Prospectus - Trinity College Bristol
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Prospectus
Trinity College Prospectus
Trinity College shapes leaders of
Christ-like character in community
for a missional church.
Why Trinity? 2 Meet our faculty 14
A word from our principal 4 Life (and housing) in Bristol 16
Programmes and classes 6 Flexible training options 18
Learning in context 8 Postgraduate research 20
Spiritual formation 10 Hear from our leavers 22
Learning in community 12 How to visit and apply 24
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Trinity College Prospectus
Whether you are in the midst of a discernment process in the Church of
WHY England or from another church background considering how you might best
TRINITY?
prepare to lead a church or ministry—with all the options before you, why
should you consider Trinity?
1 Within our community, we seek
to provide an integrated, holistic
2 What we gain by studying in community
together is a deeper engagement in
3 At Trinity you also gain faculty and
staff members who invest in each
educational experience. every area. student individually.
As you learn from the Bible and interact with Lecture discussions spill out into coffee times. We will look at your background and situation
our faculty, as you engage in church and other Your tutors aren’t only in your lectures, but and take time to consider the ways in which your
placements alongside fellow students and are eating lunch with you, meeting in smaller time at Trinity could be best constructed to help
a mentoring vicar, as you practise spiritual groups with you, as well as regularly available you grow as a Christian leader. In discussion with
disciplines together with the rest of the for appointments. The students in your tutor you, we will connect you with a context church
community—you will grow as a whole person group will serve alongside you in church experience designed to stretch you. We will
seeking to follow Jesus and bear witness to his placements, and you’ll discuss your questions, make sure your classes fit with what you most
coming kingdom as a missional leader. We will ideas, and experiences. We spend enough time need to learn academically. If you are pregnant or
not prioritise your academic experience over together to become like family, and to practise have recently had a baby, we will work with you
your context learning, or context learning over living Christ’s Beatitudes together (see page 5). around due dates and figure out with you how to
your lectures. We blend challenging study and We learn how to discuss differing opinions with train while juggling the baby’s feedings and care.
context experiences together for holistic growth. respect despite disagreement, how to offer
confession and forgiveness to one another Taking the step to move in order to train can
when needed, how to grow in unity and our feel daunting at moments, but if God is calling
ability to love as Christ loves. When you have you to take that step of faith, he will also
moments of struggling or feeling discouraged, provide you and your family with what you
our community of tutors, students, as well as need to follow him.
college chaplains will be there to offer support
for you and your family. We are on this journey
together at Trinity—and what we build here
with one another is carried on after college
as a supportive network of relationships.
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Trinity College Prospectus
A WORD
FROM OUR OUR KINGDOM VALUES
At Trinity, our passion is to see people embrace SERVICE DIVERSITY
PRINCIPAL
the call to live like the kingdom is near. But Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be
what does that actually mean for us? Although the earth. We will encourage one another called children of God. Confessing Christ as the
there are many things we don’t know about the towards servant-hearted living, learning, and Prince of Peace for all the world and knowing
nature of God’s kingdom, the Beatitudes, found leading, striving for all our interactions to be that all followers of Jesus are united by an
in Matthew 5, describe the key blessings and characterised by gentleness, kindness, and a identity in him, regardless of background,
I’m so glad that you want to find out more about Trinity. promises of the kingdom and the character of deep love for others. leadership style, or opinion, we will seek to
those who live in it. At Trinity, we want these love one another in our life together and stay
kingdom values to permeate every area of our focused on the mission he has given us.
Trinity is a unique community, with a vision to • Invite you to grow in holiness, both by being How does all this happen? Fundamental to this
lives, affecting how we live and work each day, HOLINESS
‘live like the Kingdom is near’. Whether you part of a community that worships regularly is our faculty—committed scholars passionate
how we learn more of God, and how we lead Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for
are interested in full-time or part-time study, together, and by setting aside time for about the ways in which deeper engagement
his people in being a light to the world. righteousness, for they will be filled. We will COURAGE
residential or dispersed training, postgraduate personal prayer and reflection. with the Bible will impact how you live out
wholeheartedly pursue holiness through Blessed are those who are persecuted because
research, preparing for ordination in the the gospel. We also have an outstanding
gracious renewal in Jesus’ righteousness each of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom.
