Forthcoming

Résumé fourni par la source

Background. Amid record youth unemployment and persistent inequality, South African higher education institutions are tasked with producing graduates who are not only employable but also capable of contributing to sustainable development and civil society. While national standards emphasise graduate attributes beyond disciplinary knowledge, research has largely neglected the student voice, creating gaps in curriculum design and implementation. Methods. This qualitative study explored student perspectives on graduate attributes through focus group discussions with nine class representatives. Transcripts were analysed thematically using Clarke and Braun’s approach to identify key themes and insights. Results. Students highlighted the importance of soft skills such as teamwork, communication, compassion, and respect as attributes that should be intentionally developed during their studies. They also valued transparency, honesty, and accountability as essential for Health Sciences professionals, though often seen as shaped more by upbringing than formal education. A further gap identified was the limited emphasis on organisational competencies such as time management, conflict resolution, and stress management which were viewed as crucial for academic success and professional readiness. Conclusion. Findings suggest that integrating student perspectives into graduate attribute frameworks can bridge existing gaps in higher education. When reinforced by a values-driven institutional culture, such frameworks can be translated from policy into lived practice, fostering resilient, ethical, and adaptive graduates equipped to meet professional demands and contribute meaningfully to society.

Ce résumé expose les affirmations des auteurs. BNTIC ne l’interprète pas comme une validation indépendante des résultats.