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. 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. 

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 study as part of a diverse cohort of students all committed to rich engagement with theological study and exploration of God's call on their life. 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 (part-time students starting at level 4 also attend one teaching week per year). 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. 

Throughout each term you will delve into academic study and theological reflection, with one or two days of dedicated time for personal study and exploration each week. This approach allows you to fit your studies around your life, work and church, while helping 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.

At St Mellitus College, theology isn’t removed from everyday life. It equips you to serve God’s kingdom wherever you are — in the workplace, the church, the home, and your local community. Our programmes help you explore a practical theology that is not only studied, but lived out.

All of our undergraduate and postgraduate degrees are validated by Durham University.