News
Micro-credentials Framework for Wales and Northern Ireland: publication and next steps
The Micro-credentials Framework for Wales and Northern Ireland has reached an important milestone with its publication by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA), following its development through the Micro-credentials Special Interest Group (MIC.SIG).
Developed with funding from Medr, the Commission for Tertiary Education and Research in Wales, the Framework has been shaped through sustained collaboration across colleges and universities in Wales and Northern Ireland, alongside sector bodies and regulators. It reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the role of micro-credentials within lifelong learning, workforce development and flexible pathways into and through education.
The MIC.SIG is chaired by Steve Osborne (Cardiff Metropolitan University), who is also a Trustee of the Universities Association for Lifelong Learning (UALL). UALL Trustees and members have been actively involved in the development of the Framework, including Ang Davies (University of Manchester) and Lois McGrath (Bangor University), both members of MIC.SIG who contributed to sector discussions and workshops throughout the process.
The Framework provides a clear, sector-agreed definition of micro-credentials and sets out key practices to support high-quality provision across Levels 1–8. These include guidance on academic standards, learner engagement, employer involvement, assessment and certification, and the portability and stacking of learning. In doing so, it addresses long-standing inconsistencies in language and practice that have created challenges for learners, employers and providers.
Endorsement and cross-nation dialogue
The Framework has been endorsed by a growing number of institutions and sector organisations, including UALL. This support reflects its potential to provide greater consistency and shared understanding across the sector while still allowing institutions to respond to their own learners, partners and contexts.
The Framework also provides a basis for continued dialogue and alignment across the UK, while recognising the distinct policy context within each nation, including developments associated with Skills England, the Lifelong Learning Entitlement and Local Skills Improvement Plans.
UALL involvement and ongoing dialogue
UALL has been closely engaged in discussions relating to the Framework, reflecting the association’s strategic interest in flexible learning and lifelong learning within and by universities. As a UK-wide membership body, UALL will continue to support its dissemination and encourage discussion and shared learning across the sector.
Micro-credentials formed part of the programme at the UALL Conference in Warwick in June 2026, providing an opportunity for members to engage with emerging policy, institutional practice and the implications for learners and employers. This discussion is expected to continue at the next UALL conference at Imperial College London in summer 2027.
“Micro-credentials are becoming an increasingly important part of how universities support lifelong learning and workforce development. This Framework represents a significant piece of collaborative, sector-led work, and UALL is pleased to support its dissemination and ongoing discussion across the UK.”
Jonathan Michie, Chair, UALL
The Framework was published by QAA on 30 September 2026 and is available here: Micro-credentials Framework for Wales and Northern Ireland