Micro-credentials Policy

Application

This policy applies to all students and staff members of Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland (the University) for all micro-credentials developed, delivered, or recognised by the University.

Purpose

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

Introduction

A micro-credential has been defined by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority ( NZQA) as a unit of learning which:

  • certifies the achievement of a specific set of skills and knowledge
  • meets a specified need
  • includes an assessment
  • has a statement of purpose and clear learning outcomes
  • has demonstrable support from relevant industries, employers, or communities
  • has a credit value 1-40 credits (inclusive)

At the University a micro-credential will normally have a credit value of between 5-30 points and would typically not duplicate current quality assured learning already approved.

Policy

Requirements

1. Micro-credentials must adhere to the Universities’ guiding principles: Micro-credentials, as approved by the Committee on University Academic Programmes (CUAP).

2. Micro-credentials may be developed at levels 4-8 on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (Foundation, Undergraduate or Postgraduate).

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 must be stand alone. They do not need to contribute to a qualification, but they can be used as credit towards a formal 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 which will be responsible for maintaining the quality of the micro-credential.

7. Proposed micro-credentials must be subject to a level of market and financial analysis commensurate with their size prior to approval.

8. 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.

9. Evidence of demonstrable support from relevant industries, employers, or communities, must be provided with the proposal.

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

11. 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.

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

Approval

13. Proposals for new micro-credentials or changes to existing micro-credentials must be approved through the relevant faculty approval process, prior to submission to the Academic Programmes Office.

14. Proposals will be reviewed by the Academic Programmes Sub-committee prior to consideration by the Academic Programmes Committee (APC).

15. The APC will make the final decision on the approval of new micro-credentials and changes to existing micro-credentials under delegated authority from Council.

Funding

16. Approval of a micro-credential by APC does not guarantee approval for funding. An application must be made by the Planning and Information Office (PIO) to the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) for funding for micro-credentials. Discussions must take place with PIO before faculty approval.

Delivery

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

Evaluation and review

18. The academic unit must ensure that a review of the micro-credential is carried out every time it is delivered. A faculty-specific course review template may be used to review a micro-credential providing it captures whether:

  • there is still evidence of the need for it
  • any adjustments or updates are required
  • learner outcomes are still relevant
  • the academic unit still has the capability to deliver it.

19. Every three years faculties must submit a Micro-credentials Summary Report for their suite of micro-credentials to the APC outlining any issues raised through reviews and steps taken or proposed to address them.

20. Based on the information outlined in a faculty’s Micro-credentials Summary Report, the APC will make a final decision on whether a micro-credential can continue to be offered, can continue to be offered under specific conditions, or should be discontinued.

Credit and recognition of  micro-credentials

21. 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 in accordance with the relevant regulations.

22. The University’s credit regulations apply to the award of credit for micro-credentials towards a Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland qualification.

23. 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 Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland Calendar, and on the University website.

Definitions

The following definitions apply to this document:

Academic unit may be a school or department within a faculty or a large scale research unit (LSRU).

Demonstrable support refers to strong written evidence of need by industry, employers, iwi, hapū and/or the community. Multiple letters of support would normally be required, although in some cases a single letter of support from a significant industry organisation might be sufficient.

Micro-credential has been defined by NZQA as a unit of learning which:

  • certifies the achievement of a specific set of skills and knowledge
  • meets a specified need
  • includes an assessment
  • has a statement of purpose and clear learning outcomes
  • has demonstrable support from relevant industries, employers, or communities
  • has a credit value 1-40 credits (inclusive)
  • would typically not duplicate current quality assured learning already approved.

New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework is a framework at the centre of New Zealand’s education and training system. It includes information about qualifications and credentials, including qualification types and levels.

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

University means Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland and includes all subsidiaries.

Key relevant documents

Include the following:

Document management and control

Owner: Provost
Content manager: Manager, Academic Programmes
Approved by: Council
Date approved: 11 March 2019
Reviewed date: 9 October 2024 
Next Review date: 9 October 2029