continuing education

Micro-degree programmes and micro-credential programmes

From the spring semester of 2025/2026, the University of Tartu offers micro-degree programmes and micro-credential programmes.

A micro-degree programme is a longer, comprehensive continuing education programme based on degree-study courses. It gives adult learners a flexible opportunity to acquire an additional specialisation or professional competence in a narrow field. The volume of a UT micro-degree programme is 12–30 ECTS, which means 312–780 hours of studies. The workload and pace are adjusted to suit adult learners, so the programmes can generally be completed within one or two semesters. Participants in a micro-degree programme study usually alongside students, in a block-mode or online format suitable for working individuals. The programmes are provided for a fee. Micro-degree programmes are designed to enable participants to continue their studies in a degree programme at the university, if they wish, and acquire higher education or a degree. Upon completion of the programme, participants receive a continuing education certificate from the University of Tartu.

A micro-credential programme is a comprehensive continuing education programme that corresponds to the needs of the labour market and society and gives a flexible opportunity to acquire an additional specialisation or professional competence in a narrow field. The volume is 5–30 ECTS. While micro-degree programmes consist of degree-study courses and the participants study alongside students, micro-credential programmes are organised in a separate group in a block-mode or online format suitable for working individuals. Micro-credential programmes generally take place within one semester. Learning is fee-based. Upon completion, participants receive a continuing education certificate from the University of Tartu.

A micro-degree programme is for you if you
  • need to refresh your professional knowledge because you completed your previous studies a while ago;
  • need specialised competencies in a narrow field;
  • want to improve your employability;
  • are planning a career change;
  • want to take some new courses but do not wish to complete the whole curriculum;
  • want to be sure that your continuing education studies would support your future degree studies and that you have a flexible opportunity to continue studies towards a degree;
  • want to broaden your professional network.
A micro-credential programme is for you if you
  • need to refresh your professional knowledge because you completed your previous studies a while ago;
  • need specialised competencies in a narrow field;
  • want to improve your employability;
  • are planning a career change;
  • are preparing to apply for a qualification;
  • want to broaden your professional network.

Micro-degree programmes starting in the spring semester of 2025/26

  • Micro-degree programmes are designed for learners with at least upper secondary education, but several programmes have additional admission requirements.
  • Registration for micro-degree programmes generally starts on 1 December.
  • Registration for five programmes is already open, with earlier registration deadlines.

Teamwork and Leadership (15 ECTS), 1500 Euros, higher education needed, online. Registration is opened until 25 January.

Cloud-native Application Design and DevOps (24 ECTS), 2400 Euros. Registration is opened until 25 January.

Global Governance in a Changing World (15 ECTS), 2000 Euros, higher education required. Registration is opened until 25 January.

Public Sector Entrepreneurship and Innovation Master Class (15 ECTS), 2000 Euros. Registration is opened until 25 January.

Planning the 15-minute city for all (12 ECTS), 1500 Euros, in Tallinn. Registration is opened until 29 December.

Quantum computing (12 EAP-d), 1200 Euros. Registration is opened until 25 January.

Contemporary approaches to teaching English as an additional language (15 ECTS), 975 Euros, higher education required. Registration is opened until 29 January.

A micro-credential programme offers a bite-sized opportunity to study at the university

"I was pleasantly surprised when I first saw an ad for the service design micro-credential programme on the university's Facebook page. I felt the university could indeed offer me something as a customer! I had thought about doing a master's in this field before, but it seemed like too big a project to take on besides my other activities," says Lisett Heil, who completed the micro-credential programme at the University of Tartu.

These programmes are open for registration until 3 February

Public Sector Entrepreneurship and Innovation Master Class (15 ECTS), €1,920, higher education required

Global Governance in a Changing World (15 ECTS), €1,920, higher education required

English-taught micro-degree programmes in the spring semester 2024/25

Cloud-native application design and DevOps (24 ECTS), €2,400, higher education required

Teamwork and Leadership (15 ECTS), €1,500, higher education required, online

Global Politics and Foreign Influence (12 ECTS), €1,750, higher education required, online

English-taught micro-credential programmes in the autumn semester 2024/25

Fuzzy Data Analysis in Economics and Business (12 ECTS), €1,440, higher education required

Project Management of Creative Enterpreneurship (15 ECTS), €1,500, higher education required, online

Creativity and self-development (15 ECTS), €1,500, higher education required, online

Economic Policymaking in the Digital Age (15 ECTS), €1,920, higher education required

The Journey to a Successful Tourism Economy (12 ECTS), €1,020, online

Use of technology in contemporary learning (17 ECTS), €1,445, higher education required

Fundamentals of the European Union (18 ECTS), €1,530, online