Graduate Attributes - Postgraduate

Intent

To specify graduate attributes to guide all postgraduate teaching.

Scope

This policy applies to the teaching of all postgraduate courses and subjects.

Definitions

Graduate attributes are of two kinds:

Generic skills - capabilities that are learned through all of the courses that JCU teaches.

Graduate qualities - personal, ethical and moral dispositions of the person that are nurtured by the courses and intellectual life of JCU.

Policy and Procedures

James Cook University aims to ensure that the graduates of its research higher degrees (masters by research, PhD and research professional doctorate) and postgraduate coursework degrees possess the following attributes in addition to those expected of graduates of bachelor's degrees.

It is expected that:

• the graduate attributes listed below will be fostered during the research higher degree process, supplemented by a personal development program which will be developed by the candidate and supervisory team during the confirmation of candidature process and monitored via the annual reporting process;

• research higher degree students will develop these attributes in the context of their personal goals, career aspirations and disciplinary opportunities;

• graduates with research doctoral degrees will have developed the relevant attributes to a higher level than graduates with research masters degrees.

Generic skills to be taught

Critical thinking

• the ability to appraise information critically

• the ability to use independent judgment to synthesise information to make intellectual and/or creative advances

• the ability to place their research in a broader (preferably international)theoretical, practical and policy context.

Problem solving

• the ability to think laterally and be original

• the ability to conceptualise problems

• the ability to conceptualise and evaluate a range of potential solutions to relevant problems

• the ability to encompass and use methods and conceptual advances in areas of knowledge cognate to their central area(s) of expertise

• the ability to evaluate and extrapolate from the outcomes of their research

Project management

• the ability to plan, conduct and manage research in their discipline

• the ability to identify and take serendipitous advantage of research opportunities

• the potential to lead and contribute to projects effectively and efficiently

• the ability to conduct their research in an ethical manner

Interpersonal understanding and communication

• the ability to communicate the methodology, results and implications of their research in a manner appropriate to different purposes and audiences

• the ability to make constructive contributions to project teams or collegial activities

• the potential to resolve conflicts.

Expectations of research higher degree students

All research higher degree students should develop a personal plan (with indication of expected progress) to develop appropriate generic attributes in the context of their career aspirations and in association with their supervisor(s) in the period between their enrolment and confirmation of candidature.

Progress towards achieving this plan should be formally reviewed as part of the confirmation of candidature, annual reporting and exit seminar processes.

Approval Details

Modification History