About Westfield House

Westfield House is the House of Theological Studies of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of England. Since 1962 this institution, located in the university city of Cambridge, has been providing a singular opportunity for Lutheran theological education. Furnishing a small Lutheran faculty, making use of the university’s lectures and seminars, and shaped by the educational method of its academic setting, Westfield House proves versatile in meeting the needs of is international student body and vigorous in their tutelage. In addition to an excellent track record of preparing students for service in the church, Westfield House claims a goodly number of students who have gone on to pursue advanced degrees and are themselves now involved in theological education. For the Lutheran Church in the twenty-first century, as part of an academic tradition dating back to the twelfth century, Westfield House seeks to fulfil a unique mandate of providing Lutheran theological education in the Cambridge context.

Westfield House offers specifically Lutheran curriculum, access to Cambridge University lectures, and an accredited degree programme through the University of London, thereby putting a wealth of resources to work in service of its students. Drawing from university lectures and from the modules (in North American lingo, “courses”) and tutorials offered by the Lutheran faculty at the house, the Westfield student studies or (in the local lingo) “reads” theology in a vibrant setting where confessional Lutheran theology meets the academy.

Various courses of study are possible. Accredited as part of the University of London’s International Programmes, Westfield House offers a Certificate of Higher Education in Theology or in Philosophy, Religion and Ethics (one year), a Diploma of Higher Education in Theology (two years), and a Bachelor of Divinity (three years). In addition Westfield House offers its own diploma comprised of modules in Lutheran symbolics and dogmatics and in practical theology, which can usually be attained in a year. Flexible in meeting the needs of individual students, Westfield House can also shape courses of study around special students looking for some specific church-vocational training.

In addition to courses of study undertaken through the institution itself, Westfield House welcomes exchange students from a number of Lutheran universities and seminaries. Modules completed at Westfield House are recognized for credit by the students’ home institutions, both for graduate students preparing for the ministry or diaconal service in the church, or undergraduate students studying theology. Whether a year (graduate students) or a semester (undergraduates), the time spent studying in Cambridge broadens students’ horizons.

To these academic elements is added the aspect of communal life. At the heart of this is a daily office of Word, prayer, and song. Students reside in the newly constructed Luther Hall, sharing a common area and cooking facilities. In general the community is close knit, with academic association spilling over into friendships and a community of mutual support.

Westfield House is happy to welcome you as a friend. Your interest, prayers, and support are appreciated. Ask a question! Say hello! Stop by for a visit! Friends are always welcome.