St Mellitus College Prospectus 2025-2026 by St Mellitus College

2025

St Mellitus

Prospectus

"I met some of my closest friends at St Mellitus College that I know I will walk with for life and have been equipped with a fab theological toolbox that I hope will only continue to grow as I keep learning."

“We believe that God gets bigger, more beautiful and more trustworthy as you gaze more and more deeply.”

Dr Jane Williams, McDonald Professor in Christian Theology

Thank

you so much for your

I hope that this prospectus gives you a glimpse into the life of the college, as we have the privilege of sharing a little about who we are.

St Mellitus College is a place of hope and commitment to the gospel. We long to see people come alive with a passion for theology, to be filled with a sense of the mission of God, and to be confident in the good news of Jesus Christ. As you study and train at St Mellitus College, the most important question to ask is, ‘Am I becoming more like Jesus?’ That is what matters. We are passionate about walking alongside each student, helping them develop a heart and vision for the gospel which leads to Christlikeness and a theological imagination that shapes their view of the world.

Our life is rooted in prayer and the values of God’s Kingdom; we hold our convictions generously and are committed to the church’s unity. Those who study at St Mellitus College come from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and traditions and may serve in a range of contexts, but all are committed to loving and serving Christ. This is a place of prayer and worship where you will cultivate friendships and networks which will sustain and resource you.

Our training model creatively combines theology with practice, equipping you to explore faith deeply and grow in relationship with God while enabling you to remain rooted in the church and apply your learning directly to your workplaces, churches, and communities. We train people who are passionate about the gospel, called to serve Jesus Christ, and are energised by the life of the Spirit and the unity of the church.

interest in St Mellitus College. Message From The Dean

We hope you will join us, and we look forward to journeying with you.

Russell Winfield,

Dean of St Mellitus

College

Vision, Mission & Values

Vision

Our vision is to see theologically confident and committed followers of Jesus in every church.

Mission

Our mission is to provide innovative theological education and training for those called to serve Christ in the church and the world.

Values

The following values characterise life at St Mellitus College:

First-rate academic, administrative and teaching staff, drawing on the expertise of a wide range of associate lecturers and visiting professors. Excellence

The culture of the college is one of taking God seriously, but not ourselves. We have fun as we learn and study together. Missional

An unashamed commitment to the life and growth of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church, for the sake of the world. Hopeful

Innovative

A commitment to cutting-edge innovation that enables students to fully invest in the call of God on their lives.

Orthodoxy

Generous Orthodoxy

We serve and bring together those of different traditions in the church to help us learn from each other.

'Generous Orthodoxy' is a phrase that the founders of St Mellitus College use to describe the approach the college takes to bringing together the mainstream traditions of the church in a mission-focussed and Spiritinspired way, as it seeks to train students across the breadth of the church.

We seek to be open to the Holy Spirit’s transforming power at work in the church and the world. We celebrate a commitment to creedal orthodoxy – ‘the faith once handed on to the saints’held in an undefensive and generous way.

Our Centres

St Mellitus College is one national college, based in three different centres, spread across England.

Our vision for a multidirectional ‘partnership in the gospel’ is one that brings together the best of missional and ministry distinctiveness in regional centres, while mixing students across those centres to enlarge the vision of all.

In God’s generous economy, these centres not only serve the regions they are located in but also feed local wisdom and learning back into the whole college.

Every student and staff member at St Mellitus College benefits hugely from being part of a growing and diverse community rooted in a number of different contexts across the country.

London HTB Courtfield Gardens, London, SW5 0LX

St Mellitus College, London offers fulltime context-based ordination training and undergraduate and postgraduate programmes on Mondays, and parttime ordination and undergraduate programmes on Tuesday evenings.

Our introductory programme, Beginning Theology In-Person, is delivered on Thursday evenings.

Contact - london@stmellitus.ac.uk

East Midlands Trinity Church, Nottingham, NG1 3HX

St Mellitus College, East Midlands offers full-time context-based ordination training and part time ordination training, as well as full-time and part-time undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

Contact - eastmidlands@stmellitus.ac.uk

South West

St Matthias Church, Plymouth, PL4 8HF

St Mellitus College, South West offers full-time context-based ordination training, as well as full-time and part-time undergraduate programmes.

Contact - southwest@stmellitus.ac.uk

Our introductory programme, Beginning Theology Online, is delivered on Tuesday evenings. Contact - london@stmellitus.ac.uk

Why Study Theology?

Study theology to deepen your own love of and faith in God. An unexamined faith is often an untrusting one. Some people think that doing theology is bad for your faith, but that suggests that when you face a tough situation, or are asked a hard question, your faith will die.

Here at St Mellitus College, we believe that God gets bigger, more beautiful and more trustworthy as you gaze more and more deeply. Paul says this in Romans 8:31: "If God is for us, who is against us?" If death can’t separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus, the study of theology certainly can’t.

Study theology for the sake of your church. It is not everyone’s calling to do formal academic study of theology, but it is the calling of every Christian disciple to do all they can to deepen their faith. Those of us who are called to this kind of study are one of the varieties of the Spirit’s gift to the church.

As you study, always think, how can this help my Christian friends? What are the questions and situations they are wrestling with? Study to be a resource for your church.

Study for the sake of those who don’t know God. Do you believe that Jesus Christ is good news for the whole world? If so, how is the whole world going to find that out? There are a lot of strange ideas about God around in our culture, and a lot of damaging ideas about what life is for. We need to equip ourselves to be confident in the good news we have to share.