Church of England or another form of Christian • Connect your learning to mission, serving theological library, excellent academic support, HUMILITY day, seeking a Christ-like character, and a With our hope and faith in Christ alone, we
leadership, we will: one another and others and seeking justice. and beautiful surroundings in which to study
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the biblical way of living to be evident in all we do. will passionately and persistently share the
In particular, Church of England ordinands and pray.
Kingdom of Heaven. Believing that the grace good news of the kingdom, living out its
• Stretch you intellectually. You will encounter undertake both an ongoing placement in a
of God comes to each as it comes to all, and values in every area of our lives and constantly
the whole range of Christian theology local church and a community placement as To find out more, read on. If you need any more JUSTICE
that Christ showed us to consider others better acknowledging our own weakness and need
here, deepening your understanding part of their training. information do get in touch, and we’d love
than ourselves, we will constantly endeavour to Blessed are the merciful, for they will be for the help of the Holy Spirit.
and building your courage to share the to welcome you for a visit. I look forward to
shape and learn from each other. shown mercy. We will always make sure that
unchanging gospel in fresh ways. Whilst we Each of the words in bold above is one of our meeting you!
people who are vulnerable or oppressed Of course we don’t always get it right and
are unashamedly evangelical, we are also kingdom values, inspired by Jesus’ teaching in
are protected, valued, and given a voice, in studying here you won’t be joining a
diverse. This helps to foster humility, as we the Sermon on the Mount (see facing page). WHOLENESS abundantly expressing the compassion of God. perfect community. But you will be joining a
encounter different people and ideas. These values were what drew me to Trinity too. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be passionate community, looking to God every
comforted. Graciously and honestly confronting day to help us ‘seek first his kingdom and his
• Deepen your experience of Christian our sufferings together, we will receive the WORSHIP righteousness’ by living the kind of lives that
community. By being a safe place to be Revd Dr Sean Doherty healing and comfort of God in Christ through Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see draw others towards the King.
vulnerable with one another, we seek greater Principal the power of the Holy Spirit, and extend the God. We will aim to learn and worship together
wholeness so that we might have more invitation of wholeness in Christ to others. in a way that relies upon the Holy Spirit moving
Christlike character.
through every activity, reminding us that
everything we do is ultimately about better
knowing, loving, and serving God.
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Trinity College Prospectus
At Trinity, our lectures are not simply about trying to put tools in your hands
to serve God better at some later point. Your classes and your time spent
reading, in the Bible, and in reflection will be in themselves acts of service and
worship to God.
In Trinity's community, you will be doing Our taught theology courses are accredited by LEARNING SUPPORT
theology just as actively when you engage in Durham University, and research programmes If you have a learning difficulty or disability, we
ministry practice as when you discuss ideas are accredited by Aberdeen University. offer an on-site Disability Adviser and Study
with your tutor. You will be working to make Support Tutor who is a qualified specialist
your theology obedient to God just as much The course lengths shown are for full-time teacher offering screening, individual study skills
when you hand someone in need a hot meal in study, but all of our programmes can be tutorials, and other supports for students with
your community placement as you will when completed part time if needed due to work learning difficulties. She is an Associate Member
you are thinking through a research paper on and family commitments, and some can be of the British Dyslexia Association; she also
the nature of salvation. We want to encourage completed through full-time non-residential holds an Irlen Screening Certificate and is able
you while at Trinity to live out the gospel, study (see page 19). If you do not wish to aim for to help students with problems of visual stress
Christ's coming kingdom, at all times—to live an accredited qualification, it may be possible and perception. The Disability Adviser can also
an integrated life that will bear witness to him for you to attend classes for individual modules give help in academic English to those returning
in every area as you lead others. that interest you, at a reduced rate, without the to formal education after a lengthy break and
need to submit any written work. assists all students at Trinity with additional
needs to access the appropriate support.
