Graduate Attributes
Introduction
Graduate attributes are the qualities, skills and understanding a university community agrees its
students should develop during their time with the institution. These attributes include, but go
beyond, the disciplinary expertise or technical knowledge that has traditionally formed the core of
most university programmes. They are qualities that also prepare graduates as agents for social
good in an unknown future (Bowden, 2000)
Senate approved three key domains of graduate attributes as part of the University Curriculum
Framework in June 2012. The domains comprised academic development & critical thinking,
employability & professionalism and inclusivity. These domains have now been further developed
to include a specific set of graduate attributes. Given the significant focus on employability in the
University Curriculum Framework the graduate attributes have been mapped to the nine
employability capabilities identified in the University Employability Strategy (2012-15) (appendix.1).
The Attributes of the Bradford Graduate
Domain 1. Academic Development and Critical Thinking
The Bradford Graduate is:
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Able to apply knowledge to solve complex real-world problems and show proficiency and
creativity in decision making;
An independent learner and a critical and creative thinker;
Skilled in research and enquiry.
Domain 2. Employability and Professionalism
The Bradford Graduate is:
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Aware of their own capabilities and able to manage themselves;
Proficient at communicating with others through a range of media;
Effective at collaborating and respecting the opinions of others;
Able to demonstrate appropriate professional and ethical values;
Able to identify their learning needs and take action to improve their performance;
Enterprising and creative in their approach to study and work;
Digitally literate and able to manage information effectively;
Able to demonstrate commercial awareness by relating their learning to a commercial or
business perspective.
Domain 3 Inclusivity.
The Bradford Graduate is:
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Interculturally and internationally aware;
Aware of social and civic responsibilities;
Literate in and committed to the principles of sustainable development.
The graduate attributes and employability capabilities will be developed through:
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the curriculum (e.g. developing team-working skills through collaborative learning);
co-curricula activities (e.g. communication and problem-solving skills through being a
student representative on Staff Student Liaison Committees or school organised workbased placement);
extra-curricula learning activities organised by the student (e.g. volunteering; part-time job;
committee member of a UBU student organisation).
References
Bowden, J., Hart, G., King, B., Trigwell, K., & Watts, O. (2000) Generic capabilities of ATN
university graduates, Canberra: Australian Government Department of Education,
Training and Youth Affairs
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Appendix 1. - Mapping of Graduate Attributes to Employability Capabilities
Graduate Attribute
Employability Capability
Academic Development and Critical Thinking. The Bradford Graduate is:
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Able to apply knowledge to solve complex real-world problems and show proficiency
and creativity in decision making
Problem solving and decision making
Innovation and Enterprise
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An independent learner and a critical and creative thinker.
Management of self and own performance
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Skilled in research and enquiry.
Information and digital literacy
Employability and Professionalism. The Bradford Graduate is:
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Aware of their own capabilities and able to manage themselves
Management of self and own performance
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Proficient at communicating with others through a range of media.
Communication skills and presentation skills
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Effective at collaborating and respecting the opinions of others
Team and customer working
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Able to demonstrate appropriate professional and ethical values.
Professional Values
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Able to identify their learning needs and take action to improve their performance
Managing self and own performance
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Enterprising and creative in their approach to study and work.
Innovation and Enterprise
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Digitally literate and able to manage information effectively
Information and digital literacy

Able to demonstrate commercial awareness by relating their learning to a commercial or
business perspective
Business, Commercial and Financial awareness
Team and customer working
Inclusivity. The Bradford Graduate is:

Interculturally and internationally aware.

Aware of social and civic responsibilities.

Literate in and committed to the principles of sustainable development
Professional Values
Business and Commercial awareness