The DOMANI consortium organised an international training event titled “Developing Micro-degree Ecosystems in Ukraine and Mongolia” on 29 January 2025 at the Estonian University of Life Sciences (EMU) in Tartu, Estonia. The training brought together project partners and experts to explore Estonia’s experience in micro-degrees, quality assurance, and lifelong learning frameworks.
Training Overview
The training focused on legislative frameworks, quality assurance mechanisms, and practical implementation models for micro-degrees, with particular relevance for adaptation in Ukraine and Mongolia.
- Date: 29 January 2025
- Venue: Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu
- Format: On-site training
- Chair: Kristina Marran (EMU)
- Participants – 26
Objectives
The main objectives of the training were to:
- Present Estonia’s national framework for micro-degrees and micro-credentials
- Share institutional practices and challenges in implementation at EMU
- Introduce European and Estonian quality assurance models for micro-credentials
- Discuss online learning, student engagement, and accreditation
- Support partner institutions in adapting best practices to their national contexts
Key Training Sessions
- Micro-degrees at EMU: structure, regulation, and challenges
Kristina Marran (EMU) - European and Estonian frameworks for quality assurance of micro-credentials
Katrin Maack & Liia Lauri (HAKA / HARNO)
Topics included regulatory approval, accreditation procedures, integration with full degree programmes, collaboration with industry, and the role of digital platforms and Europass.
Outcomes and Key Messages
- Estonia’s centralized, Ministry-managed system provides a strong model for quality assurance and recognition
- Micro-degrees can serve as building blocks toward full degrees through recognition of prior learning
- Industry engagement is critical to ensure labour market relevance
- Online and blended learning models offer flexibility but require strong quality assurance mechanisms
Next Steps
- Partner institutions in Ukraine and Mongolia will explore adapting the Estonian model to national systems
- Further discussions on online micro-degrees and industry collaboration
- Continued alignment with European recognition and quality standards within DOMANI work packages
