Creating Flexible Learning Paths: Integrating Competencies and Modular Learning for Engineering Graduates Addressing Societal Challenges

This paper outlines a modular, competency-based flexible‐learning approach at The Hague University of Applied Sciences that prepares engineers for complex societal challenges. Grounded in real-world projects, it combines a flexible Body of Knowledge & Skills with cumulative, context-driven competency development. Across the curriculum it creates Minimal Viable Learning Paths (MVLPs) that let students personalise trajectories to their prior knowledge and goals. This flexibility fosters engineers who can adapt to evolving societal needs, collaborate across disciplines, and transfer knowledge between contexts—essential capabilities for addressing the multifaceted challenges facing society today. Early implementation results demonstrate increased student engagement, improved retention rates, enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration, and stronger alignment with industry and societal requirements. This paper presents the conceptual framework, implementation strategies, and preliminary outcomes of this flexible learning approach, offering insights for engineering educators seeking to develop adaptable, society-oriented curricula.