Micro-credentials are short, accredited courses designed to meet the demands of learners and enterprise. Micro-credentials provide learning opportunities which offer a highly flexible, bite sized and accessible way of upskilling and reskilling. These courses are tailored to fit around your busy schedule, giving you the flexibility to learn at your own pace.
- Learning level: aligned to level 8-9 on National Framework of Qualifications.
- Credits in the range of 5-15 ECTS (1 ECT = 25 Learning hours).
- Underpinned by quality assured teaching, learning and assessment.
Depending on the course you choose it will be delivered either fully online, blended (online and in person) or in person. Most of our micro-credentials are part-time, unless stated otherwise.
Who are Micro-credentials for?
Our micro-credentials cater to two main groups:
Individuals: If you're looking to upskill, reskill, or invest in your personal development, our micro-credentials are perfect for you. Whether you want to advance your career or explore new opportunities, our courses can help you achieve your goals.
Companies: Are you a company seeking quality training to address skill gaps within your workforce? Our micro-credentials can assist in attracting, nurturing, and retaining top talent, ensuring your team stays competitive in today's fast-changing job market.
The following programmes are open for applications.
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted online by clicking the Apply Now button on the programme page (linked above)
Register Your Interest
If the current start date isn't suitable for you, we encourage you to register your interest for your selected course by completing this short form. By registering your interest, you will be among the first to know when the dates for the next course delivery are confirmed.
Course Fees
For a list of micro-credential course fees, please see the Fees and Grants Office webpage.
HCI Pillar 3 Micro-credentials Learner Fee Subsidy
Please see the HCI Learner Fee Subsidy Approved Courses and Eligibility Criteria tab below for information on subsidised courses (eligibility criteria and limited spaces apply).
Enquiries
If you have any questions about submitting an application, please feel free to contact us at [email protected]
Micro-credentials Project Team at Maynooth University:
Project Lead: Cem Ozhelvaci - Email: [email protected]
Register Your Interest to be notified of when applications open for the following programmes.
Please note next course delivery dates are indicative and may be subject to change.
Register Your Interest
The above micro-credentials are are not yet open for applications. To be notified when applications open and when the course delivery dates are confirmed, please register your interest by completing this short form.
Course Fees
For a list of micro-credential course fees, please see the Fees and Grants Office webpage.
HCI Pillar 3 Micro-credentials Learner Fee Subsidy
Please see the HCI Learner Fee Subsidy Approved Courses and Elgibility Criteria tab below for information on subsidised courses (eligibility criteria and limited spaces apply).
Enquiries
If you have any questions about submitting an application, please feel free to contact us at [email protected]
Eligibility Criteria
Important information:
HCI Micro-credentials Learner Fee Subsidy Eligibility Criteria 2024
The subsidy will be allocated on a first come, first served basis to applicants who are taking part in an approved micro-credential and meet the eligbility criteria (limited spaces apply). Please note the subsidy is only available for limited period therefore courses commencing after October 2025 will not be eligible for the subsidy.
Approved Courses
The following courses have a limited number of subsidised spaces on the specified intake dates:
| Course |
Start Date |
| Restorative Practice |
February 2025 |
| Mentoring for Equality, Diversity & Inclusion |
February 2025 |
| Introduction to the Quality Aspects of Brewing and Distilling Science |
February 2025 |
| Climate Risk & Climate Investing |
February 2025 |
| E.S.G. Investing & Reporting |
February 2025 |
| Leading Digital Transformation in Organisations |
June 2025 |
| Introduction to UDL (Universal Design for Learning): Learning & Teaching with Variability in Mind |
TBC |
| Mediation |
TBC |
| Trauma Informed Care in Human Service Settings: A Foundational Programme |
TBC |
Register Your Interest
Complete this short form to be among the first to know when applications open for your selected micro-credential(s).
The Irish Universities Association (IUA) has welcomed the announcement by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris T.D, that €3.4m in funding will be awarded to the MicroCreds Project as part of the HCI Pillar 3 Micro-Credential Course Learner Subsidy.
To read the full press release, please click here. For more information, visit the HEA webpage.
Each Maynooth University micro-credential has clearly defined academic entry requirements that set out the admissions criteria tailored to the specific micro-credential. Please review the entry requirements for the micro-credential that you are interested in.
Where an applicant does not meet the stipulated admissions criteria for a micro-credential, the applicant has the opportunity to submit an application through the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning process.
Minimum English Language requirements:
All applicants who are non-native English speakers must provide documented evidence of competency in the English language. It is important that you have the level of English to successfully participate on the course. For more information, please refer to the Language Competencies section of the Maynooth University Micro-credentials Entry Requirements and the English Language Requirements tab here for the types of test scores that will be accepted.
