Theology Summer School



Overview

Join us at Christ Church for a theology summer school on the theme of 'Christian Theology and the Task of Education'. From its inception, Christianity has explored the ways in which its own beliefs can be taught, but also the role secular education should play when interacting with religious belief. This years seminars will examine how Christianity and education intersect, and examine how Christian theological traditions might help us approach the task of education.

You'll enjoy lectures from leading scholars in the field of theology and participate in seminars led by members of Oxford University's Theology Faculty, distinguished theologians, and prominent church leaders.

The course takes place in the centre of Oxford at Christ Church, one of Oxford University's largest and most beautiful colleges, with both residential and non-residential options available.

The programme takes place over two weeks, with the option to attend the full programme or one week of your choosing.

A range of optional social events will be provided, at no extra cost, so you can fully immerse yourself in the Oxford experience. This includes a welcome reception on the Sunday of your arrival, a walking tour of Oxford's religous history, and a formal gala dinner to close each week of the programme. 

Who is this course for?

The course is for theologians, teachers of religious education, religious leaders, members of the clergy, and lay ministers and readers. 

While the focus of the summer school is Christian theology, religious leaders and members of other faiths are warmly welcomed.

Worship

Students are welcome to attend services at Christ Church Cathedral.

Oxford is a diverse city, rich in places of worship for people of many faiths and denominations. 

 

Programme details

Daily schedule

Academic timetable

The programme provides a minimum of 18.5 contact hours per week, comprising:

  • 12.5 hours of seminar meetings
  • 4 x 1.5 hour lectures each week.

Morning seminars run 9am-12pm, Monday-Friday, with a mid-session break of 30 minutes for refreshments. Classes will usually contain no more than 18 students. 

All students attend afternoon lectures, from 1.30-3pm, Monday-Thursday. Delivered by leading theologians, the lectures approach the summer school theme from different aspects. Each session includes time for questions and is followed by refreshments.

Meals

All meals included in the programme take place in Christ Church’s spectacular dining hall. Details of which meals are included in the residential and non-residential options can be found in the 'accommodation' section below.

Social programme

We warmly invite all participants to take part in the optional social programme. These activites, at no extra cost, include a welcome reception on the Sunday of your arrival, a walking tour of Oxford's religous history, and a formal gala dinner to close each week of the programme. 

Beyond the summer school, Oxford is a vibrant and diverse city with a busy cultural and social scene offering a wide variety of activities, and the weekend in the middle of the course is free for you to explore all it has to offer.

Seminar options

Applicants choose one seminar per week from the list below (or see this PDF).

Week 1: 3 - 9 August 2025

Play, Theology and Pedagogy – Dr Joanna Collicutt
This series of seminars will explore the role of play in Christian theology and its importance as a pedagogical tool, drawing on insights from psychology. The organising framework will be that of Godly Play (Berryman, 1995), an approach to faith-based education that has been used with children and adults of all ages and abilities. Themes to be explored will include the importance of wonder and its place in supporting intellectual humility and community service; assimilative play and conceptual expansion; object relations theory and the imagination; and the double-edged sword of humour.  While grounded in Christian theology, many of the insights are applicable to a wider range of educational contexts.

 

Christian Theology and the Challenge of Higher Education: From the Church Fathers to the Postmodern 'Multiversity' – Mr David Williams
This seminar will seek to orient students within the Christian tradition of higher education and to explore some ways in which we might draw upon and develop elements within that tradition to address contemporary challenges in higher education. We will look at the ancient Church’s critical embrace of the Graeco-Roman liberal arts tradition, the development of that tradition in the Medieval Church’s invention of the university, the challenge to that tradition posed by the Modern research university, and Christian perspectives on the challenges facing higher education today. Our material for discussion will include Biblical texts that have guided the Church’s thinking about education and excerpts from writings on education ranging from the Classical period to the present.

