Part-Time Pathways

Part-time training offers flexibility to study for ministry alongside other commitments of work or family as well as enabling you to continue living, working and worshiping in your own local context.

People come from all backgrounds and walks of life, representing a broad spectrum of age, education and ministerial experience. This breadth is really important to us because it makes for a wonderfully diverse community and a rich learning environment. When we gather on our different part-time pathways, three activities lie at the heart of all we do – we worship and pray together; we eat together; and we study together.

We have study centres at Cuddesdon near Oxford, Gloucester, Ludlow and Portsmouth.

Worship and Prayer

Worship and prayer lie at the heart of everything we do. We meet together for worship on study evenings, we pray in small groups and at services during residential weekends, and week-long residences give us the opportunity to worship together in a sustained way over the course of a week.

Academic Programmes

Students usually study over 2-3 years for a range of different academic programmes accredited by Durham University Common Awards – including a Certificate, Diploma or BA in Theology, Ministry and Mission.

Teaching takes place on one evening a week during three terms (30 weeks in total), six residential weekends per year, and one residential week in the summer or around Easter. Courses cover a range of topics in mission, theology, biblical studies and pastoral theology, and the emphasis is always on making connections between what is being learned in the classroom and ministerial practice, and seeking to integrate existing skills and experience. This means that significant threads running through all of our academic programmes are spiritual formation and practical skills. Students also undertake two placements which can be arranged with considerable flexibility. In addition, students undertake independent learning, reflection and practice in home parishes.

Part-time training requires an average of 12 - 15 hours a week which includes teaching sessions, time for reading, and completing assignments. Training in this way is both stimulating and stretching. We provide personal support and guidance to each student through personal tutors, local supervisors and chaplains.