A mapping of graduate attributes: what can we expect from UK university students?

Wong, B. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7310-6418, Chiu, Y. L. T., Copsey-Blake, M. and Nikolopoulou, M. (2022) A mapping of graduate attributes: what can we expect from UK university students? Higher Education Research & Development, 41 (4). pp. 1340-1355. ISSN 1469-8366 doi: 10.1080/07294360.2021.1882405

Abstract/Summary

The higher education market has prompted universities to justify their value and worth, especially to students. In Australia, New Zealand and the UK, it is increasingly common for universities to advertise their vision to prospective students, through Graduate Attributes, and showcase the sets of skills and competencies their graduates would develop throughout a degree. Whilst there are extensive studies in Australasia, research in the UK context is limited. This paper presents what we believe is the first national mapping of graduate attributes proposed by UK universities. Our analysis suggests four discourses that characterise the overarching qualities that UK students can expect to embody by graduation: self-awareness & lifelong learning, employability & professional development, global citizenship & engagement and academic & research literacy. These discourses are discussed in relation to the concept of the ‘ideal graduate’ as we highlight what can be expected from students who complete a UK higher education.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/95474
Identification Number/DOI	10.1080/07294360.2021.1882405
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Arts, Humanities and Social Science > Institute of Education > Improving Equity and Inclusion through Education
Publisher	Taylor & Francis
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