Aasu-University of Divinity

Overview

University of Adelaide

Introduction:

The University of Divinity specializes in providing education and conducting research in theology, philosophy, and spirituality, equipping graduates for ministry, leadership, and community service for more than a century.

Headquartered in Melbourne, the University extends its reach across Australia, collaborating with over thirty religious institutions and associated organizations, fostering a distinctive ecumenical partnership.

Brief University History:

Established in 1910 as the Melbourne College of Divinity (MCD), the University of Divinity has a rich history spanning over a century, dedicated to offering theology degrees and supporting Christian churches and leadership growth.

Milestones:

1910: MCD founded by an Act of the Victorian Parliament, offering degrees overseen by its President and Registrar, including the BD and DD.

1913: First degrees awarded.

1972: Act revised to include the Roman Catholic Church, introducing the role of Dean and creating the BTheol undergraduate degree.

2012: UD commences operations as a University, with the appointment of the first Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor.

2021: Establishment of the School of Indigenous Studies, the first theology program in Australia led by and for Indigenous people.

World ranking:

The annual Student Experience Survey (SES) occurred from August to October 2022 as part of the Federal Government’s Quality Indicator of Learning and Teaching (QILT) program.

The SES serves as a national framework for gathering data on important aspects of higher education student experiences.

The University of Divinity exhibited a notable rise in ratings from 2021 to 2022, reclaiming the top position in overall educational experience ratings, a feat it previously achieved in 2017, 2018, and 2019.

In 2022, University of Divinity students expressed notably high satisfaction levels in key areas such as Learning Resources (90.6, 92.0), Student Support (89.9, 89.0), and Teaching Quality (88.9, 88.3).

The University of Divinity achieved a response rate of 47.8% from students, surpassing the national average response rate of 37.0%.

Nationally, student experience showed improvement in 2022, rebounding to pre-pandemic levels in areas like Skills Development, Teaching Quality, and Learning Resources, while Learner Engagement and Student Support are still in the process of recovery.

Faculties and Departments:

The University of Divinity is an dedicated to the study of divinity and related fields. It incorporates twelve theological colleges representing seven denominations, along with three schools.

The academic courses provided by the university are as follows:

Ageing
Counselling
Divinity
Education
Leadership
Ministry
Pastoral care
Philosophy
Professional Supervision
Research
Spiritual care
Spirituality
Theology

The university provides these courses for variety of levels as:

Undergraduate certificate; Diploma; Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree; Bachelor degree; Graduate certificate or Graduate diploma; Masters Degree; Doctoral degree

Admission Processes:

Once you select your interest of course, the next step is to apply for the admission.

Select your course of interest: The University provides an extensive range of qualifications, ranging from diplomas to doctorates. Identifying the appropriate course depends on both your academic background and your goals. You can search for the courses here.

Check for the admission criteria.

Select for a college or school under the university: The university operates as a collegiate university, where each student is affiliated with one of the colleges. You can browse for colleges and schools here.

Sit for an interview: All students must participate in an admissions interview with an academic advisor from their respective College or School.

Fill up and submit the online admission forms: Applicants are needed to download and fill out the appropriate admission form and ensure to follow the instructions provided. Submit the completed form(s) along with supporting documentation (originals or certified copies) to your College by the specified deadline.

Admission form for domestic students and international students.

Pay the tution fees as per your chosen course along with the application form. You can check for the detailed information on the fees and the method of payment here.

Eligibility criteria:

Eligibility criteria and academic requirements may vary as per your course. Additionally you can go through courses eligibility to check if you are eligible for your interest of course or not.

Primarily, applicants are required to have higher education study i.e. students who hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree have the option to enroll at either undergraduate or postgraduate levels.

Applicants with VET study: Typically, undergraduate applicants need the Victorian Certificate of Education, International Baccalaureate, or equivalent. Those with a prior VET qualification in theology or a related field may receive credit at the undergraduate level.

Applicants with recent secondary education: Undergraduate applicants usually need the Victorian Certificate of Education, International Baccalaureate, or equivalent. Selection for admission is not based on ATAR(Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) scores.

Applicants with work and life experience: Those with the Victorian Certificate of Education, International Baccalaureate, or equivalent can apply for all University of Divinity undergraduate courses. Those without these qualifications can apply for the Diploma in Theology, and upon completion, use it as a pathway to further undergraduate studies.

Domestic applicants with overseas qualifications can apply if their previous studies were completed at a Recognized Institution of the University (refer to Regulation 2, Determination 12).

English language proficiency requirements: All applicants for coursework, higher degree by research awards, and single units at the University must meet the English Language Proficiency Requirements outlined in section 6 of the Admissions Policy.

Fees and Scholarships:

Scholarships:

The University provides a range of scholarships which are broadly divided into 2: Research scholarships(government funded) and Privately funded Grants and Scholarships.

Research scholarships: The University of Divinity provides competitive government-funded research scholarships to the eligible prospective and current Research students. You can go through various government-funded research scholarships here.

Privately funded grants and scholarships: These are the scholarships provided by the university itself or via the associated partners. Some of the scholarships are:

Maple Equality and Inclusion Scholarship; Graduate Certificate in leadership scholarship; Tertiary Access Payment scholarship; Father John Wallis Scholarship; Rural and Regional Enterprise Scholarship programs and many more.

Candidates can go through other several scholarships offered by the university on the basis of their interest of course.

Overall fee structure:

Fees are needed to be paid in installments or as a whole as issued by the university prior to the commencement of the courses. Tution fees are paid in Australian Dollars.

Tuition fees remain the same for both Domestic and Overseas students. However, Overseas students are subject to an additional application fee of AUD$300.

You can go through the detailed information about the tution of various courses provided by the university by visiting University fees.

Candidates are requested to go through the university's fees policy before applying for any course. Refunds can be expected in case of any specific circumstances as mentioned in the fees policy.

Current and passout students excellence:

The University has a strong reputation for its HDR graduates, with many securing academic positions locally and internationally, boasting a success rate exceeding the national average.

The University of Divinity has been nationally acknowledged for its outstanding student experience, marking the third consecutive year of recognition, based on the 2019 Student Experience Survey (SES).

The SES, integral to the Federal Government’s Quality Indicator of Learning and Teaching (QILT) program, serves as a comprehensive mechanism for gathering data on various aspects of the higher education student experience.

In undergraduate studies, the University of Divinity excelled with 93% of students reporting a positive educational experience, surpassing other institutions like the University of Notre Dame Australia and Bond University.

At the postgraduate level, the University of Divinity continues to lead with a remarkable 87.6% rating for overall educational experience.

Across both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, the University of Divinity demonstrated exceptional performance in key areas such as student support (94.8% UG, 87.8% PG), teaching quality (90.7% UG, 88.6% PG), and learning resources (90.1% UG, 88.5% PG).

Campuses and Campus Environment:

The University of Adelaide operates three schools and 12 colleges.

Schools:

School of graduate research
School of Indigenous studies
School of Professional Practice

Colleges:

Australian Lutheran college
Catholic Theological college
Eva burrows college
Pilgrim Theological college
St.Athanasius college
St.Barnabas college
St.Francis college
Trinity college Theological school
Uniting college for leadership and theology
Whitley College
Wollaston theological college
Yarra Theological Union

The University of Divinity offers a faith-centered education that enables students to delve into theology, religious studies, and spirituality through a variety of Christian viewpoints. Furthermore, research students benefit from extensive library resources and guidance from leading theologians in Australia.

It also maintains a commitment to academic excellence and formational education, fostering a community life that revolves around spiritual, intellectual, and personal development making itself a responsible university for your future.

University history