Development and piloting of a micro-credential programme in research ethics and integrity leadership – an example from Estonia

Abstract

[EN] Micro-credentials are an emerging format of lifelong learning supporting competence-development as well as deepening knowledge in the field. Still, there is little research on implementing and sustaining micro-credentials in higher education. The current paper aims to share experiences of development and piloting of a micro-credential programme for a specific target group in Estonia. The criteria for setting up a micro-credential programme as well as initial lessons learned are outlined. Experience indicates that it takes some time and sharing best practices to develop the programmes into a feasible form of education. In case a programme is developed for a very specific target group and no degree programme exists in the field, several tailor-made solutions must be invented. By sharing best practices, developing and testing new formats will make micro-credential programmes more effective.