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Sarum College graduares

Take a learning journey

Home Ministry Independent Study Postgraduate study in Theology, Ministry and Mission

Join us

for rigorous postgraduate level study in a supportive community of discussion, debate and mutual learning where you will learn advanced skills of discernment, reflexivity and reflection on practice.

Independent students can study for awards on flexible pathways to suit a range of circumstances. These programmes are well-suited to curates, continuing ministerial development and lay ministers.

Pathways are flexible so you can tailor the course to your particular ministry and learning and formational needs.

Imaginative and practical

All students study advanced skills in theological reflection and research methods. Other modules available 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.

Beth_Dodd
Dr Beth Dodd, Programme Leader for Postgraduate Programmes in Theology, Ministry and Mission

I have taught in theological education since 2012, taking various roles across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes as a programme leader and director of studies. I teach Christian doctrine and specialise in theology, arts and culture. A child of the manse and daughter of the Lake District fells, the stomping ground of Wordsworth and Coleridge, I bring a poetic sensibility to my writing, which focuses on what poetry can teach us about the ‘grammar’ of Christian theology and the experience and practice of Christian faith. I have a passion for retrieving neglected or devalued ideas, recovering the beauty that once made them powerful and reimagining them for a contemporary context. Previous publications focussed on a Christian theology of innocence while my forthcoming book takes a step beyond narrative theology and theodramatic theory to explore the lyric voice in Christian theology. I have published on spoken word artists such as Kae Tempest and Tony Walsh alongside religious poets like John Clare, George Herbert and Thomas Traherne.

As well as programme leader for postgraduate programmes in theology, ministry and mission at Sarum College, I am also a research associate for the Oxford Centre for Religion and Culture.

I am available to supervise research projects and offer teaching sessions, study days and retreats in the areas of Christian doctrine, theology, arts and culture and theological reflection.

View full biography 

Entry requirements & awards

Entry to a postgraduate pathway usually requires a 2:1 BA or equivalent in theology or religious studies, or a 2:1 degree in another subject combined with a university level qualification in theology (e.g. a DipHE) with an overall mark of at least 60%. Please contact us to discuss your particular needs as there may be some flexibility depending on relevant experience and academic history.

Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma or MA on flexible pathways to suit a range of circumstances. Qualifications usually take between 1 and 3 years part-time.

How you learn

Sarum College offers flexible, part-time study with personal attention so that every student thrives, working to fit alongside other personal and professional responsibilities.

Independent students join a mixed learning community of people either active in or training for public ministry. There is regular online interaction with tutors and peers.

 

A great place to study

You will 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 cooked and served on site, and the Common Room provides a bar and informal space for continued conversation into the evening.

Teaching rooms combine historic architecture with high tech classroom resources for digital presentations and live-streamed events. The library is well-stocked with access to a large catalogue of books and journals, and you can make use of it when you like. Some use the library outside of residential periods if they are passing for work or as a study day.

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.

Fees

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

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The Ministry team

Beth_Dodd

Dr Beth Dodd

Programme Leader for Postgraduate Programmes in Theology, Ministry and Mission

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The Revd Paul Burden

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

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The Revd Canon Professor James Woodward

Principal, Sarum College

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julia-mourant

The Revd Julia Mourant

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

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Annette_Young

Annette Young

Ministry Administrator

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The Revd Canon Kim Stephens

Chaplain, Centre for Formation in Ministry

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Sonia Woolley

Voice Tutor to ministry students

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Upcoming short courses

Divine Hope and Glory Preaching Retreat Sold Out Ongoing

23 May 2022

Preachers can often feel the need for some space to think, reflect and refresh ...

View course

Glory in the Gospel of John Sold Out

24 May 2022

Part of the Divine Hope and Glory retreat, this is a stand-alone day that ...

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Exploring Theology: Living With the Bible 2022 Sold Out

24 May 2022

This flagship theology course offers intellectually rigorous, interactive, and accessible learning delivered online via ...

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Spiritual Direction Supervision Group June 2022 (online) Last Few Tickets

06 June 2022

This is a private supervision session for spiritual directors.

If you are ...

View course
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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

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  • Postgraduate study in Theology, Imagination & Culture
  • Postgraduate study in Theology, Ministry and Mission
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