8 April 2026: The University of Canberra’s Faculty of Education has celebrated its first microcredential milestone success – the first example of the novel, “stackable” teacher professional development courses leading to a cap, gown and graduation ceremony.
Nine teachers received a Graduate Certificate in Education (Professional Practice) at the ceremony on Monday – the first example of UC’s novel approach to teacher professional learning, where short, targeted courses can be stacked towards a formal qualification. For some graduates, the journey is only just beginning.
Pictured from left: Kylie-anne Swan, Amy Smith, Juliette Major
Amber Rebecca, Assistant Principal at St Francis Xavier College, never expected the professional learning course she enrolled in to lead to a university qualification.
“I did look at doing my master's, but the amount of work involved didn't really appeal to me – I knew that with study, work and family, something would slip,” Ms Rebecca said.
“When the micro came up, I enrolled thinking it would just be a standalone unit, yet here I am enrolling in my third! These microcredentials are so achievable – the pace really works for teachers,” Ms Rebecca said.
Ms Rebecca received her Graduate Certificate on Monday and plans to continue studying, with the aim of completing a Master of Education within the next two years.
That pacing was front of mind for Clinical Associate Professor Matthew Brown and Microcredentials Program Director, Amy Smith, who designed and delivered the suite of short courses. Drawing on their experience as school leaders and educators, they understood that workload and time pressures are among the biggest barriers preventing teachers from undertaking professional learning.
“In designing the microcredentials, it was important to acknowledge teachers’ existing workload – which is already quite high – and for our programs to complement the work they’re doing in the classroom,” Ms Smith said.
This intentional approach has resulted in a unique offering tailored specifically to educators’ needs. Unlike traditional university courses, the microcredentials are structured around school terms rather than semesters. Each assessment is also designed to directly support participants’ roles in schools—meaning students and school communities benefit immediately.
Juliette Major, Assistant Principal – Staff Support and Development at St Clare’s College Canberra, said the difference was clear from the beginning.
“The assignments were really flexible. I liked that you could present your work as a PowerPoint, a report, video or even a podcast, wherever your areas of strength lay” Ms Major said.
“I was able to apply the evidence that I had collected for the assignment to map out strengths and areas of improvement for our school. Another one of my assignments, we now use as staff resource.”
For Kylie-anne Swan, Head of Learning Commons at St Francis Xavier College, flexibility became critical when she was promoted midway through her course.
“The courses were exceptionally well designed. I don't think I could have completed that additional study any other way, while also starting a new role, implementing new programs and looking after a team,” Ms Swan said.
In addition to relevant academic content, flexible delivery, and tailored design, for Ms Major, it was the people behind the program who truly defined the university experience.
“Matt and Amy were just fabulous and so supportive. I loved working with them,” Ms Major said.
“They understand the realities teachers face: You've got a really full working day, and then at 5pm you have to get over to the university through traffic, try to find the right building and room.
“But then you arrive, they welcome you. They have coffee and afternoon tea ready for everyone, and then they get started with the lectures. That culture made all the difference.”
Between an initial grant from the Commonwealth Government's Microcredentials Pilot in Higher Education program, and additional funding provided by the Catholic Education Canberra Goulburn, both units were fully funded for all participants, ensuring educators could access this vital learning for free.
The microcredential program now consists of five specialised units, each developed in partnership with one of the three largest employers of educators in the ACT and region – the ACT Education Directorate, NSW Government and Catholic Education Canberra Goulburn – ensuring learning is tailored to the unique context of each system.
Since its launch in 2024 the faculty’s microcredential program has continued from strength to strength, with further additions to the suite planned for 2027.
“Flexible learning pathways are key to the program’s success – we deeply respect the personal and professional contexts of our working learners; the juggle is significant,” Ms Smith said.
“We are very proud of this first cohort of graduating students and are excited to see how the program continues to grow and evolve.”
Photo by Davey Barbar
