Disruptive Technologies Micro-credential

There are two intakes of this micro-credential per year, starting in May and September in 2023. For more details about key dates, download our 2023 student prospectus.

To be eligible to study on the Programme, applicants must meet the admission criteria. The high-level entry criteria as approved by NZQA are as follows:

• A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent level qualification 

• OR equivalent professional experience in a relevant field.

For further information, including how to demonstrate equivalent professional experience, download our 2023 Student Prospectus.

• The domestic tuition fee for the Programme is $450 (including GST). Unfortunately, students are not eligible to apply for StudyLink Student Loans for this micro-credential.

• The fee for international students in New Zealand is NZD$1,125(including GST).

• The fee for international students outside of New Zealand is NZD$1,087.

academyEX offers a range of scholarships to support people to study and help to minimise barriers to learning. For the August 2023 intake, academyEx is offering a Future of Education Scholarship to all registered teachers in New Zealand. The value of the scholarship is $3220, leaving just a $100 administration fee payable by the student. The following scholarships can be applied for, and cover 75% of the programme fees.

• Tangata Whenua - for learners who identify as Māori 

• Pacific Ako - for learners who identify as Pacific 

• Taipakeke - for learners who are aged 60 years and over. 

• Impact Scholarship - for learners who are positively impacting people, society and/or the planet.

Early Bird Discount: 

There is an Early Bird discount of 10% off the course fees for domestic students who apply 4 weeks before the start date of an intake, and 8 weeks before the start of an intake for international students. The discount will be applied to your invoice automatically through the enrolment process. 

Please note: Early Bird Discount and Scholarships cannot both be applied. If you receive a scholarship, the remaining amount payable will not be discounted with the early bird rate.

Find out more, including scholarship terms and conditions, by visiting our Scholarships page.

This micro-credential is ideal for anyone who needs to gain a sound understanding and confidence in discussing emerging disruptive technologies in a business or organisation context. It is particularly useful to:

• Professionals engaged in businesses undergoing or planning a digital transformation 

• Senior executives who may not ordinarily be exposed to the practical aspects of emerging disruptive technologies

• Emerging entrepreneurs and small to medium enterprises owners and managers who want to upskill to add value to their business

The following key disruptive technologies and their application in industry are covered: artificial intelligence and machine learning; blockchain; big data and cloud computing; internet of things technology; cybersecurity; and augmented, virtual and extended reality.

Not at all. We have had many learners come into this programme with little or no knowledge of the technologies covered, and have completed the course with an understanding of the fundamental principles of the technologies and insight into how they currently impact, and will impact a range of industries and sectors into the future.

Absolutely. We’ve had loads of students do the course alongside family members, friends and colleagues. There are also opportunities to work collaboratively on assessments during the programme and work together on a project of interest. Learning is always better together!

Generally, a 15 credit micro-credential will comprise two summative assessments. Some assessments are individual and others may be group based to encourage collaboration with others. Assessments are about applying your learning to your practice or context - developing small plans, strategies, designing initiatives, and exploring and evaluating key concepts or ideas. All assessments will add demonstrable value to your applied knowledge of the area you're learning in.

In this micro-credential you will reflect on the impact of disruptive technologies, and develop a pitch deck to present a plan for the potential adoption of disruptive technologies in your practice.

Micro-credentials are delivered entirely online. Each micro-credential has regular online facilitated classes and self-directed study, that includes viewing videos, completing quizzes and reading relevant papers.

Yes, almost all academyEX learners work full time while studying part time. The workload for micro-credentials has been developed to fit in around full time work or family commitments. The assessments are designed to be practical and linked to personal aspirations and projects.

We are very happy to help you to communicate the benefits of studying with academyEX to your employer. If you would like us to provide you with a letter of support or further information, please just ask.

This programme is available to study as an international student either via online distance learning or if you currently reside in New Zealand and your visa conditions allow study. 

To find out more about studying with academyEX as an international student, visit our International Students page.

A micro-credential certifies achievement of a specific and coherent set of skills and/or knowledge. Micro-credentials are created through strong evidence of need by industry, employers, iwi and/or the community. Think of them like a ‘crash course’ on the future – bringing you up to speed on what matters today but also what’s critical for a thriving future. They are designed to be done alongside your busy work and personal life, so you don't have to take time off to study.

Our Micro-credentials give you a recognised NZQA qualification. 

Delivered through a combination of self-directed learning and weekly live online sessions, you’ll practice and apply the knowledge and skills you learn through two practical assessments. Between 7 and 15 weeks, all micro-credentials have a set price and we run regular intakes at set times of the year.

Our stackable learning means you can take a mix ‘n match approach to building your skills, knowledge and network across programmes, no matter which faculty, so you have a customised toolkit to make change and innovate where it matters most to you.

You can think of micro-credentials as building blocks of learning. Each building block could be credited to larger qualifications (e.g. a Master’s degree) if a specific micro-credential aligns to specific learning outcomes covered in a larger qualification. It’s worth having a chat with us about what you’re seeking to achieve for your upskilling so we can help with selecting the right learning pathways for you.