Graduate Capitals: helping you stand out to employers

Your degree is just the beginning. Employers want graduates who can adapt, collaborate, and thrive in a changing world. That’s where Graduate Capitals come in.

We've adopted and built on the Graduate Capitals model (Tomlinson 2017) – six areas of development that help you succeed at university and beyond.

Why Graduate Capitals matter for you

Graduate Capitals give you the confidence, skills, and mindset to stand out in the job market. They show employers that you can think creatively, work across cultures, and respond to complex challenges.

The six Graduate Capitals

1. Knowledge and skills: apply what you’ve learned and show your subject expertise in a professional setting.
2. Social capital: build networks, collaborate effectively, and work confidently in teams.
3. Cultural capital: present yourself professionally and adapt to different environments.
4. Identity: understand your strengths, values, and career goals. Learn from successes and setbacks.
5. Adaptability: stay resilient and flexible when facing change or uncertainty.
6. The whole person: combine your academic, personal, and professional qualities to create a unique profile.

How you’ll benefit

• Stand out to employers by showcasing all six Graduate Ccapitals on your CV and in interviews.
• Gain practical experience through projects and modules that build real-world skills.
• Grow personally and professionally with support to reflect on your ambitions.
• Prepare for the future by learning how to adapt and seize new opportunities.

Support at every stage

You’ll build these attributes through your course and activities outside the classroom. There's support from our Employability Service from the moment you start studying at ARU.