A five year partnership between Charles Sturt University and St Mark's National Theological College in Canberra, has laid a solid foundation for the future of university theological education in Australia, particularly for regional and rural areas.

On Tuesday 29 August, the two organisations will celebrate the first five years of an agreement establishing the School of Theology and sign a revised document for the future direction of the partnership.

A recent review of the School reported a significant increase in enrolment in both undergraduate and postgraduate theological courses in the past five years and success in meeting its main aim, to provide high quality theological courses by distance education.

The School currently has 300 students from throughout Australia undertaking undergraduate courses in theology and postgraduate qualifications including PhD programs. A Doctor of Ministry will be introduced next year.

Charles Sturt University Vice-Chancellor Professor Cliff Blake said the partnership with St Mark's had given the University the opportunity to continue its mission to provide high quality distance education.

"The role and vision of St Mark's as a national institution complements the University's commitment to providing education to regional and remote communities.

"These courses, made accessible through distance education, are meeting a growing demand for theological studies from people in variety of professions including teachers and health workers, those looking at continuing education or with an interest in theology and others training for roles within the Church," Professor Blake said.

A second agreement will be signed on Tuesday to mark a new direction for the St Mark's and CSU partnership. The headquarters of the Special Research Centre for Applied Philosophy and Public Ethics (CAPPE) will be established on the same Canberra site as the School of Theology.

Head of the School of Theology, Associate Professor Stephen Pickard, said the School welcomed the opportunity to work with CAPPE.

"The special research to be conducted through the Centre will make a significant contribution to social, political and public policy in Australian society.

"Commitment to the development of CAPPE is a major investment for both the University and St Mark's - including building funds of over half a million dollars - that represents a new phase of exciting developments in higher education in the National capital."

To mark the occasion, the new Anglican Primate, The Most Reverend Dr Peter Carnley, will deliver an occasional address as part of Tuesday's proceedings.