Micro-credential Design Trends in Higher Education

What does it really take to set up and grow online short courses and micro-credentials in higher education? In this session, Stuart Allan will reflect on the real lessons institutions learn when moving from idea to implementation.

He’ll explore the key decisions that shape successful provision: should micro-credentials carry credit, which systems are needed to support delivery, how can learners stack credits towards recognised awards, what risks need to be managed, and whether existing policies are fit for purpose. It’s a practical look at the opportunities, tensions, and institutional realities behind this growing area of provision with one memorable question thrown in for good measure: can a micro-credential learner get married in the University chapel?

• How online short courses and micro-credentials are defined, and differences between the two

• Key considerations when defining and implementing a strategy for modular / stackable online provision

• Potential future developments, such as cross-institutional collaboration

Stuart Allan has led digital learning strategies and teams in several UK universities. He is currently Head of Digital Education and Partnerships at the University of St Andrews, and a PhD candidate at the University of Edinburgh's Centre for Research in Digital Education.