Undergraduate core competencies

Three essential competencies for every graduate

Every undergraduate at Northeastern University London develops these three core capabilities:

Writing across audiences and genres

Bridge theory and practice through real-world application. You’ll connect classroom learning with professional experiences, developing the critical ability to apply your knowledge in practical settings and reflect on what you’ve learnt.

Demonstrating thought and action in a final project

Showcase your expertise through a substantial capstone project or dissertation. This culminating experience allows you to demonstrate independent thinking, research capabilities, and your ability to deliver meaningful work that addresses real-world challenges.

Integrating knowledge and skills through experience

Bridge theory and practice through real-world application. You’ll connect classroom learning with professional experiences, developing the critical ability to apply your knowledge in practical settings and reflect on what you’ve learnt. 

Additional competencies tailored to you

Beyond these foundational skills, you’ll develop at least four additional competencies aligned with your academic interests and career goals. The competencies you gain will depend on the elective courses you choose. Your academic adviser will help you choose the elective courses with the competencies best suited to your interests and aspirations.

Engaging with the natural and designed world:

Understand how scientific principles and design thinking shape the world around us, equipping you to innovate and solve complex problems.

Exploring creative expression and innovation:

Develop your creative capabilities and learn to approach challenges with imagination, originality and entrepreneurial thinking.

Interpreting culture:

Analyse cultural contexts, narratives and expressions to become a more informed global citizen and effective cross-cultural communicator.

Conducting formal and quantitative reasoning:

Build strong analytical and mathematical reasoning skills to tackle complex problems with logic and precision.Available pathways

Understanding societies and institutions:

Examine how social structures, political systems and organisations function, preparing you to navigate and influence the world around you.

Analysing and using data:

Gain practical data literacy—learning to gather, interpret and leverage information to inform decisions and drive results.

Engaging differences and diversity:

Develop the cultural intelligence and inclusive mindset essential for success in our interconnected, multicultural world.

Employing ethical reasoning:

Navigate complex moral questions and professional dilemmas with integrity, preparing you to lead responsibly in any field.

Your future starts here

These competencies aren’t abstract concepts—they’re practical skills embedded in your courses, developed through experience, and proven in your work. When you graduate from Northeastern University London, you’ll have both the specialist knowledge of your degree and the versatile capabilities that employers are actively seeking.

You won’t just be ready for your first job. You’ll be prepared to adapt, innovate and lead throughout your entire career.