Micro-credentials: Surveying the landscape.

This paper will discuss micro-credentials (MCs) as a viable emerging form of non-degree qualification which offers flexible, inexpensive contents that closely match learner needs. The opportunities to gain MCs, including language learning, are increasing with higher education institutions and other providers rapidly developing a variety of online MCs. However, the lack of agreed definitions as to what MCs are can undermine their value and uptake. MCs also vary widely in terms of duration, assessment, and whether they can lead to further qualifications or not. In order to overcome these challenges governments are establishing various frameworks for MCs. The EU, New Zealand, Malaysia and the U.S. have all created good practice models to guide both providers and learners. Some of the common features that these agencies have specified in the development of these frameworks will be explained. In addition, the current provision and uptake of MCs in Japan will be described and suggestions made as to how this could develop in the future, especially concerning the role of higher education institutions.