The prerequisites for the social project competence development in the system of higher education

The purpose of the study is to examine the possibilities of project activities when different-year students gain cultural (universal) competencies. The authors assume that social project activities give students the opportunity to promote their personal growth and be actively involved in acquiring cultural (universal) competencies. The paper substantiates the prospects for social action projects as a way to gain these competencies by university students. By a case study of different-year students majoring in different fields at Kursk State Medical University and engaged in social action projects, the research reveals the prerequisites for the development of cultural (universal) competencies. The authors believe that the involvement in social action projects helps students gain the above-mentioned competencies and creates an enabling environment for their self-fulfillment and self-improvement.