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.