St Mellitus College Prospectus 2024-2025

Theologically confident and committed followers of Jesus in every church

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

ROMANS 8:28

Message from the Dean

Revd Russell Winfield Dean of St Mellitus College

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.

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. We pioneer creative approaches to training that enable Christians to explore their faith deeply whilst remaining rooted in the Church.

We want every person we send out to be given a heart and a vision for the gospel and formed into Christlikeness. What excites me in my role as Dean is that we get to fan into flame the work that God is doing in the lives of our students. As you study and train at St Mellitus College, the most important question we’ll ask is, ‘Are you becoming more like Jesus?’ That is what matters.

We draw together a diverse group of people from so many different walks of life who desire to listen to the Spirit and deepen their understanding of God, His word and His world. It is a privilege to journey with every student who entrusts their time to us, as we equip you to make a difference for the cause of Christ. Our passion is to walk alongside every student, helping you develop a theological imagination that shapes the way the world is viewed.

All staff and students are 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 may serve in a range of contexts; from different backgrounds, cultures and traditions, but all are committed to love and serve Christ. This is a place of prayer and worship where you will cultivate friendships and networks which will sustain and resource you.

Our model of training combines theology with practice, enabling you to apply your learning directly to your workplaces, churches and communities. We will equip you to grow in your relationship with God, deepen your understanding of faith, and develop your ability to communicate that faith to others. 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.

We would love to hear from you and share the journey of training, formation and leadership that God is calling you on.

Our Centres

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

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.

CHELMSFORD

LONDON

Our Centres

CHELMSFORD

Chelmsford Cathedral, CM1 1TY

St Mellitus College, Chelmsford offers part-time ordination and Licensed Lay Ministry training, as well as part-time undergraduate programmes on Thursday evenings.

When - Thursdays (6pm - 9pm)

Contact - chelmsford@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.

When - Tuesdays (9:30am-4:30pm)

Contact - eastmidlands@stmellitus.ac.uk

LONDON

HTB Courtfield Gardens, London, SW5 0LX

St Mellitus College, London offers full-time context-based ordination training and undergraduate and postgraduate programmes on Mondays, and part-time ordination and undergraduate programmes on Tuesday evenings. Introductory programmes are held online on Tuesday evenings and in-person on Thursday evenings.

When - Mondays (9:30am – 4:30pm)

Tuesdays (6:15pm – 9pm)

Tuesdays online (6:30pm – 8:30pm)

Thursdays (6:30pm - 8:30pm)

Contact - london@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 and postgraduate programmes.

When - Tuesdays (9:30am – 4:30pm)

Contact - southwest@stmellitus.ac.uk

EAST MIDLANDS

SOUTH WEST

Why Study Theology?

Dr Jane Williams McDonald Professor in Christian Theology

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

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 Christ-like lives in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Student Story: Dimitri

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF

My name is Dimitri, I’m 31 years old. My family are Grenadian and I am a spoken word artist. I first felt the call to be an ordinand when I was nineteen. I thought, ‘nah this can’t be for me’. During this time I really grew, and was shown how things really happen in God’s timing rather than our own linear time. I then passed the discernment process and now I find myself placed at my home church, on the road to priesthood.

WHAT DREW YOU TO STUDY AT ST MELLITUS COLLEGE?

My discernment year was via the Peter Stream at St Mellitus College, however I had heard about the College around 10 years before. When praying about studying here, the biggest thing for me was realising I was coming here because it was the best thing for me, not because of everyone else who had come before me. I came in and realised, ‘this is where I’m supposed to be.’ It really felt like home.

WHAT DIFFERENCE HAVE YOUR STUDIES AT ST MELLITUS COLLEGE HAD ON YOUR LIFE AND FAITH?

It has challenged me in a really productive and positive way. I have found maturity and ownership when learning about my own faith, and where there have been challenges, I have been reminded to have a firm foundation. I remember hearing a statistic around the amount of people that study theology and decide that Christianity isn’t for them anymore. I often find myself asking the question, ‘what am I being rooted in as my firm foundation?’

St Mellitus College has given me the space to grapple with stuff and the room to communicate. I believe this helps to enhance the community we are part of. I’ve been able to go on this journey and really see the part I have to play and how life-giving it is sitting with Jesus in those moments of spiritual discipline and being faithful in your prayer time.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE CULTURE AT ST MELLITUS COLLEGE?

Fun, friendly and faithful, because of the atmosphere that everyone brings and the energy. Whatever your mindset or wherever you are at, you will always see a friendly face. What has also been key for me, is regardless of the denominations, that we come from, our Christian faith is our core value.

