Sarum College is an ecumenical study and research centre with an international reputation for excellence in theological education and spiritual reflection.
Sarum College offers a distinguished location for meetings, conferences, events and functions with full catering services.
Sarum College Bookshop is Salisbury's most established independent Christian and theological bookshop.
The Sarum College Library has an outstanding academic theological collection of more than 40,000 books covering all denominations.
Meet the Academic Staff
James StevenAcademic Dean and Coordinator for the Centre for Liturgy and Worship Read more
Paul BurdenCoordinator, Centre for Formation in Ministry and Director of Contextual Learning Read more
Beth DoddDirector of Studies, Centre for Formation in Ministry and Lecturer in Doctrine and Theology, Arts and Culture Read more
All academic staff
March 2020
Relocating Religion: Cultural and Spiritual Realignments
In a so called ‘secular age’ has religion and more specifically Christian faith and belief simply disappeared from public view altogether? Do modern people no longer require the ‘sacred canopy’ of religion to feel at home in the world? Has the idea and practice of religion become so tarnished with notions of religious fundamentalism and extremism or institutional irrelevance and corruption that by and large, in Europe at least, most people leave it to a small minority of others to… Read more
Understanding Organisations
This module examines contemporary images and models of organisations, bringing multi-disciplinary critical insights into the emergence of organisational culture. The role of the leader is examined, especially through questions of power and authority and comparisons made between different approaches to ecclesiology and church organisation. Systems theories are used to examine organisations, including congregations: students are encouraged to reflect on their own situation and experience in the light of this. Those not on the MA programme are very welcome to book… Read more
Theology and Film
This module explores the growing field of theology and film. Students will become conversant in the language and history of cinema, noting specifically the unique ways in which film uses technology, editing, framing, and sound to convey meaning. After a brief introduction to film studies, students will then explore the historical relationship between theology and film, with specific reference to the reception (ranging from prohibition to utilisation) of film by the Christian Churches. We will spend time looking at and studying… Read more
June 2020
Worship, Art and Architecture
The space in which Christian worship takes place is influenced by the culture of the age and place as well as ecclesiology. This module will investigate church buildings and their art in significant historical periods to highlight the way each artefact is the result of a confluence of variables. The theoretical notion of ‘sacred space’ will be explored and students will be encouraged to reflect upon the use of liturgical space in specific contexts. There will be a guided tour… Read more
February 2021
Relocating Religion: Cultural and Spiritual Realignments
In a so called ‘secular age’ has religion and more specifically Christian faith and belief simply disappeared from public view altogether? Do modern people no longer require the ‘sacred canopy’ of religion to feel at home in the world? Has the idea and practice of religion become so tarnished with notions of religious fundamentalism and extremism or institutional irrelevance and corruption that by and large, in Europe at least, most people leave it to a small minority of others to… Read more
April 2021
Art, Belief and Spirituality
This module will enable students to understand the relationship between Christian Spirituality and art. This relationship is explored from historical, cultural and theological perspectives, and students will be encouraged to develop their own aesthetic and spiritual awareness. The module also encourages students to appreciate the place of art in Christian worship and in the life of the Church. Those not on the MA programme are very welcome to book on this module as an auditor. Contact Alex Weir for all booking… Read more
May 2021
Music in Christian Worship
Music is a significant feature of much Christian worship, whether chanted psalms, congregational hymns, liturgical texts arranged for choirs or contemporary worship songs. This module explores the variety of musical styles in Christian worship from both historical and contemporary perspectives and draws upon critical themes in musicology, theology and pastoral liturgy. It will equip students to make informed assessments of music choices in the liturgical events of different ecclesial settings. Musical skill or knowledge, while beneficial, is not required. Those… Read more
Sarum College 2019-20 Courses and Events Brochure
