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Programmes for personal and vocational growth
Sarum offers postgraduate certificate, postgraduate diploma and a masters degree programmes validated by the University of Winchester and the University of Durham Common Awards. We also offer a PhD research programme in partnership with the University of Winchester.
These learning programmes bring together, in respectful conversation, scholars and practitioners from across the Christian churches and beyond.
We support our students to become the kinds of people who explore issues with intellectual and emotional knowledge; who can live with the language of poetry and metaphor as well as science and reason; who are able to allow the stranger to challenge any tentative conclusions; and who can stay both provisional and decided.
We encourage the Sarum learning community to apply their wisdom in the world, however that may be — vocational ministry, professional careers, social work, education or political life.
I was impressed by the opportunity students have to integrate their formal study with their life experience and personal concerns.
The quality and scale of feedback provided by the two main tutors is a real strength. It feels like evidence that this is a community of learners within which people are teaching each other (and where tutors are learning from students too).
— External Examiners, University of Winchester validated programmes
Sarum emphasises the aim of creating a Centre which has human flourishing at its core, and this is what we found.
— Ministry Division PER report
Find out more
PhD Programme
Engaging in theological research is an excellent way to contribute to public and faith-community conversations around spirituality and social issues.
In addition to the taught postgraduate study programmes above, Sarum College, in partnership with the University of Winchester, offers opportunities for students to undertake exciting and rigorous research in theology.
We are not currently accepting any PhD applications but do still get in touch if you are interested in discussing a potential future project.
Guided Independent Research Programme
This non-accredited option is designed for those who wish to pursue an independent research project, for personal interest, professional development, sabbatical and/or for publication.
The programme offers supervision with a member of the Sarum Faculty, and can be undertaken on an annual, 3-month sabbatical, per-supervision or bespoke package basis.
Guided Independent Research Programme details
A great place to study
Enjoy the many resources of Sarum College in the wonderful setting of Cathedral Close in Salisbury.
For residential learning you stay in the College’s comfortable single bedrooms, mostly en-suite.
Lovely 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 for live-streamed events.
The library is well-stocked with access to a large catalogue of books and journals.
Staff provide you with pastoral and academic support when at college or at home, as well as teaching on the modules. Other experts supplement the teaching programme with specialist knowledge as required.
Taster Days
We run Taster Days to explore with our academic team a course of study to suit your interests, vocational and professional needs. This gives you a chance to discuss your interests and get a sense of the Sarum Learning Community.
Forthcoming Taster Days are:
18 May 2024 (onsite, 10am to 2pm)
8 July 2024 (online, 7 to 8pm)
18 November 2024 (online, 7 to 8pm)
If those days/times don’t suit, contact the MA administrator to schedule an onsite visit or an online meeting with a programme leader: cwhimpenny@sarum.ac.uk
Academic faculty members talk about the University of Winchester-validated programmes in these short videos:
Sarum College Principal James Woodward
Professor Graeme Smith: Theology, Imagination and Culture Programmes
Dr Michael Hahn: Christian Spirituality Programmes
Dr Jayme Reaves, Director of Academic Development
To schedule a visit to discuss postgraduate studies in Theology, Imagination and Culture or in Christian Spirituality, please email maadministrator@sarum.ac.uk
Sarum offers postgraduate study in Theology, Ministry and Mission validated by Common Awards.
Dr Beth Dodd, Theology, Ministry and Mission
To schedule a visit to discuss postgraduate studies in Theology, Ministry & Mission please contact Dr Beth Dodd
Professional and ministerial development
Sarum College’s MA and PhD programmes are ideal if you are looking for theological and personal development to build on your experience and prior learning.
The programmes help you to deepen your reflective, theological, and pastoral skills in a stimulating, creative, and supportive environment.
There are one-, two- and three-year postgraduate programmes in Christian Spirituality and in Theology, Imagination and Culture enabling you to harness and stretch your professional and ministerial skills. These flexible study programmes blend onsite and online learning to allow you to fit your study alongside other responsibilities.
View ideas for one-year study options on specific themes in Christian Spirituality
View ideas for one-year study options on specific themes in Theology, Imagination and Culture
The courses run over four days for an immersive experience in topics such as:
MA in Christian Spirituality
- The history of the Christian spiritual tradition
- Explorations of the nature and place of Christian spirituality in the contemporary world
- Spirituality as it relates to art, creativity, mysticism, embodiment, pastoral ministry, and sexuality.
MA in Theology, Imagination and Culture
- Culture and its relationship to theological thought and practice
- The role of imagination as a vehicle for expression and a site of theological inspiration and engagement
- Theological engagement with the visual arts, film and television, music, literature, technology, ecology, sexuality, gender, race, economics, and politics among other topics related to the study of contemporary culture and society.
MA in Theology, Ministry and Mission
- Students study advanced skills in theological reflection and research methods.
- Modules include modern theology, advanced biblical studies, mission and ecclesiology, worship and liturgy, an extended placement, leadership and an independent learning project.
- Programmes offer scope to develop areas of interest within and between modules. MA students can cultivate a specialism and develop independent research skills through the dissertation.
PhD programmes
Engaging in theological research is an excellent way to contribute to public and faith-community conversations around spirituality and social issues. Theological research also nurtures those pursuing a vocation in academic research and teaching. And for some, it is an important way to deepen personal faith.
Overview of doctoral study at Sarum College
If you would like to explore the possibility of undertaking a PhD through Sarum College, please contact the Director of Research Susanna Snyder, ssnyder@sarum.ac.uk
Funding
Looking for sources of funding to help with costs?
Browse the list of Grantmaking Trusts
Members of the Armed Forces can apply for ELCAS funds for the MA in Theology, Imagination and Culture or the MA in Christian Spirituality as Sarum College is a registered learning provider.
Student Research Blog
The Road not Taken, by Mike Truman
Five years ago, I told my Warden of Readers that I would not be renewing my licence when it expired in 2019, as I thought my faith was becoming too unorthodox for a Church of England licensed lay minister. As someone who knew me well, she challenged me to actively explore what I did still believe. Thus started the journey that ended last August with the dissertation completing my MA in Theology Imagination and Culture (MATIC) at Sarum College.
I started by auditing modules both from MATIC and its sister programme, MACS (MA in Christian Spirituality). As an auditor, I participated fully in the intensive residential study week for the module but with, as I thought, the great advantage that I did not have to write an essay. I soon realised my mistake – researching in depth for the essay was a vital part of getting the most out of the module. I started the MA in 2018.
Audit a module
Postgraduate modules validated by the University of Winchester are open to everyone, so you may enrol on any course as an “auditor” without registering for an accredited programme such as the full MA. It’s a great way to explore a topic in-depth and get a sense of what postgraduate study is like. If it’s been awhile since you’ve cracked the books, this is an ideal way to test the waters!