Future Proof Your Team with Micro-credentials
The Benefits of Micro-credentials for Enterprise:
- Short and focused bursts of learning that fit around the needs of the organisation
- Ensure your workforce skills are up to date and can respond to industry changes
- Support attracting new talent and enhancing staff retention
- Accredited by Maynooth University offering quality assurance to the programme and the learning outcomes
- Flexibility - designed to meet current and emerging market needs and align with relevant industry standards
- Help to unlock existing workforce talent to future proof your business while helping your employees reach their full potential
Welcome Enterprise Engagement
If you are looking to address a specific skills gap in your organisation but can't find the right micro-credential to address it, we may be able to assist you with the development of a new micro-credential.
To discuss opportunities for collaboration please complete this short form and we will contact you.
When you choose to complete a micro-credential at Maynooth University, you'll enjoy a range of advantages:
1. Flexibility: Our part-time courses are designed to fit seamlessly into your work and personal commitments, making it easier for you to balance your learning journey with other responsibilities.
2. Speedy Knowledge Acquisition: Within just 6-12 weeks, you'll acquire valuable skills and knowledge that can lead to immediate improvements in your professional or personal life.
3. Career Progression: By completing a micro-credential, you can enhance your career prospects or even explore new career paths altogether, opening doors to exciting opportunities.
4. Staying Ahead: Our courses are carefully crafted to keep you up-to-date with the latest industry advancements and emerging trends, ensuring you remain relevant in your field.
Why Choose Maynooth University?
There are several compelling reasons to choose Maynooth University for your micro-credentials:
Quality Assurance: Our micro-credentials are thoroughly reviewed and accredited by Maynooth University, guaranteeing the highest standards of education and training.
Practical Skills: The knowledge and skills you gain from our courses are not just theoretical but immediately applicable, giving you a competitive edge in your professional endeavors.
Engaged Academic Staff: Our small class sizes are led by passionate and dedicated academic staff, providing you with an interactive and enriching learning experience.
Industry Alignment: Our courses are designed to align with industry needs, ensuring you're equipped with the most relevant and sought-after skills in your chosen field.
Expert Course Creation: The content of our micro-credentials is curated by subject matter experts, ensuring you receive the best and most up-to-date information.
Academic Recognition: Upon completion of your micro-credential, you will earn 5-15 ECTS credits aligned at level 8/9 on the National Framework of Qualifications, further enhancing the value of your learning journey. Following completion of a micro-credential, credits may be accepted as part of relevant postgraduate programmes, such as postgraduate diplomas or masters.
For more information on:
- National Framework of Qualifications: Please click here
- ECTS: Please click here
New Micro-credentials Platform Launch Gives Major Boost to Upskilling and Reskilling in Ireland
Maynooth University colleagues had a fantastic afternoon celebrating the launch of the MicroCreds.ie website on Thursday 12th July. We are excited to be a part of this innovative initiative that empowers individuals to upskill, reskill and stay ahead in today's dynamic job market.
Launch of Microcreds.ie: IUA Press Release
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
Irish Whiskey Association (IWA) Scholarship:
Maynooth University is delighted to announce one fully-funded scholarship place for the Brewing & Distilling Science Micro-Credential, sponsored by the Irish Whiskey Association (IWA).
To apply:
- Please submit your application for the course by visiting the Brewing & Distilling webpage.
- Email your CV and a personal statement (outlining how you plan to benefit from this course) to [email protected].
Use the subject line: “IWA Scholarship Application.”
Application deadline is 5th February 2025. Applicants must have submitted their applications to the Brewing & Distilling Micro-credential through the application portal. All applications will be reviewed by a selection panel, including one IWA member, and the successful candidate will be notified on 7th February. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to advance your skills in the booming brewing and distilling sector!
Terms & Conditions:
The scholarship recipient will be from either an IWA member-company or someone who is unemployed and wishing to enter employment in the Irish Whiskey sector. The scholarship will be awarded following a review of applications to the course and will assess the following criteria:
1. IWA Membership: Current employment is with a member company of Irish Whiskey Association or unemployed and seeking employment in Irish Whiskey sector
2. Career to date: Career and skills set, including current role
3. Career ambition: Application of learning from the Brewing & Distilling Science Micro Credential Course, including future career aspirations/ambition and use of knowledge, skills and learning from the course
The financial award will meet the course fees, currently €600 per participant. It is the IWA’s intention to support its membership and broader Irish Whiskey sector.
