Graduate Attributes
The University of Adelaide is a research-intensive university that seeks to develop graduates of international distinction by providing high quality education.
The University defines the philosophy underpinning its teaching programs through the graduate attributes. These describe the qualities, knowledge and capabilities that students are encouraged to take responsibility for developing throughout their studies at the University. The graduate attributes are not a list of skills to be mastered; rather, they encapsulate for both students and the wider community the defining characteristics of a student's university degree program(s), and describe a set of characteristics that are designed to be transferable beyond the particular disciplinary context in which they have been developed.
While graduate attributes are fostered in the context of the curriculum, they are also developed within the total university experience as they encourage students to reflect on the broader purpose of their university education.
Graduate attributes
The following graduate attributes will apply for those students who commence their studies from 1 January 2022.
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Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.
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Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.
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Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills
Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.
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Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness
Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.
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Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency
Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.
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Attribute 6: Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency
Graduates have an understanding of, and respect for, Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values, culture and knowledge.
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Attribute 7: Digital capabilities
Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.
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Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.
Graduate Attributes and Learning Outcomes
Program Learning Outcomes
Program learning outcomes and their links to the graduate attributes are uploaded in the University’s PeopleSoft system, allowing achievement of the learning outcomes and graduate attributes to be recorded on students’ official University record via the Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement (AHEGS).
For programs with a duration of one year or less, areas should map Graduate Attributes which can be achieved within the length of the program and aligned with the program learning outcomes. The following programs will therefore not require to have program learning outcomes which cover all Graduate Attributes: Diploma, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, and one-year Honours (which are not embedded within a Bachelor degree).