Higher education is increasingly oriented towards educating in values, based on the acquisition of
practical skills. This has led to the development of active methodologies which complement
theory-based learning and classroom lectures. Service-learning integrates ethical and social
commitment by applying previously acquired skills and knowledge in real-life situations. This
study aims to analyse the self-perception of transversals skills among students of business
administration through a service-learning and the possible influence of gender. A questionnaire
comprising 57 variables using a Likert scale was administered to a sample of 210 students, the
data were analysed, and statistic significance tests were carried out. The results suggest there is a
positive relationship between participation in the service-learning activity and the level of skill,
especially for ethical and social skills, with significant differences by gender. This work aims to
contribute to the consolidation of service-learning as a tool for the acquisition of ethical and social
skills at universities, which is so important for future managers of companies and organisations.
