Introducing Cardiff University’s Graduate Attributes

What are the Graduate Attributes?

The Graduate Attributes are a set of transferable skills and capabilities that Cardiff University is developed in partnership with students academics and employers.

The attributes are intended to be a golden thread running through every student’s time at Cardiff and can be developed through your studies or via extra-curricular opportunities in your school and across the wider University.

By developing the attributes you will maximise your chances of securing graduate level employment as social economic and environmentally aware global citizens.

There are 6 overarching Graduate Attributes each with a range of sub attributes that demonstrate the core characteristics that a Cardiff University graduate with this attribute would display.

Each Graduate Attribute has a distinct colour and icon that provides a visual representation of what the attribute involves, as shown below:

To view all the sub-attributes, click on the Graduate Attributes listed below:

Collaborative (C):

Collaborative

1. Contribute positively and effectively when working in a team, having an impact from the outset.
2. Demonstrate enthusiasm and the ability to motivate themselves, and positively influence others in meeting agreed responsibilities.
3. Be respectful of the roles of others and acknowledge the limits of their own skills/experience.

Effective Communicators (EC):

Effective Communicators

1. Listen to and take account of the views of others.
2. Communicate complex ideas effectively to diverse audiences.
3. Contribute to discussions, negotiate, and present with impact.  
4. Deliver, accept and act on constructive feedback.
5. Take a professional approach to communication, including their own online / social media profiles, and be alert to how words and actions maybe interpreted by others.

Ethically, Socially, Environmentally Aware (ESEA):

Ethically, Socially, Environmentally Aware

1. Consider own personal and professional ethical, social, and environmental responsibilities.
2. Demonstrate personal and professional integrity, reliability, and competence.
3. Understand organisations, their stakeholders, and their impact on community.
4. Actively take responsibility for promoting human rights, celebrating diversity, and widening inclusion.
5. Be mindful of the Climate Emergency and the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.
6. Act as global citizens, engaging with and valuing cultural difference through practical experience of other countries.

Independent and Critical Thinkers (ICT):

Independent and Critical Thinkers

1. Identify, define, and analyse complex issues and ideas, exercising critical judgement in evaluating sources of information.
2. Demonstrate intellectual curiosity and engage in the pursuit of new knowledge and understanding.
3. Investigate problems and offer effective solutions, reflecting on and learning from successes and failures.

Innovative, Enterprising and Commercially Aware (IECA):

Innovative, Enterprising and Commercially Aware

1. Generate original ideas and apply creative, imaginative, and innovative thinking in response to identified needs and problems.
2. Take the initiative to act on own ideas and the ideas of others, balancing risk and returns and making things happen.
3. Be confident in pursuing entrepreneurship as a viable and rewarding career path.
4. Understand organisations, their stakeholders, and their impact on the economy.

Reflective and Resilient (RR):

Reflective and Resilient

1. Actively reflect on own studies, achievements, and self-identity.
2. Demonstrate resilience, adaptability, and creativity in dealing with challenges, and be open to change.
3. Identify and articulate own skills, knowledge and understanding confidently and in a variety of contexts.
4. Engage with new ideas, opportunities, and technologies, building knowledge and experience to make informed decisions about own future.
5. Set aspirational goals for continuing personal and professional development, planning effectively with a commitment to lifelong learning.