Ulster's Graduate Attributes
What is a University degree? It is often called a training of the mind. Across Ulster we seek to achieve this in parallel with the delivery of subject specific material relevant for the degree programme studied.
The Ulster Graduate Attributes framework has been created to support the University in the delivery of its educational strategy and specifically the student learning experience. It's reflective of the Sustainable Futures' Strategy focussing on People, Place and Partnerships alongside Ulster's values.
The objectives
The objectives of the framework are:
- To create and develop a coherent and skills focussed curriculum across all modes of study at Ulster
- To develop a shared identity and a language to describe the distinct features of the Ulster University student experience, as well as expressing institutional values
- To help Ulster students and graduates better articulate the skills they have developed at the University to employers through improving their appreciation of the full range of skills they are acquiring and the contexts in which this occurs
Our Graduate Attributes
Each attribute is supported by four skills and several associated behavioural indicators which help clarify how a student or graduate might evidence that attribute.
Thriving Individual
Someone who has the ability to be resilient, accept and embrace change, seeking to mentally grow themselves and those around...
Engaged Learner
Someone who is knowledgeable and able to deepen their understanding about their subject and the world.
Collaborative Professional
Someone who is able to contribute to society widely and especially in their field of knowledge.
Active Citizen
Someone who is engaging, ethical, sustainable, making a positive impact.
Ulster's Values
The development of the Graduate Attributes framework fits perfectly with Ulster’s values of integrity, collaboration, inclusion and enhancing potential. Having our values embedded into Ulster's Graduate Attributes is central to reinforcing the direction on how the whole university can achieve excellence together. These attributes support us in walking alongside our students in their lifelong relationship with Ulster.
The Graduate Attributes framework has four high level attributes that reflect an extension of our current practice at Ulster. Embracing the Integrated Curriculum Design Framework curriculum domains of Knowing, Doing, Being and more recently Becoming, the attributes can be viewed as areas where students and graduates can see themselves as growing, developing, and improving. The framework is designed and presented in a way that maintains a sense of simplicity, is clear, easy to follow, engaging and encouraging.
