Graduate Attributes guidance for staff

What are graduate attributes?

Graduate Attributes are the knowledge, skills and behaviours that Queen Mary students develop as a result of their learning and experiences at university. They are closely linked to, but go beyond the core disciplinary content of a student’s programme of study. They incorporate employability skills and social responsibility, equipping students to become active global citizens. The distinctive Queen Mary Graduate Attributes are embedded in all our programmes.  

The Queen Mary Graduate Attributes are holistic, encompassing disciplinary and interdisciplinary skills and employer requirements, co-created with students and aligned to the Queen Mary Values. The attributes can be tailored to each programme of study to ensure graduates are as best prepared for life after university as possible.  

How should the Queen Mary Graduate Attributes be used?

• Programme teams should ensure that at a programme level, there is at least one attribute aligned to each of the 5 Queen Mary Values, including an attribute relating to sustainability.
• Programme level attributes can mirror the university level attributes, or can adapt these examples to the specific disciplinary contexts.
• Programme level attributes should take into account disciplinary, employer and student views and needs and be aligned with the Queen Mary Values.
• Programme graduate attributes should be reviewed at least every 5 years as part of Enhanced Programme Review.

Visit our Graduate Attributes toolkit for staff for more guidance, examples and resources

Access the Graduate Attributes Sharepoint (QMUL login required) where you can access:

• icons and visuals for use in course materials and education activities
• a graduate attributes mapping tool
• example learning outcomes, education activities and interview questions related to graduate attributes