Two unique studying opportunities have been announced following a link up between Britain’s top Quaker study centre and a leading English university. Woodbrooke’s Centre for Postgraduate Quaker Studies has set up an innovative and interdisciplinary collaboration with Lancaster University, is offering the first online postgraduate courses in Quakerism: a Postgraduate Certificate in Quaker Studies; and an MA in Quakerism in the Modern World.

These courses are unique as there are no residential requirements for the study, meaning that students from across the UK or anywhere in the world can register without having to worry about the practicalities of travel.

Both courses are designed to introduce students to theories, issues and processes connected with the history, theology and sociology of Quakerism in a global context. The programmes are relevant to those interested in Quaker theology and history; the adaptation of religious groups to new social and geographical settings; globalisation and religion; and secularisation.

On successful completion of the postgraduate certificate, students have the option of transferring to the MA in Quakerism in the Modern World.

The online courses will start in autumn 2014. Based on distance learning pedagogical principles, they will employ a wide variety of online learning tools to enhance students’ learning experience.

The courses will be run by Ben Pink Dandelion, who looks after the Centre for Postgraduate Quaker Studies. Ben said “This is a really exciting and significant development. This is the only online course in Quaker studies with no need to travel. We hope that we will have a global learning community with Friends and those interested in Quakerism from all over the world learning together.”

Study thoughout the programme is comprehensively supported through supervised online group discussions, web seminars and individual academic supervision.

Visit http://www.woodbrooke.org.uk/pages/taught-degrees.html for more information.