Wycliffe Hall Study Week 2026

We are pleased to announce that we will be joined by two visiting speakers to hear their unique takes on the topic of Freedom.

Freedom of Religion and Belief with Rt. Rev. Philip Mounstephen

Philip Mounstephen has been Bishop of Winchester since October 2023. He is a member of the House of Lords, and is the Church of England’s lead Bishop for Comms and Media. Whilst Bishop of Truro he authored a report on the UK Government's response to the persecution of Christians. This led to a significant change in government policy, culminating in the passing of a joint UK-sponsored UN Security Council resolution on Freedom of Religion or Belief in 2023.

His past posts include being Bishop of Truro, head of the Church Mission Society and pastoring churches in Paris and London. He currently serves on Wycliffe Hall council, the Board of the University of Winchester, and is ‘Visitor’ to five Oxford colleges. He lives in Winchester with his wife Ruth and their dog Noggin.

In awe of the Creator; an interview with Jude Caisley

Jude's abstract paintings are primarily about releasing and reflecting what’s inside through the vehicle of colour and movement, whilst in awe of the Divine Creator. She joins us for a discussion about her inspiration and techniques; A process that allows for many happy accidents filled with grace.

Her session will involve a practical element to help us reflect on God's work through artistic expression. Jude has participated in a number of group exhibitions as well as running her own solo shows, including an ongoing exhibition at Wycliffe hall.

Wycliffe Hall is delighted to announce its second annual Study Week.

‘Freedom’ is widely regarded as a central human aspiration, but how are we to understand what freedom is from a Christian perspective, and what are the implications of that for our life and witness? ‘Thinking about Freedom’ provides an opportunity to engage with this vital issue through the different academic disciplines of the Wycliffe teaching staff.

This unique insight into life at the Hall includes lectures, discussion panels, book presentations, fellowship groups, meals in our dining hall and time to explore Oxford. Now in term-time, you will be living among our students for a true taster of college life. It is open to prospective students, alumni, clergy, the wider church, and anyone interested in joining the Wycliffe community. Applications are now open!

We want to open the application to people from all walks of life, so please let us know what you are hoping to get out of the week - especially if you are interested in longer term theological study in the UK.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis every 2 weeks, so apply now and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Please note that this application must be filled in separately for each member of your party, however they will be considered jointly when indicated you plan to travel together.

Room and board is included in the ticket price of £800 per person. This can be reduced if you do not need overnight accommodation at the Hall. All rooms are in single standard accommodation, where bathroom facilities are shared on their corridor.

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Seminars and Teaching sessions

With their expertise and diverse fields of study, our tutorial staff will give in-depth and fresh perspectives on theories of Freedom within theology and our lives.

Each session will be accessible to those who haven't studied theology before, or those returning to the discipline. We would reccommend a level of familiarity with academic study, but there is no pre-reading, assignments, accreditation or required level of experience.

We expect to have 2 seminar from our tutors each morning, with an application session following lunch. These afternoon sessions are yet to be confirmed, but will likley be from visiting artists and prominent figures who have worked on the subject of freedom.

Fellowship and Worship

Thinking about Freedom is designed after the pattern of a week for our own students.This includes morning Chapel services at the Hall, with sung and spoken worship, as well as sermons following the week’s theme.

We will also divide into smaller fellowship groups, led by our tutors, to reflect on what we’ve heard in the seminars, discussing and praying with one another. These will be groups of roughly 10 participants paired up with one of the week's tutors. These will be reflective and open spaces to talk about your experience of the week and the content of the talks.

We are looking to foster community within the attendees, but also integrate guests into the wider community of the Hall as this will be during the University term.

Meals and Excursions

All meals and accommodation will be included in the ticket price of £800 per person. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be served in the Dining Hall from dinner on Sunday to lunch on Friday.

There is also a number of tea, coffee and cake breaks for you to get to know each other and our teaching staff. This is a great time to ask about the content, Oxford or life studying at Wycliffe. Please notify us of any dietary requirements as soon as possible as we can accommodate nearly all allergies and dietary types with sufficient notice.

Each afternoon we will host an activity to help you make the most of summertime in Oxford. Some examples from the previous year were punting from Magdalen bridge, Evensong at Christchurch Cathedral and Croquet on our South Lawn.