Heythrop Collection now available at Senate House Library

Following the announcement of the closure of Heythrop College on 31 January 2019, a federation member of the University of London since 1970, the collection from Heythrop College Library of over 250,000 volumes of books and bound volumes of periodicals, widely regarded as one of the finest collections of theology and philosophy in the UK, will continue to be made accessible onsite - many discoverable for the first time - to readers through Senate House Library. 

The college officially departs the federation and ceases operations on 31st January 2019. Originally founded by the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) for the study of philosophy and theology, Heythrop has been a member of the University of London since 1970. The College retained a modern Catholic ethos and is proud to have offered an educational experience that respected all faiths and perspectives. Heythrop experienced difficulty in sustaining recruitment levels since the 2012 university fee reforms. This, in addition to rising administrative costs, contributed to the Governing Body’s 2015 difficult decision to begin its closure.

However, the links with the University of London remain strong. Fr Damian Howard SJ, Jesuit Provincial, said, “I am delighted that the University of London, an institution with which Heythrop College has had a long and happy partnership, is able to accommodate this significant collection. It will be held at Senate House Library where the collection will be maintained as a valuable and up-to-date resource, accessible to members of the church and of the academy.”

The University is also supporting those continuing Heythrop PhD students who have been  taken on by the School of Advanced Study at the University of London, who will provide the appropriate supervision and support as well as access to learning resources.

Alumni should be assured that their University of London award will retain its currency and significance after Heythrop closes. Former students or prospective employees who would like to obtain copies of their transcripts or verification of their award will be able to do so by contacting the University of London Transcript Office.

A University of London Degree, Diploma or Certificate of Higher Education in divinity can be done via distance learning. Those wishing to study theology and philosophy can also do so through distance learning and on campus in London.