Research Trends on Micro-Credentials in Higher Education: A Bibliometric Analysis Using Scopus and WoS Databases

Authors

  • Gema Rullyana Universitas Negeri Jakarta https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0383-4062
  • Eveline Siregar Universitas Negeri Jakarta
  • Cecep Kustandi Universitas Negeri Jakarta

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56059/jl4d.v12i3.1950

Keywords:

bibliometric, research trends, Scopus database, micro-credentials, higher education

Abstract

Micro-credentials are short, skills-based certifications that recognise specific competencies in a flexible, modular, and industry-aligned format. Micro-credentials in higher education play a vital role in skills recognition, workforce readiness, and digital learning innovation. They offer a flexible, skills-based approach aligned with industry demands. Understanding research trends in this field is crucial for identifying future directions. This study examined the research landscape and emerging themes in micro-credential studies within higher education through a bibliometric analysis of 551 publications indexed in the Scopus and Web of Science databases from 2014 to 2024. Using the PRISMA model, relevant studies were selected based on keywords related to micro-credentials. The leading publication sources included TechTrends. The US was the most active country, with Purdue and Kumamoto universities leading the institutional contributions. This study highlights underexplored areas such as blockchain applications, gamification, information literacy, personalised learning, curriculum integration, educational technology, and blended learning. Further research could enhance their implementation and impact in higher education.

Author Biographies

Gema Rullyana, Universitas Negeri Jakarta

Gema Rullyana Email: gema.rullyana@mhs.unj.ac.id/gemarullyana@upi.edu (https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0383-4062)

Eveline Siregar, Universitas Negeri Jakarta

Eveline Siregar Email: esiregar@unj.ac.id id (https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3028-7762)

Cecep Kustandi, Universitas Negeri Jakarta

Eveline Siregar Email: esiregar@unj.ac.id id (https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3028-7762)

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Published

2025-11-18

How to Cite

Rullyana, G., Siregar, E., & Kustandi, C. (2025). Research Trends on Micro-Credentials in Higher Education: A Bibliometric Analysis Using Scopus and WoS Databases. Journal of Learning for Development, 12(3), 484–500. https://doi.org/10.56059/jl4d.v12i3.1950

Issue

Vol. 12 No. 3 (2025): ISSUE 3

Section

Research Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Gema Rullyana, Eveline Siregar, Cecep Kustandi

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Received 2025-02-27
Accepted 2025-09-22
Published 2025-11-18