Research undertaken by QAA Scotland to support this project, including a practitioner survey undertaken in winter 2021, has shown a wide range of micro-credentials and small qualifications available in Scotland. Still, it is difficult for potential learners (and employers) to navigate the various providers’ websites to find out what is available, including details about the size, level, and portability of awards and the need for consistency in the language used.

The Network has produced a glossary of a shared language for the tertiary sector to help address the language issue and to aid the understanding of micro-credentials among key stakeholders (including students, employers and PSRBs).

During 2022-23, we will seek a snapshot of the micro-credentials and small qualifications available through a survey to colleges, HEIs and other credit-rating bodies in spring 2023.

The Network is currently focused on developing a good practice guide for micro-credentials in Scotland. If providers adhere to the agreed good practice, it will provide some consistency across the sector to aid further understanding and support the portability of awards. In addition, a range of international practices informs this work, including activity in Malaysia, as discussed in the international webinar held in May 2022.

To further enhance the awareness and understanding of the range of micro-credential practices in Scotland, we are publishing a range of case studies on this page. 

The Enhancement Theme project builds on previous collaborative cluster work, collaborative models of practice in Scottish colleges and the UK-wide QAA Characteristics Statement for Micro-credentials.

Here are a range of case studies of micro-credentials and small qualifications. These case studies provide examples of the wide range of practice currently available in Scotland, including specific micro-credentials and short courses, as well as related processes. Further case studies will be added as the project continues over spring and summer 2023.