Micro-credentials, also known as digital badges, nano degrees, micro-masters, and micro-qualifications, have gained popularity as shorter, work or career-related, and self- and peer-learning oriented courses, often offered by both private and public HEPs as executive and professional development courses.

These credentials are accepted by employers and professional bodies, and recognized by HEPs. In 2016, the Malaysia Qualifications Agency (MQA) launched guidelines to facilitate the recognition of all forms of learning, including APEL for Credit Award (APEL.C) and guidelines on credit transfer for massive open online courses (MOOCs).

Additionally, credits may also be transferrable across several different Master’s degrees and post-graduate programmes. An advantage of micro-credentials is that the entry requirements may be more flexible than those for Master's degrees, enabling students to use the credits towards a final Master's degree once they meet the necessary requirements. This means people studying to meet academic entry requirements for a Master’s programme can complete several MCs as short courses and later use the credit toward the final Master’s degree award.

*Candidates must still meet entry requirements for a Master’s or any other academic award before the MC credit can be used towards that award.

Lifelong Learning

To thrive in the constantly evolving landscape of the 21st century, it is essential for individuals to regularly update and expand their skills and knowledge. At Sunway University, our role is to offer targeted, short-term courses in relevant technologies, skills, and other areas to prepare the workforce for the challenges of the changing economy. To adapt to the disruptive nature of the modern world, adults, workers, and graduates must be able to quickly learn and master new skills.

Alternative

While traditional university degrees are still valuable, they can be challenging for working adults to enrol in and complete due to their length and cost. Some have even predicted the demise of the university degree due to its lack of focus on industry-specific skills and just-in-case curricula. At Sunway University, our micro-credentials offer a more flexible, cost-effective, and industry-focused option for learners. These shorter, modular courses can allow students and workers to quickly acquire the knowledge and skills they need to enter the workforce and pursue further credentials if desired.

Access

Micro-credentials at Sunway University are delivered in a flexible manner, providing greater access and choice for individuals seeking higher education opportunities. Through online and digital delivery, the benefits of these courses can be easily accessed by people all over the world, making it possible for more people to access high-quality, industry-focused learning to enhance their careers.

Stackable

Through micro-credentials, individuals have the flexibility to acquire knowledge and skills based on their specific needs and at their own pace. The accumulation of micro-credentials and credits can potentially lead to an award or credit transfer through a credible and transparent process, subject to existing policies. This option provides another pathway for working adults to gain knowledge and skills that can ultimately result in a qualification.

Recognition of Non-Formal Learning

The Malaysian Qualifications Framework (MQF) recognizes all forms of learning in the pursuit of qualifications illustrated in the MQF. Micro-credentials, which demonstrate the successful achievement of certain outcomes, can be considered for credits in programs offered by Sunway University through the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) process.