Moore Theological College has today (01/07/21) been registered in the new University College category by the Australian government Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA). In the TEQSA media release, TEQSA Chief Commissioner Professor Peter Coaldrake explained the significance of the University College category:
“[T]he new University College category […] recognises high-quality institutions and provides them with new opportunities to develop course offerings that meet the future needs of students, employers, industry and communities. The updated standards also include augmented research requirements for universities.”
“TEQSA […] congratulates NIDA, AFTRS and Moore Theological College for being the first three providers to be registered in the new University College category.”
“Each of these providers demonstrated to TEQSA that they offer high-quality higher education and meet the standards for registration as University Colleges.”
Further, Simon Finn, the CEO of Independent Higher Education Australia (IHEA), said it is a “recognition of 150 years of delivering high quality teaching and research in Divinity and Theology. Achieving University College status is a great outcome for Moore as they are one of only three foundation entrants to the newly designed University College category.”
We are greatly encouraged by this announcement. We are grateful for the recognition that the College is providing an excellent theological education in line with its mission statement. We are excited about the opportunities this might open up for even more effective work in the future.
The College Principal, Dr Mark Thompson, remarked
“The higher education landscape in Australia is changing and there is an appropriate concern to maintain and increase the quality of the education experience for students. Moore College is committed to serving our students with an excellent theological education which equips them well for Christian ministry in a wide variety of contexts. Today’s announcement from TEQSA is an encouragement to keep doing that and to do it even better. We have every reason to thank God for this development.”
He also remarked, “A great deal of effort from a range of people has gone into the application process. We are especially grateful for the time and energy put in by our Registrar, Ms Rhonda Barry. Without her it simply would not have been possible.”
Moore’s classification as a University College takes effect from today and the associated registration is for seven years.
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