Finally, study theology to be a gift to this community of joyful study here at St Mellitus College. Help the community you study with, staff and students alike, to grow in the knowledge and love of God, and in Christlike lives in the power of the Holy Spirit

Dr Jane Williams,

McDonald Professor in Christian Theology

Why Study Theology at St Mellitus College?

St Mellitus College has experienced remarkable life and growth and is one of the most innovative and exciting places to study theology, ministry and mission in the UK.

We have more than 540 students studying across all our teaching centres, with over 180 ordinands in training, over 125 undergraduates and postgraduate students following validated programmes and over 200 students in introductory and non-accredited programmes.

What can you expect from St Mellitus College?

Academic Rigour

We are proud of our first-rate academic, administrative and teaching staff, with our courses taught by some of the leading theological scholars in the nation. We are also privileged to host a diverse array of distinguished visiting professors and associate lecturers, whose breadth of knowledge and unique perspectives further enrich our academic community.

High Calibre Teaching

In the recent 2023/24 National Student Survey (NSS)—a UK-wide survey managed by the Office for Students (OfS)—97.77% of students at St Mellitus College rated the quality of teaching as excellent, well above the national average of 85.33%.

Context-Based Training

St Mellitus College pioneered context-based training in 2007 when the college was founded. For all students, this style of learning allows you to remain rooted in your local church or ministry community while pursuing your theological training. For ordinands, the college is not the only classroom; your placement is as well. This year, we are again making pioneering steps in the mode of context-based training: for the first time, full-time ordinands will gain academic credit in relation to their time spent in their placement context.

Worship and Prayer

We believe the work of theology is not just an intellectual discipline but a spiritual one. Done properly, theology grows out of and leads back into prayer and worship as our vision of who God is enlarges. Our teaching is done in the context of worship and prayer, embracing all worshipping traditions within the life of the college.

Student Support

Supporting our students is of paramount importance to us. In the most recent National Student Survey, St Mellitus College received an outstanding 99.11% satisfaction rate for academic support, significantly surpassing the national average of 85.45%. In addition to an academic skills team, we also offer support for students with specific learning differences.

Clare & Emmanuel's Story.

Clare, BA Alumna & Emmanuel, Ordinand and BA Student

1. Clare, tell us a bit about yourself.

I grew up in a village in Oxfordshire, attending the local church with my family and deepening my faith through a great experience of local youth work.

When I was eighteen, I took a year out to learn from a Christian charity in Uganda, and then went on to study my first BA in Social Sciences at the University of York. I’ve always had a passion for theatre and the arts, actively supporting local youth theatre at university, and later working in youth and student roles before taking a role as a tour chaperone with a theatre company.

I began to properly consider that I might be called to ordination while working as a church Student Pastor in 2019, and after a year of discernment through the pandemic lockdown of 2020 I started training for ordination at SMC. I studied as an ordinand in the BA in Theology, Ministry, and Mission programme, graduating in 2024. I am currently undertaking a curacy at HTB church.

My passions in ministry are for facilitating family-like community (making sure all are involved and included), raising up new leaders and using the arts as a tool to teach the love and grace of Christ to others. I feel called to church planting, and once I finish my curacy, I hope to see how God will use this in a new worshipping community.

2. Emmanuel, tell us a bit about yourself.

I was born and raised in a single parent household in Hackney and in the midst of my difficult circumstances I found a lot of freedom and discipline in sport, ending up representing both Hackney and London in football and athletics.

For the last fourteen years I worked as a personal trainer for a high-end boutique studio that did group interval training. I loved coaching others to be the best version of themselves. During that time, I was a manager and felt fulfilled when helping empower and motivate people to their calling and that’s when I recognised a call to ordained ministry. I am currently an ordinand at SMC studying for a BA in Theology, Ministry and Mission. I plan to one day incorporate fitness/wellbeing with faith to help empower people from disadvantaged backgrounds and life experiences.

3. Clare, what drew you to study at St Mellitus College and why did you choose your specific programme of study?

The year before I began to explore theological training for myself, I attended an in-person open day at SMC with a friend who was due to start training that year.

Whilst there, I was surprised at how strong the sense of community was – not only the warmth between the students, but between the staff and students and staff with each other. I had a number of friends who had studied through the college and loved their experience, and when I started to train, I could understand why.

The space is filled with a real and authentic joy, and I loved how creative the college was – offering opportunities to flourish however you learn best, and whatever your academic background. SMC pairs academic rigour with a clear commitment to a wider outward mission from day one. For me SMC seemed the obvious choice, and the BA in Theology, Ministry and Mission was the clear route to go down for my ordination training.

4. Emmanuel, how would you describe the culture at St Mellitus College?

The culture at SMC is full of joyful vibes.

It’s a place where you won’t feel judged and can make lifelong friends that will help you on your journey to becoming who God called you to be and more.

5. Clare, what difference have your studies at St Mellitus College had on your life and faith?

If it’s not already clear, I absolutely LOVED my time at St Mellitus College! There aren’t quite enough words here to express how much.

Through the challenging few years that ordination training is, SMC became a place that felt like home—a place to share my placement high-points and failures with my formation group (who could reassure me that I wasn’t the only one!), where I was encouraged and equipped by lecturers who genuinely cared about my development, and where I learnt more about God in ways that pushed me deeper in my faith than I could have thought possible. I met some of my closest friends at SMC that I know I will walk with for life and have been equipped with a fab theological toolbox that I hope will only continue to grow as I keep learning. Oh, and I met my spouse, Emmanuel, too, which I suppose is pretty significant!

6. Emmanuel, what tips or advice would you give a prospective student thinking of studying here?

Be willing to LEARN GOD’S heart. This can be done not only in lectures but also through conversations and seminars.

