The University of Glasgow has become the first institution in the world to be able to offer a professionally accredited Microcredential course in information management.
Glasgow has been awarded a CILIP: The Library and Information Association accreditation for the new 10-week Introduction to Information Management course. This is the first time CILIP have awarded accreditation to a Microcredential.
The 10-credit, professional development Microcredential is delivered online as part of the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) Upskilling Initiative – launched to support the Scottish workforce to undertake skills development training on a fully-funded basis.
Professor Moira Fischbacher-Smith, Vice-Principal of Learning and Teaching at the University of Glasgow, said: “The Scottish Funding Council funding initiative has enabled us to develop new provision to support employers and employees in the workplace.
“This fantastic news of CILIP accreditation is a testament to the skills-focused approach and hard work of University of Glasgow colleagues. This accredited addition to our portfolio of microcredentials recognises the importance of furthering quality information and enriching lives through knowledge and education. I’m very grateful to colleagues in the College of Arts who have created this new course.”
James Dunphy, SFC Director of Access, Learning and Outcomes said: “The Scottish Funding Council is delighted to have supported the development of this course. Our Upskilling Fund is enabling universities to respond in an agile, dynamic and responsive way to the changing world of work, new job roles and skills needs.
“The University of Glasgow’s Introduction to Information Management course is a prime example of the type of course this Fund is intended to support and we congratulate the course leaders on this fantastic achievement.”
The course, which will welcome a second cohort of students in Spring 2023, is led by Dr Adele Redhead, a Senior University Lecturer, who said: “It was wonderful to have the opportunity to create this course to be part of the University of Glasgow’s Upskilling portfolio. It has been developed to equip learners with in-demand professional skills and insights and provide a springboard onto further study.
“It is a great way for learners to continue professional development with flexibility at any location while gaining and developing industry-relevant skills and knowledge.”
Although developed as part of the SFC course portfolio, the course is also open to learners outside Scotland on a self-funded basis. SFC Upskilling funding, and other discounts for eligible learners continue to be available over the next year, so learners are encouraged to register their interest in the course as soon as possible, to avoid disappointment.
Helen Berry, CILIP’s Workforce Development Manager said: “We know that CILIP accreditation stands for quality. By choosing a CILP accredited course, learners can feel confident that the content is high quality and has been tested against the professional standard by an independent assessor. The CILIP accreditation certifies quality learning and delivery as well as relevance to the employment market.”