The University of Lincoln is launching a series of microcredentials, which are standalone modules bearing academic credits, as part of its aim to provide flexible education solutions.
These bitesize programmes will be primarily taught online and can be undertaken at numerous points within the academic year, broadening our offer of accessible and affordable higher education for professionals.
The time commitment for each microcredential varies depending on its number of credits, but as a guide requires between 8-10 hours’ teaching or learning per week, for 4-10 weeks, which can be managed around work and personal commitments.
The idea behind microcredentials is more than simply short-term CPD. Each short course and its associated academic credits can be “stacked” to achieve a University qualification, such as a Higher Education Certificate or full Master’s degree, once a certain number have been attained via participation in the short courses and the passing of end of module assessments. An excitement development for those professionals wishing to undertake Higher Education programmes, with less of the initial outlay of financial and time commitments.
To support the delivery of microcredentials, Lincoln’s Digital Education team reviewed a range of learning platforms, focusing on the student experience as the key driver for decision-making. They have drawn on our audience’s existing knowledge of professional platforms and have developed new digital environments that tap into career relevant tools, such as Microsoft Teams, for teaching delivery. It is crucial for us that our programmes are intertwined with professional practice.
The University of Lincoln will release a range of new programmes this year, in areas such as Leadership, Finance, Project Management, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and more.