WHAT TIPS OR ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A PROSPECTIVE STUDENT THINKING OF STUDYING HERE?

I would say come to an Open Day, prayerfully go into it and come with questions. Everyone can bring something. If you feel you might be coming empty handed, you are bringing more than you realise.

WHAT HAVE YOU ENJOYED THE MOST ABOUT STUDYING AT ST MELLITUS COLLEGE?

The worship times. When we have prayed the Collect or used different liturgy, it’s a reminder of the testimonies and the words that have gone before us. Being charismatic evangelical, I don’t always get that all the time to that magnitude. Being able to see people express their different ways of worship has been really beautiful to see.

I came in and realised, this is where I’m supposed to be . It really felt like home.

Through my education and future plans in ministry, I aspire to be a catalyst for transformation .

Routes Overview

Our different routes into study are:

Introductory Course

Ordination Training

Independent Study

Peter Stream

Caleb Stream

Licensed Lay Ministry

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 this: theological study alongside serving in your community.

Ordination Training

St Mellitus College specialises in training women and men 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. The College has a first-rate academic teaching staff, alongside a wide range of visiting professors and associate lecturers. We draw on a pool of experienced church practitioners who help develop each ordinand’s capacity for effective church leadership.

St Mellitus College has a reputation for teaching excellence at both undergraduate and postgraduate level, providing outstanding academic provision and ensuring students are significantly challenged to achieve their full potential. All our ordinands are rooted in local churches or mission contexts whilst undertaking their theological study. On the full-time route, ordinands spend half their week in a church context, ministering under a training supervisor, while our part-time ordinands learn to integrate their theological studies into their working life or local church context.

Students engage in academic study, leadership development and theological reflection throughout each term, in addition to having two days per week for personal study. They will also attend five weekends and one annual residential week for teaching across the year, and one retreat weekend during their time training. Ordinands from our various centres across the country meet at the residentials to worship and learn together. 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 the value of ‘Generous Orthodoxy’.

Each ordinand is also part of a Formation Group, consisting of a small group of ordinands who journey together through training, with their Tutor acting as the primary point of contact for academic and pastoral support and formation. We also have an excellent chaplaincy team in College and access to a counselling service which, along with the staff team, are dedicated to prayerfully and professionally supporting our students.

St Mellitus College has a reputation for teaching excellence at both undergraduate and postgraduate level, providing outstanding academic provision and ensuring students are significantly challenged to achieve their full potential.

I’m not sure I would’ve gone for ordination training if St Mellitus College, or something like it, wasn’t on offer.

Independent Study

We believe that studying theology is important for all Christians, to explore and live out our faith and calling. Theology is not just for those involved in formal church leadership, but for anyone wanting to grow as disciples and present a coherent witness in a changing world.

Whatever your context, as an independent student at St Mellitus College you will be enabled to think theologically about what you do, and how you do it. You will be equipped in your ministry and mission in your workplace, your church, at home, or wherever you may be.

Students engage in academic study and theological reflection throughout each term, in addition to having one or two days per week for personal study.

Independent students also attend one or two non-residential teaching weeks each academic year (dependent on whether undertaking full- or part-time study). At teaching weeks, independent students from our various centres across the country meet in our London Centre to worship and learn together. This formative experience allows for wider learning and friendships to form across the breadth of traditions held by our student body and is part of how we live out the value of ‘Generous Orthodoxy’.

Independent study at St Mellitus College is designed to fit around your context, to help you explore what it might look like to study and live out a practical theology, immersed in your locality.

Learning to study God, and having conversations with different theologians, has massively helped me to further my walk with God in loving him with my mind.

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 offers a distinctive experience of discernment, complementing the Church of England processes by offering candidates a diverse community of peers to journey with, alongside theological and formational teaching within the context of a worshipping community at St Mellitus College.

This year-long programme is designed to identify and encourage the gifts and calling of people and prepare them for the national discernment process.

The Peter Stream seeks to redress underrepresentation in ordained leadership in the Church of Englandethnic, social, and educational. It is open to candidates who have faced exclusion for these reasons and more.

The focus is on supporting candidates on their vocational journey, helping them in the discernment process while encouraging their desire to grow in faith in Jesus and the gifts He has given.

The Peter Stream helped me to understand what calling is, and what vocation meant.

Caleb Stream Licensed Lay Ministry

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 one year.

