Informally called Benet’s, St Benet’s Hall is one of Oxford’s Permanent Private Halls. Its principal building is located on the western side of St Giles’ near the intersection with Woodstock Road.
The original purpose of St Benet’s Hall was to allow its monks to study for secular degrees at the university. The hall was established by Ampleforth Abbey in 1897 and historically has been influenced by the Roman Catholic and Benedictine movements.
St Benet’s Hall hosts an international community of 44 graduate students and 79 undergraduate students across all faiths and none. Unlike other Colleges, there is no High Table at St Benet’s Hall, but instead a Common Table that is shared by all students.
What is St Benet's Hall's Affiliation?
Blackfriars is Roman Catholic (Benedictine). The Order of Saint Benedict, or Black Monks, was founded by Benedict of Nursia, a 6th-century monk who laid the foundations of monasticism through the formulation of his Rule of Saint Benedict. The Benedictines do not operate under a single hierarchy but are instead organised as a collection of autonomous monasteries.
What Degree Subjects Can you Study at St Benet's Hall?
St Benet’s Hall at the University of Oxford is a Permanent Private Hall with a unique focus on the integration of academic study and Benedictine monastic tradition. While St Benet’s Hall primarily specializes in theology and philosophy, it also offers a range of other humanities subjects, thanks to its affiliation with the University of Oxford.
Degree Programs Offered
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Theology and Religion: This program explores a wide range of religious traditions, texts, and theological concepts. It includes the study of Christianity, as well as other world religions, and examines the impact of religion on culture, ethics, and society.
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE): This multidisciplinary degree is one of Oxford’s most renowned courses. It allows students to study philosophy, political theory, and economics in an integrated manner, exploring how these fields intersect in shaping societies and political systems.
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Philosophy and Theology: This course allows students to delve into philosophical inquiry and theological studies, understanding how philosophical methods can be applied to religious questions and how theology can influence philosophical thought.
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in History: This degree covers a broad spectrum of historical periods and themes, encouraging students to engage with primary sources and develop critical perspectives on historical events and narratives.
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Classics: The study of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds, with a focus on their languages, literature, history, and philosophy. This program is ideal for students interested in the foundations of Western civilization.
Graduate Studies
St Benet’s Hall also supports graduate students, particularly those engaged in advanced research in theology, philosophy, and related fields. Students may pursue master’s and doctoral degrees (such as MPhil and DPhil) in these areas, benefiting from the hall’s close-knit academic community and the resources of the wider university.
Where is St Benet’s Hall?
Address: 38 St Giles’, Oxford OX1 3LN
