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8 January 2025Australian College of Theology to become the Australian University of Theology
The Australian College of Theology (ACT) is pleased that it has been registered as an Australian University by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA). As a result, the ACT is changing its name to become the Australian University of Theology (AUT). The University has a specialised focus in the field of religious studies. The ACT was previously registered as a University College.
ACT Board Chair, the Reverend Dr Roger Lewis, explains, “A basic principle of what distinguishes an Australian University from other higher education institutions is that it undertakes research at world standard. We are delighted that ACT has been recognised for its world standard research in theology.”
ACT Dean and CEO, Professor James Dalziel, notes that, “For many years, one of the Objects of the ACT Constitution has been to conduct ‘teaching and research in a manner and at a level comparable to the standards of Australian universities.’ We are pleased to see this long-term effort has been externally recognised.”
The ACT was established in 1891, and delivers courses in Theology, Ministry and Christian Studies. The offerings span from undergraduate degrees through to doctoral level, with almost 3,000 students enrolled in these courses. To date, over 25,000 men and women have graduated from ACT courses and gone on to significant careers in churches, church-related organisations, charities, and other walks of life with a strong Christian foundation.
What will this mean?
On one level, little will change day-to-day apart from the name. The Australian University of Theology will continue its well-established theological education and research, delivered through its consortium of 16 Affiliated Colleges across Australia. ACT’s excellent teaching is demonstrated by it scoring higher than all Australian universities on quality of entire educational experience in the Student Experience Survey.
As a university, the institution will have increased opportunities for research collaborations, research projects and research grants. In the future, the Australian University of Theology will seek to be recognised in legislation that will allow it to access research infrastructure funding.
The 2019 Review of the Higher Education Provider Category Standards forecast, “Australia will continue to need an increased variety and range of offerings for the ever changing world of work. It is, and will be, critical that the higher education sector is comprised of higher education providers of different sizes, locations, and missions offering differentiated, innovative, and flexible higher education options to accommodate diverse student populations and communities.” Rev Dr Lewis comments, “It is excellent to see growing diversity in the higher education sector, as envisaged in the Review. The Australian University of Theology is well placed to meet the growing interest in the spiritual dimension of life, especially among younger Australians.”
Students graduating from ACT’s Affiliated Colleges will now receive their qualifications from the Australian University of Theology. This will allow them greater recognition for the high standard of study they have undertaken. This recognition is especially useful for those who go on to further study or work overseas, where university-level qualifications are highly regarded.
“Our calling is something different”
The new Australian University of Theology celebrates its registration as an Australian University and all that it will mean for the institution, its Affiliated Colleges, academic staff and students.
However, Professor Dalziel says, “At the heart of our Christian faith is a sense that we’re not about worldly status and titles. That’s an important message for Christians at all times, but as the ACT enters this new season, we need to remember that our calling is something different to just focusing on status. It’s a calling to faithfully equip people to serve God’s church and God’s world.”
History
The ACT was established by the General Synod of the Church of England in Australia and Tasmania in 1891. From the 1960s onwards it began to include theological colleges from other church denominations. The ACT’s governance was broadened in 2022 when a substantial revision of the Constitution provided for ACT Ltd Members from a much wider group of ACT stakeholders, including Anglican, Baptist, Presbyterian and Reformed denominations, as well as other Christian organisations.