Caleb was strong and vigorous in exercising his ministry well into his mature years (Joshua 14). This stream aims to mobilise a generation rich in Christian leadership and life experience to serve in parishes across the UK.

Across the one year 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 a series of in-person and online engagement, as well as the national discernment processes.

All my life has been a calling to ministry.

LLMs are trained for lay leadership within their local churches and are authorised by the Church to teach, preach, lead worship and give pastoral care. They are leaders in mission and ministry in their parishes and personal contexts.

We deliver Licensed Lay Ministry (LLM) training in partnership with the Diocese of Chelmsford. To join the LLM programme at St Mellitus College, students first go through a period of discernment and

selection in their local churches and diocese and are then recommended for training.

If selected, training usually lasts three years and is designed to develop theological understanding and practical ministerial skills. LLMs will study for a Certificate in Christian Ministry and Mission.

You leave feeling refilled and rejuvenated.

Student Story: Rachel

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF

My name is Rachel and I’m from Northampton. My background is working in the mental health sector, which is still a matter close to my heart. I enjoy hiking, camping, and spending time outdoors and am particularly interested in walking pilgrimages. I also enjoy Rugby and support the Northampton Saints.

WHAT DREW YOU TO STUDY AT ST MELLITUS COLLEGE?

What drew me to St Mellitus College was the option of contextual-based learning. I like the idea of part academic and part practical training. I have a diagnosis of dyslexia, and practical learning is my preferred method. I have gained much from my parish placement working with an experienced parish priest. The College offers support for those with learning difficulties like myself, and having access to the Academic Skills team has benefited my learning and growth. The College emphasises Generous Orthodoxy, where various Christian traditions are appreciated. This was another key factor in choosing the College, and I wanted to experience the width of the Anglican church.

WHAT DIFFERENCE HAS YOUR TRAINING AT ST MELLITUS COLLEGE HAD ON YOUR LIFE AND FAITH?

I feel prepared and confident for the next stage of my calling. Yet, I recognise the process of learning continues. I am able to articulate my thoughts more carefully, trusting in the training I have received. I am adding tools to my “theological toolbox”, equipping myself for a future of ministry and mission. I have gained a wealth of knowledge and expertise from my formation group, given the chance to hear from others about their experiences and their journeys of faith. Those around me have inspired me.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE CULTURE AT ST MELLITUS COLLEGE?

St Mellitus College is more than an educational institution. It is a Christ-centred community that thrives on diversity and values the contributions of those it aims to serve. Friendships are made, fellowship is encouraged, and I have felt supported by those I study and worship with. As learners, we are stretched to think deeply about our faith, tackle big questions and wrestle with our own understandings. The College promotes a culture of formation inside and outside of the classroom. Our interactions and relationships with each other matter.

WHAT TIPS OR ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A PROSPECTIVE STUDENT THINKING OF STUDYING HERE?

If you like the idea of learning that includes practical forms, this College is for you. Contextual-based learning has been a positive experience and enabled me to thrive during my studies. As a full-time Ordinand, attending College one day a week and residentials fits in with family life. I have gained much from spending time with people from other traditions of the Church. If you want variety, you’ll find it at St Mellitus College.

WHAT HAVE YOU ENJOYED THE MOST ABOUT STUDYING AT ST MELLITUS COLLEGE?

Embracing the breadth and depth of what it means to be a Christian in the Anglican church. I feel more well-rounded from being at St Mellitus. It has given me a strong platform to build my future ministry. Learning to love God and people in a more Christ-shaped way. Being forged and transformed through learning, gaining valuable knowledge and vital experience to share the Gospel more confidently and lead others in that journey. As I prepare for Ordination, I know that God walks with me in my studies and has blessed me, through the support of the College, to achieve many good things in His name.

The College promotes a culture of formation inside and outside of the classroom .

Programmes Overview

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

Beginning Theology

INTRODUCTORY UNDERGRADUATE

Certificate of Higher Education in Theology, Ministry and Mission*

Diploma of Higher Education in Theology, Ministry and Mission*

Graduate Diploma in Theology, Ministry and Mission*

BA (Hons) in Theology, Ministry and Mission*

POSTGRADUATE

MA in Theology, Ministry and Mission*

PhD Partnership with Durham University

Validation

*These undergraduate and postgraduate academic awards offered by St Mellitus College are validated by Durham University.

Beginning Theology

INTRODUCTORY PROGRAMME

Certified by St Mellitus College

It has allowed me to understand the Bible, my context and how God works in us and through us using our gifts, experiences and obedience.

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 and equipped to speak into your context.

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

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.

