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  • Courses
    • Postgraduate Study in Christian Spirituality
    • Postgraduate Study in Theology, Ministry and Mission
    • Sarum College Course in Spiritual Direction
    • Exploring Theology
    • Short Courses
    • Guided Independent Research
    • Private Stays, Retreats, Study Breaks and Sabbaticals
    • Library
      • Guide to Library Services
    • Sarum Papers & Learning Resources
    • Sarum College Bursaries
  • Ministry Formation
    • Ministry Overview
    • Ordination
      • Undergraduate Award
      • Postgraduate Award
      • Rural ministry
      • Elizabeth Pathway
    • Licensed Lay Ministry / Readers
    • Further independent Postgraduate study in Theology, Ministry and Mission
  • Stay, Meet & Eat
  • Events Diary
  • Join the mailing list

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

Read more

The Revd Paul Burden

Academic Dean and Vice-Principal

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Beth_Dodd

Dr Beth Dodd

Programme Leader for Postgraduate Programmes in Theology, Ministry and Mission

Read more

Ian Macdonald

Lay Ministry Programme Lead & Tutor in Mission

Read more

The Revd Jo Neary

Tutor in Rural Ministry and Ministry, Undergraduate Programme Leader

Read more

The Revd Maggie Metcalfe

Chaplain in the Centre for Formation in Ministry

Read more

Jacquie Gallon

Ministry Registrar and PA to Principal

Read more

A wonderful opportunity for peaceful reflection and deeper knowledge

Praying the Psalms of the Passion Course

It was a wonderful opportunity for peaceful reflection and deeper knowledge at the start of one of the busiest weeks of the year. It made all the difference.

Absolutely loved it and learned a lot.

Spiritual Landscapes Course

It was a thoroughly enjoyable well put together experience. Absolutely loved it and learned a lot.

The course provided space for personal reflection

Theology Catch-Up Course

It supported my learning and helped me to think about my faith. The course provided space for personal reflection which I greatly appreciated.

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.

 

 

Forthcoming short courses

Inspiration & Imagination: Creative Expressions of the Spiritual Life

07 September 2026

This module considers the interactions between creativity, the arts and the imagination with theology and ...

View course

Being Christians Online

14 September 2026

“…in the world but not of the world…” As the world exists increasingly online, Christians ...

View course

Reading Scripture Together: The Land

17 September 2026

Throughout the Bible, the importance of land cannot be underestimated and it is mentioned over 1,500 ...

View course

Navigating Life Transitions: A 24hr Retreat

21 September 2026

Are you in transition? Moving house, country or job? Children have just arrived or have ...

View course
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Get in touch

  • 01722 424800

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  • Sarum College, 19 The Close, Salisbury, SP1 2EE, UK

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  • For hospitality hospitality@sarum.ac.uk
  • For independent postgraduate theology or spiritual direction courses cjames@sarum.ac.uk
  • For short courses rdunham@sarum.ac.uk
  • For ministry formation jgallon@sarum.ac.uk

Ministry

  • Ordination
  • Licensed Lay Ministry / Readers
  • Independent Postgraduate Study

Postgraduate study & research

  • Postgraduate Study in Christian Spirituality
  • Postgraduate study in Theology, Ministry and Mission
  • Library

Courses

  • Spiritual Direction
  • Exploring Theology
  • Courses & Events

The College

  • Private Stays, Retreats, Study Breaks and Sabbaticals
  • Hospitality
  • Travel to Sarum College
  • Our People

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