Digital skills for non-STEM and non-tech graduates

Anne Lloyd, work-based learning advisor at City St George's, University of London, provides a rundown of the digital skills that all graduates need - not just those in STEM or tech

Skills England outlines a growing demand across all sectors for wider technology skills.1 According to the World Economic Forum, technological literacy is noted as the third most important skill.2 With a constant change of specific technical needs, it is this ability to live and work in a digital society that is key for all graduates. In line with this, non-STEM graduates should seek to advance their skillsets in line with the Jisc digital capabilities framework, utilising the following resources.3

1. Digital proficiency and productivity

The concept of the 'digital native' is a myth - graduates need to obtain self-awareness and confidence in their ability to ethically and responsibly use technologies.4

• Self-awareness: identifying abilities through tools such as Jisc discovery tool.
• Ethical, legal and responsible use: completing MOOCs such as The Laws of Data and AI - Online Course - FutureLearn.

2. Digital learning and development

Graduates must engage in tools relevant to their learning, development and employability aims:

• University-wide tools - university digital and study skills teams support, including for virtual learning environments (VLEs).
• Subject specific tools - university library subject guides outlining resources for subject specific tools e.g. SPSS for psychology students.
• Employability aims - technologies relevant to individual post-graduation aims, e.g. research tools for those interested in postgraduate study, or using learning platforms (FutureLearn, LinkedIn Learning etc.) to gain subject specific expertise.
• Students with disabilities - engaging with learning support and neurodiversity teams to identify relevant assistive technologies.

3. Digital creation, problem solving and innovation

Graduates should explore creative and innovative technologies relevant to their fields:

• Content creation - tools to support in digital content creation, including with AI.
• Coding skills - introduction to coding offerings, such as The Institute of Coding and Free Code Camp.
• Digital projects - producing blogs, portfolios and appraising technologies as part of university studies.

4. Information, data and media literacies

In a data-centric world, information and media literacy is a vital skill for all graduates:

• Information and media literacy - engaging with university library teams to find and appraise sources.
• Data literacy - through Microsoft Learn students can gain skills in spreadsheets, dashboards and databases.

5. Digital communication, collaboration and participation

With the concept of hybrid-work becoming the norm for multiple professions, graduates need skills in virtual collaboration:

• Online modules - gaining exposure to popular workplace technologies such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams through participating in online or hybrid modules.
• Virtual internships and projects - completing experiences such as Bright Network Experience UK, ProjectSet or Forage virtual internships.

6. Digital identity and wellbeing

Finally, all graduates need ownership of their digital identity and wellbeing:

• Digital identity - creating a professional identity through a LinkedIn profile or digital portfolio.
• Digital wellbeing - taking responsibility for safety and wellbeing when using digital tools.

While multiple resources suggested above are free to access, we must acknowledge the digital divide in the UK. Where needed, graduates should utilise the National Databank, National Device Bank and National Digital Inclusion Network.

The graduate skill of digital literacy

Wonkhe highlights that employers more so than ever are valuing graduate skills over technical knowledge.5 Therefore, it is the ability to be resilient, adaptable and proactive in engaging with ever changing technologies that are the skills both STEM and non-STEM graduates need.

Notes

1. Skills England: Sector evidence on the growth and skills offer, Department for Education, 2025.
2. Future of Jobs Report 2025: insight report, World Economic Forum, 2025.
3. Building digital capabilities framework: the six elements defined, Jisc, 2024.
4. The digital native - myth and reality, Aslib Journal of Information Management, 2009.
5. Employers will increasingly focus on graduates' skills over technical knowledge, Wonkhe, 2025.

Written by

Anne Lloyd

Work-based learning advisor

City St George's, University of London