Transferable skills—Can higher education deliver?

ABSTRACT Personal Transferable Skills have been placed on the higher education agenda, both by the recognition that there is the need for a flexible, adaptable workforce as we move into the twenty-first century, and by the requirements of both employers and students that graduates can make an immediate contribution to any job situation. This article reports on the findings of a survey carried out in one institution to review course provision for, lecturers' approaches to, and students' perceptions of the development and assessment of certain communication skills. A number of issues arise from the findings and these are discussed. The article concludes that, despite innovative initiatives, some radical rethinking is required if transferable skills are to be addressed seriously in higher education.