Portalegre Polytechnic University took part in the International Academy organised within the framework of the European CrediPills Project through the participation of its Vice-President, Fernando Rebola, who presented the institution’s experience and strategic vision regarding the integration of micro-credentials and transversal skills in higher education.
The presentation highlighted the path that Portalegre Polytechnic University has been pursuing over recent years, positioning itself as an institution committed to lifelong learning and to the development of more flexible, personalised learning pathways aligned with the needs of society.
The current state of micro-credentials implementation within the institution was also addressed, together with the main challenges associated with their adoption. These include the need to adapt pedagogical models, establish mechanisms for skills recognition, and strengthen the articulation between formal and non-formal learning.
At present, the institution offers around 80 micro-credentials across different fields of knowledge and has already engaged more than 3,000 learners in these learning experiences.
The ongoing transformation is not limited to the creation of new educational offerings. It also involves recognising the importance of transversal skills, often referred to as soft skills.
Competencies such as communication, collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving are becoming increasingly important in a labour market characterised by constant change and a growing need for adaptability.
In this context, micro-credentials emerge as an opportunity to recognise, develop, and certify skills that complement technical knowledge and enhance the employability of both students and professionals.
The implementation of this new paradigm continues to face significant challenges. Among them are the need to adapt funding models that remain largely focused on degree programmes, redesign teaching and learning approaches around learning outcomes, ensure quality assurance across offerings, and develop mechanisms that allow micro-credentials to be integrated into broader academic pathways.
As part of the foresight exercise conducted during the forum, participants were invited to imagine what their institutions would look like five years after the full integration of micro-credentials and transversal skills.
More than a change in educational formats, this vision represents a profound transformation in the mission of higher education: moving from a model centred on awarding diplomas to one focused on lifelong learning.The participation of Portalegre Polytechnic University in the CREDIPILLS International Academy provided an opportunity to share this experience with European partners and to contribute to the ongoing discussion on the role that micro-credentials and transversal skills may play in shaping the future of higher education.
