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

This course is delivered via a blend of in-person residential sessions and online support.

It is designed to provide a balanced learning environment by blending personal and spiritual formation with skills development. Alongside the course, there are peer learning opportunities such as Spiritual Directors Forums.

The focus of the first year 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.

Days at Sarum include 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 which has been prepared. Although there is work to do, there is a ‘retreat-like’ quality to the time onsite and we ask course members to leave their emails and other concerns behind in order to engage fully with their experience and one another.

During the second year, 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 second year 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.

Download an application for the in-person course

This course is also delivered online with an optional three-day onsite retreat.

For further details about both the online and blended versions of this course, visit the main Spiritual Direction page.