Project report – transferable skills in higher education

Abstract

This study was initiated by the need, frequently expressed by employers, for the education system to produce potential employees with better transferable skills. The paper reports a field trial at a UK university (following a four-year pilot of NVQ Level 4 Key Skills with another course). The project operated within a new foundation (Level 0) programme, aiming to simplify the paperwork employed in the pilot and incorporate skills assessment within modules, thereby obviating the need for a portfolio of evidence. The project was successful in only one or two modules, those where staff were committed to the aims.