PROGRAMMES OF STUDY We warmly welcome both ordinands and
PROGRAMMES
Undergraduate Study in Theology, independent students into our programmes,
Ministry and Mission and, primarily through our partnership with To find out more about our programmes,
• Foundation Award (one year) Bristol Baptist College, our classes include including entry requirements and fees, visit
AND
• Certificate (one year) students who are Anglican, Baptist, as well as www.trinitycollegebristol.ac.uk.
• Diploma (two years) other denominations and backgrounds.
• BA (Hons) (three years)
CLASSES Graduate Study in Theology,
Ministry and Mission
• Grad Dip (one year)
Postgraduate Study in Theology,
Ministry and Mission
• PGDip (one year)
• MA (one year)
• MPhil, MLitt, and PhD (see page 20)
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Trinity College Prospectus
When you join Trinity's community, we will work with you to discern what
experiences you need to gain to help you prepare well for the type of ministry
to which God is calling you.
LEARNING PLACEMENT CHURCH
We carefully and prayerfully connect all of
our residential ordinands with Bristol-area
churches, where you will embark on an
reflection, and worship together. Your tutor
group will also meet monthly with your church
supervisor to reflect on your experiences within
the church and engage in discussions about the
placement with a local Bristol charity that
brings Muslims, Christians, and Jews together
to build bridges through shared meals, among
other activities, and the provision of practical
IN
experience that will last for the duration of your realities of ministry. These meetings provide vital help to refugees living in Bristol.
training, alongside a mentoring vicar (whom we opportunities for deeper reflection, for learning
refer to as your supervisor) as well as a group from one another, and for support as you
PIONEER MINISTERS
CONTEXT
of fellow Trinity students. We partner with more practise mission and ministry. This collaborative
than twenty vicars in the villages, deprived approach—regularly connecting students, Is God calling you to pioneer ministry? Our
neighbourhoods, suburban areas, and city supervisors, and college tutors in smaller pioneer students meet regularly in a cohort
centre of Bristol, and many students and their groups—creates a rich and stimulating learning of both residential and non-residential
families choose to live in the neighbourhood environment and enables holistic formation. students. The pioneer cohort engages with
of their context church. You will complete a guest practitioners and shares ideas with
learning agreement with your supervisor to set one another, whilst engaging in missional
goals and to ensure the intentionality of your
COMMUNITY AND opportunities within placements. The cohort
involvement. As part of the integrated nature of
SUMMER PLACEMENTS also encourages reflection on how your
your training, much of what you do in context As part of your training, you will also gain classroom learning will impact your pioneer
will be intertwined with the curriculum of your additional, contrasting experiences of ministry ministry, and within classes you will be offered
programme, so that some assignments will be through a community placement and a assessment options with a pioneering focus.
completed through your context. summer placement. Your ongoing church
experiences could help you discern areas to
explore in the shorter placement experiences. PREPARING FOR CURACY
TUTOR GROUPS For example, one ordinand discerned through When the time comes for you to select a
Based on your church placement, we will her church placement that God might be curacy, we will help connect you with curacy
include you in a tutor group (usually those calling her to chaplaincy, and she completed posts, offer informational sessions on how to
students with whom you serve in your a shorter community placement shadowing discern the right one for you and your family,
placement church) that meets bi-weekly with a chaplain at a local school. Another ordinand and help you solve any issues that may arise.
a Trinity tutor to chat, pray for one another, wanted to build relationships with people of
socialise, engage in critical theological different faiths, and he spent his community
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Trinity College Prospectus
We approach your spiritual formation just as intentionally as we do your
placement and academic study—we want to walk alongside you in your journey
to become more like Jesus Christ, to help you bear witness to his kingdom in all
you do, and this happens daily at Trinity within the context of community life.
