The Distance Learning Programmes in Catholic Theology
The Distance Learning Programmes in Catholic Theology, led by Durham University’s Centre for Catholic Studies.
Explore Catholic Theology by Distance Learning
The Distance Learning programmes in Catholic Theology, led by Durham University’s Centre for Catholic Studies (CCS), are designed so that participants can work through material at their own pace, studying equally well in any time zone and in many different life situations, alongside work, ministry, family or caring obligations. Applications are open for 2026-27.
In addition to the Postgraduate Certificate, the Postgraduate Diploma, and the MA, students can enrol for a single module: ‘Catholic Theology: A Preliminary Tour’, and NEW FOR 2026/27 single modules in Catholic Social Thought and Practice and High Medieval Franciscan Theology.
Students with a BA or BSc who have not studied Theology or a related discipline before, are able to apply for the single module, ‘Catholic Theology: A Preliminary Tour’ and proceed to the MA following its successful completion.
Further details of all options are available at Distance Learning - Durham University including videos from current students.
Bursary funds are available for 2026-27, including the Janet Erskine Stuart Scholarship Fund, funded by the Society of the Sacred Heart (RSCJ), intended primarily to support teachers or chaplains. Applications are especially invited from:
Teachers of RE wishing to pursue an MA to enhance the quality of their subject knowledge.
Teachers of any discipline who wish to retrain to teach RE.
Other bursary funds are also available. Full information can be found at Funding - Durham University.
If you have any questions about the Distance Learning programmes or bursaries, please contact the CCS Manager - theresa.phillips@durham.ac.uk - 0191 334 3952.
Call for Papers: the Centre for Catholic Studies third Lived Catholicism Online Conference
Papers are invited for the 2025 Lived Catholicism Conference, focusing on synodality, possibilities, and tensions
The third Lived Catholicism Conference will take place online on 2–3 December 2025, exploring the theme: “The Church’s ordinary way: synodality, possibilities and tensions.” Building on the conversations of the first two conferences, this year’s gathering will invite papers and presentations from across disciplines and contexts worldwide, with a particular focus on lived experiences of synodality and its challenges and opportunities.
See full Call for Papers details below.
If you wish to propose a 15 minute paper or a 5 minute presentation, please complete the form here by 1st October. The programme will be confirmed by mid October.
CCS Boundary Breaking Research Project
The Centre for Catholic Studies' (CCS) Boundary Breaking research project explored the ecclesial and cultural implications of the child abuse crisis in the Catholic Church in England and Wales
The Centre for Catholic Studies' (CCS) Boundary Breaking research project explored the ecclesial and cultural implications of the child abuse crisis in the Catholic Church in England and Wales.
The research took place from 2019-2023.
The Cross of the Moment
The main research report based on the qualitative work was published in April 2024, titled The Cross of the Moment. A supplementary, quantitative report, Attitudes of Catholics in England and Wales towards Child Sex Abuse in the Catholic Church, was published in October 2024 to accompany the main report.
Find out more: https://www.durham.ac.uk/ccs-boundary-breaking
You can download the digital versions of the reports below. The main report can be downloaded either in the complete version or in separate chapters.
Alternatively, you can request printed copies of the reports by clicking here.