Melbourne College of Divinity

The Melbourne College of Divinity (MCD) was established by a State of Parliament Act passed in December 1910, when the first members of the College were appointed. The College then represented the Church of England, the Baptist, Congregational, Methodist and Presbyterian churches, and by co-optation the Churches of Christ. The Act was amended in 1956, 1972, 1979 and 1990, to enable the MCD to become more comprehensive, and was thoroughly revised in 2005. As a Higher Education Provider (HEP), the MCD is accountable to the Minister for Skills and Workforce Participation.

The MCD is a complex organisation. Like Australian universities, the central administration, together with academic committees is responsible for the maintenance of educational standards across the institution. The member colleges and other teaching bodies, like the faculties of a university, engage in the teaching and learning activities with students. However, the MCD is unlike most universities; although the teaching colleges are independent, they do not grant degrees. The MCD model parallels Oxford or Cambridge colleges in relation to the relevant university.

The MCD Council includes representatives of the Anglican, Baptist, Churches of Christ, Roman Catholic and Uniting churches, with The Salvation Army involved in MCD teaching programs, and membership of several MCD committees. A theologically diverse institution, the MCD is committed to ecumenical co-operation in theological education which enables each member institution to be true to its heritage and commitments, yet open to the enrichment of engagement with others. The opportunities created by such co-operation are available in few other places in the world. Students, staff, alumni and friends of the MCD are proud participants in a collaborative effort that contributes to achieve collectively what member institutions could not accomplish individually.