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We are the South West Ministry Training Course

South West Ministry Training Course (SWMTC) provides part-time training which is Christ-centred, world-engaging and rooted in local communities.

Our students are lay and ordained people learning generously together.  We learn, we laugh, and we cry together as we come together, staff and students, to continue to discern the call of God in our lives. Although our foundation is in the Church of England in Devon and Cornwall, we welcome students from other traditions and elsewhere to join us in learning and worshipping together.

SWMTC has been training people for ordination and licensed lay ministry for over 40  years and in 2024 we are excited to launch new courses for everyone. Have you been thinking about chaplaincy or becoming a spiritual director? Or maybe working towards a higher level of qualification such as a BA or MA? We also welcome people simply to come and sit in on our Encountering Theology course.

Whatever your interest, on this website you’ll find details of all our courses, including information about time commitment and fees. Download our course booklet or just get in touch and we will be happy to help.

We do hope that you will come and join us on a journey of formation and fulfilment as you follow God’s leading in your life.

Revd Dr Lucy Larkin, Principal

Study with us

Theology,  Ministry and Mission course.

Training for licensed lay ministers (Readers).

Our Certificate, Diploma, and BA courses.

MA in Theology, Ministry & Mission

Manageable and affordable journey of MA studies

Entry Level
Chaplaincy Course

Take the first steps in to Chaplaincy

Emmaus Spiritual Direction Course

Preparing to offer the ministry of spiritual direction

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‘My experience of formation with SWMTC, firmly rooted in my home church, in work, in family, and in study, has been incredibly positive.  Each has formed the other, readying me and equipping me for twenty-first-century ministry’