The Ruth Etchells Fellowship at St John's College, Durham University

Aimed at individuals of Christian faith who wish to engage with creative work in their field while being part of the St John’s College community, the Etchells Fellowship offers the opportunity to develop a creative sabbatical project.

Fellowship Details:

• Duration: One term (duration variable please see below for available terms).
• Residence: The fellow lives at St John’s College as a full member of the community.
• Engagement with the College Community:
• Interact with students and Ordinands.
• Participate in college life (meals in the College dining rooms, attending Chapel services, and festival dinners).
• Share creative insights and inspiration with others.
• Work Time: Ample hours available for the fellow to focus on their own creative work.

Expectations for the Fellow:

• Public Lecture: The fellow must deliver one public lecture, supported by the Senior Common Room and the wider St John's community, and advertised within the university.
• Smaller Seminar: The fellow will also give a smaller, one-off evening seminar aimed at local writers and creatives outside the university.
• Consultation Hours: One or two hours each Wednesday afternoon (when university lectures are not scheduled) for drop-in or appointment-based consultations with undergraduates and Ordinands to discuss their own work.
• Community Engagement: The fellow will be an active member of the College community abiding by the Code of Conduct for Senior Members.

Additional Information:

• Eligibility: Open to people of Christian faith. Applicants are not restricted to the Church of England.
• Accommodation: The Fellow will be housed a flat close to the east end of Durham’s historic cathedral more details are available: Fellows' Accommodation .
• Previous Fellows: Learn more about Previous Etchells Fellows and their experiences . 
• Selection Process: Applicants should expect to be invited for an interview, either in person or online.

Applications for the 2025/2026 Etchells Fellowship are now open:

Fellowships are available for either of two periods:

Winter Short Residence
Thursday 4 December 2025 – Wednesday 7 January 2026

Epiphany Term
Monday 12 January 2026 – Friday 20 March 2026

To apply please complete this form: Ruth_Etchells_Fellowship_Application_Form 2025-26 and return it to etchells.fellowship@durham.ac.uk by 1 August 2025. 

Ruth Etchells:

This fellowship was established through the bequest of Ruth Etchells (1931-2012), the first female Principal of St John’s College with Cranmer Hall.  

Ruth Etchells published a number of books during her lifetime, which demonstrate the breadth of her academic and faith interests. You can find a full list of her publications here: Ruth Etchells Bibliography.

For further details, you can read an obituary for Ruth Etchells here.

Please direct informal queries and applications to: etchells.fellowship@durham.ac.uk