This is a place to be formed and at the end you barely recognise yourself because of the level of knowledge and growth you will be getting throughout your time here.

Routes Overview

At the heart of every pathway is our St Mellitus College ethos — theological study embedded in a local church or ministry context.

Whatever route you follow, your training will reflect creatively on theological study alongside serving in your community.

Our different routes into study are:

Independent Study

St Mellitus College offers a range of programmes to suit anyone interested in theological study. Our first-rate teaching staff will stretch you academically and deepen your faith.

Ordination Training

St Mellitus College specialises in training ordinands for the Church of England. We are hugely excited to partner with you as you grow into the priest God is calling you to be.

Peter Stream

The Peter Stream exists to redress the most significant underrepresentation in ordained leadership in the Church of England – ethnic, social, educational –and so is open to candidates from those demographics.

Introductory

Beginning Theology is an introductory programme for anyone who would love to study theology. We cover all the basic principles so that you leave the programme with a good understanding of theology and are equipped to speak into your context.

Caleb Stream

The Caleb Stream is a discernment and training pathway towards Church of England ordination for mature lay leaders with leadership experience, enabling them to train for the diaconate within two years.

Ordination

St Mellitus College specialises in training men and women for ordination in the Church of England.

To train for ordination, any prospective student must have a recommendation for training from a Church of England Bishop.

Both full-time and part-time programmes are available, combining academic excellence and practical experience, with a strong focus on the personal formation of each candidate for ordained ministry. We draw on a pool of experienced church practitioners who help develop each ordinand’s capacity for effective church leadership.

All our ordinands are rooted in local churches or mission contexts whilst undertaking their theological study.

Students engage in academic study, leadership development and theological reflection throughout each term, in addition to having one to two days per week for personal study. On the full-time route, ordinands spend half their week on placement in a church context, learning under a training supervisor, while our part-time ordinands learn to integrate their theological studies into their working life or local church context.

We expect that each student's formation will include regular and ongoing engagement with the world, whether in mission, relationship building or pastoral ministry. This then leads to continual opportunities for theological reflection and the interaction between theology and practice taking place ‘live’ in either the classroom or placement church context. In this sense, their placement is also a classroom.

Ordinands from our various centres come together to attend five weekends and one annual residential week across the year for teaching and worship, and one retreat weekend during their time in training.

This formative experience allows for spiritual growth and friendships to form across the breadth of traditions in the Church of England and is part of how we live out ‘Generous Orthodoxy’.

In addition, all ordinands engage with one of two

formational leadership programmes: The Forge (for fulltime ordinands) and Refine (for part-time ordinands).

Given the qualities of the Church of England Formation Framework, both programmes are designed to equip ordinands for a life of faithful and innovative ministry and mission.

Ordinands engage in sessions within 3 streams: (1) Christlike Disciples; (2) Missional Church; and (3) Transformed World

In the context of The Forge, ordinands hear from and engage with external speakers from a wide range of faith and community organisations.

Each ordinand is also part of a Formation Group, consisting of a small group of ordinands who journey together through training, with their Formation Group Tutor acting as the primary point of contact for academic and pastoral support and formation.

Alberta's Story.

Postgraduate Alumna

How has your journey unfolded since graduating from St Mellitus College?

1. You began studying at St Mellitus through the Introductory Course, Beginning Theology. How did Beginning Theology shape your faith journey and calling?

Since graduating, I’ve worked as a Senior Social Impact Manager at LinkedIn, overseeing their Global Refugee Program. My journey has evolved, blending my leadership experience with my theological education. I now focus on supporting values-driven leaders in both the church and marketplace, helping them realign their work and lives with their core beliefs.

Studying on the Beginning Theology programme has empowered me to step into my calling with confidence and a growing knowledge of God. Every session left me in complete awe of how great God is and just how little we know, driving me to dive deeper into my faith journey.

Being involved in church ministry and being a relatively new Christian, after being radically saved, has equipped me and given me a fresh fire for my day-to-day ministry. I would often find myself quoting things I had learned. To put it simply, it has enabled me to step into all that God has planned for me.

As I approach certification as an ICF-accredited coach, I will be equipped to guide clients seeking greater purpose and alignment in their work, helping them overcome barriers as they navigate significant changes such as career transitions, organisational shifts, or launching mission-driven initiatives. My aim is to help my clients cultivate self-awareness, spiritual resilience, and integrity in their leadership.

I’m also grateful for the support to return to St Mellitus College, where I’ve had opportunities to observe and offer some teaching, as I consider further studies.

2. How has your foundation formed at St Mellitus influenced the hope you have for the future?

2. In what ways did your time at St Mellitus College shape your career or ministry?

If you had told me five years ago that I’d have studied at Beginning Theology and would be going on to study as an independent student for a BA in Theology, I would have probably laughed. After living a life of crime, drugs and being the literal complete opposite of a “Christian”, I would never have thought I’d be here studying.

My time at St Mellitus College profoundly shaped how I approach work and ministry. It reinforced my commitment to living authentically, ensuring my values, beliefs, and identity are aligned with my professional life.

Studying at St Mellitus has given me hope that I never thought I’d have for anything relating to education; a hope that I can continue to study and learn, even after not finishing school at fourteen. I’ll never forget the day I heard God say to me, “This is the place where you will study”.

Initially unsure how my MA degree would apply outside of ordination, the diverse perspectives and leadership praxis I encountered on my course helped me see the importance of supporting Christians navigating the challenges of leadership in both church and marketplace settings.

The staff and all the faculty at St Mellitus College are really supportive. I encourage anyone who has a difficult background to not be afraid of coming to Beginning Theology and, who knows, maybe even take the next step. I have noticed how every lecture has played a part in my ministry at my local church and has enabled me to step out in confidence.

