Today, we are delighted to announce the launch of the University of London’s first portfolio of postgraduate microcredentials. Designed for working professionals and built around flexible, stackable credit, these short courses represent an important milestone in our efforts to support lifelong learning. They mark the beginning of a new phase in which learners can study in shorter, more flexible formats that can stand alone or build towards larger academic awards.
Flexible learning for a changing world
To introduce the new model, Professor Sam Brenton and I explain how our microcredentials work and who they are designed for.
First microcredentials launching today
We’ve developed this first collection of microcredentials in collaboration with City St George’s University of London. The initial courses explore key dimensions of contemporary supply chain and business analytics practice, including:
- Core concepts of supply chain management
- Innovations in supply chain management
- Project management for supply chain professionals
- Business forecasting and data analytics
- Supply chain finance and risk management
We’ll be releasing more microcredentials from across the University of London federation over the coming months.
What makes these microcredentials different
Our microcredentials are integrated into our academic framework, combining flexibility with the rigour and credibility of postgraduate study. Key features include:
- Stackable academic credit – learners can accumulate credit over time towards larger University of London awards.
- Flexible entry – a simple browse-pay-register model removes many of the traditional barriers to postgraduate study.
- Independent study supported by AI – learners are supported by an AI study assistant that provides on-demand guidance and helps them navigate course materials, activities and assessments.
- Employability skills embedded throughout – each microcredential develops practical employability skills alongside subject knowledge, helping learners align their studies with career goals and respond to emerging needs in the workplace.
Building on the University of London’s global tradition
This launch marks an important milestone and it is also a natural evolution of our long history in distance education. For over 160 years, the university has delivered high-quality learning at scale across borders and time zones. Microcredentials extend that tradition, bringing flexible, academically robust learning to a new generation of professionals.
Reaching this milestone has been the result of a lot of collaboration and teamwork.
This initiative reflects the collective expertise of colleagues from across the university and our federation. By working together we have been able to innovate in how flexible online learning is designed and delivered.
Jonathon Thomas, Associate Director – Learning Design and Production
Looking ahead
This first portfolio of microcredentials is an important step in our broader approach to lifelong learning. It allows us to begin testing and refining new ways for learners to engage with postgraduate study in flexible, modular formats. We will continue to develop new subjects, collaborate further with our federation members, and establish pathways that allow learners to progress from short courses into larger qualifications over time.
As our microcredential portfolio expands, we look forward to welcoming learners from around the world to study, grow and thrive with us.
To learn more about our work in this area, read our other posts in the microcredentials series.
Photo by Illia Kholin on Unsplash