Criteria and standards of generic competences at bachelor degree level: A review study

Abstract

Due to the call for accountability in higher education, the focus on assessment of learning outcomes at the end of programmes has increased. The need for deep understanding and univocal interpretation of intended generic and specific competences by teaching staff cannot be underestimated when it comes to quality outcome assessment. The purpose of this study is to review which interpretation the literature gives to ten generic competences related to level of bachelor's degree and their content-related interconnections. Therefore, a compilation of literature reviews – one review per generic competence – was conducted. Between 8 and 36 peer-reviewed articles per competence were included. This review study results in a set of criteria and standards related to ten generic competences, representing the proficiency level of a bachelor's degree, and a model that expresses the interconnection between the selected generic competences. The theoretical inference and the usability of this set and model are the focus of the discussion.