This autumn, OCMS has welcomed a new cohort of PhD candidates to the Oxford Programme for Research Induction (OPRI), a pivotal start to their academic journey through a six-week residency in the heart of Oxford. Here we share some of the highlights!
This autumn, OCMS has welcomed a new cohort of PhD candidates to the Oxford Programme for Research Induction (OPRI), a pivotal start to their academic journey through a six-week residency in the heart of Oxford. This program offers part-time PhD students a distinctive blend of academic rigor, spiritual support, and enduring fellowship, guiding them as they launch their PhD journey while remaining grounded in their vocations back home. Blessed with a mild autumn, students have been able to enjoy OCMS at its seasonal best, making the OCMS building feel warmer and more welcoming—a perfect setting for scholarly reflection and engagement.
Our latest OPRI cohort embodies the global reach and transformative potential of Christian scholarship. Representing six nations across three continents—from the mountains of Nepal to the sprawling cities of Indonesia and Kenya, to the heartlands of the United States—these nine scholars bring a remarkable tapestry of experiences in ministry, humanitarian work, and academic pursuit.
OPRI
The Programme for Research Induction (OPRI) serves as the launchpad for our PhD scholars’ academic journeys, offering a carefully crafted blend of academic training and spiritual formation. Through engaging lectures, thoughtful discussions, and guided research methodology sessions, our scholars are developing the tools they need for their theological investigations. Each researcher is paired with a personal tutor, ensuring they receive tailored support as they explore and refine their chosen research topics that will dominate their lives for the next few years.
Cultural Adventures and Community Building
Beyond academic rigour, our bustling social calendar has given new PhD candidates countless opportunities to bond with fellow students, visiting scholars, and staff while exploring Oxford’s historic treasures. The pictures show some of the joy experienced.
Academic Dean’s Tea Party:
Early in the schedule the students gathered at OCMS with the Academic Dean for a quintessentially English tea party, complete with sandwiches, scones, cream, and jam. This relaxed gathering fostered connections with staff and faculty, all over a bit of friendly humour from the Dean.
Blenheim Palace Tour
Week 3 concluded with a guided tour of the stunning Blenheim Palace grounds, led by our own Finance Manager, Nicky Clargo, who is expert at leading interesting rambles in her spare time. Blenheim is an iconic Baroque masterpiece, set within 2,000 acres of picturesque parkland, provided a perfect escape for our scholars, who marveled at its history and architecture, not to mention the glorious autumn foliage. Sturdy walking boots were put to good use as they explored the gardens and enjoyed a glimpse of English heritage at its finest.
Candlelit Tour of the University Church
Week 4 offered a truly atmospheric evening, with students joining Revd Dr Will Lamb for an exclusive candlelit tour of The University Church of St Mary the Virgin. Known as the birthplace of Oxford University and a site steeped in English church history, this tour allowed our scholars to reflect on the legacy of religious scholars before them. The evening concluded with the tranquil office of Compline, sung in the Chancel, followed by refreshments in the historic Old Library – a memorable Oxford tradition!
A Spiritual Send Off
To mark the end of their residency, our OPRI students will be treated to a celebration meal at the New Dancing Dragon, an opportunity to reflect on all they’ve achieved and shared over the past few weeks. In a touching finale, each scholar received a prayer bracelet, an initiative by our faculty member Sara Afshari. These beautiful bracelets, with each bead helping focus on a specific prayer, serve as tangible reminders of their time at OCMS and the community that will support them through prayer as they continue their research journeys.
The OPRI programme continues to exemplify what makes OCMS special: the seamless integration of academic excellence with spiritual formation, all within the context of a supportive, international community. As this cohort transitions into their full research programmes, they carry with them not just academic tools, but lasting friendships and spiritual foundations that will sustain them throughout their PhD journeys.
