A group of young women in a discussion round a table taken from above

Graduate competencies

Our graduate competencies were created with global organisations to bring together the abilities employers value most. We provide you with opportunities to develop your skills and ensure you graduate ready to contribute, collaborate and lead. You’ll build these competencies through your course, projects, placements, assessments and career support.

Graduate competencies

Middlesex graduate competencies

person Leadership and influence

Take initiative and make a positive impact in teams and projects.

computer Curiosity and Learning

Explore new ideas and develop a lifelong approach to learning.

groups Communication, Empathy and Inclusion

Communicate clearly and work effectively with people from different backgrounds.

thumb_up Collaborative Innovation

Work with others to generate ideas and develop solutions.

manage_accounts Entrepreneurial Mindset

Recognise opportunities and turn ideas into action.

manufacturing Problem Solving and Delivery

Analyse complex challenges and deliver practical solutions.

lock_open Resilience and Adaptability

Respond to challenges and adapt to change with confidence.

lan Technological Agility

Use digital tools and emerging technologies confidently.

Build the skills employers look for

At Middlesex, every course is designed to help you build the professional skills employers value most. Alongside your subject knowledge, you develop the confidence to apply what you learn in your future career.

The Graduate Competencies framework  connects academic learning with practical experience and employer insight across every course.

The competencies you develop during your degree will help you:

  • Present ideas clearly and collaborate with colleagues
  • Analyse problems and develop solutions
  • Contribute effectively to team projects
  • Adapt to new tools, technologies and industries.
Competencies in action

Competencies in action

People take a selfie MDX students visit construction site of iconic Burj Azizi structure in Dubai
Omar Maaouan Veiga in a colourful shirt, standing and smiling outside the entrance to Middlesex University's College Building How studying robotics and mechatronics made my childhood passion a reality
Headshot of Moe Naib Why Middlesex was the right choice for me to continue my education

“My time at Middlesex helped me build the creative and professional skills I needed for the design industry. Through internships and studio collaboration, I was able to apply what I learned in real projects and gain the confidence to start my career. I now use those skills every day in my role as a Junior Motion Designer.”

Wilma Claesson. BA Graphic Design 2025, Junior Motion Designer, Chapter3Graphic

Skills in action

You develop these competencies through different parts of your university experience. For example, you can:

  • Secure part-time work on campus through Unitemps
  • Complete an internship or placement
  • Volunteer or gain work shadowing experience
  • Join Students’ Union societies and take part in activities
  • Become a student ambassador, student voice leader or student learning assistant.

“Success in today’s workplace requires curiosity, resilience and the ability to work with others to solve complex problems. These graduate competencies help graduates develop ideas, work with teams and turn solutions into real outcomes in their careers.”

PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)

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