to explore the search for spirituality, one of the most enduring aspects of human cultures
‘Spirituality’ is an expression of the way we search for meaning and seek to live out our fundamental beliefs and values in everyday life.
In Christian terms, spirituality is concerned with the lived experience of the Christian faith and the human relationship with God.
Postgraduate programmes in Christian Spirituality are validated by the University of Winchester. They offer an exciting opportunity to study this dynamic and interdisciplinary subject with world-leading experts. Options include a one-year certificate, a two-year diploma and a three-year master of arts degree.
For me coming to modules feels like a mini-academic retreat and I really look forward to it.
Studying on the MA is challenging and I have been really stretched. I have been able to choose subjects that have spoken into the work I am doing. For example, studying trauma has helped with the pandemic, studying Benedict has helped with parish life and then exploring film and spirituality, sexuality and spirituality, art, wisdom — all those things have fed into my work.
— The Revd Catherine Williams, priest and spiritual director
We excel at giving our students personalised support and our programmes have been commended for their high quality, rigour, breadth, flexibility, and creativity. We strive to create a learning environment where students collaborate and support one another in small groups.
To help achieve this, we run teaching weeks for modules over a few residential intensives during the year. The course structure is designed in such a way that modules combine classroom and home-based study so that students benefit from personal contact with tutors and lecturers, with minimal disruption to domestic or professional responsibilities.
Sarum’s postgraduate studies in Christian Spirituality programmes are validated by the University of Winchester.
We bring together, in respectful conversation, scholars and practitioners from across the globe so that students come away spiritually nourished and vocationally equipped.
We encourage all those who belong to the Sarum learning community to apply their wisdom in the world, however that may be.
We believe everyone needs a sanctuary where they can experience religious and theological exploration in an inclusive environment. To be valued and heard, especially when you are disenchanted, is special.
For us, the questions are as important as are answers.
We believe life experience matters, it shapes us. We believe a tailored approach to learning helps our students to find wisdom through theological exploration and attracts interesting people who want to develop as thinkers and leaders.
We believe in nourishing the body, mind and soul. We all need to escape from the worries of everyday life from time to time. Sarum is blessed with one of the most beautiful locations in the country, underpinned by a warm welcome, generous hospitality and great food.
This environment and our supportive community of learning allows time for reflection and contemplation — such a rarity in our otherwise busy lives.
Dr O’Donnell is a feminist, ecumenical, practical theologian whose interdisciplinary research interests span theology, spirituality, and pedagogy. Recently she has been particularly focused on feminist and intersectional approaches to trauma theology.
Sarum College’s postgraduate programmes in Christian Spirituality offer an exciting opportunity to study this dynamic and interdisciplinary subject with world-leading experts. The programme explores theological, historical, pastoral and other contemporary points of view.
Options include a one-year certificate, a two-year diploma and a three-year MA degree, validated by the University of Winchester.
External examiners praise Sarum for the personalised support we offer to students. Our programmes have been commended for their high quality, rigour, breadth, flexibility, and creativity.
We work hard to create a learning environment where students collaborate and support one another in small groups. One of the ways we do this is by running teaching weeks for modules over a few residential intensives during the year. The course structure is designed in such a way that modules combine classroom and home-based study so that students benefit from personal contact with tutors and lecturers, with minimal disruption to domestic, ministerial, or professional responsibilities.
Throughout the course, we develop creative ways of imaginatively engaging with theology and culture to deepen theological understanding and enliven faith practices.
Postgraduate courses are structured to combine classroom and home-based study so that students benefit from close contact with tutors and lecturers with minimal disruption to domestic, ministerial, or professional responsibilities.
Award options:
The programme has built-in flexibility to adjust the pace to suit your lifestyle.
Students learn collaboratively in a modular curriculum arranged around four-day residential teaching intensives throughout the year. Consolidating our class-based teaching in this way widens access to working students and allows the College to recruit world-leading scholars and seasoned practitioners to lecture on modules.
The teaching team for modules draws from a global pool of experts in their field, as well as Sarum’s core academic staff and visiting scholars.
The study of theology in Sarum’s historic buildings began in 1860. The Cathedral Close setting, communal and library spaces make it an ideal environment for study and reflection.
During residential modules you stay in College guest rooms with en-suite facilities. Many rooms have lovely views overlooking the Cathedral, the Close and the Sarum quad. [link with bedrooms & photo].
Fresh, home-made food is cooked and served on site, and the Common Room provides a bar and space for continued conversation into the evening.
Teaching rooms are well equipped, including large screens for live-streamed events. The library is well-stocked with access to a catalogue of books and journals, and you can make use of it when you like. The library can be used outside of residential periods for research and writing.
The Cathedral is just across the lawn from College and some students participate in the pattern of liturgy there. The Butterfield Chapel is also available for private worship space.
Postgraduate course modules are open to all so you may enrol on any MA module as an “auditor” without registering for an accredited programme such as the full MA.
An auditor participates in a module in exactly the same way as students on the MA, but does not prepare an essay at the end of it and receives no academic credit.
The normal requirement for postgraduate studies is a good first degree in a related subject. However students over the age of 21 with other relevant experience and/or training may be admitted subject to interview.
The deadline for applications for October 2021 start is Tuesday, 31 August 2021
The deadline for applications for January 2021 start: Monday, 13 December 2021
The policies for Academic Regulations for Taught Programmes and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) are subject to change from the University of Winchester. Registered students have access to current regulations via the online learning platform, SarumLearn.
For all postgraduate enquiries please contact Chris Whimpenny, MA Administrator or telephone 01722 424827 (01722 424800 for the main reception).
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