This article describes a research project developed at the University of Cordoba during the academic year 2007-8, in which 2414 students took part, all studying courses included in a pilot scheme for the implementation of European Credit Transfer System credits. The aim was to ascertain the opinions of students in relation to their grasp and working level of the transversal competences encompassed in the Tuning Project. This article begins by clarifying the concept of competence as it is understood here, then contextualises the study within the research being carried out both within Spain and abroad, and finally presents the research results and identifies the most valued and least developed competences with a view to planning useful training activities. (Contains 6 tables and 4 figures.)