The DIVERSE European University Alliance places micro-credentials at the heart of its lifelong learning strategy. Through joint micro-programmes, we are opening up higher education to diverse learners, strengthening collaboration between partner institutions, and responding proactively to labour market and societal needs.

Our approach is grounded in a shared quality assurance framework and a common vision: to design and deliver flexible, accredited, learner-centred educational opportunities that are portable, stackable and recognised across the Alliance.

The strategic foundation of this work is set out in the DIVERSE Policy on Micro-Credentials and Micro-Credentials Toolkit 

What is a DIVERSE Micro-Credential?

A DIVERSE micro-credential is a certified record of the learning outcomes following a short, structured learning programme (micro-programme) designed to develop specific knowledge, skills and competences. The micro-programme carries a workload of 3 to 30 ECTS credits and is aligned with EQF levels 5–7. It does not lead to a full degree but complements degree studies and professional development pathways.

Micro-programmes:

• address clearly identified labour market or societal needs
• focus on targeted, measurable learning outcomes
• combine knowledge, practical skills and critical thinking
• are modular, stackable and portable across the Alliance
• support lifelong and non-traditional learners.

All recognised micro-programmes are listed in the DIVERSE Course Catalogue, ensuring transparency, accessibility and cross-border recognition.

Our strategic aim

Micro-credentials are not isolated courses. They are part of a coherent Alliance-wide ecosystem of learning opportunities designed to enhance employability, innovation capacity and resilience.

Three models of collaboration

To reflect the diversity of institutional cooperation within the Alliance, the DIVERSE European University Alliance has developed three models of micro-credentials:

1. Single Micro-Credentials

Developed, accredited and delivered by one partner institution, but aligned with DIVERSE quality standards and recognised across the Alliance.

2. Cooperative Micro-Credentials

Designed and accredited by a Lead Partner and delivered by one or more Delivering Partners, under academic oversight and formal agreement.

3. Joint Micro-Credentials

Co-designed and co-delivered by several partner institutions, representing the highest level of inter-institutional collaboration.

Regardless of the model, all DIVERSE micro-credentials are subject to shared quality principles and are fully portable within the Alliance.

A robust quality assurance framework

Quality is ensured through a structured, transparent workflow, overseen by the DIVERSE Micro-Credentials Committee.

Every micro-programme must:

1. Undergo internal institutional approval.
2. Be described using the DIVERSE Standardised Template.
3. Demonstrate labour market relevance.
4. Comply with the DIVERSE Methodology for Curriculum Design, Learning and Teaching.
5. Be endorsed by the DIVERSE Micro-Credentials Committee before inclusion in the DIVERSE Course Catalogue.

Continuous monitoring, feedback collection and periodic review ensure ongoing improvement and consistency across all DIVERSE partner institutions.

The DIVERSE Micro-Credentials Toolkit

At the operational level, micro-programmes are supported by the DIVERSE Micro-Credentials Toolkit.

The Toolkit currently includes:

• • DIVERSE Policy on Micro-Credentials, describing the approach that the Alliance takes to the development and delivery of micro-programmes
  • Methodology for Identifying Labour Market Needs and Requirements, defining the steps in consulting the business sector on the skills needed in the labour market as an evidence base for the design of micro- programmes

• Methodology for Curriculum Design, Learning and Teaching, supporting the design and the delivery of micro-credential programmes

• Standardised Template for Describing Micro-Programmes, making the programme descriptions suitable for entering the DIVERSE Course Catalogue

• Framework for Assessing Jointness in Micro-Programmes, providing a structured set of criteria and a collaboration matrix to ensure that jointly designed and delivered micro-programmes demonstrate a clear, measurable level of inter-institutional cooperation across all key stages of development, delivery and evaluation

• Sustainable Financial Model, ensuring long-term viability and scalability of the micro-programmes
• Sustainable Promotion and Outreach Campaign Guidelines, ensuring a successful launch and broad uptake of DIVERSE micro-credential programmes.

Together, these tools ensure that micro-programmes are:

• evidence-based
• learner-centred
• pedagogically innovative
• financially sustainable
• strategically aligned with Alliance priorities.

Pilot Micro-Programmes

The development of DIVERSE micro-credentials has already been tested through pilot co-creation initiatives.

During the Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) on Micro-Credentials hosted by Algebra Bernays University in September 2025, academic experts from 11 DIVERSE institutions co-created six draft pilot micro-programmes.

These pilots served as testing grounds for the Toolkit methodologies and the emerging DIVERSE Policy framework.

The BIP marked a decisive step towards establishing a common DIVERSE Approach to Micro-Credentials and laid the groundwork for scalable, joint implementation across the Alliance.

Why Micro-Credentials matter for DIVERSE

Micro-credentials are more than short courses. They are a strategic instrument that enables the DIVERSE European University Alliance to:

• strengthen inter-institutional trust and cooperation
• promote pedagogical innovation
• enhance responsiveness to labour market demands
• support lifelong learning
• increase European integration in higher education.

Through this shared framework, DIVERSE is building a dynamic, flexible learning ecosystem that bridges education, research, innovation and societal impact.