Blackfriars Studium welcomes not only religious, but also lay people, whether Catholic or of any faith or none, who wish to study philosophy and theology. We welcome applications from mature students (aged 21 or above) who can demonstrate an ability to pursue their chosen course successfully, and who wish to deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith and the associated theological and philosophical issues.

Studium students have access to a specialist reference library in Philosophy and Catholic Theology. Lectures take place on weekday mornings during term; tutorials take place on weekday mornings or afternoons. Mature students do not need to live in Oxford, but within easy commuting distance. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Oxford University Certificate and Diploma in Theological and Pastoral Studies - a Catholic pathway

From October 2009 Blackfriars Studium and Hall jointly offer you the opportunity to study Theology from a Catholic perspective over one or two years full-time leading to an Oxford University Certificate or Diploma in Pastoral Theology. Students study Scripture, the Sacraments and the Church, Revelation, and other major topics through a mix of tutorials and University lectures supplemented by additional lectures in the Blackfriars Studium.

Blackfriars' candidates for the one-year Certificate in Theological and Pastoral Studies will normally take at least four papers, including at least one Scripture Paper (Old or New Testament), a paper on doctrine, and a paper on Ecclesiology and the Sacraments. Two pieces of work will be submitted for summative assessment in each paper. These will take the form of one essay plus one project or one further essay.

Candidates for the two-year Diploma in Theological and Pastoral Studies will normally take at least eight papers, including at two Scripture Papers (Old and New Testament), a paper on doctrine, a paper on Ecclesiology and the Sacraments, and a paper on Moral Theology. You have the option in the Diploma of doing a special subject on St Thomas Aquinas or another major theologian from the Dominican tradition. Two pieces of work will be submitted for summative assessment in each paper. These will take the form of one essay plus one project or one further essay.

Sabbatical & Other Studies

We welcome enquiries from those who do not wish to study for a qualification but wish to spend from a term to a whole year studying in the Blackfriars Studium, for example, as part of a sabbatical or programme of on-going formation. We can put together a range of lectures and tutorials with both our own members of staff and other tutors to suit particular interests. Please contact us for more information.

Members of the public may also register to attend individual courses without accreditation.