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:

Emerging Generations

This option is for those with an interest in reflecting on ministry and mission to children, young people and young adults. Modules are offered at one of the teaching weeks in each level of study (Certificate, Diploma and BA) geared toward this, with topics such as Creating New Christian Communities and Introduction to Theology and Human Development in Children and Adolescents.

The Emerging Generations focus can be undertaken part-time or full-time, and at Certificate, Diploma or BA level.

Youth Ministry (available in our London Centre only)

Our Youth Ministry focus is for those with a particular heart or developing sense of call to work with young people in a variety of contexts. This focus offers the same optional modules as the Emerging Generations focus but also includes an additional core youth ministry specific module in each academic year.

Students choosing a focus in Youth Ministry should be working or volunteering in a context involving a minimum number of contact hours with young people and regular supervision. Further information on this aspect of the programme can be found via our website www.stmellitus.ac.uk/youth-ministry

Certificate in Theology, Ministry and Mission

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME

Validated by Durham University

I feel at home in St Mellitus College’s generous orthodoxy which is both taught and practiced with the utmost integrity.

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

The Certificate lays the building blocks of Christian theology by introducing foundational subjects such as Christian Tradition, Evangelism, Church History, Biblical Studies, Spirituality & Discipleship, and Christian Worship. 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 Ministry or Emerging Generations, alternative modules that focus on these areas will be undertaken.

CENTRES

All centres offer the Certificate for independent students. Youth Ministry focus is available on London Mondays.

PROGRAMME DURATION

Full-time (1 year)

Part-time (2 years)

We recommend a minimum of one-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.

Diploma in Theology, Ministry and Mission

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME

Validated by Durham University

It is so exciting to have the opportunity to engage theologically with other Christians in a way that is intellectually rigorous and personally challenging.

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, Practical Theology, Ecclesiology, and Leadership. For independent students choosing a focus on Youth Ministry or Emerging Generations, alternative modules that focus on these areas will be undertaken.

CENTRES

The diploma is offered full-time in our East Midlands, London Monday and South West centres. Additionally, it is offered part-time in our East Midlands and South West centres, as well as London Tuesdays and Chelmsford for ordinands. 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-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 and Mission

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME

Validated by Durham University

We learn a lot about God, we wrestle with tough questions, but it always comes back to worship.

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

The 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 Mission and Apologetics, Advanced Biblical Studies, Advanced Topics in Doctrine, and Issues in Contemporary Culture. All Degree students also undertake a longer piece of written independent research in theology.

Independent students choosing a focus in Youth Ministry or Emerging Generations will undertake specific modules related to these areas 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 and part-time in our East Midlands and South West centres. Youth Ministry focus is available on London Mondays.

PROGRAMME DURATION

Full-time (3 years) or Part-time (6 years)

We recommend a minimum of one-two additional day(s) 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 and Mission

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME

Validated by Durham University

My understanding of living the Christian life has been radically informed by my time here.

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

The Graduate Diploma programme offers students the opportunity to undertake the final year of the BA Hons programme, taking modules such as: Mission and Apologetics, 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 and 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.

MA in Theology, Ministry and Mission

POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMME

Validated by Durham University

The teaching you receive comes from lecturers who don’t just equip you on an academic level but also inspire you to go deeper in your faith.

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

When it comes to theology, the deepest rewards come from serious engagement with the Bible and key Christian figures and texts. This programme is 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, students can choose one of two foci for their MA study: Mission in Contemporary Culture; or Biblical Studies. 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 MA is offered in our East Midlands, London Monday and South West centres. The South West MA is subject to approval and will be hybrid delivery.

PROGRAMME DURATION

Full-time (1 year) - Please note that this is only possible for those undertaking modules that allow for a specialism in Mission in Contemporary Culture. This is only offered at the London centre. Part-time (2 years)

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 MA.

PhD Partnership with Durham University

POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMME

Validated by Durham University

The diversity among the students was another bonus. I heard many differing views from people I would otherwise not have had an opportunity to meet.

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

The quality of teaching has been first class, and is always accompanied by the winning mixture of academic rigour, deep faith, humour, and grace.

In my time at St Mellitus College, my Formation Group has been a source of mutual strength and support. I’ve made friendships that will last and learned so much from my fellow students.

At St Mellitus College you will be stretched by the theology you study and have the opportunity to reflect on the sort of 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.

To facilitate this, we focus on aspects of development that include personality, character, relationships, leadership, collaboration and community. 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.

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.

The experience is an exciting time of discovery. Formation can 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.