 

Life Together: Community-based Theological Training, from Benedict to Bonhoeffer and Beyond – Dr Ken Barnes
The crisis in theological education is well-attested. The combination of declining demand for traditional curricula and increased demand for flexibility has been a challenge to Christian educators for some time. The dramatic impact of Covid-19 restrictions, and the ubiquitous use of remote learning, has intensified the need for theological colleges, and the churches they serve, to radically re-think the nature, the purpose and the function of theological education. This class will explore whether the current crisis is an opportunity for the deployment of new technologies, and new pedagogies, in the rediscovery of an ancient model: community-based theological training.

Week 2: 11 - 17 August 2025

'Follow Me': Generation Z and the Search for Religious Meaning – Dr Edward David
This seminar explores how Generation Z, the first generation raised with smartphones, engages with religious and spiritual role models in an age of postmodern fragmentation. Participants will delve into how young people today conceive of meaning in a world marked by existential uncertainty and institutional disillusionment, drawing on Dr David’s most recent research project, ‘Understanding Generation Z’s Religious and Spiritual Role Models’. Through a literary-theological framework, this qualitative research project identifies five distinct narrative-types that young people tell: the Divine Disillusionment, Space Between, Self-help, Lost-and-found, and Simple Faith narratives. These narratives challenge the portrayal of Gen Z as ‘religious nones’, highlighting their complex engagement with religion, spirituality, and moral exemplars—especially those encountered online.  By examining these narratives, participants will explore how Christian education can respond to Gen Z’s evolving spiritual commitments, providing pathways for connection and engagement through authentic, religious guidance.

 

The Wisdom Tradition: Past, Present and Future? – Dr Jonathan Brant
For much of human history, education was focused on formation, especially the development of wisdom and virtue.  This tradition might be traced through the wisdom literature of the Old Testament / Hebrew Bible; through the philosophy and pedagogy of classical Greece and Rome, for example in Aristotle and Aurelius; and onto the Patristic and Medieval epochs of the Christian Church, from Augustine to Aquinas.  While this tradition appeared to be eclipsed in the modern period, there are signs that it is making a return, building on the renewed interest virtue ethics first championed at Oxford by Elizabeth Anscombe, and the more recent revival of ‘classical’ schools.  This seminar will lead participants through the history of this great tradition, considering strengths and weaknesses of its various manifestations, and considering what its value might be for today’s educational landscape.

 

The Importance of Cultivating a Psychologically-informed Theological Education – Dr Liz Gulliford
In this series of seminars participants will examine what a psychologically-informed theological education looks like and why this task of psychological education is vital for individuals and for the Church as whole. One area this is especially important is in relation to the understanding and practice of forgiveness. This will be the primary focus of the sessions over the course of the week. In addition, Dr Liz Gulliford will also facilitate the group’s exploration of other areas where a psychological perspective can complement and enrich our theological understanding.

Certification

Participants will receive a physical Certificate of Attendance at the end of the course.

You will also be eligible for a digital badge of attendance. Information on how to access this digital certificate will be emailed to you after the end of the course. This digital badge will show your name, the course title and the dates of the course you attended. You will be able to download your certificate or share it on social media if you choose to do so. 

Fees

Description Costs
Non-residential (Week 1) - tuition, refreshments and dinner £1300.00
Non-residential (Week 2) - tuition, refreshments and dinner £1300.00
Residential (both weeks) - accommodation, tuition and meals £3900.00
Residential (Week One) - accommodation, tuition and meals £1950.00
Residential (Week Two) - accommodation, tuition and meals £1950.00

Funding

The Department is, unfortunately, unable to offer any scholarships, bursaries or reduction in fees for this summer school.

Payment

Programme fees

  • Residential for one week only: For the week of your choosing, the programme fee includes accommodation in a single room with private shower and toilet for 6 nights (Sunday 3 to Saturday 9 August 2025 OR Sunday 10 to Saturday 16 August 2025), tuition (one seminar series and four lectures), and meals in hall (breakfast and refreshments Monday-Saturday and dinner Sunday-Friday). Lunch is not provided.

  • Residential for both weeks: The programme fee includes accommodation in a single room with private shower and toilet for 13 nights (Sunday 3 to Saturday 16 August 2025), tuition (one seminar series per week and eight lectures), and meals in hall (breakfast and refreshments Monday-Saturday and dinner Sunday-Friday). Lunch is not provided. Please note: dinner is not provided on Saturday 9 August.

