This dataset document includes all the stages of data analysis. Articles were indexed in the following social sciences reference databases: SCOPUS, ISI Web of Science and Google Scholar. A snowball technique was also used. A search was conducted using different combinations of key terms grouped into three blocks closely related to the research questions: Search block 1: SLE and micocredentials. Search block 2: Learners’ drivers, motivations and preferences Search block 3: Higher education settings The inclused criteria included publications: Published in the last 5 years (2018 to April 2022). English or Spanish publications. Peer-reviewed articles. Publications that provide primary data on the learners' drivers / motivations for pursuing SLE, or related keywords. Studies related, partially or totally, to higher education settings. The full text is available for the UOC institution. 48 publications were finally selected. This database describes the whole process of selection and extraction of information from the articles.