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Sarum Course in Spiritual Direction (Mixed-Mode) course

The initial focus is on personal experience; participants are invited to hone their self-awareness and listening, as preparation for listening to others with discernment. Students work in triads throughout the course.

Course days include learning input, space for personal reflection and working in smaller groups. Participants are asked to prepare for and reflect after these sessions.

There are some assignments which may include reading, writing a reflection, or sharing something you have prepared. Learning is supported by access to resources via the online learning platform, SarumLearn, including library support with our growing range of ebooks, journals as well as a postal service.

As the course progresses, participants continue to develop their practice, paying particular attention to their skills, good practice, and a growing sense of what their own vocation may be in this area.

Towards the end of the course, participants submit some written evidence of learning – reflections rather than lengthy academic essays. Tutors expect course members to engage with the learning at a depth which is appropriate to their own capacity and experience. Our expectation is that whatever your background, Sarum can offer the context and resources to discern and prepare for the next chapter.

Visit the Spiritual Direction web page for details.

Mixed mode: 3 residentials and 6 online modules

2026 dates
Module 1.Residential 1. 8-10 Jan (venue: St Padarn’s Institute, Cardiff)
Module 2 Online 2-3 Feb
Module 3 Online 7-8 April
Module 4 Online 8-9 June
Module 5 Residential 2. 14-16 Sept (venue Sarum College, Salisbury)
Module 6 Online 2-3 Nov

2027 dates
Module 7 Online 4-5 Jan
Module 8 Online 1-2 March
Module 9 Residential 3. 10-12 May (venue: St Padarn’s Institute, Cardiff)

If you’re interested in joining the spiritual direction course, please complete the enquiry form and we will invite you to attend a Zoom meeting to discuss your application and explore course options.

Details

Dates & Times

08 - 10 Jan 2026

Please see listing for full schedule of dates

Tutor(s)

Dr Pollyanna Magne

Other Notes

The Sarum Course in Spiritual Direction in mixed mode offers a blend of onsite and online modules. It includes teaching, small group work and spiritual direction practice.

Learning is supported by access to resources via the online learning platform, SarumLearn and via the Sarum College Library’s growing range of ebooks, journals and a service to post borrowed books to you.

Two of the residentials are held at St Padarn’s Institute in Cardiff and one will be held at Sarum College in Salisbury.

This course is open to participants from outside the UK at no extra cost.

What our students say

Riveting!

Book of Revelation course

Someone on the course said it was ‘riveting!’ This was exactly what I felt. The course was a total joy because of the tutor’s handouts, excellence and Sarum College hospitality.

Faith is an imaginative adventure

The Very Revd Dr Mark Oakley

I admire the work and tone of Sarum College very deeply. It is a community that takes theology and spirituality seriously, not as hobbies but as pursuits into understanding, and engaging in, a complex world.

Sarum College reminds us that faith is an imaginative adventure and that it is shaped by a questioning joy.

Vibrant approach to theology

Fr Azariah France-Williams

I’ve been particularly struck by the refreshing approach to theological education here. In a world, and indeed within parts of the church, where faith can sometimes feel stagnant or out of touch, Sarum offers a vibrant and relevant alternative. The courses encourage a bold exploration of profound ideas, connecting with truths that lie beneath the surface and fostering genuine personal growth, which feels particularly significant as I approach my 50th year. This counter-cultural spirit, which embraces depth and challenges ageism and fear, is truly remarkable. Sarum is a place where individuals can be transformed by engaging with a living and breathing faith.

Well worth taking the time

Disability Theology: Theory and Practice

I took time to attend the course out of a busy working week and it was well worth taking that time. I have so many things to ponder and reflect on from this course and a helpful further reading list to keep me going for a few months! Thank you Sarum College

Netflix, Theology and Pastoral Practice

Peter Butchers on his MA in Theology, Imagination and Culture student experience

How do cultural tropes, like those found in Black Mirror, help bridge the gap between what academic theology espouses and what the everyday Christian believes? In his research as a student on the MA in Theology, Imagination and Culture, Peter Butchers explored platonic philosophy, digital theology and eschatology, and pastoral practice around death and dying.

Rewarding Sabbatical Stay

The Revd Greg Syler, is Rector of Ascension & St. George’s, Resurrection Parish in the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, DC USA, spent part of his ministry sabbatical at Sarum College in spring 2022.

His account of the experience begins: ‘I loved spending nearly three weeks of my ministry sabbatical at Sarum College earlier this year.

Not only did I rest, and rest well in the comfortable care of the Sarum College staff, I experienced very significant renewal and fresh insights.’

Dr Pollyanna Magne

Director of Spiritual Direction

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Sarum Course in Spiritual Direction (Mixed-Mode)

Sarum Course in Spiritual Direction (Mixed-Mode) course