Theology Summer School



Overview

Join us at Christ Church for a theology summer school on the theme of 'Christian Theology in Conversation with St Francis of Assisi’. 

Marking 800 years since St Francis's death, our 2026 programme explores how his life and thought can help us engage with and examine issues that we face today. From St Francis's concern for the environment and creation to his engagement with the arts, seminars will consider how theology speaks into these areas while walking in the footsteps of St Francis.

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

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

The summer school runs over two weeks, with the option to attend the full programme or one week of your choosing.

A range of optional social events, provided at no extra cost, will ensure that you are fully immersed in the Oxford experience. Events include a welcome reception on the Sunday of your arrival, a walking tour of Oxford’s religious 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. 

Image below: Christ Church Cloister Garden. The lead planter is inscribed with words from Revelations 22:2 ('The Leaves of the Tree are for the Healing of the Nations'), and contains an olive tree. The fountain represents peace and is inscribed with the words of Psalm 150.

Christ Church Cloister Garden

 

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.

Week 1: 2 - 8 August 2026

  • Seminars to be announced in February 2026

Week 2: 10 - 16 August 2026

  • Seminars to be announced in February 2026

Certification

Certificate of Attendance

All students who complete the programme will receive a certificate of attendance.

Digital badge

Upon successful completion you will also be issued with an official digital badge. After the course, you will receive an email with a link and instructions on how to download this. You will be able to share this on social media and add to your email signature if you wish to do so.

Fees

Description Costs
Non-residential (Week 1) - tuition, refreshments and dinner £1350.00
Non-residential (Week 2) - tuition, refreshments and dinner £1350.00
Residential (both weeks) - accommodation, tuition and meals £4050.00
Residential (Week One) - accommodation, tuition and meals £2025.00
Residential (Week Two) - accommodation, tuition and meals £2025.00

Funding

Oxford Lifelong Learning 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 2 to Saturday 8 August 2026 OR Sunday 9 to Saturday 15 August 2026), 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 2 to Saturday 15 August 2026), 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 8 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 one calendar month 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 Oxford Lifelong Learning.

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 2026. 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 2026, 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 should purchase travel insurance to cover the programme fee, travel costs, and any other expenses incurred (see 'cancellations and refunds', 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

Please see the terms and conditions for our short selective courses (2025-26 entry).

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. You are advised to check the terms and conditions carefully and to purchase travel insurance.

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 2026.

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 2026.

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 (available from February 2026). 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, Oxford Lifelong Learning, 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 2026, recieve the longer course descriptions and detailed reading lists, joining instructions, and arrival day arrangements.

Support for students with disabilities

Oxford Lifelong Learning 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 Oxford Lifelong Learning'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

Oxford Lifelong Learning welcomes international students on all its courses. However, it is the responsibility of successful applicants to ensure that they take the necessary steps to enable them to be admitted to the UK.

Depending on your nationality, you will have to either

You can check whether you will need a visa or ETA on the UK Government's website.

We strongly recommend that you establish whether you will require a visa before submitting your application. If you will require a visa, you should ensure your summer school application is submitted as early as possible to allow yourself sufficient time to complete the visa application process (see current visa processing times).

The Programme Administrator can provide all non-UK/Irish nationals enrolled on the summer school with a standard format pdf letter by email confirming enrolment and course details once their fees have been paid in full. Please note that these letters will be provided on request only.

For legal reasons the Programme Administrator is not permitted to provide any visa advice to applicants; any queries should be addressed to student.immigration@admin.ox.ac.uk.

The University takes no responsibility for a visa being denied. Please note that the standard cancellation policy applies in all cases. (See 'Cancellations and refunds' in the 'Payment' section, above.)

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 students are expected to participate fully in seminar discussions and are required to produce written work it is important that applicants can demonstrate an appropriate level of proficiency in the four language skills - listening, reading, writing and speaking.

If your first language is English and you have always been a citizen of and primarily resident in a majority English-speaking country recognised by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), you do not need to demonstrate your level of 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:

  1. Based on your previous education. If you have completed a full-time degree-level programme (bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate) 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 start date of the summer school. 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.
  2. Based on your professional experience. If you have worked in person for a minimum of two years in a majority English-speaking country where the main language for the role was English; your role involved daily professional use of each of the four language components (reading, writing, listening and speaking); you worked in an appropriately technical context to demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in an academic environment; and your role ended no more than two years before the start date of the summer school. You will need to provide a letter from your employer confirming this.

Accommodation

Residential options at Christ Church

Participants who choose to attend the summer school on a residential basis will have a single study bedroom. All rooms have private bathroom facilities (shower and toilet).

Bedrooms are located on the four floors of the 1960s-built Blue Boar Quad. 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 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.

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.

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