  • Non-residential for each week: the programme fee includes tuition (one seminar series and four lectures) and dinner and refreshments at Christ Church from Sunday-Friday.

Invoicing and payment

Successful applicants who accept their offer of a place on the summer school will be invoiced for the appropriate programme fee once they have been formally enrolled on the programme.

Invoices will be emailed to participants together with full instructions for payment. Fees may be paid online with a credit or debit card, or by bank transfer.

Students are required to pay the full fee within 30 days of the date on which their invoice was issued. Late applicants (see 'application', below) are required to pay the full fee within 7 days of their invoice date.

When you have paid your fees

Your place on the summer school is confirmed as soon as your payment is received by the Department.

You will receive a receipt for your payment: an automated email from webpayments@conted.ox.ac.uk if paid online, or via email from theologysummer@conted.ox.ac.uk if paid by bank transfer.

The Programme Administrator will provide all non-UK/Irish nationals enrolled on the summer school with a standard format pdf letter by email confirming enrolment and course details (see 'level and demands', below).

The status of this course will be reviewed on 15 May 2025. If it is likely that individual seminars or the course may be cancelled, all those affected will be notified by email within 7 days, and possible options clearly explained.

If you have not heard from the Department by 22 May 2025, you should assume that the course and your seminars will be running; there is no need to contact us to confirm. You may wish to delay finalising your travel arrangements until after this date.

Important notes

  • Students need to purchase travel insurance to cover the programme fee, travel costs, and any other expenses incurred (see 'cancellations', below).
  • A student's place on the summer school is not confirmed until their fees have been paid in full.
  • Places will not be held for students whose fees are not paid in full by the due date.
  • In no circumstances will students be admitted to the summer school unless all fees have been paid in full.
  • If you are a non-UK participant you will receive a letter via email confirming your enrolment and course details which may be used to support a visa application. 

Cancellations and refunds

1. Cancellation by you

  • You have the right to cancel your contract at any time within 14 days, beginning on the day you paid your fees. You will receive a full refund of any payments you have made.
  • If you cancel your place at any time after the expiry of the 14-day period you will not be entitled to a refund.

2. Cancellation by us

The Department reserves the right to alter details of any course should illness or any other emergency prevent a tutor from teaching, and to cancel a course or seminar if exceptionally low enrolment would make it educationally unviable.

In these circumstances, the Department also reserves the right to give you notice in writing at any time before the course is due to start. You will receive a full refund of any course fees you have paid. Please be aware that, if we cancel a course, our liability is limited to any course fees we have received from you; we will not compensate you for any pre-booked travel costs or any other expenses incurred.

3. Travel insurance

All participants must purchase travel insurance to cover the programme fee, travel costs, and any other expenses incurred. The Department cannot be held responsible for any costs you may incur in relation to travel or accommodation bookings as a result of a course cancellation, or if you are unable to attend the course for any other reason.

Teaching methods

Students will attend a lecture programme and one seminar series per week of enrolment.

Elements of seminar teaching will normally include:

  • mini lectures by tutors; and
  • tutor-led class discussions.

Application

Before you submit your application

Please ensure you:

  • meet the admissions requirements (see 'selection criteria', below);
  • make sure you have all the required supporting documents listed below;
  • are familiar with the terms and conditions of enrolment on the summer school, especially those relating to payment of fees and cancellations (see 'payment', above); and
  • read the 'important information regarding immigration and visa requirements' below.

The application process

Application deadline

Applications will be reviewed on a first-come-first-served or rolling basis until 31 May 2025.

There is a limited number of places available on every seminar, and in assigning successful applicants to classes the Programme Director will pay particular attention to applicants' personal statements.

Subject to the availability of places, late applications may be considered until 15 June 2025.

How to apply

Unless otherwise stated, all documents must be provided in PDF format.