As you join in Morning Prayer, gather weekly SILENCE AND REFLECTION PRAYER TRIPLETS
with your tutor and fellow pastoral group The whole college observes an hour of silence Prayer triplets are a key part of our community
students, as you participate in prayer triplets every Wednesday and three quiet days each life, helping provide personal support,
and meet with your spiritual director, you will year. These offer a variety of opportunities encouragement, and accountability for each
take steps to draw nearer to Christ with your for personal and corporate reflection, prayer, student. These relationships often continue
tutors and fellow students—whether through and spiritual growth. Annually, you would also to provide valuable support well beyond your
SPIRITUAL
discussions, informal chats, or as you keep be offered the option to visit the Franciscan time at Trinity.
silence together. community at Hilfield Priory.
SPIRITUAL DIRECTORS
WORSHIP AND PRAYER TUTOR GROUPS In partnership with the local diocese, we
FORMATION
We begin every day with worship and You will meet weekly for formation in a encourage and facilitate all students in finding
prayer together in the chapel, and celebrate smaller group under the guidance of one a spiritual director who will walk with you as
communion together every week. Students of our tutors (see pp 14-15). These groups you discover more about God and grow in your
frequently share testimonies with the larger engage in worship, prayer, and reflection, relationship with him.
community in chapel, and a student, faculty whilst also providing practical support and
member, or outside guest preaches a sermon encouragement for you and your family.
for the community each Friday. WEEKLY SPIRITUALITY SESSIONS
These sessions help you to learn more about
spiritual disciplines and traditions in the church,
and to engage in different forms of prayer and
the rule of life.
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Trinity College Prospectus
LEARNING IN
COMMUNITY
Our commitment to shaping leaders in community means that we put a lot of
emphasis on spending time together during the college week.
Some of the best moments of spiritual formation CONNECT FOR SPOUSES MUDDY BOOTS DAY NURSERY
and theological questioning happen when Connect is a group led by and for the husbands To support the families of our students, we have
you’re not in the classroom but just enjoying and wives of Trinity students. Connect’s vision our own Ofsted-registered day nursery on college
the company of others on a similar journey to is to nurture a community of people who care grounds. The nursery provides a safe, ‘home
yours. In addition to coffee breaks and lunch for one another, whether you have children away from home’ environment where children
together, regular socials throughout the year or not, stay at home or go to work, or whether can learn, grow, and have fun, with lots of outdoor
have included a Christmas Ball, Burns Night, your spouse is an independent student or time. In addition to two secure outdoor play
Bonfire Night, and quiz nights, among others. an ordinand. Your calling is not secondary to spaces with all-weather safety surfaces, climbing
Our Student Executive plan most of our social your partner’s and as such Connect offers equipment, and a vegetable patch, the nursery
events and help coordinate key aspects of opportunities for involvement, for using and is able to utilise Trinity’s nine acres of grounds for
community life. They also represent the student developing gifts and skills, and for growing a forest school. Muddy Boots Day Nursery offers
voice to staff, faculty, and trustees, enabling friendships that will support you in your faith and care between 8AM and 6PM, and the children of
good communication and giving everyone a prayer life beyond your time at Trinity. Connect full-time Trinity students are able to attend for a
chance to participate in and shape college life. hosts weekly sessions of worship, prayer and significantly subsidised fee. Read more about the
We have two college sports teams—the Trinity teaching (both a morning option with crèche nursery at www.muddybootsdaynursery.co.uk.
Tigers (a men’s football team) and the Trinity provided and an evening option), a weekly Tea
Wolves (a women’s rugby team)—who welcome & Tots group, regular socials, and retreat days.
new members. Other student-led groups form All Connect members are encouraged and COLLEGE CHAPLAINS
around shared interests. Or you can always helped to form prayer triplets, which can be a For times when you may need additional support
take a break from studying in our games room, valuable place for sharing your life more deeply. spiritually or personally, our chaplains keep regular
which has ping-pong, table football, and a full- Student wives and husbands are also welcomed hours at college once a week, although they can
size snooker table. to join the community at lunchtime, during the also meet up with students (or their spouses) at
Friday communion service, and to audit classes other times as well. They offer a listening, impartial
at college free of charge, or to take classes for ear, as well as a willingness to pray with and for
credit at a 50 percent reduction in fees. you, whether you are wrestling with personal
issues, or just needing a place to talk.
