Home Ministry Independent Study

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

The Sarum Formation in 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, part-time or full-time, postgraduate or undergraduate lead to from Common Awards qualifications validated by the Durham University.

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

Independent study in Theology, Ministry and Mission

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Undergraduate study

Flexible study in Theology, Ministry and Mission for a Certificate in Higher Education or a Diploma in Higher Education.

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Postgraduate study

Flexible study in Theology, Ministry and Mission for a Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma or MA degree.

Photo by Ash Mills

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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. You can, for example, take an HE Diploma to a postgraduate award such as an MA. 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.

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 Annette Young (ayoung@sarum.ac.uk) to book an appointment to meet our faculty and take a tour.

The student experience

View all student testimonials

Meet the team

The Revd Paul Burden

Coordinator, Centre for Formation in Ministry and Director of Contextual Learning

Dr Beth Dodd

Programme Leader for Postgraduate Programmes in Theology, Ministry and Mission

The Revd Julia Mourant

Programme Leader for the Sarum Course in Spiritual Direction and Tutor in Spiritual Formation and Biblical Studies

The Revd Canon Kim Stephens

Chaplain, Centre for Formation in Ministry

The Revd Canon Professor James Woodward

Principal, Sarum College

Sonia Woolley

Voice Tutor to ministry students

Annette Young

Ministry Administrator

Clergy Study Breaks

The opportunity for clergy to get away occasionally from their own context, to have an overnight stay in the beautiful setting of Sarum College and all that the Salisbury Cathedral Close offers is hugely valuable. All the clergy I have suggested who have spent 24hrs at Sarum College have benefit greatly from the experienced mentoring where they can talk, reflect, think, plan and pray.

The support and encouragement they receive is excellent and has a positive on their on going ministry. This is something the Diocese of Rochester encourages and supports financially in preparation for their clergy preparing for Extended Ministerial Development Leave (Sabbatical).

— Canon Christopher Dench, Diocese of Rochester Director of Formation and Ministry

Retreats and Private Stays

When I arrived, exhausted and sensitive, I was grateful not to be asked by Reception were I came from, whether I had had a good journey etc. That was the kind of hospitality I needed: a non-intrusive welcome that was found in ancient cultures and still survives in some societies today, where the host asks questions about a stranger and his journey only when the visitor has rested and been given food and drink.

— guest on a private stay

Biblical Study Breaks

I just found it very refreshing – as a leader of a church I don’t get as many opportunities to step out and do courses (my fault, not the church!) and so I loved it. I think it was run really well online – which is a difficult medium to work with.

Pádraig Ó Tuama (pictured) was outstanding in his balance of getting us to engage and sharing his learning. Also the quick availability of resources provided by Sarum College Librarian Jayne Downey was excellent.

— course participant, Story Theology: Narrative Approaches to Scripture