Contextualised Graduate Attributes

Information literacy, learning and research skills

Graduates of the Faculty of Architecture, Design and Planning will be able to use information effectively in a range of contexts and create new knowledge and understanding through the process of research and inquiry.

To recognise the extent of information needed
To locate available information efficiently and effectively
To evaluate information and its sources
To use information in critical thinking, making informed judgements, solving problem, and in constructing knowledge and arguments
To understand economic, legal, social, cultural and other issues that may arise in using information
To use contemporary media and technology to access, manage and communicate information
To critically evaluate existing understandings and recognise limitations with their own knowledge
To be intellectually curious and able to sustain intellectual interest
To be able to think rigorously and independently
To be open to new ideas, methods and ways of thinking
To be able to respond effectively to unfamiliar problems and contexts
To be able to formulate strategies to learn and meet new challenges
To be independent learners who take responsibility for their own learning, engage in continuous reflection, self-evaluation and self-improvement
To have a personal vision and goals, and ability to work towards them through strategic and intuitive analysis and interpretation

Technical skills and knowledge

Graduates of the Faculty of Architecture, Design and Planning will be able to use engage with and draw upon extensive technical knowledge and skills effectively, efficiently and professionally across a range of contexts and disciplines.

To demonstrate specific skills relevant to the discipline of study (such as specific scientific; environmental; structural; digital program and interface manipulation; or planning procedure based skills)
To be able to demonstrate proficient IT, graphic and digital skills
To be able to demonstrate discipline expertise and professionalism

Documentation and communication

Graduates of the Faculty of Architecture, Design and Planning will recognise and value communication as a tool for negotiating and creating new understanding, interacting with others, and furthering their own learning.

To use oral, written, visual and other forms of communication, demonstration and documentation to further their own learning
To make effective use of oral, written, visual and other forms of communication to critique, negotiate, create and communicate understanding
To be able relate to, and interact and work with others using a range of forms of communication

Design, planning and problem solving

Graduates of the Faculty of Architecture, Design and Planning will be able to critically and creatively design, innovate and solve problems using diverse skills and knowledge in a range of contexts.

To be able to creatively problem solve and innovate
To demonstrate proficiency in research, procedure and technique
To approach problems through both particular and generalized methods of analysis and critique
To identify and formulate problems, and to envisage and enact processes in response to them
To be able to exercise critical thinking and judgement in creating new understanding
To be able think critically, creatively and imaginatively

Theoretical, social and/or historic engagement

Graduates of the Faculty of Architecture, Design and Planning will be able to critically and contextually draw upon an extensive body of historical theoretical, social, cultural and political knowledge when thinking through ideas and issues

To think abstractly, conceptually and critically engage with ideas
To explore a critical inquiry through a historic, theoretical, philosophical, social, political or cultural framework
To be able to demonstrate a critical and independent inquiry into specialized fields of political, theoretic, social or historical thought
To be able to philosophically inquire and interrogate conceptually socio-political, environmental and historical notions.

Professionalism

Graduates of the Faculty of Architecture, Design and Planning will hold personal values and beliefs consistent with their role as responsible members of local, national, international and professional communities. Graduates will also be able to work independently and sustainably, in a way that is informed by openness, curiosity and a desire to meet new challenges.

To acknowledge ethical and professional standards, responsibilities and requirements and legislative procedures
To strive for truth, honesty, integrity, open-mindedness, fairness and generosity
To acknowledge their personal responsibility for their own value judgments and behaviour
To understand and accept social, cultural, global and environmental responsibilities
To be committed to social justice and principles of sustainability
To have an appreciation of and respect for diversity
To hold a perspective that acknowledges local, national, and international concerns
To have an informed respect for the principles, values, methods and scope of their discipline, and the ability to question them

Project management and collaborative practice

Graduates will also be able to work collectively, exercise and assume diverse roles and take initiative and demonstrate leadership across a range of contexts and projects.

To work with and manage others in ways that value their diversity and equality
To facilitate contribution to the organisation and the wider community
To be able to recognise the processes of working within a team
To be able to collaborate with others in the development of a project
To be able to mediate, provide methods of conflict resolution and resolve issues collaboratively
To be able to demonstrate effective collaborative organisational skills in the development of a specific task
To be able to coordinate people, responsibility and delegate work, exercise and assume diverse roles, take initiative and demonstrate leadership

Draft Version: Comments or suggestions?
Please contact Dr Rob Saunders, Chair, Faculty Learning and Teaching Committee, 9306 6379,

The University of Sydney - Faculty of Architecture, Design and Planning