Didn’t you ever wonder about this place? This is Yarra Theological Union. It is part of the University of Divinity. Here at Yarra Theological Union, we stand at a unique crossroads. It unites theological education with a rich history.
The University of Divinity itself began in 1910. It started as the Melbourne College of Divinity. An act of the Victorian Parliament brought it into existence. Over time, the act has been amended several times. It is now known as the University of Divinity Act 1910. The college initially accredited its own degrees. It wasn’t until 2011 that it officially became a university.
Representatives from various churches created the college. They aimed to provide tertiary-level theological education. The first president was the Anglican Archbishop of Melbourne. His name was the Right Reverend Henry Lowther Clarke. The first registrar was Reverend John Mathew. He was the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Victoria.
In 2010, the Melbourne College of Divinity sought approval. It wanted to operate as an Australian University of Specialisation. The Victorian government approved this. On January 1, 2012, the college became a university. Peter Sherlock became the inaugural vice-chancellor in April 2012.
The University of Divinity is associated with many churches. These include Anglican, Baptist and Lutheran churches. Roman Catholic and Salvation Army churches are included. Also Churches of Christ and the Uniting Church in Australia.
The University of Divinity offers diverse programs. You can study theology, philosophy or counseling. Ministry, leadership and professional supervision are also options.
Yarra Theological Union is one of the colleges of the University of Divinity. Several religious institutes comprise Yarra Theological Union. These include the Blessed Sacrament Congregation. Divine Word Missionaries and Discalced Carmelites are included. Also Franciscans, Missionaries of the Sacred Heart and Pallottines. Passionists and Redemptorists are also part of the Union. Each college is encouraged to stay true to its heritage. All are enriched by theological diversity.
The University of Divinity has several libraries. Students can access the Mannix Library. It is at Catholic Theological College. The Geoffrey Blackburn Library is available at Whitley College.
Graduates from the University of Divinity do well. In 2023, employer satisfaction was high at 87.1%. Full-time employment rates were also impressive. Undergraduates had a 77.8% rate. Postgraduates achieved 94.6%. The University of Divinity recorded the highest student satisfaction. The overall rating was 91 out of every Australian university.
Here at Yarra Theological Union and the University of Divinity, you are part of something special. It is a place of learning. It is a place of collaboration. It is a place of theological exploration. It is an ecumenical co-operation in theological education.