- All Learning
- Ministry Pathways
- Hospitality
- Courses & Events Diary
- Course brochure
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.
Sarum College, in partnership with the University of Winchester, offers opportunities for students to undertake exciting and rigorous research in theology. We offer supervision in a range of theological areas and support students from a variety of backgrounds.
As a doctoral student, Sarum provides the perfect combination of space to explore cutting-edge theology, and the warmth of an institution which is deeply concerned for the wellbeing, creativity and development of its researchers. It feels like a rare gift to find rigorous and challenging supervision which remains grounded in a sense of genuine collegiality and care.
I am delighted to be part of the growing research community to be benefitting from Sarum’s expansive vision for contemporary theological education.
Lyndon Webb, current PhD student
PhD Student Claire Reed
The complex and sometimes fractious relationship between contemporary art and religion has intrigued me throughout my art career, informing my direction as an artist. It has led me to work in sacred spaces with their immediate and wider communities, to study an MA in Theology, Imagination and Culture at Sarum College, and recently to become joint artist-in-residence for Sarum College and Leo Baeck College of Jewish scholarship and learning.
My interdisciplinary PhD examines the extent to which this creative approach might generate fruitful inter-religious theological insights within a Jewish and Christian ministry training context.
The Sarum-Winchester PhD programme is one of the very few UK university programmes to offer a hybrid thesis in art and theology in which the creative process and resulting art output along with a written critical component are presented for examination.
Dr Snyder’s research interests include migration, refugees and theology; theologies and ethics of hope; and spirituality, social justice and the arts.
Her publications include a monograph, Asylum-Seeking, Migration and Church (Ashgate, 2012) and three co-edited volumes: Parenting for a Better World: Social Justice Practices for your Family and the Planet (Chalice, 2022); Church in an Age of Global Migration: A Moving Body (Palgrave, 2015) and Intersections of Religion and Migration: Issues at the Global Crossroads (Palgrave, 2016).
The University of Winchester PhD programme in theology offered through Sarum College enables students to undertake innovative research in a range of theological areas, including Biblical Studies, contemporary ethics, spirituality, arts and contextual, practical and liberation theologies.
Study can be undertaken full-time over 3 years or part-time over 6 years. Students are offered regular supervision either in-person or online, and each is allocated a primary Director of Studies as well as a Second Supervisor. External practical experts can also be appointed to act as project advisors.
In addition to supervision, students complete a Postgraduate Certificate in Research Skills during the course of their studies. Three distinct modules provide students with training in research skills and ethics and prepare you to share your research with others through knowledge exchange.
Alongside these formal elements of the PhD programme, we offer two informal PhD Seminar Days per year at Sarum College, one online and one onsite so that all Sarum doctoral students are able to gather, socialise, and discuss research projects for peer input.
Please note that we are not currently accepting any PhD applications but do get in touch if you are interested in discussing a potential future project.
If you would like to explore the possibility of undertaking a PhD through Sarum College in future, please contact Dr Susanna Snyder, the Director of Research at Sarum College ssnyder@sarum.ac.uk to arrange a conversation.
Sarum College academic faculty have expertise in a range of theological areas.
The library is primarily an academic resource to support Sarum College courses, local clergy and anyone with an interest in theology, ecclesiastical and local history.
Our stock covers philosophy, theology, ethics, spirituality, liturgy, church history, world religions and culture. We also have a large ‘stack’ of historical books, journals, sermons and pamphlets as well as a number of special collections.
Located in three rooms, the collection consists of books, journals, photocopying and internet facilities, as well as space to study, write and read in an attractive, comfortable and friendly environment.
The original 17th century house inspired by Christopher Wren was later extended and adapted to accommodate theological students, the first of whom arrived in 1861. The Cathedral Close setting, communal and library spaces make it an ideal environment for study and reflection.
When you visit you can choose to stay in College guest rooms with ensuite facilities. Many rooms have lovely views overlooking the Cathedral, the Close and the Sarum quad
Fresh, home-made food is cooked and served on site, and the Common Room provides a bar and space to meet socially.
Salisbury Cathedral is just across the lawn from College for those who wish to participate in the pattern of liturgy there. The Butterfield Chapel in College is also available for private worship space.
How can embracing Community Organising as a spiritual practice enable us to relinquish the notion ...
Although the landscape of funeral and bereavement care has changed significantly, the church still finds ...
An introduction to the roots and types of spirituality in the Christian tradition up to ...
Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking: Reality, Theology and Response Gain an understanding of the prevalence ...
Fill in and submit the form below and we'll add you to our mailing list for news about Sarum College.
"*" indicates required fields