Graduate profiles
Our refreshed Graduate Profile
As part of the Curriculum Framework Transformation work that began in 2021, the University’s Graduate Profile underwent a refresh. This revised document is an important piece of the transformation process as it informs changes and guides faculties as they review their courses and programmes.
This revised document will come into effect University-wide from Semester 1, 2024. Until then, the existing programme graduate profiles remain in effect.
Current Graduate Profile
The graduate profile reflects a set of attributes that we consider to be attainable by graduates of a research-led comprehensive university.
They make clear to students and staff, to potential students, to employers, to the community and to other academic institutions, the qualities that the University of Auckland seeks to impart to, or foster in, its graduates.
Responsibility for enabling graduates to meet the Graduate Profile lies with University staff and students.
We hope that, as individuals and as members of the University community, all will engage in the teaching, learning, research and creative activities of the University, and in its extra-curricular, cultural, intellectual, social and sports life, to achieve the aspirations we hold for our graduates.
The University has implemented a 3-level Graduate Profile. Level 1 and 2 below provide the foundation and faculties are currently developing level 3 for implementation in upcoming years. Further background on the Graduate Profile and its implementation is at the end of this page.
LEVEL 1: Aspirations for University of Auckland Graduates
Scholars – Graduates of the University have a broad knowledge base and disciplinary expertise. They are aware of contemporary research in their field of specialisation and able to conduct their own research and investigations. They are excited by ideas, discovery and learning and are conscientious in their endeavours to understand the complexities of the worlds they encounter at work and in society.
Innovators – Graduates of the University are future and solution focussed. They are curious, critical and creative. They are capable of developing unique and sustainable solutions to real world problems.
Leaders – Graduates of the University take personal responsibility and seek opportunities to work with others to advance thinking and achievement in all spheres of their lives. They are confident, inclusive, inspiring and influential.
Global Citizens – Graduates of the University are citizens of Aotearoa / New Zealand and the world. They appreciate the role of the Treaty of Waitangi and are aware of global issues. They act with integrity and fluency across cultures and perspectives, are committed to the betterment of society, open in their thinking and appreciative of the riches that diversity and equity bring.
LEVEL 2: Graduate Capabilities – Themes
The following six themes represent the clusters of generic capabilities which the University seeks to foster in all graduates through the teaching and learning experiences of their programmes.
| 1 | 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. |
| 2 | 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. |
| 3 | 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. |
| 4 | 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. |
| 5 | 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. |
| 6 | Social and Environmental Responsibilities | Graduates of the University are expected to acknowledge Māori worldviews 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. |