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Trinity College Prospectus
MEET OUR FACULTY
Our teaching faculty will challenge, encourage, inspire and invest in Dr Justin Stratis, Our associate faculty include:
BMus, MDiv,
you during your time at Trinity. You can read more about each of ThM, PhD Dr David Ball Revd Dr Michael Goheen Prof Gordon McConville
Tutor in Christian
our faculty members at www.trinitycollegebristol.ac.uk. Doctrine, Director
Revd Prof Craig
Bartholomew
Dr Paula Gooder Revd Ian Parkinson
of Postgraduate Dr Nijay Gupta Revd David Runcorn
Research Dr John Bimson
Revd Dr David John Hart Revd Dr David Wenham
Prof Craig Evans
Revd Dr Revd Dr David Revd Dr Paul The Very Revd Dr David Hoyle
‘My goal is to open up before students the
Sean Doherty Firth, BTh, MA, PhD Roberts, BA, PhD,
vast and wondrous realities of the Christian
Principal, Tutor in Old PGCE
faith so they are compelled to preach the
Tutor in Ethics Testament, Tutor in Worship
gospel confidently, imaginatively, and with Our teaching is shared with our partners Bristol Baptist College, so you
Academic Dean and Church History
great spiritual wisdom. I want them to carry
will also benefit from the wisdom and experience of their teaching staff.
into their work and ministries a clearer vision
of the God who has revealed himself in Revd Dr Stephen Philip Grasham
Jesus Christ and so to grow in their trust that Finamore College Tutor
‘The Old Testament was the Bible for Jesus
this God can indeed empower them to do all Tutor in Doctrine (Disciple Makers)
and the early church. Because of this,
he has called them to do.’ and Biblical Studies
Christians have always needed to understand
Revd Dr Howard this vital text, both in its own terms and also Revd Dr Donna
Worsley, BA, MA, because of our need to understand what it Lazenby
PhD means to follow Jesus and to see how God’s Co-Vice Principal,
Co-Vice Principal, mission has unfolded through time.’ Director of Prof Steve Walton, Stuart Murray Revd Dr Helen
Tutor in Missiology Formation BSc, MA, PhD Williams Paynter
Part-time Tutor in Tutor in Mission Tutor in
New Testament Biblical Studies
Lindsay Caplen Revd Dr Tim
‘The church of this generation desperately ‘Whether it’s a lecture on the first century Coordinator Welch
needs ministers who can confidently and Jewish world, a seminar on the theology of Community Tutor in Practical
rigorously engage their theological learning of the book of Revelation, or (yes!) a Greek Learning
with the challenging realities of church life grammar class, my hope is that my students Revd Prof John
in ways which inspire churches joyfully to are equipped to fulfil their calling to read Nolland, BSc, ThL,
incarnate the life of God in their communities. and expound the New Testament with BD, PhD
My passion is to see women and men rich historical insight and deep theological Part-time Tutor in
Revd Clare Hooper
formed into such Christlike servant leaders understanding. And, more importantly, that New Testament
Tutor in Children
Revd Dr Helen through study and practical experience, in Dr Jamie Davies, BA, they—and through them others—encounter and Family Ministry
Collins, BA, PGCE, the context of a worshipping community.’ MLitt, PhD afresh the God who reveals himself to us in
MA, PhD Tutor in New its pages.’
Tutor in Pastoral and Testament, Tutor for
Ministerial Studies Independent Students
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Trinity College Prospectus
LIFE(AND HOUSING) When you relocate to Trinity to join our community, you gain the added benefit
of our Bristol location and all it has to offer.