Formation groups are offered to Ordinand, Licensed Lay Ministry, 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.

Christian formation is ultimately dependent on the transforming work of the Spirit.

Student Story: Cameron

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF

I’m Cam and I live with my wife, Harriet, in Leicester, where I am placed at Holy Trinity church, in the city centre. I have been helping to lead a church plant in an inner city estate for the last couple of years, and I also am currently overseeing the worship team. Outside of work, I love playing, watching, and reading about sports (particularly cricket), and I am a big fan of Leicester City and Leicester Tigers.

WHAT DREW YOU TO STUDY AT ST MELLITUS COLLEGE?

A combination of life circumstances and wanting to continue to be embedded in a church community led me to train for Ordination in context, and St Mellitus College was the obvious choice. Their staff team and those external guests invited to share are excellent, ensuring both high quality teaching towards our degree and ministry formation. St Mellitus College’s focus on prayer and worship was also a big plus, their expectation that worship leads to study and vice versa has certainly proved to be true in my experience.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE CULTURE AT ST MELLITUS COLLEGE?

Great! It is a really joyful and supportive place to be, with the clear sense that everyone is working for your good as you study. The staff are great at making sure that we are relaxed and able to have a laugh whilst taking God and our training seriously. It’s a fun place to be!

WHAT DIFFERENCE HAS YOUR TRAINING AT ST MELLITUS COLLEGE HAD ON YOUR LIFE AND FAITH?

A massive difference - looking back over the previous couple of years studying at College makes it clear to see how much I have grown in knowledge, wisdom, and faith because of the teaching I have received and the challenge that studying academically is to your faith - it is something that will stretch you and enable you to grow. Having

regular formation groups means that there are fellow travellers for the journey with whom we get to share our challenges, growth points, and struggles, which has been so helpful to continue to put what I am learning into practice. Having been part of this community I feel ready as I’ll ever be to be ordained, and I’m sure that would be the same whatever you are studying at St Mellitus College for.

WHAT TIPS OR ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A PROSPECTIVE STUDENT THINKING OF STUDYING HERE?

Go for it! And be prepared to be stretched in an environment that will support your growth. And know that taking on study alongside whatever else you have on in your life (placement, work, family life etc.) will take a bit of getting used to as you adjust to the rhythm of reading and writing, so give yourself plenty of grace over the first couple of terms.

WHAT HAVE YOU ENJOYED THE MOST ABOUT STUDYING AT ST MELLITUS COLLEGE?

The people! It has been a place where I have made lots of friends for life and built deep connections because of the nature of studying and training together. Be prepared to make the most amazing friends during your time at College. Otherwise, having my understanding of God stretched through the study of doctrine and the Bible has been amazing, and I hope to be able to communicate all that I have learned well in my work.

Having been part of this community I feel ready as I’ll ever be to be ordained .

Chaplains and Counsellors

Support There has been wonderful mutual support from students and staff, especially from the chaplains who are very proactive in reaching out.

The College makes available a team of chaplains and has access to a counselling service to discuss anything students may be dealing with 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. Our current students find it such a gift to be able to talk things through with people who are impartial and excellent listeners.

Community

Students have a Formation Group and tutor while at College. These groups meet regularly and are a key support structure while studying. 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.

Online Resources

Once students are enrolled, they are granted access to our online learning platform, Moodle. This 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.

Academic Support

We recognise that students who come to study each have their own experience of academic learning. Some come from recent university courses and are confident about further study while others find the prospect of academic study more daunting. St Mellitus College is experienced in supporting students from all backgrounds as they engage in academic work. Part of this happens through the formation group system and other pastoral support. In addition, we have a team of academic skills tutors who help a range of students, whether making the step to postgraduate work, returning to study after many years, studying as an adult for the first time, or learning to study with dyslexia or another learning difference. As a College we are especially concerned to assist students with neurodiversity, such as SpLDs, so that they thrive in academic work and ministry.

Study With Us

We hold Open Days across our centres throughout the year to give a feel for 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 dependent on your route of study as indicated below. To complete an application form visit stmellitus.ac.uk/apply

For further information relating to the admissions process, please consult the Admissions Policy available on our website. All programmes and their mode of delivery are subject to change and dependent on cohort viability.

Introductory Students

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

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 and Finances

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

Find Out More

020 7052 0573 info@stmellitus.ac.uk stmellitus.ac.uk

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.

PHILIPPIANS 4:8

Theologically confident and committed followers of Jesus in every church

stmellitus.ac.uk