The micro-credential in numbers.
The learning outcomes recorded on the document.
On completing the programme the participant:
- defines a complex social or environmental challenge and its stakeholders
- collects and critically evaluates sources (literature, data, interviews) and cites them correctly
- produces a systems map: causal loops, leverage points and gaps in existing solutions
- writes a structured report (up to 3,000 words) and a bibliography
- presents the challenge and findings to an expert jury in 10 minutes – in Slovenian or English
- works in an international team with a mentor and plans the work over three months
The learning outcomes are aligned with the Map the System methodology (Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship) and set out in the micro-credential programme adopted by Academia's Strategic Council.
Six modules, one final, one route to Oxford.
Choosing the challenge
module 1 · MarchIntroductory workshop in Maribor or online: you choose a topic (e.g. access to housing, young people's health, migrant inclusion) and form a team of up to 5.
Researching the system
module 2 · MarchStakeholders, literature, data; interviews with people who live the challenge. A mentor guides you on sources.
Systems map
module 3 · AprilCausal loops, leverage points, a review of existing solutions and their gaps – visually and in text.
Report
module 4 · AprilUp to 3,000 words, a bibliography and a systems map following the Map the System template; interim review with your mentor.
Pitch
module 5 · MayPreparing a 10-minute presentation and visualisation; rehearsal in front of mentors and alumni.
Local final and Oxford
module 6 · May · JulyPresentation to the jury in Maribor (2026: 13 May, 7 teams); the winning team travels to the global final in Oxford with Erasmus+ funding.
What we assess and what the document says.
Assessment
- written report and bibliography (50 %)
- systems map (20 %)
- presentation to the jury (30 %)
- threshold for issuing the document: 60 % and at least 80 % attendance at the modules
Document
- title and learning outcomes of the programme
- scope 5 ECTS, level SQF 6 / EQF 5
- assessment method and date
- issuer Academia, entry in the school's records
- Academia × Oxford Map the System certificate
Academia lecturers and alumni who have already completed the programme.
Every team gets a mentor – an Academia lecturer with research experience or an alumnus who has already completed the programme. In 2026 the Balkan Link team was mentored by Uršula Butkovič. Mentors are available at weekly online consultations and at workshops in Maribor.
- Uršula Butkovič – mentor of the Balkan Link team (Excellence Award 2026)
- mentors from Academia's Lecturers' Assembly
- Map the System 2026 alumni as pitch co-coaches
Balkan Link – from Maribor to Oxford.
Balkan Link
Vojdan Lokvenec, Danica Biševac, Nemanja Božić and Riad Imširović researched the systemic vulnerability of migrant workers from the Western Balkans in the Slovenian construction industry; at the global final in Oxford they received the Excellence Award for Inclusion of Underrepresented Voices.
News →Local final 2026
On 13 May seven teams competed in Maribor before a jury from business, NGOs and Academia. All participants received the first micro-credentials in Slovenia.
Registration 2027
We take registrations until 31 Jan 2027; there are 40 places (8 teams). Priority goes to students who have not yet completed the programme.
Register →Oxford in 40 seconds.
V svojih besedah
About Map the System.
TimeHow much time does it take?
About 125–150 hours over three months (5 ECTS): workshops, mentor consultations and individual and team work.
LanguageIs the programme in English?
Workshops are in Slovenian (Oxford materials in English); you can prepare the report and pitch in Slovenian; the team that goes to Oxford presents in English.
TeamCan I take part on my own?
Yes, individually or in a team of up to 5; at the introductory workshop we connect individuals into teams.
From homeI study from home. Can I take part?
Yes, the modules are hybrid; the introductory workshop and the local final in Maribor are compulsory.
CostsWho pays for the trip to Oxford?
Travel, accommodation and the registration fee of the winning team are covered by Academia from Erasmus+ funds.
RecognitionHow are the 5 ECTS recognised?
As practical training or an extracurricular activity – the Student Office arranges it once the document is issued; the micro-credential is also recorded in Europass.
Is there a challenge that will not leave you alone? Map it.
Registration until 31 Jan 2027. The programme coordinator replies within two working days; the introductory workshop is in March.