BRISTOL HOW WILL YOUR We can house up to 45 people in our on-site
IN Named regularly as one of Britain’s best
places to live, Bristol offers many unique pubs,
HOUSING WORK?
We know that where you make your home
Carter building. In an average year, a close-knit
community of between 25 and 30 single and
BRISTOL
restaurants, shops, and music venues. You has a big impact on what you’re able to gain weekly commuter students live in Carter, as
can enjoy a show at the historic Hippodrome from and give to the community during your well as two other nearby houses. The Carter
or Old Vic theatres, claim a spot to watch the time here, and that’s especially true for those building offers a separate keycode for residents
summer hot-air balloon fiesta, stroll along the relocating to Bristol to study with us. to ensure privacy, its own large kitchen with
harbourside or across the Clifton Suspension adjacent dining area for Carter students'
Bridge, climb to the top of Cabot Tower, and If you’re going to be attached to a local church breakfasts and suppers when desired, and
shop in the old St Nicholas Market. Take as part of your study programme, we’ll work kitchenettes on every corridor with a sink,
your children to the zoo, science centre and hard to make sure you live in or close to your kettle, and toaster. Lunches are shared with the
planetarium, aquarium, or the Bristol Museum, context parish. If you’re bringing a family with larger Trinity community in the main dining hall.
complete with dinosaur and gemstone exhibits. you we can help you think about local schools
Try a Banksy walking tour, enjoy the street art and family-friendly areas. If you have a specific For our students who are married and those
and independent shops of Gloucester Road, part of Bristol you’re already connected to with families, Trinity owns or leases many
and sample the restaurants in Clifton Village. or want to engage with we’ll do our best to properties that are mostly within a 3-mile
Wander Bristol's open spaces, parks, and explore all the possible living options. radius of college, and we can also help
walking trails. And don’t forget the variety of direct you to agencies for private rentals.
Bristol's neighbourhoods and churches, and We recognise that your housing will impact
the opportunities they will offer you to grow your time at college, and we will prayerfully
through your placements (see page 9). pursue with you what could be the best fit
during your time here.
When you speak with our admissions office,
you can ask them any questions you may have
about your housing options.
16 17Trinity College Prospectus
At Trinity, we want to help make the programmes
that we offer accessible to you, and to that end we
offer training through three possible modes. These
options pertain to those who wish to pursue our
undergraduate and graduate study options; for
FLEXIBLE
more information about postgraduate research,
please see page 21.
TRAINING 1. FULL-TIME
RESIDENTIAL TRAINING
(GATHERED LEARNING)
2. FULL-TIME
NON-RESIDENTIAL TRAINING
(DISPERSED LEARNING)
3. PART-TIME TRAINING
If you live in the Bristol area and want to
deepen your faith and understanding of the
OPTIONS
This mode offers you an integrated learning Set your theological learning within your Bible alongside your current work, church,
experience in the context of Trinity’s current context through Trinity’s Dispersed or family commitments, consider joining us
community. You will attend lectures and Learning cohorts, attending college for six part time. Most of our part-time students
seminars, tackle issues and personal concerns block weeks spread throughout the academic attend Tuesday evening classes, though you
in your weekly tutor-led tutor groups, share in year. During block weeks, we will be intentional may have the option of attending daytime
worship and lunch together on weekdays, and about building community, both within your weekday classes as well. We invite our part-
engage in intentional church ministry alongside cohort and with the wider Trinity community. time students to meet before Tuesday evening
a mentoring vicar and fellow students. You Between block week sessions, you will log in classes for supper and a time of worship
will be immersed in a formational community to a weekly virtual tutor group and seminar, together, to foster friendships and community
experience to help you wrestle with how to which will offer you additional support for within their cohort.
understand more deeply and live out more learning in context and formation. Close
faithfully the teachings of the Bible. integration between your context church You can complete any of Trinity’s programmes
and the college is a priority, and we will offer through this mode of study. The Foundation
You can complete any of Trinity’s programmes support and training to supervisors to facilitate Award and Certificate in Theology, Ministry
through this mode of study. your engagement in your context. and Mission are taught on Tuesday evenings.
