How to Start with a Microcredential in STARS EU

Microcredentials in the STARS EU Alliance are short, flexible, and certified learning experiences developed within the Curriculum Lab. They support curricular innovation, lifelong learning, and joint educational experimentation across partner universities. This guide provides a simple pathway for academic staff to design, deliver, and recognise microcredentials within the Alliance.

1. Plan: Define the Purpose

Before designing a microcredential, identify its relevance and scope.
  • Identify a specific skills need, emerging topic, or societal challenge including (where relevant) those related to green and digital skills, or responsible technology use.
  • Define the target group (students, professionals, lifelong learners)
  • Align with STARS EU thematic priorities
  • Check feasibility in terms of expertise, resources, and partner involvement

2. Design: Develop the Microcredential

This phase defines the academic core of the microcredential.
  • Define clear and measurable learning outcomes
  • Specify workload (ECTS or equivalent learning hours) and level. The workload should be around 2-3 ECTS
  • Ensure constructive alignment between learning outcomes, teaching activities, and assessment
  • Select student-centred and innovative pedagogical approaches

3. Quality and Validation

Microcredentials must meet common quality and transparency standards.
  • Align with the EU Council Recommendation on Microcredentials
  • Clearly describe learning outcomes, assessment, workload, and certification
  • Follow institutional approval procedures
  • Coordinate with the STARS EU Curriculum Lab for alliance-level alignment

4. Visibility and Catalogue

Validated microcredentials are published in the STARS EU Joint Microcredentials Catalogue.
  • The catalogue serves as the central overview of available offers
  • Public information must be transparent and learner-friendly
  • Microcredentials are promoted via STARS EU communication channels

5. Delivery: Learning Experience

Microcredentials are delivered using flexible and inclusive formats.
  • Define admission criteria appropriate to scope and level
  • Use digital and blended learning environments
  • Encourage collaboration across institutions and learner profile

6. Certification and Recognition

Completion of a microcredential results in formal recognition of learning. Learners receive certification detailing:
  • learning outcomes
  • workload
  • level
  • assessment method
 Microcredentials may:
  • stand alone
  • contribute to learning pathways
  • be stackable towards larger qualifications where applicable
  • Digital and portable formats (e.g. Europass) are encouraged