About intellectual formation

Intellectual formation at Oscott is a combination of morning study in small classes and the individual study of students. Classes vary in their form, with some looking more like lectures and others more like seminars.

Although study does take up a lot of time in formation for the priesthood, we do not want this to be off-putting to people who struggle with studying. Ultimately, people come here not because they want to study but because they want to be priests! If God is calling you to this life then He will give you the grace to get there and we will support you as best we can along the way.

We recognise that our students come from a huge variety of backgrounds and we have a lot of support in place to help those who find academic study challenging. In all this, St Jean Vianney is a great example, as he really struggled with studying for the priesthood but persisted and went on to become the patron saint of priests!

Intellectual formation is ultimately important because Christ tells us that He is the truth and our search for truth will allow us to know Him more deeply.

What this looks like

Besides philosophy and theology, courses in pastoral theology, spirituality and human formation are also followed throughout the six years.

The Intellectual Programme is validated by two universities:

Courses in Years One, Two and Three are validated by University of Birmingham leading to a BA in Fundamental Catholic Theology.

Theology courses across the six-year programme lead to the award of an STB, through our affiliation with KU Leuven.

1 Exploring Discipleship

New Testament: Synoptic Gospels, Fundamental Theology, Patristics, Introduction to Philosophy, History of Classical Philosophy, Epistemology, History of Medieval Philosophy, Latin, Life in Christ, Pastoral Theology, Metaphysics and the Philosophy of Science, Lectio Divina, Human Formation – Introduction to Human Formation

2 Discipleship and the Church

Modern Western Philosophy, Pastoral Theology, Philosophy of Religion and Political Philosophy, Old Testament: Psalms, Old Testament: Pentateuch, Foundations of Liturgy, Lectio Divina, Homiletics, Advanced Latin, Philosophy and Communication, Metaphysics and the Philosophy of Science, Human Formation 2 – Introduction to Pastoral Counselling

3 Configuration to Christ

New Testament: John, Ecclesiology, Christology, Early and Medieval Church History, Sacramentology, Moral Theology, The Trinity, Philosophical Ethics, Greek, Political Philosophy, Human Formation 3 – Preparation for Extended Pastoral Placement

4 The Pastoral Enterprise

Extended Pastoral Placement and Pastoral Theological Reflection, Scripture and Preaching, Introduction to Canon Law, Reformation Church History, Hebrew, Catholic Social Teaching, Human Formation 4 – Preparation for Candidacy Reading and Public Speaking

5 Sacramental Ministry

Eucharist, New Testament: Paul, Old Testament: Prophets, Sacramental Law, Priesthood: History and Identity, Creation and Eschatology, Grace, Homiletics, Pastoral Theology for Diaconate, Catholic Social Teaching, Pastoral Seminar, Human Formation 5- The Spiritual Human and Ordination

6 Vocational Synthesis

Sacramental Celebration, Church and Dialogue, Canon Law of Marriage, Mariology, Pastoral Theology for Priesthood, Bioethics, Confession Practicum Holy Order Lent Project Portfolio, Human Formation 6 – The Pastoral Minister

Our Library

Containing over 40,000 catalogued physical items, this library is the main library of the college and is largely made up of texts covering the Church and general history, theology and philosophy.

Discover the library

Our museum

Established in 1839 by renowned, Gothic-revivalist architect Augustus Welby Pugin, our museum collection tells the story of the college and the Victorian Catholic revival.

What’s in the museum

What to expect

What is being at seminary actually like? Here’s what happens in a day, a year and over six years of formation here at Oscott College.

Discover more