UTAR offers Micro-Credential Course (MCC) - Blended Mode as follows

UTAR Kampar Campus

AI with Programming
UFCB 1004 Micro-Credential: Programming Concepts and Practices
UFCB 1024 Micro-Credential: Data Structure and Algorithmic Problem Solving
UFCB 2063 Micro-Credential: Artificial Intelligence Technique
E-Commerce
UFCB 3013 Micro-Credential: E-Commerce Practices
UFCB 3023 Micro-Credential: Digital Entrepreneurship

UTAR Sungai Long Campus

E-Commerce
UFKB 3013 Micro-Credential: E-Commerce
UFKB 3023 Micro-Credential: Digital Entrepreneurship

Click Here to Register for Micro-Credential Course (MCC)

Certification

Upon the completion of the course, you will be awarded with the UTAR Malaysian Micro-Credential Statement (UTAR MSS) which will allow you to transfer credit when you pursue your studies in UTAR. Credit transfer may be considered for a course in the programme based on one or a combination of course(s) which are at the same level, equivalent credits and match the course learning outcomes of the destination course(s).

Micro-Credential Programme (MCP)

Do you want to stand out in a job interview and build your professional credibility? You can take more than one MCC course and receive the ‘Certificate of Completion’ by joining the MCP. To know more about the programme, please click HERE

UTAR Micro-Credential Course (MCC)

The conventional tertiary credentials like a diploma, bachelor, master and doctorate characterised as macro-credentials, have been the primary means to acquire qualifications for work, profession and further studies. These qualifications, which are described nationally in the qualification’s framework, represent a formal recognition of the achievement of a particular body of knowledge, skills-set and related professional values through an extended period of prescribed study by a learner from an authorised Higher Education Provider.

In contrast, micro-credential is a certification of assessed learning of a single or a set of courses which are intended to provide learners with knowledge, skills, values and competencies in a specialised area of study and/or practice. The globalised and rapidly changing nature of the knowledge economy demands continual lifelong and life-wide learning of all adults to remain employable, adaptable, and productive. Industry and demand-driven, bite-size, personalised and online courses and certifications, challenged and changed the way Higher Education Providers deliver higher education. In a nutshell, it has disrupted the conventional idea of education with qualifications as the key objective.

For UTAR, micro-credential is defined as digital certification of assessed knowledge, skills and competencies in a specific area or field which can be a component of an accredited programme or stand-alone courses supporting the professional, technical, academic and personal development of the learners. This definition underscores several key elements of micro-credential under this guideline viz:

Digital certification
Knowledge skills or competency
A specific area or field
Component of accredited programmes or stand-alone courses
Serves professional, technical, academic and personal development interests of learners.

UTAR Micro-Credential Course (MCC) Advantages

1. Lifelong learning

The 21st century is characterised by rapid and discontinuous change. To survive in such a disruptive environment, adults, workers, and graduates must be agile enough to reskill and upskill to stay on, if not, ahead of the curve. UTAR design and deliver suitable short courses on new knowledge, skills, technologies and attributes to equip the workforce for the new technological and economic challenges.

2. Alternative

The 3 to 4 years university education degree, whilst still important, requires a longer time to complete which is a challenge for working adults to enrol and complete the programme. Some quarters have predicted the demise of the university degree on the basis that it is too expensive, takes too long, not competency-based, not industry-focused and just-in-case curricula (Gallagher, 2019; Lambert, 2019; Staton, 2014). Micro-credentials offer a more dynamic, competitive, demand-driven, shorter, modular, and less expensive alternative to the traditional degree. Such micro-credentials can also offer lower-cost options to acquire the required knowledge, skills and competencies allowing the leaners to enter the labour market sooner and pursuing further credentials if their career or professional interests warrant it.

3. Access

Where micro-credentials are offered by a wide range of providers and through flexible design and delivery, people have greater access and choice in availing themselves of higher education opportunities. Online and digital delivery can bring the benefits of these courses to people near and far. With the rapid improvement in internet access and broadband speed, more people can enjoy better quality and industry-focused learning to improve their careers.

4. Stackable

Through micro-credentials, people can acquire knowledge and skill sets based on their needs, at their own pace and from UTAR. The accumulation of micro-credentials and credits can be tendered to UTAR for completion leading to an award or credit transfer based on a credible and transparent outcome-based process subject to existing policies. This route can open yet another pathway for working adults to seek knowledge and skills which can ultimately lead to a qualification.

5. Recognition of Non-Formal Learning

Malaysian Qualifications Framework (MQF) allows for the recognition of all forms of learning in seeking qualifications described in the MQF. Micro-credentials, which testify to successful attainment of specified outcomes, can be considered through the APEL(C) process for credits in programmes offered by UTAR. For more information, please visit HERE

UTAR Micro-Credential Course (MCC) General Policies

1. Mode of Delivery of Micro-credential

UTAR Micro-credential designed and delivered through open and distance learning (ODL) or conventional modes including blended modes of delivery as below:
• Micro-Credential Course (MCC) - Physical Mode
• Micro-Credential Course (MCC) - Blended Mode
• Micro-Credential Course (MCC) - Online Mode

2. Nationality

Micro-credential is open to both Malaysian and non-Malaysians. Non-Malaysians enrolled in the micro-credentials must be advised on the recognition of the micro-credentials and the qualifications to be eventually awarded are subject to the rules and policies of their respective countries. To avoid misconceptions about the award, UTAR provide UTAR Malaysian Micro-Credential Statement (MMS) once the learners completed the micro-credentials course. The MMS provide basic information on the learning time, credits, Malaysian Qualifications Framework level of the associated programme(s), learning outcomes, assessment and quality assurance for recognition by stakeholders.

3. Naming the Micro-credentials

The micro-credentials offered by UTAR named as Micro-Credential Course (MCC).

4. Micro-credentials in Professional Fields

UTAR is consulting the relevant professional body to offer micro-credentials in professional fields such as engineering, medical sciences, accountancy, law, architecture, nursing, etc. For more information, please contact CEE at cee@utar.edu.my.

5. Level and Type of Programmes for Micro-credential

UTAR developed the Micro-credentials course from the accredited Undergraduate Degree programme level only.

6. Suitability of Courses and Programmes for Micro-credential

UTAR offers the micro-credentials courses in the accredited programme except industrial training, internship, research projects, fieldwork with substantial hands-on teaching and learning.

7. Implementation of Micro-credentials from Accredited Programmes

UTAR undergraduate degree programmes have obtained full accreditation from Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). UTAR micro-credentials courses have been assessed as meeting all minimum requirements by MQA. Leaners who have completed UTAR micro-credentials courses conferred a qualification from fully accredited programmes.

8. Entry Requirements via Micro-credential

A learner can enrol in a UTAR micro-credential which is a component of an accredited programme without the minimum entry requirements or appropriate APEL(A) certification. However, the learner must meet the minimum requirements for the programme or posses appropriate APEL(A) certification before being eligible for the qualification. For more information, please visit HERE

9. Minimum Graduation Age via Micro-credential

The duration taken to earn a qualification via micro-credential must be in accord with the national education system and with appropriate recognition of lifelong learning by working adults. In general, as a matter of policy, the adult learners should not graduate with a qualification before the normal age as stated in Table 1.