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PhD Programmes

Home PhD Programmes

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

Art, Theology and Inter-Religious Dialogue

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.

Read full article

Enquire about PhD Research at Sarum College

Programme Leader

Dr Susanna Snyder

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).

Full bio for Dr Snyder

The PhD Programme

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.

How To Apply

If you would like to explore the possibility of undertaking a PhD through Sarum College, please contact the Director of Research at ssnyder@sarum.ac.uk to arrange a conversation about what you wish to study and whether we have suitable supervisors for your research interests.

If we agree that Sarum College would be a good fit for your doctoral study, you will need to complete an application form that can be downloaded from the “How to Apply for a Research Degree” webpage of the University of Winchester .

There are two annual application deadlines: currently, 31 August for a January start and 30 April for a September start. It will likely take a couple of months from first contacting Sarum College to being ready to submit an application to the university.

For entry in 2023-24 academic year, fees for UK/Channel Islands students are £2,290 per year for part-time study and £4,580 per year for full-time study.

For international students, the cost is £7,350 per year for part-time study and £14,700 per year for full-time study.

 

Supervisors

Sarum College academic faculty have expertise in a range of theological areas.

Academic Faculty

Sarum College Library

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.

Visit the library webpage

Browse the library catalogue

The Setting

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.

 

 

Sarum College Courses

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Spiritual Direction Supervision Group September 2023 (onsite)

26 September 2023

This is a private supervision session for spiritual directors. If you are not part of ...

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Rural Pioneering

27 September 2023

Exploring the reality and challenge of rural ministry. What could a collaboration between parish and ...

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Sarum College Spiritual Direction

Sarum Course in Spiritual Direction (2023)

28 September 2023

This two-year programme aims to equip those who are called to this ministry to confidently ...

View course

Simone Weil

02 October 2023

Modern Mystics on Mondays We often think that mysticism is a thing of the past, ...

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