Providing funding for joint micro-credentials development is crucial for enhancing the Arqus joint academic offer and creating an Arqus joint micro-credentials catalogue. This initiative demonstrates a high level of ambition by fostering collaboration and innovation among partner universities. This task is highly aligned with the Arqus work plan 2022-2026, directly linking to D06.9, which calls for agreements on at least 16 joint micro-credentials, and D06.10, which involves developing the Arqus Lifelong Learning Catalogue by incorporating prepared courses. One of the key performance indicators (KPIs) is to prepare at least 16 micro-credential courses, demonstrating the project’s significance in achieving the strategic goals of Arqus. Additionally, micro-credentials will focus on specific issues relevant to priority areas of Alliance: Climate Change & Sustainable Development, Artificial Intelligence & Digital Transformation, European Identity & Heritage.
Micro-credentials are receiving growing interest from learners, education providers and governments as a means of upskilling and reskilling, academic advancement and personal development, thus it’s still an innovative and new initiative not only in the Alliance, but in the whole Europe. They are also viewed as a means to make education more flexible and attractive, not only to traditional students but also to various groups of life-long learners.
At least 500 students are expected to benefit from the developed courses per intake (into 16 courses). As demand increases over the years following the release of the micro-credentials, it is anticipated that within five years, more than 2500 learners will benefit from the courses developed by the Alliance.
The overall impact is expected to be substantial in promoting new short-term learning opportunities. This initiative will significantly broaden learning and skills development opportunities, further shaping the lifelong learning dimension in higher education.
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