Why Study at CCCW?
The Cambridge Centre for Christianity Worldwide is part of the Cambridge Theological Federation. It offers postgraduate degrees taught by the Cambridge Theological Federation and accredited by Anglia Ruskin University. The programme will be discontinued in September 2025, but students will still be able to enrol in other houses within the CTF and access the CCCW library and archives. Additionally, researchers are welcome to join our community and collaborate on World Christianity research.
Degrees We Offer
Master of Arts (MA)
The Cambridge Theological federation offers four taught postgraduate pathways:
- MA in Contemporary Ethics
- MA in Contemporary Faith and Belief
- MA in Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy
- MA in Spirituality
Each course of study can be taken as a postgraduate certificate or a postgraduate diploma, as well as a full MA.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Professional Doctorate (DProf) in Practical Theology
Each of these degrees are offered in conjunction with the Centre’s partners in the Cambridge Theological Federation and Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge. Studies can be undertaken full-time, part-time, or as a distance student.
The Cambridge Theological Federation and Anglia Ruskin University have been working together for many years to sponsor and encourage theological education around the world. This long and distinguished partnership has produced many successful doctorates and we look forward to continued collaboration among our institutions in the service of scholars around the world.
CCCW doctoral students
Third year students
Anthony Nderitu
Amos Mitchel
Second year students
Jennie Knight
Helen Ogedemgbe
First year students
Carmine Riondino
Michaela Copsey
Philip de Rivaz
Why Study at the Cambridge Centre for Christianity Worldwide?
- A global city: Cambridge is one of the leading university cities in the world, with connections across the globe. Students in Cambridge have access to an immense array of talks, lectures, individuals, and resources that are available nowhere else.
- The right degree: The research degrees offered by the CCCW, the Cambridge Theological Federation, and Anglia Ruskin University are responsive to the world, the church, and the reality of pastoral ministry. They allow students to dig deep into a topic of their choosing and make an important and original contribution to scholarship.
- Low residency: Research degree students need not be resident in Cambridge for the entirety of their degree. This allows students to maintain close connections with their home communities and pastoral ministry.
- Ecumenical formation: With our partners in the ecumenical Cambridge Theological Federation, students have an opportunity to learn with other students from a variety of traditions and around the world.
- Serving the church: We believe that scholarship should serve the life of the church in the world. We want to encourage theologians, pastors, and lay people from around the world to deepen their knowledge so that they can better serve their people.
Frequently asked questions
How do I apply?
In the first instance, prospective applicants should contact the Director of Studies. This correspondence will help establish if the candidate’s proposed project is appropriate for the Centre’s research focus and also allows the candidate to learn more about the work of the Centre. Formal applications will then need to be made through the Anglia Ruskin application portal.
Who grants the degree?
The research degrees are granted by Anglia Ruskin University, a leading research university in Cambridge, in cooperation with the Cambridge Theological Federation, the ecumenical group of which the CCCW is a member.
What are the requirements of the research degrees?
In contrast to doctorates in some other countries, which often require extensive course work and comprehensive exams, doctoral programmes in the United Kingdom are more focused on the dissertation. For the PhD degree, students must produce and successfully defend a dissertation of 80,000 words. For the DProf, students must produce 80,000 words but approximately 20,000 is done in three initial exercises that set the stage for the dissertation project. In both degrees, annual review and student monitoring meetings ensure that the student is making good progress towards an on-time completion.
How do I know if I should apply for the Doctor of Philosophy or the Professional Doctorate degree?
This question is best answered in conversation with CCCW staff, who will be best placed to advise you. The answer will depend on the nature of your current work and the scope of your proposed project. The two degrees can cover a potentially wide range of material, from focused academic research projects to pastorally-minded subjects that respond to particular ministry contexts.
Who is my supervisor?
Research students are supervised by a team of people who between them have collectively supervised a doctorate to completion and have subject-area expertise. In the case of CCCW students, the supervision team will generally involve the director, who maintains the administrative link with the Cambridge Theological Federation and Anglia Ruskin University, and a subject-area specialist drawn from our network of academics. It may also involve an academic from another member institution of the Federation or someone at an institution close to the student’s home.
How much does it cost?
Fees, paid by students, or their sponsors, are set by Anglia Ruskin University and are available at this link. The Centre cannot offer bursaries.
What about a visa?
Students from outside the UK might need a visa to enter the United Kingdom. The particular type of visa depends on how much of the period of study the student intends to spend in the country. Whatever the decision, a cost will be associated with generating the necessary materials and applying for the visa. More information can be had in conversation with the CCCW director.
Where can I live while I am in Cambridge?
Students in Cambridge live in many locations, including private apartments, colleges, and other houses. Westminster College, where the Cambridge Centre for Christianity Worldwide is located, offers Centre students their student rates during term time. Read more about accommodation options.