St Mary’s University Announces Transfer of Distance Learning Theology Courses

Significant changes unveiled to strengthen Catholic higher education both in the UK and abroad

St Mary’s University, Twickenham (SMU) is to transfer three theology and philosophy programmes from the Maryvale Institute, part of the Archdiocese of Birmingham, which has provided undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD programmes for laity and clergy for over 30 years.

In an exciting new venture agreed between the Archdiocese and SMU, three of Maryvale’s programmes, recently validated by the Open University and Liverpool Hope University, will move to a new Maryvale at St Mary’s. This reflects the policy of Pope Francis’s Vatican that Catholic institutions should work closer together.

Theological and philosophical distance learning is an exciting new chapter for SMU, further strengthening their provision in this area and building on the University’s growing online and distance learning portfolio. They will now have the experience of Maryvale, which has specialised in distance learning since 1990.

Demand for all Maryvale programmes has been strong and ahead of expectations. In fact, the current academic year saw the largest number of new Higher Institute of Religious Sciences (HIRS) students ever.

Prof Jacob Philips, Interim Dean of the Faculty of Education, Theology and The Arts at SMU said, “We are delighted to incorporate these Maryvale programmes into our St Mary’s offer. The St Mary’s School of Theology has gone from strength to strength in recent years, becoming a leading national centre for Catholic theology. With this move to online learning, we can build on our long-standing affinity with Maryvale to extend our provision yet further, both at home and abroad”.

Fr Michael Cullinan, HIRS Director, said: “We are determined to continue increasing the opportunities for lay people and clergy all over the world to study high quality Catholic theology and catechetics in the service of the universal mission of the Church to teach the Good News.

“This is a very exciting time for all involved and we look forward to welcoming new students to be a part of a new era.

“We are convinced the three courses moving to St Mary’s will continue to keep a distinct Maryvale feel and our colleagues will keep the ethos and quality of the programmes.”

For details on Maryvale HIRS courses starting in September 2024 visit Recruitment for Bachelor of Divinity (BDiv) and Licence Programmes now open for 2024/25 | Birmingham Diocesan Trust (birminghamdiocese.org.uk)