BACKGROUND

Since 2024, INQAAHE has been developing this initiative in collaboration with REALCUP – the Network of Associations of Latin American and Caribbean Private Universities– within the framework of a cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening institutional capacity across the region. Over 110 professionals representing 75 universities have already completed the programme, reflecting a growing interest in integrating micro-credentials into higher education strategies to enhance flexibility and diversify learning pathways.

Sponsored by:

PROGRAMME OBJECTIVE

To strengthen the capacity of higher education institutions to design, implement, and assure the quality of micro-credentials that respond to learners’ needs and evolving labour market demands.

DIRECTORS AND PROFESSORS OF THE PROGRAMME

This edition of the programme will be led by Dr. Anna Prades, Dr. Susanna Karakhanyan, and Dr. Ariana De Vincenzi, who will also serve as the main professors throughout the three modules.

DIRECTORS OF
THE PROGRAMME

Dr. Susanna Karakhanyan

DIRECTOR OF HIGHER EDUCATION REGULATION & LICENSING AT THE ABU DHABI DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND KNOWLEDGE (ADEK) AND INQAAHE’S 7TH PRESIDENT (2016-2021), UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Dr. Anna Prades

INQAAHE TREASURER AND HEAD OF INTERNATIONALISATION AND KNOWLEDGE GENERATION DEPARTMENT OF AQU CATALUNYA, SPAIN.

Dr. Ariana de Vincenzi

INQAAHE BOARD DIRECTOR AND ACADEMIC VICE-RECTOR AT THE UNIVERSIDAD ABIERTA INTERAMERICANA OF ARGENTINA, ARGENTINA.

The three directors will share teaching and coordination responsibilities, while international experts will be invited to participate as guest lecturers in synchronous sessions and contribute to asynchronous learning through readings, audiovisual materials, and case-based resources that enhance participants’ understanding and application of the content.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By completing module one, the learner will be able to:

  1. Examine diverse short-learning programs and identify the defining features of micro-credentials.
  2. Evaluate micro-credential use cases in education and employment contexts.
  3. Design a micro-credential strategy for a higher education institution that integrates relevance, quality assurance, learner pathways, and stakeholder engagement.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By completing module two, the learner will be able to:

  1. Develop a practical framework enabling flexible learning pathways suited to specific contexts.
  2. Design a credible micro-credential with aligned didactics and assessment strategies to address concrete labour market needs.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By completing module three, the learner will be able to:

  1. Analyze various QA models that sustain the credibility of micro-credentials.
  2. Design a practical internal QA framework for continuous improvement.
  3. Apply this framework to prepare a micro-credential for external validation.

TEACHING AND LEARNING METHODOLOGY

The programme adopts a participant-centred, action-based approach, emphasizing reflection, collaboration, and application. Each module combines synchronous interactive sessions and asynchronous work, integrating real-world cases and teamwork guided by the directors. International guest lecturers and recorded contributions from global experts enrich the learning experience.

A virtual tutor will also accompany professors and participants throughout the course to ensure fluid communication and timely interaction across the programme’s digital platform. This support aims to enhance engagement, maintain effective feedback processes, and foster high levels of collaboration and productivity in both synchronous and asynchronous activities.

ASSESSMENT AND CERTIFICATION

Assessment is continuous and formative, based on the development of an institutional project throughout the modules, culminating in a final portfolio evaluated using transparent rubrics. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a digital micro-credential issued by INQAAHE through blockchain (NFT) technology, embedding metadata that guarantees authenticity, traceability, and security.

TARGET AUDIENCE

The programme is designed for leaders and decision-makers in higher education institutions who meet the following profile:

  1. Hold a postgraduate degree (Master’s or Doctorate).
  2. Have at least six years of experience in academic management or leadership roles within a university.
  3. Possess teaching and curriculum design experience, preferably at the undergraduate or postgraduate level.
  4. Currently serve or have served in positions such as rector, vice-rector, dean, academic director, or head of curriculum design, innovation, or non-formal education units.
  5. Have the support or authorization of their institution to participate in this programme and to develop a micro-credential proposal applicable to their context (an institutional letter should be provided)
  6. Show commitment to collaborative learning and willingness to engage in both synchronous and asynchronous activities.

PROGRAMME DETAILS

  • Start date: Monday, March 16, 2026
  • Duration: 4 months (including evaluation and certification)
  • End date: Monday, September 21, 2026
  • Fee: USD 700
  • Languages: Spanish and English
  • Delivery mode: Online (synchronous + asynchronous)

SCHEDULE

The programme will begin on Monday, March 16, 2026, and extend through September 2026, combining synchronous and asynchronous activities.

DATE:

March 16, 2026: Meeting to present program.

March 23–April 3, 2026: Program introductory readings.

DISCOVERING THE POTENTIALS OF MICRO-CREDENTIALS
WEEK DATES AND ACTIVITIES
WEEK 1 Mon Apr 6 and Wed Apr 8: Synchronous sessions (3 hours each).
WEEK 2 Thu Apr 16: Optional support session (Q&A, 2 hours). Asynchronous activities continue throughout the week.
WEEK 3 Mon Apr 20 and Wed Apr 22: Synchronous sessions (3 hours each).
WEEK 4 Apr 27 – + asynchronous work and project consolidation.
WEEK 5 – 6 Integration and completion of project section (May 4 – May 17).
WEEK 7 Feedback from professors (May 18 – + end of module).
DESIGNING ROBUST, CREDIBLE, AND PORTABLE MICRO-CREDENTIALS
WEEK DATES AND ACTIVITIES
WEEK 1 Mon Jun 1 and Wed Jun 3: Synchronous sessions (3 hours each).
WEEK 2 Thu Jun 11: Optional support session (Q&A, 2 hours). Asynchronous activities continue throughout the week.
WEEK 3 Mon Jun 15 and Wed Jun 17: Synchronous sessions (3 hours each).
WEEK 4 Jun 22 – + asynchronous work and project consolidation.
WEEK 5 – 6 lIntegration and completion of project section (Jun 29 – Jul 12).
WEEK 7 Feedback from professors (Jul 13 – + end of module).
RELEVANCE AND CREDIBILITY: INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL QUALITY ASSURANCE
WEEK DATES AND ACTIVITIES
WEEK 1 Mon Jul 27 and Wed Jul 29: Synchronous sessions (3 hours each).
WEEK 2 Thu Aug 6: Optional support session (Q&A, 2 hours). Asynchronous activities continue throughout the week.
WEEK 3 Mon Aug 10 and Wed. Aug 12: Synchronous sessions (3 hours each).
WEEK 4 Aug 17 – + asynchronous work and project consolidation.
WEEK 5 – 6 Integration and completion of project section (Aug 24 – Sep 6).
WEEK 7 Feedback from professors (Sep 7 – + end of module).

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