What is a micro-credential?

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.

What sort of assessments are required for micro-credentials?

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.

Can I do this course with colleagues?

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!

Who is this programme for?

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

Which disruptive technologies are covered in this micro-credential?

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.

What is stackable learning?

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.

When do applications close?

Applications close one week before the start date of the intake you are applying for. Applications may be accepted on a case-by-case basis after the application close date at the discretion of academyEX. Please contact us if applications are closed and you would like to apply.

Can I study fully online or do I need to be able to travel to Auckland for classes?

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.

Can I study and work full time at the same time?

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.

Do I need to have technical knowledge to be able to do this programme?

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.

What is the time requirement for this programme?

If we look at this from a purely academic perspective, a micro-credential is worth 15 educational credits which equates to 150 hours of learning. But how much time you need to commit each week will depend on the length of the programme. This 10-week micro-credential includes an average of 15 learning hours per week. Disruptive Technologies micro-credential’s blended delivery approach includes self-directed and directed learning activities supported by weekly 90 minute virtual synchronous class sessions. Online synchronous sessions will take place on Tuesdays, 4:30pm - 6pm. These sessions will be recorded and whilst optional we recommend attendance where possible to get full value from the programme. For further information, download the 2026 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

What are the entry requirements?

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 prospectus .

Can you help me to get support from my organisation to support me to enrol in the programme?

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.

What do I need to know as an international student?

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, and for programme fees, visit our International Students page.

DISRUPTIVE TECHNOLOGIES MICRO-CREDENTIAL

Get across AI. Properly.

Ten weeks of real AI learning for people with real work to do.

AI is reshaping work at a pace that rewards people who understand it properly, and what you actually need is the right tools and the confidence to use them in your specific role. Start here with our free AI toolkit, a practical guide to the platforms worth your time, the tasks they solve, and the frameworks that work across any tool.

Frances Valintine's Disruptive Technologies programme builds exactly that. Over ten weeks you will work with AI through real-world examples alongside a cohort of professionals navigating the same questions.

Enrol now

NZD$450

Learn more

Start Date

6 October 2026

$450

Complete in 10 weeks

Time commitment

Weekly online classes, Tues: 4:30-6:00pm

Flexible study

100% online, expertly facilitated

Accredited

NZQA accredited, Level 8 (15 Credits)

LEARNING OUTCOMES

What you’ll learn

Get future-ready with emerging technologies
This NZQA-accredited short course (Level 8, 15 credits) is perfect for professionals wanting to understand and embrace emerging technologies shaping our future. You'll gain the skills and confidence to evaluate and adopt technologies like artificial intelligence, immersive realities, automation, and machine learning, so you can stay ahead of the curve in your career.

Emerging technologies are changing the way we live and work at lightning speed, creating exciting opportunities and challenges. This course is your chance to explore how these innovations impact industries and discover how to use them strategically in your own field.

What they say about

Disruptive Technologies: The AI One

Explore emerging technologies

Develop a practical understanding of key disruptive technologies and their strategic fit for your industry or projects.

Collaborate and innovate

Join a community of like-minded professionals ready to explore and co-create innovative ideas using emerging technologies.

Future-proof your thinking

Gain a framework to evaluate and assess new or evolving technologies with confidence.

Take action with strategy

Create a clear, actionable ‘plan on a page’ to implement technology solutions in your workplace or organisation.

This course is ideal for:

Professionals who want to keep up with fast-changing technology in their industry.
Team leaders and managers looking for smart ways to use new tech to improve their business.
Project managers who need practical tools to bring innovative ideas to life.
Small business owners or entrepreneurs keen to explore fresh tech ideas to grow their business.
Anyone curious about tech and how it’s shaping the world around us.

PATHWAYS

Where this could take you

Follow your passion

Apply your learning to develop and implement a project integrating disruptive technologies to meet a need in your household, community or workplace

Boost your career

Deploy new knowledge of the potential and impact of disruptive technologies in your current role or look into new roles with a technology focus

Continued learning

Stack your credits toward our Master of Technological Futures or Master of Change and Organisational Resilience

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

What you need to apply

Proof of identity

You will need to provide a copy of your passport or birth certificate to confirm your personal details.

Qualifications & work experience

You need to provide proof of previous study and work experience e.g. an academic transcript, graduating certificate, or CV.

English language proficiency

If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence of English language competence e.g. academic IELTS or PTE.
Learn more

HOW TO APPLY

Application and admissions

Step-by-step process to apply for this course:

Apply online

Choose a micro-credential that aligns with your goals and complete an application form. Make sure to submit all the required documentation so your application can be processed as quickly as possible.

Enrolment confirmed

Once your documents and application has been reviewed and approved by our team, you will be enrolled in your course and advised of next steps.

Welcome to the whānau!

You are ready to start your learning journey and join a group of like-minded, life-long learners.

FEES & START DATES

Let’s get started!

Domestic Student Fees:

$450 NZD.

International Student Fees:

Not available. Get in touch to learn more.

Available course start dates and session times:

06 Oct 2026 - Part Time

Enrol now

MEET THE TEAM

Your course facilitators

Browse all people

Frances Valintine (CNZM)Founder & Board Director

Dr. Mahsa McCauley (Mohaghegh)Industry Advisor

Megan RorichIndustry Advisor

Kellianne AptedAcademic Administrator

KEY INFORMATION

What you need to know

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DISRUPTIVE TECHNOLOGIES MICRO-CREDENTIAL

Get across AI. Properly.

NZD$450

Start Date

$450

Time commitment

Flexible study

Accredited

LEARNING OUTCOMES

What you’ll learn

What they say about

Disruptive Technologies: The AI One

Explore emerging technologies

Collaborate and innovate

Future-proof your thinking

Take action with strategy

This course is ideal for:

PATHWAYS

Where this could take you

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

What you need to apply

Proof of identity

Qualifications & work experience

English language proficiency

HOW TO APPLY

Application and admissions

Apply online

Enrolment confirmed

Welcome to the whānau!

FEES & START DATES

Let’s get started!

MEET THE TEAM

Your course facilitators

KEY INFORMATION

What you need to know

What is a micro-credential?

What sort of assessments are required for micro-credentials?

Can I do this course with colleagues?

Who is this programme for?

Which disruptive technologies are covered in this micro-credential?

What is stackable learning?

When do applications close?

Can I study fully online or do I need to be able to travel to Auckland for classes?

Can I study and work full time at the same time?

Do I need to have technical knowledge to be able to do this programme?

What is the time requirement for this programme?

What are the fees?

What are the entry requirements?

Can you help me to get support from my organisation to support me to enrol in the programme?

What do I need to know as an international student?

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