Study pathways at Wycliffe Hall

We often share our students’ exceptional achievements, but have you ever found yourself wondering what they do day-to-day? Read on for an outline of who studies what at Wycliffe.

The Wycliffe Hall student community is made up of a mix of undergraduate and graduate students. Unlike most Oxford colleges, our undergraduate students don’t join us straight out of school; instead, everyone who studies here is a ‘mature student’ – which usually means they were over 21 at the start of their degree.

Some of our students, known as ‘ordinands’, are training for ordained ministry in the Church of England; others apply independently to study here.

What do our undergraduates study?

We offer three undergraduate degrees:

1. BA in Theology and Religion

2. BA in Philosophy and Theology

Ordinands apply directly to Wycliffe Hall for these. All other students apply for these in the same way as any Oxford degree, through UCAS, naming Wycliffe Hall as their preferred college when they apply.

3. BTh (Bachelor of Theology) 

Students apply to Wycliffe Hall directly to study this course. They can complete one, two or three years, leading to different qualifications:

1 year: Certificate in Theological Studies (CTS) 

Many people who want to take a year out to learn more about theology choose this year. They can also go deeper by adding on the Theologos programme to their studies (see below).

2 years: Diploma in Theological Studies (DTS)

3 years: Bachelor of Theology degree (BTh)

Some students take the BTh course part-time around other commitments, studying for twice as long.

What do our postgraduates study?

Students can take any graduate course offered by the University of Oxford and be a member of Wycliffe Hall. They apply directly to the Department for their course and request to join Wycliffe Hall as part of that application.

Most graduate students here have a reason for choosing this college. They might be studying a topic related to theology, possibly within the Faculty of Theology or within a closely related discipline like History or Philosophy; or they might be studying a very different discipline (like engineering or counselling) and want to take advantage of the deep Christian community and broader theological formation which we offer.

We have our own research hub with several Research Fellows, and our Graduate Centre organises events for grad students throughout the term, forming a strong community.

What do our ordinands study?

People who have been approved for ordination in the Church of England come to Wycliffe Hall to complete their theological training.

Most study on the BTh course for 2 or 3 years. Some ordinands take a BA or complete graduate study instead, depending on their previous education.

Alongside this, they take part in additional ministry formation:

• Intensive study weeks at the start and end of each term for ministry training on practical topics (for example, bereavement care and conducting funerals)
• Fortnightly focus mornings looking at a particular area of ministry practice
• Weekly practical placements at a wide range of city and rural churches, chaplaincies, prison or hospital ministries
• At least one long summer placement

All our students, regardless of what they are studying or at what level, are also welcome to join in with study weeks and focus mornings.

Spiritual formation as part of our community is a very important part of life here for our ordinands. We worship together and learn from and with one another every day.

Wraparound courses

Alongside their course, students can join 2 additional programmes designed to work around their existing studies.

Theologos runs alongside the CTS and is open to non-ordinands, providing a rhythm of daily prayer, worship and study; regular “fireside chats” with leading thinkers; and termly trips outside the hall and social events. It provides a formational community within which students can explore their own calling as Christians. 

Theomousikos equips church musicians and worship leaders to pursue musical excellence, deepen their theology and create in community. The year-long programme can be taken alongside any other course, including ordination training, and is also open to external participants.