Draft Micro-credentials Policy

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.

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

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 up to 40 credits (inclusive)
• would typically not duplicate current quality assured learning already approved.

At the University a micro-credential will normally have a credit value of between 5-30 points.

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 (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 who 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 Taumata Teitei, 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 by the relevant faculty dean, 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 delivery.

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 student evaluation of the micro-credential is carried out every time it is delivered.

19. A micro-credential must be reviewed following every third offering by the academic unit using the micro-credentials review template.

20. Every three years faculties must submit a Microcredentials 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.

21. Based on the information outlined in faculty’s Microcredentials Summary Report, the APC 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 micro-credentials

22. 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.

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

24. 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.

The following definitions apply to this policy:

CUAP

Means the Committee on University Academic Programmes.

Demonstrable support

Refers to written evidence of support from at least three relevant industries, employers, or community bodies.

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 up to 40 credits (inclusive)
• would typically not duplicate current quality assured learning already approved.

Staff members

Refers to individuals employed by the University on a full or part-time basis.

University

Means Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland and includes all 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 
  • Particularly Credit Regulations  

Owner: Provost
Content manager: Manager, Academic Programmes
Approved by: 
Date approved:
Review date: