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Centre for Catholic Studies

Student Life: Academic, Pastoral, and Spiritual Support

Academic Support

  • A personal tutor for each undergraduate.
  • A team of at least two supervisors for all research students.
  • Scholarship and bursary assistance.
  • Regular devoted research seminars in all the key areas of theology and religious studies.
  • Regular meetings of the Durham Catholic Theology Research Seminar.
  • Annual postgraduate and early career conference.
  • Support with attending key academic conferences.
  • Research Assistant and Teaching Assistant opportunities.
  • Participation in collaborative planning for and hosting of academic events.

Pastoral and Spiritual Support

  • A designated member of CCS staff with responsibility for student liaison.
  • A commitment to nurturing a peer community of scholars, as expressed through shared meals and social time around research seminars and events.
  • Close partnership with Durham University Catholic Chaplaincy.
  • Clear partnership with dioceses, church bodies, religious orders, and regular opportunities to meet with leaders and formative influences within the life of the contemporary church.

 

Durham University Catholic Chaplaincy

The Catholic Chaplaincy to Durham University, based at St Cuthbert’s Parish, exists to offer pastoral care for the students and staff of the University—a living Catholic community within Durham’s vibrant academic community.

Fr Andrew Downie, Catholic Chaplain, said: “Durham’s students and staff strive for academic excellence in their many different areas of study, and the Chaplaincy aims to foster prayerful and rigorous reflection on their faith.

“In the Centre for Catholic Studies, top-quality Catholic theological work is carried out in the public academy. The CCS, through its academic and outreach programmes, enriches the life of the local church and provides students with opportunities to ask the questions that every intelligent Catholic should be asking. The work of the CCS helps to prepare our students to take their place as thinking believers in the heart of the church.”