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ACU and Catholic Theological College to explore new partnership

Australian Catholic University (ACU) and Catholic Theological College Melbourne (CTC) are exploring a new partnership that would strengthen Catholic theological education across Victoria and Tasmania.

• Discussions are underway between Australian Catholic University and Catholic Theological College Melbourne for a partnership to strengthen Catholic theological education across Victoria
• The proposal would bring CTC’s longstanding theological education and ministry training with ACU’s national university network, research profile and international links
• ACU is ranked number one in Australia and top 20 globally for Theology, Divinity and Religious Studies in the QS World University Rankings by Subject.

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 ACU and the Senate of Catholic Theological College have agreed to enter a Memorandum of Agreement to investigate an institutional relationship for the delivery of the College’s academic programs. The proposal would bring together CTC’s 50-year history in theological education and ministry training with ACU’s national university network, research profile and international links.

ACU Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Zlatko Skrbis said the talks were an important opportunity to build on the strengths of both institutions.

“ACU looks forward to working closely with the Bishops and Religious Provincials of the CTC Senate on a partnership that would support the future of Catholic theological education and formation,” Professor Skrbis said.

“CTC has made a remarkable contribution to theological education and formation in Melbourne over many decades. By working together, we can build on that legacy and support the next generation of students preparing for ministry, teaching, research and service.”

ACU is ranked number one in Australia and top 20 globally for Theology, Divinity and Religious Studies in the QS World University Rankings by Subject.

A closer partnership would allow both institutions to share academic resources and improve study pathways.

It would also connect CTC students and staff with ACU’s wider national and international networks, including the Rome Campus.

Executive Dean of ACU’s Faculty of Theology and Philosophy Professor Richard Colledge said the faculty welcomed the chance to work more closely with CTC.

“This is an opportunity to bring two strong Catholic theology communities closer together,” Professor Colledge said.

“Together, we can offer students a richer academic and formation experience, grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition and connected to the needs of the Church.”

ACU has significant experience supporting seminary formation. For more than a decade, ACU’s Faculty of Theology and Philosophy has collaborated with the Province of Queensland in providing theological and philosophical formation for Holy Spirit Seminary seminarians and lay students on the university’s Brisbane Campus.

The Very Reverend Dr Kevin Lenehan from CTC is delighted at the possibilities this new relationship will bring to ensure the College’s core mission objectives and enhance the experience of CTC’s students, staff and key stakeholders.

“ACU’s international research-led profile along with their campus in Rome, a walking distance from the Vatican, is the perfect base for coursework, executive education, formation and research activities. I am confident this arrangement will strengthen opportunities for both institutions,” he said.