Micro-credentials Policy

This policy applies to all students and staff members of the University for all micro-credentials developed, delivered or recognised by the University.

To provide a framework for the development, approval, delivery and recognition of micro-credentials.

A micro-credential has been defined by NZQA as a training scheme which:

• certifies the achievement of a specific set of skills and knowledge
• has a statement of purpose and clear learning outcomes
• has demonstrable support from relevant industries, employers, or communities
• has a credit value from 5 to 40 credits (inclusive)
• would typically not duplicate current quality assured learning already approved.

A micro-credential normally certifies achievement of a smaller quantity of learning than course level.

Requirements

1. Micro-credentials must adhere to the Universities’ guiding principles: Micro-credentials, as approved by CUAP.

2. Micro-credentials may be developed at levels 4-8 on the qualifications framework.

3. Micro-credentials must be awarded on the basis of the achievement of outcomes appropriate to their level, and not just recognise participation.

4. Micro-credentials may be stand alone, and do not need to contribute to a qualification.

5. Micro-credentials may be open-entry or entry criteria may be specified.

Development

6. Proposals for new micro-credentials must be developed by the academic unit who will be responsible for maintaining the quality of the micro-credential.

7. Proposals for new micro-credentials must be completed on the micro-credentials template and include details of the proposed title, description, credit value, entry criteria (if required), statement of purpose, learning outcomes, external support, and the relationship of the micro-credential to other courses and programmes offered by the University.

8. Micro-credentials must reflect the University’s commitments and objectives outlined in its Strategic Plan, including those relating to the Treaty of Waitangi and creating an equitable environment.

9. If there is an intention to develop or deliver a micro-credential in conjunction with a third party, the proposal must include details of the respective roles of the parties in the development and delivery of the micro-credential.

10. The academic unit is responsible for ongoing quality assurance of any micro-credentials developed.

Approval

11. Proposals for new micro-credentials or changes to existing micro-credentials must be approved by the relevant faculty, and faculty dean, prior to submission to the Academic Programmes Office.

12. Proposals will be reviewed by the Academic Programmes Sub-committee prior to consideration by the Academic Programmes Committee.

13. The Academic Programmes Committee will make the final decision on the approval of new micro-credentials and changes to existing micro-credentials. (Note: a delegation from Council will be required for this).

Delivery

14. Micro-credentials may be delivered face to face, online, by distance, or through a combination of these methods.

Evaluation and review

15. The academic unit must ensure that a summative student evaluation of all micro-credentials is undertaken the first time they are offered, and at least annually after that.

16. All micro-credentials must be reviewed each year by the academic unit on the micro-credentials review template.

17. The review will need to address whether the micro-credential is meeting its purpose, any issues raised in student evaluations, the ongoing appropriateness of teaching and learning methods and assessment, whether learning outcomes remain appropriate, and whether there is continued demonstrable support for the micro-credential from industry, employers or the community.

18. Every faculty offering micro-credentials must submit a report to the Academic Programmes Committee each year confirming that the review(s) have taken place, and outlining any issues raised and steps taken or proposed to address them.

19. The Academic Programmes Committee will make a final decision on whether a micro-credential can continue to be offered, and whether there are any conditions attached to their continuation.

Credit and recognition of external micro-credentials

20. Micro-credentials offered by the University or an external institution may be recognised for the purposes of admission and/or for the award of credit into qualifications.

21. The University’s credit regulations apply to the award of credit for micro-credentials towards a University of Auckland qualification.

22. Micro-credentials will only be recognised as prior learning, or used to award formal credit, at the level at which they have been approved.

Information for students

Information for students will be available in the University of Auckland Calendar, and on the University website.

The following definitions apply to this document:

CUAP means the Committee on University Academic Programmes.

Micro-credential has been defined by NZQA as a training scheme which:

• certifies the achievement of a specific set of skills and knowledge
• has a statement of purpose and clear learning outcomes
• has demonstrable support from relevant industries, employers, or communities
• has a credit value from 5 to 40 credits (inclusive)
• would typically not duplicate current quality assured learning already approved.

NZQA means the New Zealand Qualifications Authority

Staff members refers to individuals employed by the University on a full or part-time basis.

University means the University of Auckland and includes all of its subsidiaries.

Include the following:

• Universities’ guiding principles: Micro-credentials
• Credit Regulations, The University of Auckland Calendar
• Assessment of Courses Policy
• Assessment of Courses Procedures
  
• University of Auckland Calendar

Owner: Provost
Content manager: Manager, Academic Programmes
Approved by: Council
Date approved: 11 March 2019
Review date: 11 March 2024