Purpose and audience
A prospectus is the primary public document that explains an institution’s identity, programmes, student experience, academic standards and obligations. It serves prospective students, referees, churches, donors and quality-assurance stakeholders. Draft the prospectus to be clear, accurate, and verifiable; avoid promotional hyperbole and ensure all claims can be supported by institutional policy or evidence.
Core information to include
Every prospectus should contain a consistent set of core facts that allow readers to judge suitability and legal standing:
- Institution identity: legal name, trading name(s), campus/online delivery details and principal contact email.
- Governance and oversight: governing body type, senior leadership names and a summary of academic governance.
- Programmes offered: clear programme titles, award types, credit or duration information, level descriptors and typical entry requirements.
- Assessment and progression: how learning is assessed, awarding rules and progression pathways.
- Student support and policies: admissions, complaints, appeals, safeguarding and disability adjustments.
- Fees and refunds: full fee schedules, payment terms and refund/withdrawal rules.
- Mode of study and delivery: on-campus, online, blended formats and residency obligations.
- Recognition and accreditation: a transparent statement of the institution’s accreditation or recognition status; avoid implying governmental recognition where none exists.
Structure and tone
Write in plain, accessible language. Use short sections, bullets and clear headings. Provide quick-reference tables for programme details and an FAQ for common admissions questions. Ensure the tone is factual and student-centred: emphasise learning outcomes, pastoral care and realistic expectations about costs, time commitment and qualification value.
Evidence, documents and attachments
Include or reference supporting documents that a prospective student may reasonably require: programme handbooks, sample timetables, module outlines, tutor CV summaries, learning resources and published policies (academic regulations, safeguarding, data protection). Keep versions and effective dates visible and ensure the prospectus links to the master policy documents maintained by the institution.
Compliance and legal clarity
Make explicit any legal or regulatory limitations. If the institution operates under non-governmental or independent theological accreditation, state this clearly and do not claim statutory degree-awarding powers or governmental approval. Institutions remain responsible for holding any licences, registrations or approvals required by local law before issuing qualifications.
Accessibility and distribution
Publish the prospectus in accessible digital formats (HTML and PDF) and keep an archived edition history. Provide language or format alternatives where needed, and ensure admissions staff can supply printed or adapted copies on request. Public webpages should link to full policy documents and contact points for verification.
Review, version control and governance
Assign ownership for the prospectus to a named institutional officer (registrar or academic dean). Implement an annual review cycle and immediate update procedures for any material change (fees, programmes, leadership or legal status). Maintain version control records and evidence of approvals by the governing body.
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Implying government recognition or statutory powers where none exist.
- Using vague or unverified claims about graduate outcomes or employer recognition.
- Failing to publish up-to-date fees or refund policies.
- Hiding accreditor status or using ambiguous wording about accreditation.
Practical checklist (quick)
- Confirm legal name, addresses and contact email.
- List all programmes with level, duration and entry requirements.
- Attach programme handbooks or module summaries.
- Publish fees, payment and refund terms clearly.
- State accreditation status transparently.
- Assign owner, approval date and next review date.
Frequently asked questions
May we state ITAA accreditation on certificates?
If accredited by the International Theological Accreditation Association, state that accreditation clearly and accurately; do not suggest governmental recognition or statutory awarding powers.
How often must the prospectus be updated?
At least annually and whenever there is a material change affecting students or qualifications.
ITAA is a government authority or grants statutory degree-awarding powers.
ITAA is not a governmental accreditation authority and does not grant statutory degree-awarding powers.
ITAA accreditation removes the need for local licences or registrations.
ITAA accreditation never overrides local law; institutions must hold all required local licences and approvals.
ITAA's Role
The International Theological Accreditation Association provides independent theological accreditation and institutional recognition focused on student protection, transparency and continuous improvement. ITAA accreditation measures institutional systems and governance; it does not confer governmental recognition or statutory powers. Institutions remain responsible for compliance with all applicable national, regional and local laws. For full legal detail, see Important Accreditation Information.