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Micro-credentials at Maynooth

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Micro-credentials

Welcome to Micro-credentials at Maynooth University

What are micro-credentials?
Micro-credentials are short bursts of learning that facilitate a ‘bite size’ approach to professional development and lifelong learning. With a part-time and flexible course structure, micro-credentials work around learners’ commitments and schedule.

Designed for learners looking to develop specific skills, competencies and knowledge
Offered in 5 to 15 ECTS credits in length, with a 5 ECTS micro-credential taking 12 weeks
Maynooth University accredited and assessed
Available in various modes of learning
Delivered by leading Maynooth University experts

Who are micro-credentials for?
They are for anyone looking for applicable learning but short on time, and they may be especially useful to

Individuals interested in enhancing their knowledge in specific areas as part of their professional development or as part of their lifelong learning journey
Companies seeking quality training opportunities to enhance employee skills capital, and to nurture, attract and retain top talent

For information on our micro-credentials on offer, visit the individual tabs below or click on the link under ‘further information’ in the upper right hand corner.

If you have a question about course content, we encourage you to contact the relevant course coordinator for the micro-credential. General queries may be directed to our micro-credential team at microcredentials@mu.ie.

About the project:
Maynooth University is working in partnership with colleagues across seven IUA Universities to establish a coherent national framework for quality-assured and accredited micro-credentials. This national micro-credentials framework will be the first in Europe.

IUA MicroCreds is a Human Capital Initiative funded €12.3 million project led by the Irish Universities Association (IUA) to empower learners on their journeys to life-long and life-wide learning through short, part-time courses known as micro-credentials.

Partners

Micro-credential: Mediation

The aim of the Micro-credential: Mediation is to help participants develop the knowledge and skills that underpin the mediation of conflicts and disputes. In addition to understanding current concepts, policy and good practice relating to mediation, participants will develop the critical skills required to be an effective mediator. Successful completion of the course will provide participants with the opportunity to take a separate professional assessment of their skills. Successful completion of this assessment allows participants to apply to join the Mediators’ Institute of Ireland (MII).

This is a short, part-time course for graduates who already have a level 8, minimum 2.2 grade degree qualification. Prospective students who do not have a level 8 qualification, but have the equivalent in professional experience, may be eligible under the Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) route. Visit our Recognition for Prior Learning webpage for further information.

Apply via our PAC page at www.pac.ie/maynoothuniversity

Visit the Mediation webpage for links to further information on course content, as well as information on when and how to apply and when the course will commence.

Micro-credential: Restorative Practice

The aim of the Micro-credential: Restorative Practice is to introduce participants to the concept of restorative practices as they fit with restorative justice and their practical application. The course will also introduce participants to designs for the use of restorative practices across a diverse range of situations, such as workplaces, education, communities, prisons, youth and with survivors of abuse. The micro-credential will provide participants with the practical tools to develop and implement best restorative practices in a variety of settings.

This is a short, part-time course for graduates who already have a level 8, minimum 2.2 grade degree qualification. Prospective students who do not have a level 8 qualification, but have the equivalent in professional experience, may be eligible under the Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) route. Visit our Recognition for Prior Learning webpage for further information.

Apply via our PAC page at www.pac.ie/maynoothuniversity

Visit the Restorative Practice webpage for links to further information on course content, as well as information on when and how to apply and when the course will commence.

Micro-credential: Brewing and Distilling

Forthcoming in March 2023, further details coming soon.

MicroCreds Core Values

Graphic depiction of the 7 core values outlined below

Leadership in Lifelong Learning

MicroCreds universities are leading new ways of thinking in lifelong and life-wide learning
Cultural change about how and when learners engage with university learning
Cultural change in how universities, enterprise and civil society partners collaborate

Tackling Economic and Societal Challenges

Micro-credentials developed in close collaboration with Enterprise, Public Sector and Civil Society partners
Designed to address economic needs and respond to societal and developmental challenges
Dynamic suite of accredited short credentials/credit-bearing learning opportunities

Dynamic Enterprise Collaboration

Meaningful and sustainable model of enterprise partnership
Enterprise-informed micro-credentials
Supporting the work force of the future with design approach which fits around work and life commitments
Identifying emergent job and skills needs, informing and evolving the suite of micro-credentials available

Excellence and Innovation

Innovative teaching, learning and assessment approaches enhancing learner success
Quality assured by IUA universities
Research led and discovery focused micro-credentials

Flexible and Agile

Unlocking established programmes to foster learning through discrete, short credentials
Developing a suite of new, cutting-edge micro-credentials in emerging fields and high demands skills
Delivered online, in person or blended depending on the discipline content and stakeholder needs
Learning in a range of locations: on campus, off-site, in the workplace

Learner Focused

Learners may choose to undertake a micro-credential as a standalone award or stack credentials to form a larger award
Facilitates learner journey autonomy; learners may stack learning at their own pace
Wide range of learners: pre-entry, undergraduate, postgraduate
Different motivations for study: upskilling, re-skilling and career change and evolution, responding to legislative, regulatory, economic, and professional demands
Agency for learner to embrace innovation and technological change and pursue personal interests

Inclusive

Designed to support alternative pathways to, progress through, and journeys in higher education
Encouraging widest possible participation in micro-credentials by eliminating all unnecessary barriers to access
Underpinned by different approaches to communication, engagement, and learner support
Opens up professional learning journeys and lifelong learning