St Mellitus College embodies a Christ-centred leadership model, integrating intellectual rigour, worship, pastoral care, and formation. This has shaped my vision of thoughtful, spiritually grounded leadership, where formation and accountability are key.

3.

What would

you say to students considering St Mellitus College?

If you’re looking for a friendly and welcoming community to study and worship together then this is the place for you.

3. What ongoing impact do you hope to make in your community or field, and how do you see your connection with St Mellitus College continuing to influence that?

St Mellitus College was an incredibly supportive community during my studies, especially as I navigated personal challenges. The college’s holistic approach, reminding me to care for my body, soul, and spirit, left a lasting impression.

As a student, I felt seen and valued beyond my academic pursuits. Serving as a senior student representative also gave me a unique opportunity to engage in the life of the college, alongside passionate educators and students who took my aspirations seriously and encouraged me to pursue them.

"Quote"

Moving forward, I hope to use my expertise and lived experience as a Leadership Coach and Consultant to support aspiring and established Christian leaders in bringing God’s kingdom to earth with integrity and resilience. My connection to St Mellitus College, with its commitment to intellectual rigour and spiritual formation, continues to inspire me to invest in others, just as I was invested in during my time there.

"My time at St Mellitus profoundly shaped how I approach work and ministry."

Independent Study

At St Mellitus College, we believe that studying theology is a joyful and transformative journey, a privilege that invites you into life’s most exhilarating and profound questions about God, faith, salvation, and the Bible.

Theology is not just for those involved in formal church leadership, but for anyone wanting to grow as a disciple and present a coherent witness in a changing world.

Both full-time and part-time programmes are available, combining academic excellence with a strong focus on Christian formation. Independent students have a bespoke programme designed to equip them to live as Christian disciples in today's world.

Imagine diving deeply into the questions that matter most, reshaping the way you read and understand Scripture, and growing as a disciple in ways that prepare you to share your faith with a world in need of hope.

Whether you are leading in church or simply looking to bring a fresh perspective into your work, family, or community, studying theology empowers you to engage deeply with your calling and live out a practical faith, transformed and equipped to share that transformation wherever you are planted.

As an independent student, you will find yourself surrounded by others on a similar journey. Alongside regular termly teaching in your local centre, full-time independent students attend one non-residential teaching week each academic year at our London Centre (for part-time students, frequency will depend on the programme of study undertaken).

Here students from across the country and from diverse traditions gather to worship, learn, and experience the richness of ‘Generous Orthodoxy’ in community. These gatherings are a highlight of the year—a time of friendship, growth, and spiritual stretching as you engage with others who are asking challenging and inspiring questions right alongside you.

Each term you will delve into academic study and theological reflection, with one or two days of dedicated time for personal study and exploration per week. This approach allows you to fit your studies around your unique context, to help you explore what it might look like to study and live out a practical theology, immersed in your locality.

Theology at St Mellitus College isn’t about being removed from the world but about equipping you to serve God’s kingdom in every sphere of influence—from workplace to church to home.

Youth & Children’s Ministry Focus

For independent undergraduate students there is also the option within the Theology, Ministry and Mission programme to opt for a specific focus on ministry and mission to younger generations as we seek to equip the church for this vital task.

Our Youth and Children's Ministry routes are for those with a heart for young people and a sense of call to work with children and/or youth in diverse contexts.

The focus offers core theology modules alongside bespoke modules exploring youth and children's ministry theology, skills and practice. Students choosing a focus in Youth and Children's Ministry should be working or volunteering in a context involving a minimum number of contact hours with young people and regular supervision.

Peter Stream

Jesus saw Peter’s gifts and potential for ministry, even though others couldn’t see it at first (Acts 4).

The Peter Stream is a year-long programme designed to identify and encourage the gifts and calling of people from underrepresented backgrounds.

It offers a distinctive experience, complementing the Church of England’s discernment process by offering candidates a diverse community of peers to journey closely with throughout the year, as well as theological and formational teaching within the context of a worshipping community at St Mellitus College.

The Peter Stream exists to redress the most significant underrepresentation in ordained leadership in the Church of England — ethnic, social, educational — and so is open to candidates from those demographics.

Caleb Stream

“My time here has been a rewarding one, as a student studying, it has allowed me to develop my own thoughts about different topics within the areas that we are covering. Our own experiences and that of the college have allowed me to grow and worship in a way that I would not have done so. As an Anglo-Catholic I have been welcomed, and the love shown by all for all in a spirit of generous orthodoxy has been both rewarding and enjoyable."

Mark, Caleb Stream Student

Caleb was strong and vigorous in exercising his ministry well into his mature years.

(Joshua 14)

The Caleb Stream is a discernment and training pathway towards Church of England ordination for mature lay leaders with leadership experience who have the support of their diocese, enabling them to train for the diaconate within two years.

Across the programme each student will receive teaching and formation, drawing on the strengths and gifts they bring, and investing in the ministry God is calling them to step into. The cohort will journey together through teaching and learning in-person, as well as the national discernment processes.

The Caleb Stream aims to mobilise a generation rich in Christian leadership and life experience to serve in parishes across the UK.

In 2025 a new initiative called “The Elizabeth Pathway” is being launched by the Church of England, and the Caleb Stream will seek to be part of this pending approval.

Samuel's Story.

Independent Student, BA in Theology, Ministry & Mission

1. You began studying at St Mellitus College through the Introductory Course, Beginning Theology. How did Beginning Theology shape your faith journey and calling?

