Competence standards
Competence standards are the core skills, knowledge or abilities you’re expected to demonstrate by the time you finish your programme. Put simply, they are the non-negotiable requirements of your programme.
These standards make sure everyone graduating is judged against the same core requirements for their subject and has the right abilities for their field. They also protect the quality and value of your degree. Sometimes they are required by external organisations who accredit our degree programmes.
Examples of competence standards
Competence standards are likely to include academic skills, subject knowledge and practical skills. Here are some examples of how competence standards relate to subject areas.
For example:
- medicine students must be able to examine patients safely
- language students must be able to understand and use the language
- engineering students must be able to apply maths and solve problems.
Understanding these standards can help guide your learning, because they show you what you’re working towards. It’s a good idea to check what they are for your programme, so you know what’s expected of you.
Competence standards and assessment
Competence standards are not the same as assessment methods:
A competence standard is what you need to demonstrate that you know and can do
An assessment method is how the University checks that you have learned and can demonstrate what you know and can do.
Competence standards for disabled students
Disabled students must meet the same core standards for their programme as other students.
However, universities must follow the Equality Act 2010, which means they must make reasonable adjustments so disabled students aren’t at a disadvantage.
This means:
- the competence standards don’t change as they are essential to the programme
- the way you’re assessed may be adjusted to meet your access requirements.
Reasonable adjustments
Reasonable adjustments may change how you demonstrate a competence standard, but they do not change the competence standard itself.
For example, you might be asked to give a presentation to show your understanding of a topic. But if you are disabled, and presenting is not accessible to you, the University should look at reasonable adjustments. That could mean letting you write a report instead or do a one-to-one presentation.
The competence standard is demonstrating your knowledge and understanding, not your skills in presenting.
Find out more about reasonable adjustments for disabled students
Find your programme’s competence standards
You can find your competence standards in the programme catalogue for your final year (after the Key Skills section).
If you can’t find them, contact your Director of Student Education and they’ll help you find the information.
Get advice
If you have questions about competence standards, you can contact your School Academic Lead for Inclusive Pedagogies.