Sally Shaw began her MA in Christian Spirituality degree partly as a way to keep a connection with the academic environment where she felt a sense of belonging ever since she began her first sociology degree as a mature student.
Having opted for “a regular job” after taking early retirement from her 16-year faculty post at Portsmouth University, Sally wanted to fill the gap of intellectual stimulation.
“The classroom is my home,” she says. “I want to be in one no matter which side of the lectern I’m on.”
Sally says she chose the MA in Christian Spirituality because she has long been interested in theology. As she’d done a lot of cultural history previously (her PhD thesis explored film and Black radical theatre during 1970s Britain) she was keen to study a different field.
“I wanted to study something that would be fresh so that I would be stretched,” she explains. The MA in Christian Spirituality fit the bill perfectly.
“I find it so inspirational – I love that I looked at the book list on my first module and saw nothing there that I’d already read,” she says. “As an academic I read a lot, so that was a pleasant surprise.”
She admits being a little nervous about writing an essay on the Christian mystics St Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross – the latter she hadn’t even heard of – but, she was confident that she would be well supported by the tutors and library services.
Sally has a limited budget but she says she makes it work because she prioritises learning as her main extravagance.
“Coming to Sarum is my perfect holiday. I love that there are no sales banners when you come into reception – it’s lovely to come into a calm, friendly and warm environment.”
She also appreciates that the College is just opposite Salisbury Cathedral.
“It is a privilege to pray in such a beautiful space in the morning, have breakfast and then start the day of study – a wonderful combination!”
The immersive learning experience of being onsite and residential is another bonus.
“We have breakfast together then participate in the class discussions which carry on during lunch and coffee breaks,” she says.
“Being at Sarum is everything I would have wanted and more – I really can’t fault anything. It’s such a joy.”
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Sally Shaw is a student on the Christian Spirituality programme run by Sarum College.
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