2. How has your foundation formed at St Mellitus College influenced the hope you have for the future?

3. How has your experience been studying now as an independent student pursuing a BA in Theology, Ministry, and Mission?

For someone who never finished school—I left at fourteen—studying through Beginning Theology definitely helped smooth my journey back into full-time education.

If anyone else is worried about not having an educational background, I found Beginning Theology to be a really good place to start. Transitioning into the BA programme has been both challenging and affirming. The academic support from the academic skills team, as well as the entire teaching staff, has been incredibly helpful. It was an adjustment at first, but I’m finding my rhythm now. When I had the profound experience of getting saved, I wrote down what I heard God say to me about my calling. Since that moment, I’ve known God’s call on my life but coming here has made it even clearer.

Getting good feedback on my first essay was another confirmation—one of those moments where you just know you’re where God wants you to be. I keep having conversations with people who say, “You’re meant to be here,” and that has reaffirmed the words God spoke to me when I first got saved. I know I’m still a baby in Christ—I’ve only been a Christian for two years—but this journey keeps reminding me that God chose me to be here. The words he spoke to me in the beginning were truly his, and being here at SMC is part of that journey.

4. What would you say to students considering St Mellitus College?

If you’re looking for a friendly and welcoming community to study and worship together then this is the place for you.

"After living a life of crime, drugs and being the literal complete opposite of a “Christian”, I would never have thought I’d be here studying."

Programmes Overview

We offer a range of programmes to suit anyone interested in theological study.

Introductory

Beginning Theology

Undergraduate

Certificate of Higher Education in Theology, Ministry and Mission

Certificate of Higher Education in Christian Ministry and Mission

Diploma of Higher Education in Theology, Ministry and Mission

BA (Hons) in Theology, Ministry and Mission

Graduate Diploma in Theology, Ministry and Mission

Postgraduate

Postgraduate Certificate in Theology, Ministry and Mission

Postgraduate Diploma in Theology, Ministry and Mission

MA in Theology, Ministry and Mission

PhD

Partnership with Durham University

Validation - all undergraduate and postgraduate academic awards offered by St Mellitus College are validated by Durham University unless otherwise stated.

Beginning Theology

Introductory Programme - Certified by St Mellitus College

“I have developed my understanding of God and His word, as a result, my faith has grown. I can now more confidently articulate my beliefs, instead of knowing that I have faith but not being able to put into words why or what my faith means to me.”

Funmi, Former Beginning Theology Student

Programme Overview

Beginning Theology is an introductory programme for anyone who would love to study theology. It is the perfect place to start if you’ve never studied theology before.

We cover all the basic principles so that you leave the programme with a good understanding of theology, equipped to speak into your context, and with a valuable foundation for further theological study.

Centres

London and online

Programme Duration

This is a modular course enabling termly participation.

Entry Requirements

Beginning Theology is an access course designed to provide a foundation for further study. For that reason, there are no formal entry requirements.

Undergraduate Programmes

“The word ‘empowered’ comes to mind when I think of St Mellitus. I have been on two programmes in my four years at the college and this has been true of my entire experience.

As a doctor, I came in hoping to gain a few tools to help me navigate the problem of suffering. The scope of teaching has expanded my theological understanding beyond my expectations.

I’ve found the standard and breadth of teaching to be deeply impactful and thought-provoking. From spirituality and discipleship modules to ethics and doctrine, or arts and culture; these modules have provided me a remarkable theological foundation.

I couldn’t be more generous with my words if I tried. I feel equipped at this point to take the next steps in my academic journey.”

Kaosidi, Ordinand and Undergraduate BA Student

Programme Overview

Undergraduate programmes at Certificate, Diploma and BA level offer a broad range of modules providing a strong theological foundation as well as reflection on core topics related to ministry and mission.

Certificate in Theology, Ministry & Mission

Undergraduate Programme - Validated by Durham University

Programme Overview

The Certificate in Theology, Ministry and Mission (120 credits at Level 4) lays the building blocks of Christian theology by introducing foundational subjects such as Biblical Studies, Mission, Theological Reflection, Christian Doctrine and Church History.

It also engages students in learning how to reflect theologically on practical aspects of mission and ministry.

For independent students choosing a focus on Youth and Children’s Ministry, alternative modules that focus on this area will be undertaken.

Centres

All full-time centres offer the Certificate. Youth Ministry focus is also available on London Mondays.

Programme Duration

Full-time (1 year) Part-time (2 years)

We recommend a minimum of one to two additional day(s) of private study per week.

Entry Requirements

Applicants will normally have one A Level (grade C / grade 4 or above) or equivalent for direct entry on to the Certificate TMM (120 credits).

Certificate in Christian Ministry & Mission

Undergraduate Programme - Validated by Durham University

Programme Overview

The Certificate in Christian Ministry and Mission consists of 180 credits at both Level 4 and Level 5.

This Certificate introduces foundational subjects such as Biblical Studies, Mission, Theological Reflection, Christian Doctrine and Church History and builds on this foundational work at Level 5 with Topics in Christian Doctrine, Bible in Context, Ethics, and Ecclesiology.

Centres

The Certificate in Christian Ministry and Mission is available on London Tuesdays.

Programme Duration

Part-time (2 years)

We recommend a minimum of one to two additional day(s) of private study per week.

Entry Requirements

Applicants will normally have two A Levels (grade C / grade 4 or above) or equivalent for direct entry on to the Certificate CMM (180 credits).

Diploma in Theology, Ministry & Mission

Undergraduate Programme - Validated by Durham University

Programme Overview

The Diploma builds on Certificate-level study, offering the opportunity to expand and deepen thinking in subjects such as: Doctrine, Ethics, Biblical Studies, Ecclesiology, and Leadership.