Part-time students in the Diploma, Degree, or
You can complete the Diploma in Theology, MA programmes attend daytime classes.
Ministry and Mission or the Bachelor of Arts
(Honours) in Theology, Ministry and Mission
through this mode. Learn more by visiting
www.trinitycollegebristol.ac.uk/
dispersed-learning.
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For those called to serve the kingdom through scholarship at the highest levels,
Trinity offers two postgraduate research degrees: the Master of Theology
(MTh) and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
The expertise of the faculty, our commitment FORTNIGHTLY RESEARCH RESEARCH PROGRAMMES
as a community to Jesus Christ, and the SEMINARS FOR ORDINANDS
programme's flourishing cohort of about fifty Regardless of location, our postgraduate Trinity ordinands who are called to become
postgraduate researchers make Trinity an students participate in fortnightly research future theological educators have an option to
excellent context in which to take your first seminars to discuss assigned texts as well as pursue a research programme (MTh or PhD)
steps into the academy. papers by visiting scholars, faculty members, as part of their ordination training. If you wish to
and the students themselves. Through our pursue this option, please mention it when you
You can choose to pursue a research degree video conferencing suite, international students contact the postgraduate research office, as you
full-time, part-time, in residence at Bristol, or can call into and fully participate in the will need to fill out both prospective ordinand
POSTGRADUATE
by distance. Trinity’s research programme is seminars alongside local research students. and prospective research student forms.
validated by the University of Aberdeen, a
university with a globally recognised reputation
for excellence in the study of Christian theology. ANNUAL RESEARCH CONNECT WITH TOP SCHOLARS
STUDY
CONFERENCE The Director of Postgraduate Research works
As our distance students conduct their Our local and international postgraduate to connect Trinity’s research students with key
research, they meet regularly about their students all gather together in Bristol for scholars in their fields to help supervise their
writing (via Skype or over the phone) with two a week in June to attend a postgraduate research, whilst simultaneously working to
advisers—one Trinity faculty member, and a research conference, during which students organise a rota of outside scholars to address
second who is usually a faculty member from share research papers, listen to a lecture from research seminars and a well-known scholar
another university with added expertise in the a senior scholar (recent scholars have included to provide the keynote lecture for the June
student’s area of interest. Prof NT Wright, Dr Katherine Sonderegger, Prof research conference. Trinity's research students
Walter Moberly, Prof Francis Watson, and the also regularly present their work at national and
late Prof John Webster), and enjoy meals and a international theology conferences.
sightseeing day trip together.
To learn more about our postgraduate study programme, visit www.trinitycollegebristol.ac.uk and click on “Prospective Students” in the menu.
Or contact postgraduate admissions directly on + 44 (0) 117 968 0268 or pg.admin@trinitycollegebristol.ac.uk.