To apply, the following must be submitted:

  • A completed APPLICATION FORM. Please ensure all sections are completed fully, clearly, and in BLOCK CAPITALS. This form is an editable PDF and can be filled in and saved online.
  • A brief statement of purpose (250-300 words) detailing your reasons for wishing to attend the summer school. This should include what you hope to get out of the programme, and what you are likely to contribute to the intellectual life of the summer school. This may include the relevance of the summer school to your current employment, professional or personal development, or present course of study. It is essential that you clearly state your reasons for wishing to enrol on specific seminars.
  • In the case of non-native speakers of English, official evidence of English language proficiency.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Applications should be emailed to theologysummer@conted.ox.ac.uk or posted to: Theology Summer School, Department for Continuing Education, 1 Wellington Square, OXFORD, OX1 2JA, UK.

After you have submitted your application

You will receive an email from theologysummer@conted.ox.ac.uk confirming receipt of your application, and informing you when your application will be reviewed by the Programme Director.

Notification of the Programme Director's decision

Applicants will normally be notified of the Programme Director's decision by email from theologysummer@conted.ox.ac.uk within 14 days of their application having been received.

Applicants who are offered a place on the summer school must respond in writing within 14 days to accept or decline the offer. In accepting an offer of a place applicants are committing to paying their programme fees in full by the due date.

Late applicants will be notified within 7 days of their materials having been received, and successful applicants will then have 7 days in which to accept or decline the offer of a place.

Enrolment

Participants will be formally enrolled on the summer school once they have accepted their offer of a place. Following enrolment the student will

  • be issued an invoice together with full instructions for payment (see "Payment", above);
  • By the end of June 2025, recieve the longer course descriptions and detailed reading lists, joining instructions, and arrival day arrangements.

Support for students with disabilities

The Department welcomes applications from students with disabilities or learning difficulties. Individual student needs are taken into account, and adaptations and assistance provided within the resources available. We ask that students advise us in advance where any special provision might be needed. For further information, see our support for students page.

When applying for the Department's college-based summer programmes, prospective participants with mobility difficulties or visual or hearing impairments (for example) may also wish to consult the University Access Guide. This includes specific information about University buildings, many of which are centuries old, and the extent to which modern adaptations have been made to support accessibility.

Prospective participants are also encouraged to contact the Programme Administrator at theologysummer@conted.ox.ac.uk to make preliminary enquiries regarding access or disability support.

Any queries?

Please contact the Programme Administrator by email at theologysummer@conted.ox.ac.uk

Immigration and visa requirements

The Department welcomes international students on all its courses. However, it is the responsibility of successful applicants to ensure that they conform to UK immigration law.

Please ensure your summer school application is submitted as early as possible to allow yourself sufficient time to complete the visa application process.

The Programme Administrator will provide all non-UK students with a standard format pdf letter by email confirming enrolment and course details once their fees have been paid in full.

For legal reasons the Programme Administrator is not permitted to provide any visa advice to applicants. You can find information about visitor visas on the University visa and immigration webpages.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have taken the necessary steps to enable you to be admitted to the UK. The university takes no responsibility for a visa being denied at any point before or during a course.

If you fail to attend the course and are from a nationality that require a visa before coming to the UK, we may need to contact the Home Office if we have issued you with a standard format pdf letter for visa purposes to cancel this visa.

Please note that the standard cancellation policy applies in all cases (see Cancellations, above).

European Economic Area (EEA) or Swiss nationals (excludes Irish nationals) 

You do not need a visa to enter the UK to participate in the summer school. From 5 March 2025 you will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation before entering the UK. You can find details about the ETA on the UK Goverment website. You can enter as a visitor for up to 6 months by using your passport or identity card at the eGates. Note that from 1 October 2021, you will not be able to use your identity card and will need to show your passport; this is explained on the UK Government website. The Programme Administrator will provide all non-UK students with a standard format pdf letter by email confirming enrolment and course details once their fees have been paid in full which you should keep in your hand luggage in case you are ever asked any questions on arrival. If you have pre-settled or settled status granted under the EU Settlement Scheme this paragraph does not apply. 