For independent students choosing a focus on Youth and Children’s Ministry alternative modules that focus on this area will be undertaken.

Centres

The Diploma is offered full-time in our East Midlands, London Monday and South West centres and part-time in our East Midlands and South West centres. The Diploma is also offered part-time for ordinands on

London Tuesday. Youth Ministry focus is available on London Mondays.

Programme Duration

Full-time Independent Students (2 years)

Part-time Independent Students (4 years)

Ordinands may undertake the Diploma over two- or three-years dependent on the training pathway agreed by their diocese. We recommend a minimum of one to two additional day(s) of private study per week.

Entry Requirements

Applicants will normally have two A Levels (grade C / grade 4 or above) or equivalent for direct entry on to the Diploma.

BA (Hons) in Theology, Ministry & Mission

Undergraduate Programme - Validated by Durham University

Programme Overview

The BA degree programme gives students a strong and broad foundation in their theological understanding and develops skills for thoughtful application to practical ministry. Building on Certificate and Diploma level study, students continue their study in Advanced Biblical Studies, Advanced Topics in Doctrine, and Issues in Contemporary Culture.

All Independent degree students also undertake a longer piece of written independent research in theology.

Independent students choosing a focus in Youth and Children’s Ministry will undertake specific modules related to this area that build on those covered up to Diploma level.

Centres

The BA degree is offered full-time in our East Midlands, London Monday and South West centres. Youth and Children’s Ministry focus is available on London Mondays.

Programme Duration

Full-time (3 years)

We recommend a minimum of one to two additional days of private study per week.

Entry Requirements

Applicants will normally have three A Levels (grade C / grade 4 or above) or equivalent for direct entry on to the BA.

Graduate Diploma in Theology, Ministry & Mission

Undergraduate Programme - Validated by Durham University

Programme Overview

The Graduate Diploma programme offers students the opportunity to undertake the final year of the BA Hons programme, taking modules such as: Advanced Biblical Studies, Advanced Topics in Doctrine, and Issues in Contemporary Culture, and a longer piece of written independent research in theology.

Centres

The Graduate Diploma is offered full-time in our East Midlands, London Monday and South West centres. The Graduate Diploma is also offered part-time in our East Midlands and South West centres.

Programme Duration

Full-time (1 year) Part-time (2 years)

Entry Requirements

Applicants must normally have a 2:1 Honours Degree in a humanities-based subject or a Diploma (HE) in Theology with a substantial proportion of their graded credit at Merit/2:1 level.

Postgraduate Programmes

MA - Validated by Durham University

PGCert & PGDip - Subject to Validation

Programme Overview

When it comes to theology, the deepest rewards come from serious engagement with the Bible and key Christian figures and texts. Our postgraduate programmes are ideal for Theology or Religious Studies graduates looking to advance in higher research or practising church leaders seeking deeper engagement with core Christian texts and themes. At the London centre, PGDip and MA students may be offered the choice of one of two foci for their postgraduate study: Mission in Contemporary Culture or Biblical Studies (cohort viability dependent). At the East Midlands centre, students engage with modules that cover a range of topics, such as Biblical Studies, Systematic Theology, and Christian Ethics. All MA students complete a dissertation, allowing students to focus their independent research in an area of specific academic interest.

Centres

The PGCert, PGDip and MA are offered at our East Midlands and London Monday centres. All postgraduate programmes are subject to feasibility and may require elements of hybrid delivery. Students will be informed prior to the commencement of the course.

Programme Duration

PGCert (1 year part-time)

PGDip (1 year full-time* or 2 years part-time)

MA (1 year full-time* or 2 years part-time)

*The full-time (1 year) PGDip and MA options are available only for those undertaking modules that allow for a specialism in Mission in Contemporary Culture (cohort viability dependent). This is only offered at the London centre.

Entry Requirements

Submission of a degree-level academic paper no less than 2,000 words forms part of the application process. A 2.1 degree in theology is normally required for direct entry to any of these postgraduate programmes.

Postgraduate Programmes

“The MA has been a fantastic way that I have grown in my knowledge and love of God over the past two years.

I have found that the MA has stretched me academically, but I have experienced fantastic support from the staff team. The teaching itself has been great and how the module leaders have set up each session, with the recommended reading and their direction has led to really enjoyable and deep seminars.

As I near the completion of my studies, I feel as though I have learnt the skills that will enable me to continue to learn and be formed by theological discourse. The MA has been well worth the hard work!”

Luke, Ordinand and MA Student, St Mellitus College, East Midlands

PhD - Partnership with Durham University

Programme Overview

The PhD Partnership with Durham University allows successful applicants to undertake the Durham PhD programme while based at St Mellitus College.

Students will be co-supervised by a member of Durham’s Department of Theology and Religion and a member of St Mellitus College staff.

In the first instance, prospective students can either approach a member of the St Mellitus College academic staff team directly to enquire about PhD supervision or email research@stmellitus.ac.uk with details of their proposed area of research.

Centres

All centres offer the PhD.

Entry Requirements

Please note that PhD students on this route become students of Durham University and can only enter the programme by applying to and being accepted by Durham University.

However, initial discussion should take place with St Mellitus College prior to contacting the university.

More information can be found at stmellitus.ac.uk/durham-partnership

Academic Team

At St Mellitus College, our teaching staff consists of leading scholars and practitioners committed to academic rigour and a deep, thoughtful exploration of theology.

Each lecturer is an expert in their field of study, bringing a wealth of knowledge and a passion for their discipline that makes every course both intellectually enriching and spiritually engaging.

