Durham University - Undergraduate Pre-application Open Day
26 Jun 2026, 08:00
Durham
Course details
An integral part of St. John’s College, Cranmer Hall offers a varied programme of academic awards in Theology, Ministry and Mission from Durham University. The undergraduate courses are validated through Common Awards, the national validation programme for theological and ministerial education, which is itself based at Durham University.
Our vision is to provide a ministerially focused theological education in which theology informs mission and ministerial practice, and ministerial practice informs theology.
Cranmer Hall forms part of St John’s College, an independent college within Durham University. St John’s was established in 1909 to train ministers for the Church of England, and today is home to a burgeoning community of undergraduate and postgraduate students studying a wide range of subjects.
Cranmer Hall at Durham University
Set within a World Heritage Site, we are committed to excellence of provision in all areas of training and pay particular attention to tailoring courses to the needs of individuals.
Most students on our courses are full time, but many students study on a part-time basis to allow academic work to take place alongside existing commitments. The teaching programme follows the University terms and is usually onsite and in-person.
Although an Anglican foundation, Cranmer Hall welcomes students from a variety of backgrounds. Most students are training for ordained ministry or for church leadership (Anglican and Free Church), but some are independent students. Whatever their background, all are attracted by the prospect of an academic theology course which seeks to train people for mission and ministry in today’s world.
Cranmer Hall has good links with Durham University’s Department of Theology and Religion. It is therefore possible for Cranmer Hall students to take modules offered by the Department, and vice versa.
Facilities
Our purpose-built Learning Resource Centre is open 24/7. The library is light, spacious and congenial for study, with 86 study desks as well as a group study room for up to 8 people. Our excellent stock of around 27,000 books includes a particularly fine theology collection. About 1,000 books on a wide range of subjects are added to stock each year.
We have a state of the art lecture theatre and a seminar room. Both of the teaching spaces are fitted with lecture capture technology increasing accessibility for all learners.
Career Opportunities
Our programmes are designed to give you a strong and broad foundation of subject-specific knowledge as well as transferable skills and personal qualities developed during your studies: thinking clearly, writing well, presenting arguments, analysing texts, assessing evidence, pursuing and organising research. These skills are highly valued across many sectors.
Our graduates readily find employment in fields such as church leadership and ministry, chaplaincy, para-church organisations, youth and children’s ministry and the charity sector.
A significant number also progress onto higher-level study, such as postgraduate study in Theology and Ministry or our Doctor of Theology and Ministry programme.
The majority of our students go straight into employment after completing their studies with us.
Choose a specific option to see funding information.
Course optionsCranmer Hall offers a number of Bursaries to support people from all backgrounds to train for Christian leadership and ministry. For further details including eligibility and deadlines for application please see: https://www.cranmerhall.com/contact/apply/
The Palatine Centre
Stockton Road
Durham
DH1 3LE
Phone:0191 334 1000