World-class research and teaching 

The CCS is the UK’s first permanent centre devoted to pioneering world-class research and teaching in Catholic theology in the public academy. We operate within the UK’s premier research Department of Theology and Religion, and work in close partnership with the Catholic Church and other organisations, in multiple ways, to produce future leaders, foster talent, and foment Catholic scholarship locally and globally.

The Centre for Catholic Studies is a vibrant and inclusive community of practitioners of Catholic theology and researchers into Catholicism which aims:

• to pursue critical and creative studies of Catholic thought, history, culture, and practice in all its breadth and depth;
• to form and nurture scholars and theologians who will contribute to shaping the future drawing from the richness of Catholic tradition and ecumenical learning;
• to engage with and contribute to the transformation of church and society, locally, nationally, and internationally.

We do this by:

• teaching, researching, supervising doctoral students, and engaging in outreach;
• pursuing collaborative research projects within and across a range of disciplines, supported by public research funds and philanthropic bodies;
• developing mutually beneficial partnerships globally with relevant academic, ecclesial, and public bodies.

In all our activity we are committed to holding ourselves accountable to the Department of Theology and Religion, the wider University, and our stakeholders, and continuing to be inspired by the gifts and charisms of the religious congregations who have been so important to our development.

Find out more about our aims and research in the CCS Prospectus 2024-2025.