Our lecturers are not only esteemed academics but also dedicated mentors who believe that studying theology is a transformative journey, one that invites students to deepen their faith and broaden their understanding in meaningful, lasting ways. Our lecturers offer not only inspirational content but world-leading, cutting-edge perspectives that drive the field of theology forward. With expertise spanning biblical studies, systematics, church history, ethics, and more, our teaching staff lay a foundation of scholarship that challenges students to think critically, engage deeply, and approach theological concepts with discernment.

At St Mellitus College, our staff do more than teach theology—they live it, bringing a relational, rigorous approach to learning that values questions, embraces complexity, and encourages each student to wrestle with faith’s big questions in a supportive, encouraging environment.

Dr Anna Westin

Bishop Rowan Williams

McDonald Distinguished Emeritus Professor of Theology

“To do theology is, in some ways, to be taken back to that moment of bewilderment about the newness or the distinctiveness or the strangeness of being in this new Christian framework.

So theological education is familiarising yourself with how people have found their way around that landscape with the perspectives they’ve occupied and then learning to pitch your own tent, as one might say, in that territory.”

(“Theological Education Is for Everyone”, Christianity Today, 2020).

Lecturer and Tutor in Theology with a Specialism in Ethics

“Teaching requires me to examine things afresh; every thought is put under the microscope, revealing a new mystery. In the classroom, a new thing is born, a unique exploration of God that is birthed together in a shared place.

There is something eternal about this - an encounter in each class that can never be replicated again. This, too, reminds me of God.”

Dr Mark Scanlan

Revd Dr Mark W. Scarlata

Senior Lecturer in Old Testament

“Teaching at a college like St Mellitus is a great privilege because of the emphasis placed on the formation of the mind and the heart. We recognise that the life of a future priest is sustained by a depth of study and an openness to being shaped by the Spirit. I love watching our ordinands grow in both these ways and carry that passion into their priestly ministry.”

Lead Youth Ministry and Undergraduate Tutor, Lecturer in Theology and Youth Ministry

“For me the heart of theology is the exploration of who God is and how God is at work in the world.

Equipping students for this exploration through their studies, in their ministry and on into a life of faith beyond is what theological education is all about.”

Dr Sara Schumacher

Academic Dean and Tutor and Senior Lecturer in Theology and the Arts

“To teach theology is to embark with others on a deep and rich exploration of the living God. It's an adventure that never ceases to dazzle me with its beauty, stretch me in its complexity, and lead me to prayer and worship of the One we serve.

The world needs confident Christ-followers who can proclaim the Gospel and demonstrate the Life it calls us to imitate; to be able to play a part in forming people toward that end is an immense privilege."

Revd Dr Jitesh Patel

Assistant Director East Midlands Centre and Tutor and Lecturer in Theology

“I find immense joy in seeing students I teach grow in their love for Jesus through discovering more about who he is through their theological studies. It is a privilege to see the power of this reverberate across their lives, forming them for mission with passion to make Jesus known.”

Mary's Story.

Ordinand, Diploma in Theology, Ministry, & Mission

1. Tell us a bit about yourself.

I am a mature student, having worked for thirty-two years as a primary school teacher. I grew up in a Bengali Muslim family but became a Christian at fifteen. I am married with three grown-up children and currently in my second and final year of study as an ordinand.

2. What drew you to study at St Mellitus College?

I’ve had a broad range of experiences with different churches, from High Church of England to Evangelical Christian Union, as well as one year as Vice President of the Catholic Society, while studying at Warwick University as a young adult.

Since then, I have spent thirty years in Pentecostal churches. So, I am very much at home with the ethos of St Mellitus College, which embraces a broad and wide generous orthodoxy.

At age seventeen, I was trying to figure out which university to go to and what to study. I had a mental picture of myself wearing a clerical collar. Back then, there were no female vicars, and women could not be ordained, so I thought it was just a figment of my imagination. I also wondered if God was telling me to study theology, so I applied to do theology at Nottingham University… but I didn’t get in. It wasn’t a good time in my life at that point because of having to go into foster care; life was a bit of a mess. I thought the idea of studying theology really was just a figment of my imagination, and I ended up becoming a teacher. I worked for thirty-two years as a primary school teacher.

After this time, I sensed God’s call again. I began the discernment process with the Church of England, and during the Stage Two Discernment Panel discussions, I started to explore context-based training at St Mellitus College in Nottingham. Over thirty years after God gave me that picture in a clerical collar, I am now studying as an ordinand in Nottingham at St Mellitus. I feel like God’s call was always there, but it was always going to be in his timing, and that time is now.

3. How would you describe the culture at St Mellitus College?

I appreciate how St Mellitus College has provided the opportunity for challenge and exploration of difficult questions, but from the centrality of faith. If I had studied theology at age eighteen in a secular setting, I may well have struggled with my faith journey.

As a new Christian coming from a Muslim background, my faith would likely have been challenged to the point of being snuffed out.

Although it was a bit disorienting for me to have a complete change in the pattern of my days and weeks, ultimately studying at St Mellitus College is humbling and exhilarating. It has been humbling to recognise how much I don’t know. And, it has been an exhilarating journey of completely trusting in God’s call and His grace to see me through it. He doesn’t call the equipped; He equips the called based on our ‘Yes’ to him.

4. Why did you choose your programme of study?

After thirty-two years in education, I feel time is not on my side. The two-year Diploma in Theology, Ministry and Mission is a perfect balance of context-based training with practical preparation, as well as theological study.

" I had a mental picture of myself wearing a clerical collar. Back then, there were no female vicars..."

