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The Open University Fully-funded Microcredentials
There is an opportunity to apply for funded places on The Open University microcredentials, including at undergraduate and postgraduate level. Applications for the next cohort of fully-funded microcredentials starting in June will open on 17 April 2023 and will close on 14 May 2023.
The list of microcredentials which are available has changed. Currently, there are 19 fully-funded microcredentials covering subjects including business and management, leadership, mental health, sustainability and mentoring and coaching.
For information on the available microcredentials, eligibility criteria, and how to apply, click here.
An increasing number of union learners have completed enough microcredentials to have gained the equivalent number of points required for a Postgraduate Certificate (although currently, the completion of these programmes does not directly entitle the learners to a PgCert).
What are Microcredentials?
Microcredentials allow you to gain specialist knowledge and skills to help advance your career.
In just 10–12 weeks you can gain:
- cutting-edge knowledge in a specialised subject, informed by our world-class academics
- practical skills that you can immediately apply to your work, or boost your CV
- undergraduate or postgraduate credit you could in the future use towards further study.
With microcredentials, all your study is entirely online. You’ll use a combination of learning materials, videos, quizzes and experiences to develop your specialist professional knowledge.
(from The Open University in Scotland website)
If applying, it is helpful to demonstrate the impact of the programme on your workplace skills.
Scottish Union Learning's OU Microcredentials Information Session (March 2023):
Page Munro, Partnerships Manager at The Open University presents 'Fully-Funded Microcredentials for Career Development'
Please note, the first three slides do not have audio.
This presentation covers:
- 'What are Microcredentials?'
- 'What can I study?'
- 'How do Microcredentials work?'
- The application process
- Tips for success
- Next steps
Download the slides from this presentation.
Union-led Learning Groups
Union-led study groups have previously been organised for microcredentials, with positive feedback from learners. If you are successful in your application, please email Tommy Breslin, Senior Development Officer at Scottish Union Learning, and we will try to support you through the formation of a study group.
Pauline McColgan, EIS Learning Coordinator, presents 'The Benefits of Learning Groups for OU Microcredential Participants'
This presentation covers:
- Learning through discussion
- Colleagues learning collaboratively
- Wellbeing benefits
- Useful things to keep in mind
Download the Notes from this presentation.
For information on the available microcredentials, eligibility criteria, and how to apply, click here.
Read Union Learner Case Studies
OU Microcredentials case study: Michael
OU Microcredentials case study: Craig
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