Fast, flexible university-level learning with UFV’s new micro-credentials

A new approach is making applicable, accessible university-level credits available through an innovative micro-credential initiative.

Currently enjoying a successful pilot stage, UFV’s micro-credential programs are set to expand in the upcoming spring and fall semesters. Covering Digital Marketing fundamentals such as web writing, collaborative and team working tools, graphic design, content promotion and WordPress, the brief-but-concentrated courses will soon include workplace report writing, presentation and pitches, and grant writing. A Digital Storytelling credential is also under development. Click here for details.

Taught by the same faculty who teach university courses, micro-credentials provide a fresh approach to flexible learning.

“The world has changed so much and this is a way for us to provide the capacity for students to study what they love or want to discover so they can make a living at it,” says UFV College of Arts Associate Dean of Students Linda Pardy.

A collaboration between UFV’s College of Arts and Continuing Education, the programs allow compact micro-courses to be stacked into micro-credentials that lead to full university credits.

The application process is also less intensive than full university enrolment.

“It’s as easy as a phone call,” Pardy explains.

Student Tawney Gorrie signed up for all three graphic design micro-credentials as a flexible way to earn credits towards her degree.

“I’ve wanted to get some training in each of these for years, but there’s a lot to learn and I found it too extensive to try and figure it out on my own,” Gorrie says.

“There’s an incredible amount of information and learning packed into these 4-week courses! It was taught in a logical, cohesive way, that made it much easier to learn and start creating in a very short time.”

Gorrie’s experience is exactly what the micro-credentials are designed to accomplish, says Continuing Education Director Carolyn MacLaren.

“It’s responsive to labour market demands, but it’s flexible in its delivery to allow students to curate their own educational path in a way they’ve not been able to do before,” she explains.

“It’s a gateway skill-booster that gives people an advantage in their current position, or when applying for work.”

To learn more about UFV’s micro-credential programs, visit www.ufv.ca/continuing-education/courses/digital-marketing-microcredential/.