Graduate Attributes

UQ’s Academic Board endorsed a new UQ Graduate Statement and Graduate Attributes Policy in April, 2023.

The policy creates a model of design whereby the University-level graduate statement and graduate attributes will be translated into program-level graduate statements and learning outcomes that will inform course learning outcomes and assessment.

Graduate Attributes

The UQ Graduate Attributes provide a holistic representation of desirable characteristics in UQ graduates. Each program at UQ will be designed to develop the Graduate Attributes alongside specific discipline and professional outcomes. Staff can study case studies of how to implement UQ Graduate Attributes into courses and students may develop aspects of the UQ Graduate Attributes through additional co-curricular or extra-curricular activities that form part of their university experience.

Graduate Attribute	Supporting graduates who:	Experienced through curriculum that supports and enables:
Accomplished scholars	are knowledgeable in their field can engage in different traditions of thought apply their knowledge in multidisciplinary and global settings.	advancing knowledge through scholarship and research using knowledge responsibly and critically to reach informed and sound conclusions interprofessional and multidisciplinary dialogue and engagement.
Courageous thinkers	are able to question, analyse, interpret, and evaluate can test new and innovative ideas, understandings, approaches, and opinions.	identification of problems healthy consideration and debate of meaningful issues creative thinking to find novel solutions and measure the impact resilience and flexibility through real world engagement.
Connected citizens	are responsible, independent, outward- looking understand their communities are active, constructive, participants in society.	learning to recognise and capitalise on the strengths and talents of self and others development of emotional intelligence and respect for diversity opportunities for responsible participation in civic life and appropriate advocacy opportunities to engage in self-reflection about an individual’s impact within wider groups.
Culturally capable	have an understanding of, and respect for, Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and global Indigenous peoples’ values, cultures and knowledge demonstrate appreciation of cultural and social diversity and work with a sense of social and civic responsibility towards a more just and equitable society*	promotion of knowledge of history, people, language, stories, traditions, and diversity of Indigenous communities application of strengths-based and critical approaches to Indigenous matters use of relevant community protocols in professional and workplace contexts acting in culturally sensitive ways when working with diverse communities and groups.
Influential communicators	can communicate effectively with a variety of audiences can skilfully use information to engage in discussions can work collaboratively, making positive and meaningful contributions.	communication of knowledge, skills, and ideas respectfully and effectively to a range of audiences, in different professional contexts, by written, oral, and digital means development of information skills with an ability to search, locate, interpret, and synthesise a range of scholarly literature and research effective engagement in diverse groups and teams working towards shared goals.
Respectful leaders	demonstrate knowledge and respect for ethics and ethical standards lead self and others are relational decision-makers.	practice of academic honesty and integrity through academic work applications of the ethical standards of their disciplines, fields, and professions engagement with relationality that acknowledges situational ontologies through exploring interests, expectations, and preferences leading self and others through reflective and critical practices.

*The intent of this Culturally capable attribute is for students/programs to understand and respect Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures as foundational knowledge for recognising issues of global Indigeneity (e.g. colonialisation) and the broader challenges for creating and contributing to more just and equitable societies.

Please consider this clarification when implementing the Culturally capable graduate attribute. A version is also available as a PowerPoint slide (PPTX, 426.1 KB) for your use.

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Connect with a Graduate Attribute Champion

UQ’s Graduate Attribute Champions are academic staff who are exceptional teachers and are committed to supporting students and staff create excellent experiences around their attribute. The Champions will be leading initiatives to support the design and implementation of teaching, learning and assessment around the revised graduate attributes.

To connect with our Graduate Attribute Champions, email itali@uq.edu.au

Accomplished scholars

Dr Louise Ainscough - School of Biomedical Sciences
Associate Professor Rebecca Olson - School of Social Science

Courageous thinkers

Professor Deborah Brown - School of Historical and Philosophical Inquiry
Professor Tim Kastelle - Andrew N. Liveris Academy for Innovation and Leadership

Connected citizens

Dr Miriam Moeller - School of Business

Culturally capable

Associate Professor Stephanie Gilbert - Indigenous Engagement
Dr Preetha Thomas - School of Public Health

Influential communicators

Associate Professor Louise Kuchel - School of the Environment
Dr Carl Sherwood - School of Economics
Dr Michael Thai - School of Psychology

Respectful leaders

Associate Professor Saiied Aminossadati - School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering
Dr Debby Lynch - School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work

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Graduate Attributes

Graduate Attributes

Connect with a Graduate Attribute Champion

Accomplished scholars

Courageous thinkers

Connected citizens

Culturally capable

Influential communicators

Respectful leaders

Resources