20 21Trinity College Prospectus
HEAR FROM OUR LEAVERS
One of the best legacies of my time at Trinity I knew Trinity was the right place for me Residential training gave me a break from my The time at Trinity spent really digging in to Trinity College has been the most amazing I enjoyed broadening and deepening my
was my prayer triplet. We tried to meet and when I came for my interview. As a wife and sending context and immersed me in a new the Bible and other theology through lectures, blessing to my life. During my time at Trinity I theological understanding at Trinity. A surprise
catch up and pray most weeks while we were mum of one it was important to me that the one with a rebalanced life rhythm where the conversations, and even around the table- received both personal and spiritual formation love of mine was getting the opportunity to
there, and then committed to carry on being college did not simply tolerate families but studying community had a bigger percentage tennis table has helped me communicate the to prepare me for ministry in whatever context study NT Greek. It still helps with sermon
in touch—initially a 3-way Skype every other would actively embrace families. For me, of my life than it would have been in a non- gospel with clarity in a number of different God would present. I grew leaps and bounds prep and personal study. I also met some
week plus 24 hours away every six months. that was the case. Support from tutors and residential model. There was, in the three environments and to different groups. Being in my faith as I was able to explore a variety wonderful people. You don’t realise how good
Almost four years on we still Skype for two other ordinands was vital; I am now part of a years I spent at Trinity, a sense of community part of the Trinity community was also crucial of subjects such as doctrine, worship, biblical it is until you are no longer there—having chats
hours every three weeks and have 48 hours prayer triplet. I felt supported by tutors when that was woven across the staff, students for me. Living and working as part of a studies, pastoral care, church history and between lessons over a cuppa, people around
away twice a year. It has been a Godsend to I changed programme due to having a baby, and faculty that made the rigorous theology community that was thriving has helped me many more. Thankfully at Trinity, such growth readily praying with each other. There were
know there are two others specifically praying and even though academically I might not studied come to life. I could argue with think through and implement ways to make in head knowledge of God was not kept a few class clowns that really brightened up
for me from outside my situation whom I can have achieved as much as I longed for, my someone in a lecture or seminar then have our church community stronger. Just as the separate from the heart knowledge of God; the day—I had many laughs at Trinity. I’m still
talk to regularly about day-to-day annoyances, time at college has increased my desire for to sit beside them at lunch, meet them in the best way to grow a church is to have been as I grew in how I thought about God I grew in in contact with a few people and one lovely
encouragements, and challenges, as well as lifelong learning. Knowing the tutors want you library, and worship with them in the chapel. part of a growing church, so being part of a how I could connect with God spiritually. It was family with whom we take holidays once a
longer-term discipleship issues. to succeed not only in studies but in ministry Education, discipleship, and formation were thriving community at Trinity will help me grow a privilege to be a part of a community of so year. Pastoral groups were, again, fun but also
is vital. constant. I was also fortunate to get really community in my churches. many people I could learn from, people who supportive and prayerful. So for me it was the
Revd James Gandon (2014 leaver), Vicar, St good practical training alongside a thorough cared about me and took time to invest in me people, lecturers, friends, and laughter.
Andrew’s Church, Sneyd Green, Stoke-on-Trent Revd Anika Gardiner (2016 leaver), theological one. By the time I was leaving, I Revd Ed Down (2017 leaver), Assistant Curate, while at Trinity. I can definitely say that I am all
Assistant Curate in the Benefice of Syston, had had the chance to think through much of St James in the City, Liverpool the better for it. Revd Donna Wilkie (2016 leaver),
Warmley and Bitton what would face me in curacy not only with Curate at Christchurch Clevedon
my peers but with input from people who had Shakeel Nurmahi (2017 leaver, independent
ministered for long enough to have learnt from student) is chair of the Church of England
common mistakes and successes. Youth Council and working as a church
intern at St Andrews Church Kettering,
Revd Denis Adide (2016 leaver), in Peterborough Diocese
Curate at Christ Church W4, London
22 23Trinity College Prospectus
VISIT US
When we ask new students why
they chose Trinity, the top reason is
consistently because they visited us.
Trinity College Bristol is all about its people—the faculty, staff, students,
and families with whom you will seek to learn how to live Christ's coming
kingdom. Come and see us for yourself! If you visit us for an interview, that
offers us the chance to talk more personally with you about your spiritual
journey, education and work experiences, and your sense of God's calling
in your life. Interviews can be scheduled both during Open Days and on
individual visits to college.
To book a visit or interview, or if you have any questions, please contact us
on admissions@trinitycollegebristol.ac.uk or 0117 968 0254.
For more information, visit www.trinitycollegebristol.ac.uk
and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Trinity College Bristol
Stoke Hill
Stoke Bishop
Bristol
BS9 1JP
www.trinitycollegebristol.ac.uk
admissions@trinitycollegebristol.ac.uk
+44 (0) 117 968 0254
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