FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)

MicroCreds was an ambitious 5 year, €14.3 million project (2020-2026) led by the IUA in partnership with eight partner universities: University College Dublin, University College Cork, University of Limerick, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin City University, University of Galway and Maynooth University. After the project concluded in spring 2026, the Higher Education Authority assumed management and responsibility of the MicroCreds portal. The project has delivered a cohesive national framework for quality assured and accredited micro-credentials. This has positioned Ireland as a leader in Europe, transforming the lifelong learning model to meet learner and enterprise needs.  

Our micro-credentials are research-led, and quality assured by leading Irish universities. Learners may choose to undertake an individual micro-credential or continue studying, advancing their skills and knowledge over time.    

For more information click here

The MicroCreds project funding was awarded following a competitive process under the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science’s (DFHERIS) Human Capital Initiative Pillar 3 Innovation and Agility, with funding drawn from the National Training Fund.

Yes. All MicroCreds micro-credentials are accredited by the university delivering the course. MicroCreds micro-credentials have a credit range between 1-30 ECTS, dependent on the specific micro-credential in question.

MicroCreds is being led in partnership with seven of the IUA universities: University College Dublin, University College Cork, University of Limerick, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin City University, University of Galway, Maynooth University and Technological University Dublin.

For more information on our partner universities click here

Micro-credentials award ECTS credits that can lead to a higher education qualification that is aligned to the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) at Levels 6 to 9.

The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) is a tool of the European Higher Education Area for making studies and courses more transparent. It helps students to move between countries and to have their academic qualifications and study periods abroad recognised.

ECTS allows credits taken at one higher education institution to be counted towards a qualification studied for at another. ECTS credits represent learning based on defined learning outcomes and their associated workload.

For more information on ECTS click here.

Micro-credentials range in price. The specific cost of a micro-credential from one of our partner universities is available on the corresponding course page. Many courses are subsided and available at up to 80% reduced costs.

Queries relating to the MicroCreds website or project can be emailed to  microcreds@hea.ie  

If your query is related to a specific micro-credential or partner university, you should contact that university directly. Visit the Contact Us page for more information.

Micro-credentials are small, accredited courses designed to meet the demands of learners, enterprise and organisations, created by MicroCreds partner universities in consultation with enterprise. Micro-credentials provide learning opportunities which offer a highly flexible, bite sized and accessible way of upskilling and reskilling.

MicroCreds follows the European Commission’s definition of micro-credentials which can be found here.

Micro-credentials have several benefits for learners including:

• Flexible courses that fit around work and personal commitments
• Accredited by leading Irish universities
• Quality assured courses
• Boost career progression or a career change
• Tailored to personal interests and career development goals
• Stay ahead of emerging trends and industry changes

Yes. Many of our partner universities actively engage with enterprise on the development of micro-credentials to meet specific skills needs.

If you are interested in contributing to the development micro-credentials reach out to one of our partner universities directly or to the MicroCreds team who can link you with the most appropriate university. Visit the Contact Us page for more information.

If you have a specific skills gap in your organisation but can’t find the right micro-credential to address it, our partner universities may be able to assist you with the development of a new micro-credential.

To discuss specific skills needs reach out to one of our partner universities directly or contact the MicroCreds team who can connect you with the most appropriate university. Visit the Contact Us page for more information.