MCD University of Divinity

On 3 May 2012 MCD University of Divinity celebrated its first Conferral Ceremony as a University of Specialisation with song, speech and prayer. The Chancellor, Dr Graeme Blackman, awarded diplomas, degrees and doctorates to 326 graduands in the presence of family, friends, faculty and distinguished guests.  

The Conferral Address was given by Dr Michael Spence, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sydney. He called upon MCD University of Divinity to be a prophetic institution that would ‘model unity in difference’ to the world around it, and to ‘remind the University sector of the intellectual resources of the Christian tradition’ in which ‘truth can be known, but never exhausted’. A copy of the full address can be read here.

Professor Paul Beirne was made Professor Emeritus in recognition of his leadership as Dean of the Melbourne College of Divinity through its transition to Specialised University status. Professor Peter Sherlock, in presenting his first report as Vice-Chancellor, welcomed Morling College (Sydney) and St Athanasius Coptic Orthodox Theological College (Melbourne) as new Colleges.

The first graduates of MCD University of Divinity included students from Australia and New Zealand, south and east Asia, the Pacific, and North America. Among the ten students receiving doctorates were Dr Ashley Barker, part of the Urban Neighbours of Hope team in Bangkok, Dr Jenny Dawson, an Anglican priest in Aotearoa / New Zealand, Dr Zhodi Angami, a New Testament lecturer from Eastern Theological College in Assam, and Dr Megan Warner, recently appointed lecturer in Biblical Studies at Trinity College Theological School, Melbourne (MCD).

Conferral Address by Dr Michael Spence, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sydney

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    MCD University of Divinity invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for Australian Postgraduate Awards (APA) and International Postgraduate Research Scholarships (IPRS). This is an extraordinary scholarships round, and presents an exciting opportunity to undertake fully funded doctoral research at Australia’s newest university. MCD intends to offer 2 APAs (valued at $23,728 pa each). These are open to Australian and New Zealand citizens, and to Permanent Residents of Australia who have lived in Australia continuously for 12 months, and who are eligible to apply for entry to a doctoral program at MCD University of Divinity. MCD also intends to offer 1 IPRS. This is open to any overseas student who has, or is intending to apply for, a student visa to study in Australia, and who is eligible to apply for entry to a doctoral program at MCD University of Divinity. The awardee will have her or his tuition fees and medical insurance covered, and will also be eligible for a stipend of $23,728 pa. Further details about MCD University of Divinity, including eligibility requirements, and application forms for scholarships and candidature, are available at http://www.mcd.edu.au/forms-hdr-students Applications should be submitted to the Director of Research, Dr Mark R. Lindsay, by Friday 29 June 2012. Read more ›

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Acknowledgement of Indigenous Australians

The MCD University of Divinity and its affiliated Recognised Teaching Institutions (RTIs) acknowledge with respect the traditional owners of this land and, in particular, the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation.

We encourage and support MCD University of Divinity faculty, administrative staff and students to work creatively in implementing appropriate policies and practices in our various RTIs, in consultation with Indigenous leaders.

We recognize our responsibilities and opportunities as Christian educational institutions to respect and understand Australia's Indigenous peoples, to build a more just Australia and to commit ourselves to the work of reconciliation.