What's new at college?

By Rev Prof Vicky Balabanski

Posted Jul 18, 2023 in News

The Uniting College for Leadership and Theology is now part of a national university, the University of Divinity (UD). Together with Pilgrim College, the UCAs College in Melbourne, we are experiencing the benefits of a broader ecumenical setting and a Higher Education Provider in close touch with national university sector trends and opportunities. The twelve Colleges that are part of the UD include Lutheran, Anglican, Baptist, Catholic, Salvation Army and Orthodox Colleges. For students, there is a greater range of awards and units, and a much bigger electronic library at their fingertips.

According to the national Student Experience Survey, the University of Divinity is #1 for overall educational experience of any university in Australia. These results are attributable to the quality of teaching, the small class sizes in which every student is known by name, and the educational outcomes which enable graduates to flourish in a variety of professions, vocations and ministries.

Many students begin their studies by enrolling in an undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, preferring to ‘sample’ study by enrolling in short awards. Once they have gained confidence with study and a taste for the field, this often leads to enrolment in the degree awards. These entry level awards are of interest to people working in such helping industries as health and Aged Care, and to volunteer chaplains.

The Undergraduate Certificate also suits school leavers looking for a gap year. This Certificate can count towards a secular university award (e.g. BA), while giving students opportunity to work on issues of identity, ethics and spirituality in a supportive environment.

The Bachelor of Ministry is the preferred ministry award. We are developing a BMin with a Social Work pathway directly into a Master of Social Work. This will be of interest to first career students (school leavers), who would like to gain a secular profession (social work), but built on a Christian educational foundation. This is also of interest to those who seek ministry which aligns with community development, such as deacons, and those who would like to work in Church organisations/agencies.

We offer Graduate Certificate/Diploma/Masters awards, including a new Leadership award which is of interest to students in secular positions and church placements.

A new Doctor of Professional Practice award is also now on offer, taking the place of the Doctor of Ministry. This is of interest not only to ministers, but to those in organisations who wish to gain skills and recognition in their own fields. Those in chaplaincy (hospital and Aged Care) and in the Armed Forces may be attracted to this professional award.

We have also invested in non-university studies, through the appointment of a co-ordinator for Certificate III and IV, Rev Nick Patselis. Nick also supports other educational initiatives of the congregations that are not part of any formal study.

The Uniting College for Leadership and Theology offers many opportunities to delve deeper into understanding identity, call and location in God’s world. I invite you to contact me if you would like to know more – phone (08) 8416 8425 or email: Turn on Javascript!.

Reference

University of Divinity #1 in Australia for overall student experience – VOX

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