The University is running a 3-year pilot of BadgEd, a new Open Digital Badge service, from semester 2, 2023 and early adopters are currently helping to co-design and test the BadgeEd service processes and guidance. This phase will be concluded by summer 2023 and details of how the service will be offered more widely will be published here.  

Open Digital Badges have become a standard way of recognising skills and achievements outside of credit-bearing course work. Within the University of Edinburgh, some departments have already been issuing digital badges for several years, which has highlighted the need for a central service. Our aim is to create consistency, to share best practice among colleagues, to support local issuers, and to provide an opportunity for more colleagues to get involved.  

The pilot will:  

• focus on the recognition of non or extra curriculum skills, achievements, or competencies through the awarding of a digital badge

• support the growing interest in and recognition of digital badges

• provide guidance on how to maintain the value of digital badges for both earners (students, staff, external learners) and issuers (Schools and Deaneries issuing a badge)

• expand on stand alone badges to explore how badge pathways and skills frameworks could enhance the value of the badge to the earner. 

The University is partnering with Canvas Credentials (previously known as Badgr) as the platform provider.  The BadgEd catalogue will expand as new digital badges are approved and created. 

Go to the BadgEd Catalogue