WHAT IS A MINISTRY STUDENT?
There are many ways to becoming a leader within Unitarianism. However, some people feel a strong call to become a full professional Minister. Unitarian Ministers lead congregations, serve in chaplaincy roles, represent our movement within the wider community, and offer pastoral and spiritual care. Answering the call to ministry involves a process of deep discernment.
Without a specific location, Unitarian College offers a flexible approach to training. Training for professional ministry requires motivation and self-discipline to manage the intensive residentials, assignments, placements, online modules, and the study of academic theology.
Unitarian ministry is a graduate profession. Those candidates who come to us without a first degree will be supported through a theology degree alongside their Unitarian College ministry training.
Unitarian College offers professional ministry training to candidates who have been approved by the General Assembly of Unitarian & Free Christian Churches (GA). The process with the GA involves a comprehensive application form, references, and interviews.
We host a few Ministry Enquiry Events each spring and summer to help people prepare for the Ministry Student application process which takes place through the autumn. If you feel called to train for professional Unitarian Ministry and have been involved with the Unitarian movement for three years or more, it’s never too early to start the conversation.
To find out more about Ministry Training with Unitarian College please get in touch with our Senior Ministry Tutor Rev Ant Howe.
Ministry Student Carol Service Dec 2026
Join us on Friday, 12th December at the Great Hucklow Unitarian Chapel to share in holiday cheer, song and worship at our Carol Service led by our Ministry Students.
Foundation Lay Worship & Leadership Course Jan 2026
Our Lay Worship & Leadership Foundation course is open to everyone who would like to share their unique voice, learn how to lead worship, or improve their quality of worship.
UniYouth March 2026
Our next UniYouth residential weekend at Great Hucklow, for ages 7-14 years old, will be held 13th-15th March 2026.
Testimonials
"The formation of the Unitarian College has opened up the possibility of ministry training to people like me, who otherwise would not have been able to study due to the confines of the modern life. As a modern institution UC is very much in touch with the reality. The training programme is tailor-made to fit each student’s individual circumstances. The content of the course is incredibly rich, covering a vast spectrum of topics, using various methods of teaching and student engagement. The ministry training programme perfectly balances being “down to earth” on one hand, and “looking up to the heavens” on the other, placing emphasis on the practical application of the acquired skills, knowledge and insights in the 21st century British Unitarian congregations. The staff went above and beyond to ensure that we still get the same rich learning experience under the restrictions posed by Covid.
But UC is much more than just an educational establishment. It’s a support network for those embarking on a journey of professional ministry. It’s a space where we, students, learn just as much from each other as we do from our tutors. It’s a space where new friendships are made and future professional relationships are formed."