I'm not an Ordinand. Can I come and study in the Federation?
Yes. Most Member Institutions accept independent students as well as those exploring their vocation. Our post-graduate courses are also suitable for people who have been in ministry for a while.
How do I apply?
If you want to study at undergraduate level you will need to join one of the Federation Institutions.
You can study the MA in Pastoral Theology or the Professional Doctorate as an independent student, or through one of our Member Institutions. Refer to the appropriate Course page for more details on how to apply.
Which Institution of the Federation should I apply to ?
A brief description of each of the Institutions is given under Member Institutions and you can find out more about them by following links to their individual sites.
Which Course should I undertake ?
Students who are training for authorised ministry within their denomination are likely to be advised by their sponsoring church, and by the Director of Studies of the Institution they join. Independent students should also seek advice from the Admissions Tutor or Director of Studies as part of the application process. Independent or non church sponsored students wishing to undertake postgraduate study should contact the Federation Office in the first place. In all cases, start by looking at the descriptions of each of the Courses.
How is teaching arranged?
In Cambridge undergraduate classes take place during the day. For the regional courses, teaching is geared to part-time students – a mixture of tutorials (which may be individually arranged), evening classes, and weekends. Teaching for the MA in Pastoral Theology takes place during the day in Cambridge and on Saturdays in regional centres. Some modules may also run in the evening in Cambridge.
What are the fees ?
If you are joining one of the Institutions, you will be advised by the Admissions Tutor of the fees you will need to pay for teaching, tutorial support and other costs associated with being a member of that Institution, including accommodation costs if you are coming into residence. Any fees due to the Federation or the validating University will be included in this figure.
Current fees for independent students taking the MA in Pastoral Theology or the Professional Doctorate can be obtained from the Federation office (general-enquiries@theofed.cam.ac.uk).
Is living accommodation provided ?
Some of the Member Institutions are also able to provide accommodation for their students. You should check their websites or contact them to see what is offered.
Is Bursary support available ?
The Federation has no bursary funds and is not in a position to offer any financial support to students. In certain cases we can put you in touch with possible sources of bursary support, but nothing more than that. If you join an Institution, support might be available and you should discuss your situation with the Admissions Tutor. For undergraduate courses recognised by the Department for Education, students might be eligible for support through the Student Loans Company.