The term Graduate Attributes refers to generic capabilities and qualities that help university graduates to participate effectively in society and employment. Increasingly, employers want Universities to develop these attributes in their students, and Australia-wide universities are defining their graduate attributes and showing how they are integrated into the undergraduate curriculum.

Murdoch University has developed a set of nine Graduate Attributes which were further broken down into sub-attributes. Individual Schools interpret these sub-attributes to show what they mean in particular disciplines and professions. Students should have the chance to develop the attributes no matter which course of study they complete. The university is also tracking how they are integrated into undergraduate units.

It is to your advantage to develop these attributes because they will help you gain employment and be successful in the workplace.

Murdoch University has 9 main Graduate Attributes which have been broken down into 25 sub-attributes:

Communication

The ability to communicate effectively and appropriately in a range of contexts using communication, literacy, numeracy and information technology skills.

• Speaking skills
• Listening skills
• Reading skills
• Writing skills
• Numeracy skills
• Information and communication technology skills

Critical and creative thinking

The ability to collect, analyse and evaluate information and ideas and solve problems by thinking clearly, critically and creatively.

• Critical thinking
• Creative thinking
• Problem solving
• Research skills

Social interaction

A capacity to relate to and collaborate with others to exchange views and ideas and to achieve desired outcomes through teamwork, negotiation and conflict resolution.

• Collaboration
• Negotiation
• Conflict resolution

Independent and lifelong learning

A capacity to be a self directed learner and thinker and to study and work independently.

• Organisational and time management skills
• Independent study

Ethics

An awareness of and sensitivity to ethics and ethical standards on interpersonal and social levels, and within a field of study and/or profession.

• Personal ethics
• Social ethics
• Ethics in a field of study
• Professional ethics

Social justice

An acknowledgment of and respect for equality of opportunity, individual and civic responsibility, other cultures and times, and an appreciation of cultural diversity.

• Social and civic responsibility
• Knowledge of other cultures
• Knowledge of other historical times
• Appreciation of cultural diversity

Global perspective

An awareness of and respect for the social, biological, cultural and economic interdependence of global life.

Interdisciplinarity

A capacity to acquire knowledge and understanding of fields of study beyond a single discipline.

In-depth knowledge of a field of study

A comprehensive and in-depth knowledge of a field of study and defined professional skills where appropriate.

• Knowledge of a field of study
• Professional skills