World Class Research in Religion and Religious Studies at the University of Divinity

The University of Divinity has achieved a ‘world standard’ rating in the Australian Research Council’s Excellence in Research for Australia 2018 assessment, placing it second equal with three other universities in the field for Religion and Religious Studies in Australia.

The Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) assessment is the Government benchmarking of the quality of all higher education providers that receive Government research funding under the Commonwealth Higher Education Support Act.

In the ERA 2018 results just announced, the University of Divinity received a 3 rating for its entry in Religion and Religious Studies, indicating that its research is ‘at world standard’. This achievement provides strong affirmation of the consistent quality of the University of Divinity’s research record in theology and ministry, maintaining its position ‘at world standard’ from the previous three rounds of ERA measurement.

In the broader field of Philosophy and Religious Studies, the University of Divinity and several other universities dropped somewhat in this round.  This is perhaps a reflection of the challenges faced by these disciplines in the higher education sector. The University continues to be strong in research partnerships and industry funding.

About the results, Professor John McDowell, Director of Research at the University, said, “The University is committed to excellence in research in theology, and is very pleased to be recognised as a leading institution in Australia for the quality of its research outputs”.

Acting Vice-Chancellor Emeritus Professor Gabrielle McMullen AM said, “I congratulate and thank the researchers whose dedication to quality scholarship realised the ranking ‘at world standard’ for the University of Divinity”.