to deepen your theological understanding and enliven faith practices
Theology is expressed through signs, symbols, metaphors, myths and stories.
This interdisciplinary programme examines diverse forms of theological expression, how these shape the culture we live in, and how culture shapes our experience of God’s work.
Postgraduate programmes in Theology, Imagination and Culture 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.
I am a working artist … and I was looking for something that would inform the artwork that I create and give me an opportunity to pursue that more deeply. Sarum enabled me to draw together a number of interests.
Although I run an arts organisation I hadn’t taken an academic course in some time. It was a ridiculously steep learning curve to write at that level but it has been a very beneficial experience and definitely has directly inspired the artwork I create.
— Susan Francis, master’s student in Theology, Imagination and Culture
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.
Postgraduate study programmes in Theology, Imagination and Culture 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 McLaughlin’s research interests include Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s theology, theological anthropology, and disability theology.
Alongside her role as Theology, Imagination and Culture programme leader, Dr McLaughlin is a Research Associate at the Oxford Centre for Religion and Culture.
Her publications include Unconscious Christianity in Bonhoeffer’s Late Theology: Encounters with the Unknown Christ. Foreword by Rowan Williams (Lexington Books/Fortress Academic, 2020), and ‘Disability, Technology, and Human Flourishing,’ in Human Flourishing in a Technological World: A Theological Vision, edited by Jens Zimmermann and Michael Burdett (Oxford University Press, forthcoming 2021).
Postgraduate study options include a one-year certificate, a two-year diploma and a three-year master of arts degree, validated by the University of Winchester.
These programmes offers the opportunity to study theology, imagination and culture with experts to examine subjects from theological, historical, pastoral and other contemporary points of view.
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.The programmes are designed for flexibility so that you have some leeway to adjust the pace to suit you.
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.
Theology and Human Culture is a core module offered each year in Autumn. Other modules are offered on a biannual basis.
View the full list here.
The study of theology in Sarum’s historic buildings began in 1861. 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
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 modules are open to all so you may enrol as an “auditor” without registering for an accredited programme.
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. Email maadministrator@sarum.ac.uk or telephone 01722 424827 (01722 424800 for the main reception).
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Debbie Lewer is Senior Lecturer in History of Art at the University of Glasgow. She has worked there since 2001, prior to which she taught at Manchester University, University of East Anglia, University College London and Christie’s Education.
Jolyon Mitchell is Professor of Communication, Arts and Religion at Edinburgh University. His work has focused on peace building, violence and arts in warfare.