5. What difference have your studies at St Mellitus College made in your life and faith?

For me, it has been a huge lifestyle change. I have had to give up full-time teaching, as well as the salary! Responding to the call of God is costly. It is a sacrificial journey. But the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus made for me is worth much more than anything I can offer.

I owe him my life. Plus, when I stand before the throne of God, I do not want to be held accountable, having missed all that God had prepared in advance for me to do.

I’m really loving how God takes you through a journey and brings you ultimately to what his plan and purpose is for your life. If you’ll say, “yes,” of course.

I have been through the discernment process and I’m now studying for ordination on the two-year Diploma in Theology, Ministry and Mission through context-based training, and I will be hopefully ordained in June of next year.

I feel like it is a culmination of the dream that God had planted all those years ago. I am a living example that it is never too late. He calls all of us.

If you are sensing the call of God to study theology, or step into leadership, you will need to study; it is important to do justice to the word of God. 2 Timothy 2:15 says, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” Also, make sure you take time to enjoy this awesome opportunity, especially if you are a mature student, like me.

Formation

At St Mellitus College you will be stretched by the theology you study and have the opportunity to reflect on the person that you are becoming, the qualities of your character, and the way you engage in relationships with others as a disciple of Christ. We call this formation.

At its most fundamental level, ‘formation’ is the shaping of the whole person after the likeness of Christ, dependent on the transforming work of the Spirit. To facilitate this, we focus on aspects of development that include personality, character, relationships, leadership, collaboration and community. As it involves the whole of our beings, the process of formation in the Spirit can be exhilarating, stretching and liberating as we grow in self-understanding and become more aware of the impact we have on others.

Although the experience is an exciting time of discovery, formation can also be challenging and painful, as we encounter aspects of ourselves which are unexpected or surprising. This is often the most important part of the formational journey, and the more honest we are, and able to engage with the demands of the process, the more profound the possibility of growth and change.

All students study theology alongside being engaged in some form of Christian mission and ministry, either in the workplace or in the context of the church and world. This model of training, with theology and practice intertwined, facilitates the formation of strong theological reflectors and reflective practitioners.

Formation groups are offered to ordinands, undergraduate and postgraduate students and play a vital role in the life of the college. They provide a regular opportunity for prayer, mutual support, reflection and discussion. A Formation Group Tutor acts as the student’s primary point of academic and pastoral support during their time in the college, and for ordinands on placement, is the contact point for supervisors.

Student Support

Chaplains and Counsellors

The college offers a team of chaplains for all students and provides access to a counseling service for ordinands, offering support for anything students may face whilst undertaking their studies. We know that taking on academic study can be a big challenge and often coincides with other changes in people’s lives. Therefore, this aspect of our pastoral provision offers places to find listening and encouragement as you study and are formed in the college community.

Community

Students have a Formation Group and a Formation Group Tutor while at the college. These groups meet regularly and are a key support structure while studying, a place to be rooted and formed during your time at college. The college also hosts events to build community, such as social events during residentials and teaching weeks so that students can develop friendships and connect with one another.

Learning Resources

Once students are enrolled, they are granted access to our online learning platform, Moodle. Moodle is a great tool, catered to each student’s bespoke needs, with module guides, student handbooks, assignment schedules, reading lists – everything they might need to excel at St Mellitus College. Moodle also provides an extensive and growing suite of digital learning resources. To support your learning, St Mellitus College offers a well-focussed collection of books and other resources which are easily accessible either on site in our print libraries or electronically from home.

Academic Support

We recognise that each student who comes to study has their own experience of academic learning.

It is normal to feel nervous about assignments, and in need of help, and the academic skills team are here to offer support with every concern, large or small. Support is primarily delivered through 1:1 appointments and drop-in sessions. During a 1:1 appointment, it is possible to discuss an assignment question, go through the details of referencing, find out how to read effectively for assessments, or review how to plan and manage your time effectively. In addition, there are many online resources available to encourage and develop key academic skills. The academic skills team also offers regular support to students who have a diagnosed specific learning difference (SpLD), such as dyslexia or ADHD, ensuring that all students can thrive in their academic work.

Spouses and Key Supporters

Training for ordination is a time of change and challenge for ordinands and for those who support them, and we have different ways for spouses and key supporters of ordinands and Caleb Stream students to participate in college life.

These include a termly email which gathers together resources and details of events and other organisations which may be helpful as you prepare for a new season. In addition, there are regular opportunities to attend mid-week teaching days and online times of prayer and conversation.

Open Days

Throughout the year, we hold Open Days at all our centres to give prospective students a sense of what it’s like to study and train at St Mellitus College. Visit stmellitus.ac.uk for a list of upcoming Open Days.

Application Process

The application process varies depending on your route of study, as outlined below.

To complete an application form, visit stmellitus.ac.uk/apply

For further information relating to the admissions process and entry requirements, please consult the Admissions Policy on our website. Please note, IELTS requirements will be needed for those who do not have English as a first language. All programmes and their mode of delivery are subject to change and dependent on cohort viability.

Introductory Students

To enrol in our introductory theology course, Beginning Theology, visit stmellitus.ac.uk/beginning-theology

Independent Undergraduate & Postgraduate Students

1. Book your place on an Open Day on our website or by emailing info@stmellitus.ac.uk

2. Attend an Open Day

3. Apply online at stmellitus.ac.uk/apply

4. If you meet the entry requirements, we’ll invite you for an interview

5. Attend an interview

6. Await an offer letter

Ordinands

1. Apply online at stmellitus.ac.uk/apply

2. Book your place on an Open Day on our website or by emailing info@stmellitus.ac.uk

3. Attend an Open Day and interview

4. Await an offer letter

Fees & Finances

Visit stmellitus.ac.uk/apply/fees for further information.