Considering the increasing demand for a small volume learning experience, NU offers micro-credentials which are aligned with the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) practices and support the lifelong learning concept. In contrast to traditional learning experiences, micro-credentials offer a more flexible and student-oriented way of developing essential competencies, skills and knowledge necessary for personal and professional growth. Micro-credentials at NU offer a wide range of subjects and support development of transferable skills. Learners may wish to earn a number of micro-credentials, which later might lead to a future degree or Graduate Certificate and/or Graduate Diploma.

In developing micro-credentials, the following European Network for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA) principles should be taken into account:

• Stackability - the proposed micro-credential could be used to earn a larger credential.
• Sharebility - the earned micro-credential certification could be widely shared with potential employers and higher education institutions.
• Transparency - the proposed micro-credential should provide clear and accurate information on learning outcomes, expected workload, content, and level to enable comparability and transferability of credits.
• Stakeholders’ involvement – the offered micro-credential should be regularly updated to meet potential learners’ interests and employers’ needs. Employers or field experts should be involved in all stages of a micro-credential life cycle and quality enhancement processes. The documented evidence of such engagement should be collected and properly analyzed.
• Academic Quality - micro-credentials should be designed and approved in accordance with the Academic Policies and Procedures for Micro-Credentials and Regulatory Framework for Graduate Programs, Micro-Credentials and Courses. Micro-credentials should be a subject of the Annual Course Monitoring review.

The following templates are used when designing micro-credentials: