Student Stories

Learning to love people who are different—to compromise, forgive, and grow together—has been one of the most shaping parts of my time here.

We’re not here just for the sake of academia—we want to become more like Jesus and be equipped to serve his church. And I’ve definitely experienced that here.

I've loved the flexibility and depth of study of the Foundation Award. God has really been using it to work in my heart and I've enjoyed working with others in community to learn and grow together.

Having exercised ministry in Africa, I wanted to explore more deeply how leadership works within the UK church.

It’s been brilliant training with brothers and sisters from other denominations. It’s helped me see that what unites us in Christ matters more than what divides.

As a part-time student there’s support, regular check-ins and real care.

My church asked if I'd consider studying theology and working for the church. My first reaction was, “Nope.” I loved my job at the BBC. Why would I leave it? But over time, that became an unignorable pull.

The MA has helped me think more clearly and carefully about Scripture, but also about how theology connects to the life of the church.

Stopping to think carefully about leadership has been both refreshing and challenging. As someone leading a church the flexibility has made it possible alongside the realities of pastoral ministry.

Time and again, I’ve found that what I learned during my years in college has helped me pastor more wisely and lead more faithfully.

Having a framework that pulls theology, leadership theory, and lived experience together has helped me see why leadership matters and why it’s worth taking seriously.

Leadership is hard, and I want to do it well. I wanted space to think theologically again, but particularly to reflect on leadership—making sure I’m leading in Jesus’ ways.

Mission is exciting, but it’s serious. If you want to preach Christ somewhere long-term, you need to be ready.

I’ve always loved finding fresh ways to tell stories and Oak Hill has helped me root that in the greatest story of all—the gospel.

Oak Hill has given me the space to reflect, to correct, and to grow. I’ve come to love Jesus not only as my Saviour, but as the one who wisely upholds all things.

I don’t look back wishing I’d studied full-time and just “settled” for part-time. I’m really glad I trained this way.

This course has helped me form habits of leadership shaped by grace and the gospel, rather than just drifting into patterns set by the culture around me.