Longlife learning

The Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV) has launched a new offering of more than 40 microcredentials, short-term training courses designed to improve employability and accredit professional skills. This training is part of the national MICROCREDS project. The micro-credentials will begin on 13 October 2025 and run throughout the first term of the 2025/26 academic year. Registration is now open.

Microcredentials are a new type of certification, in line with Decree 822/2021, which recognises university training as a valid way of certifying learning through microcredentials or micromodules. Although similar to continuing education, these microcredentials stand out for their significant recognition in the form of credits. They are aimed at different educational levels and have been adapted to the European Qualifications Framework.

As explained by the Vice-Rector for Employment, Lifelong Learning and Languages at the UPV, Elena de la Poza Plaza, 'one of the essential characteristics of micro-credentials compared to traditional specific training, where we are a national and international benchmark, is that they accredit the acquisition of a competence, a skill or an ability by the student'.

The aim is to provide training throughout the professional career because 'we have to adapt to the different challenges of today, as being at the forefront means constant change in a complex context,' added the Vice-Rector. Elena de la Poza also points out that one of the key resources in everyday life is time, both for employers and employees, 'hence the need for this micro-training,' which allows for the achievement of stackable skills and certifications.

Flexible training with strong links to the labour market

The programme includes face-to-face, online and blended training courses with a maximum length of 150 hours, equivalent to 15 ECTS credits. It is a flexible programme designed to suit the availability of adult learners, but also aimed at improving practical skills. Currently, 60% of the offering is online (including synchronous and remote modes) and 40% is face-to-face.

Each micro-credential has been proposed by UPV academic staff and selected with the endorsement of collaborating entities and companies that certify the need for the knowledge and skills included in each course. Its fundamental objective is to improve employability in specific sectors.

70% discounts for priority groups

The MICROCREDS project is funded by the European Union through Next Generation EU funds, as part of the Spanish Government's Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan (2023-2026). It is promoted at national level by public universities, in coordination with regional governments.

Thanks to this funding, Spanish nationals or residents in Spain aged between 25 and 64, at the start of the micro-credential, will be eligible for a 70% reduction in the cost of enrolment.

Training provided by UPV academic staff

At least 50% of the courses will be taught by UPV academic staff, although external experts linked to the professional or business field of each subject will also be involved. The entry requirements vary depending on the micro-credential and are detailed in each information sheet: some require prior knowledge or specific training, while others are open to anyone interested.

Can these studies be validated within a degree?

Although these micro-credentials are not integrated into degree studies and do not lead directly to an official qualification, they may be recognised according to the regulations of each university and count as part of lifelong learning, which is highly valued in curriculum improvement, professional promotion and skills accreditation processes.

Photograph: Vicente Lara Sáez

Video: Amparo Berbegal Juan

Text: Carmen Revillo Rubio

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