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Deepen your theological thinking

Home Ministry Independent Study

Join us

for professional, vocational and personal development programmes in theology that engage with everyday and pressing issues of Christian faith, life and practice.

Sarum Ministry study programmes are delivered in a challenging and supportive environment through a vibrant blend of online, in-college and contextual learning for independent students.

Flexible study programmes lead to Common Awards qualifications validated by Durham University.

We also offer non-accredited learning opportunities and resources for ongoing professional, vocational and personal development through our short courses.

 

This course has given me space to broaden my understanding of my faith and how I live that out in the world. I’ve enjoyed warm collegiality with fellow students as we journey together. The lecturers are supportive and responsive to the questions and challenges I’ve had while grappling with tricky subjects.

 – Ella (independent MA student)

Theology, Ministry and Mission

Sarum College graduares

Postgraduate study

Flexible study in Theology, Ministry and Mission for a Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma or MA degree validated through Common Awards at Durham University.

Ministry Student News Posts

Contributions from our current and former students about their experiences studying, and on life after their time at Sarum.

  • Photo by Ash Mills
  • woman-reading

Find out more

General information

Independent students study alongside other pathways, including those training for ordination and lay ministry. This learning in community is through the online tutorials and study days in college for flexibility. Depending on the course, these take 1, 2 or 3 years part-time.

Sarum College has a strong ecumenical heritage, and students from any denomination are welcome. There is a necessary focus on the Church of England for authorised ministry students, but the unique contributions of other backgrounds are valued.

We discuss each enquiry individually to work out what course is best for your needs. Please note that these courses don’t authorise you for ministry in your church.

View a list of modules for the MA in Theology, Ministry and Mission

Fees

Fees will differ according to the speed at which you take modules and the pathway you follow. Please contact us to discuss.

Come and meet us

Contact Jacquie Gallon (jgallon@sarum.ac.uk) to book an appointment to discuss ministry training with Sarum faculty.

The student experience

View all student testimonials

Meet the team

The Revd Canon Professor James Woodward

Principal, Sarum College

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The Revd Paul Burden

Academic Dean

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Beth_Dodd

Dr Beth Dodd

Programme Leader for Postgraduate Programmes in Theology, Ministry and Mission

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Ian Macdonald

Tutor in Mission

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The Revd Jo Neary

Tutor in Rural Ministry and Mission

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The Revd Maggie Metcalfe

Chaplain in the Centre for Formation in Ministry

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Jacquie Gallon

Ministry Registrar and PA to Principal

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Riveting!

Book of Revelation course

Someone on the course said it was ‘riveting!’ This was exactly what I felt. The course was a total joy because of the tutor’s handouts, excellence and Sarum College hospitality.
Mark Oakley

Faith is an imaginative adventure

The Very Revd Dr Mark Oakley

I admire the work and tone of Sarum College very deeply. It is a community that takes theology and spirituality seriously, not as hobbies but as pursuits into understanding, and engaging in, a complex world.

Sarum College reminds us that faith is an imaginative adventure and that it is shaped by a questioning joy.

Vibrant approach to theology

Fr Azariah France-Williams

I’ve been particularly struck by the refreshing approach to theological education here. In a world, and indeed within parts of the church, where faith can sometimes feel stagnant or out of touch, Sarum offers a vibrant and relevant alternative. The courses encourage a bold exploration of profound ideas, connecting with truths that lie beneath the surface and fostering genuine personal growth, which feels particularly significant as I approach my 50th year. This counter-cultural spirit, which embraces depth and challenges ageism and fear, is truly remarkable. Sarum is a place where individuals can be transformed by engaging with a living and breathing faith.

 

 

Well worth taking the time

Disability Theology: Theory and Practice

I took time to attend the course out of a busy working week and it was well worth taking that time. I have so many things to ponder and reflect on from this course and a helpful further reading list to keep me going for a few months! Thank you Sarum College

 

Netflix, Theology and Pastoral Practice

Peter Butchers on his MA in Theology, Imagination and Culture student experience

How do cultural tropes, like those found in Black Mirror, help bridge the gap between what academic theology espouses and what the everyday Christian believes? In his research as a student on the MA in Theology, Imagination and Culture, Peter Butchers explored platonic philosophy, digital theology and eschatology, and pastoral practice around death and dying.

Read more 

Rewarding Sabbatical Stay

The Revd Greg Syler, is Rector of Ascension & St. George’s, Resurrection Parish in the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, DC USA, spent part of his ministry sabbatical at Sarum College in spring 2022.

His account of the experience begins: ‘I loved spending nearly three weeks of my ministry sabbatical at Sarum College earlier this year.

Not only did I rest, and rest well in the comfortable care of the Sarum College staff, I experienced very significant renewal and fresh insights.’

Read more

Forthcoming short courses

Clare of Assisi and Female Expressions of Franciscan Spirituality and Theology

23 July 2025

Francis of Assisi dominates our understanding of Christian spirituality emerging from the Middle Ages. Perhaps ...

View course

New Testament Greek in a Week (2025)

11 August 2025

The New Testament, Christianity’s founding collection of writings, has played a major role in ...

View course

Relocating Religion: Cultural and Spiritual Re-Alignments (2025)

08 September 2025

This course is primarily concerned with equivocations and uncertainties that surround the concepts and practices ...

View course

Modern Mystics: Edith Stein

22 September 2025

The first webinar in the series is led by Professor Peter Tyler on the German ...

View course
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