Non-EEA nationals 

a. Nationals from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, USA 

If you hold a passport from one of these countries you can enter via the eGates as a visitor for up to 6 months. You will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation before entering the UK. You can find details about the ETA on the UK Goverment website. However, you should still keep the standard format pdf letter we will provide you in your hand luggage in case of any queries, or in case you need to attend a staffed desk if the eGates are not working or if the eGates cannot recognise the chip in your passport. 

b. Other non-EEA nationals 

You may need to apply for a visa before coming to the UK depending on which passport you hold. You can check if you need a visa before coming to the UK on the UK Government website 

  • If the website shows that you require a visa: you must apply for a visitor visa before coming to the UK. Please check current visa processing times to find out how long getting a visa might take in the country you are applying from. 

  • If the website shows that you do not require a visa: you will still need to bring certain documents to show at the border in order to be admitted as a visitor

If you are not a national in section a. we strongly recommend that you establish whether you will require a visa before submitting your application.

Level and demands

Participants are expected to:

  • undertake preparatory reading in advance of the programme;
  • attend all seminar sessions and plenary lectures; and
  • be actively engaged with their seminar topics.

Selection criteria

This is an intensive programme of study taught to an informed international audience aged 18 and over. Applicants should be confident that they are academically and linguistically prepared for such a programme.

Academic requirements

Applications are welcomed from:

  • members of the clergy, especially as part of their continuing ministerial development;
  • lay ministers and readers;
  • theologians;
  • teachers of religious education;
  • those undertaking theological study at university level.

Although the focus of the summer school is Christian theology, religious leaders and members of other faiths are warmly welcomed as participants.

English language requirements

As participantss are expected to participate fully in seminar discussions  it is important that applicants can demonstrate an appropriate level of proficiency in English.

Applicants for whom English is not their first language must provide evidence of their proficiency in the form of an original certificate or a certified copy that is not more than two years old on the date the summer school starts. These applicants must satisfy one of the following requirements:

English language test waiver

The requirement to provide English language test scores may be waived in either of the following circumstances:

  • If you have completed a full-time degree-level programme at a recognised institution where teaching and assessment throughout the course was undertaken entirely in English, and the programme was completed with a gap of no more than two academic years to the course to which you are applying. If you studied this course in a country that is not majority English speaking, you will need to provide evidence that the course was taught in English. This can either take the form of a link to the appropriate page of the institution’s website or a statement from the institution confirming this.
  • If you have worked for a minimum of two years in a majority English speaking country where the main language for the role was English, and your role involved daily professional use of each of the four language components (reading, writing, listening and speaking) in person.

Accommodation

Residential options at Christ Church

Participants who choose to attend the summer school on a residential basis will have a single study bedroom.

Bedrooms are located on the four floors of the 1960s-built Blue Boar Quad; all rooms have private bathroom facilities (shower and toilet). Please note that Christ Church bedrooms do not have lift access, and the higher rooms can be located up a few flights of stairs. If you need a room on a ground or lower floor please indicate this on your application, or contact the programme administrator prior to your arrival.

Participants cannot be accommodated at Christ Church either prior to or beyond their programme dates. Family members and/or friends who are not enrolled on this summer school cannot be accommodated in college.

Participants will take meals (breakfast Monday 4 August to Saturday 16 August for residential participants and dinner Sunday-Friday for all participants) in Christ Church’s spectacular dining hall. Each evening's meal will be a served three-course dinner, with a five-course gala dinner on each Friday. Participants make their own arrangements for lunch. Should participants have any dietary requirements they are asked to complete the relevant section on the application form.

Please be aware that accommodation at Christ Church is limited and may not be available for those who submit their applications towards the end of the admissions period.

Ground-floor accommodation

Christ Church does not have a lift and there are a limited number of ground-floor bedrooms. If you require a bedroom on the ground floor, or you have any access concerns, please contact the Programme Administrator at theologysummer@conted.ox.ac.uk.

Non-residential option

Students who choose to attend the summer school on a non-residential basis are responsible for finding their own accommodation. Information on accommodation in Oxford is available at:

Dinner is provided for non-residential participants at Christ Church from Sunday-Friday, and participants are welcome to attend all aspects of the social programme.

IT facilities

WiFi is available throughout the college, including the bedrooms, although due to the thick walls some areas have better access than others. Participants will receive instructions on how to access this service and internet support will be available during the summer school office hours. There are no computers provided for participants' use at Christ Church.

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support