportunities,” Ms Mulvany Glennon explained.
For further information on MicroCreds visit universityofgalway.ie/microcreds
