Graduate Profiles

The Faculty of Engineering and Design's Graduate Profiles outline the capabilities we aim to help you develop through our study programmes.

Undergraduate programmes

The following is the Graduate Profile for the bachelors degree programmes we offer in Architecture, Design, Engineering, and Urban Planning.

Theme Attributes
People and Place Graduates connect to knowledge of place. They are conversant with mātauranga Māori, kaupapa Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi and their context in Te Moananui-ā-Kiwa and the world. They appreciate the importance of belonging and diversity. They advocate for just and equitable societies.
Sustainability Graduates realise that they are interdependent with the natural world and acknowledge kaitiakitanga. They recognise their responsibilities to contribute to the protection, conservation and regeneration of local, regional and global ecosystems, communities and economies.
Knowledge and Practice
Graduates understand the thinking, research, theory and practice in their field(s) of study. They are aware of different knowledge systems and transdisciplinary perspectives.
Critical Thinking
Graduates think critically and creatively to engage constructively with knowledge systems, practices, theories, evidence, and ideas.
Solution-seeking
Graduates demonstrate innovative and entrepreneurial approaches. They consider multiple perspectives in their solution-seeking and decision-making.
Communication Graduates listen and express ideas respectfully. They share knowledge with diverse audiences using a range of technologies and formats.
Collaboration Graduates establish reciprocal, productive relationships and maintain whanaungatanga with the communities of Te Moananui-ā-Kiwa and beyond. They are collaborative, able to both influence and work in the service of others.
Ethics and Professionalism Graduates demonstrate manaakitanga towards others and care for their own well-being. They act ethically and responsibly, exhibiting independent thought, resilience and lifelong learning.

Postgraduate taught programmes

The following is the Graduate Profile for all postgraduate taught degrees, aligned with the core objective of the Graduate School of Engineering: to grow the next evolution of engineers who generate positive change in society.

Theme Attributes
Disciplinary knowledge and practice
Graduates of the University are expected to understand the thinking, research, theory and practice in their field of study and appreciate the role of their discipline in its contexts.
  • Mastery of the engineering domain knowledge, core concepts, theories and practices relevant to the specific degree programme
  • Ability to form well-informed opinions on current and emerging issues relating to the engineering domain using research and critical thinking skills
  • Competencies to apply engineering knowledge and practices to harness the powers of nature for the benefits of society
Critical thinking
Graduates of the University are expected to be able to contest knowledge and practice, critically consider ideas, texts and research and think reflectively and reflexively.
 
  • Well-developed competency in critical thinking skills, including an ability to use information effectively in order to seek continuous improvement
  • Able to think independently of own and others’ knowledge, beliefs, experiences, conventions and/or practices and make decisions with integrity
  • Ability to apply reflective learning practices and to recognise the type of environment and critically determine the best approach to achieve the desired results
Solution Seeking
Graduates of the University are expected to be able to apply theory, analysis, research and creative skills to solve problems and make reasoned decisions. They are expected to be able to consider historical, long- term and big picture perspectives, to systematically address complex problems and to be inventive in their solution seeking.
  • An ability to apply engineering theories and concepts to deliver results in environments with elements of ambiguity, complexity and uncertainty to meet stakeholder needs
  • Competencies to accurately define problems both in scope and nature, and thereafter to identify or formulate the most effective approach to creatively solve the problems in a sustainable manner
  • Able to apply inventive problem-solving approaches, drawing on engineering theories to solve a range of problems, making suitable trade-offs between options and constraints in order to deliver positive outcomes for society
Communication and engagement
Graduates of the University are expected to be able to receive and interpret information, express ideas and share knowledge with diverse audiences in a range of media and formats. They are expected to be able to establish a rapport and build collaborative relationships with individuals and groups.
  • An ability to function effectively as a professional engineer, working independently and inter-dependently with others for mutual benefits
  • Competency to express aspects of complex engineering problems, share ideas and knowledge and engage the hearts and minds of stakeholders through the appropriate use of linguistic, visual and/or metaphorical (story telling) strategies
  • Ability to take the perspective of others and evaluate and apply various ways of engagement to optimally influence and positively impact with others
Independence and integrity
Graduates of the University are expected to be able to learn and work autonomously and ethically. They are expected to be lifelong learners, to show resilience, proactivity and an ability to make principled decisions in academic and professional spheres.
  • Ability to develop relationships of trust and lead, engage, innovate and act with integrity and courageous authenticity in challenging environments from a place of clear and strong internal values and an ability to effectively moderate external influences
  • Ability to self-reflect and hold onto self to sustain well-being and balance in the role of a professional engineer in volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous environments
  • Ability to recognise the limits and limitations of own (self) knowledge and being comfortable with not having all the answers in order to solicit diverse perspectives and expert assistance when appropriate
Social and environmental responsibilities 
Graduates of the University are expected to acknowledge Māori world views and the historic place of the Treaty of Waitangi. They are expected to be respectful of cultural and other forms of diversity and to embrace difference. Our graduates are expected to recognise a role for themselves in creating a sustainable future and be able to consider the social, cultural, environmental and economic consequences of national and international issues.
  • Ability to lead and influence within a wider context of societal, economic, cultural, environmental and stakeholder sustainability (sustainable productivity)
  • Competency in embracing cultural and other forms of diversity and differences as precious capital, with well-developed abilities to engage in diverse groups to enhance creativity, innovation to generate exceptional outcomes
  • Demonstrate cultural intelligence and an understanding of different cultural norms and the ability to adapt own (self) behaviour to suit