Ruth Etchells Fellowship
The Etchells Fellowship supports individuals of Christian faith who wish to pursue creative work while being part of the St John’s College community. Named in honour of Ruth Etchells (1931–2012), the College’s first female Principal, the Fellowship provides space and time for reflection, creativity, and engagement with students and staff.
Etchells Fellows
Etchells Fellows live in College during their term in residence, taking part in meals, worship, and community life. Through lectures, conversations, and informal sessions, they share insights from their work and contribute to the creative and spiritual life of the College.
Fellowship Details:
- Duration: One term (duration variable please get in touch for more details).
- Residence: The fellow lives at St John’s College as a full member of the community.
- Engagement with the College Community:
- Interact with students and Ordinands.
- Participate in college life (meals in the College dining rooms, attending Chapel services, and festival dinners).
- Share creative insights and inspiration with others.
- Work Time: Ample hours available for the fellow to focus on their own creative work.
Expectations for the Fellow:
- Public Lecture: The fellow must deliver one public lecture, supported by the Senior Common Room and the wider St John’s community, and advertised within the university.
- Smaller Seminar: The fellow will also give a smaller, one-off evening seminar aimed at local writers and creatives outside the university.
- Consultation Hours: One or two hours each Wednesday afternoon (when university lectures are not scheduled) for drop-in or appointment-based consultations with undergraduates and Ordinands to discuss their own work.
- Community Engagement: The fellow will be an active member of the College community abiding by the Code of Conduct for Senior Members.
Additional Information:
- Eligibility: Open to people of Christian faith. Applicants are not restricted to the Church of England.
- Accommodation: The Fellow will be housed a flat close to the east end of Durham’s historic cathedral more details are available: Fellows’ Accommodation .
- Previous Fellows: Learn more about Previous Etchells Fellows and their experiences.
- Selection Process: Applicants should expect to be invited for an interview, either in person or online.
Ruth Etchells
Ruth Etchells published a number of books during her lifetime, which demonstrate the breadth of her academic and faith interests. You can find a full list of her publications here: Ruth Etchells Bibliography.
For further details, you can read an obituary for Ruth Etchells here.
Rachel Goodman, Etchells Fellow 2026
I have particularly enjoyed leading weekly creative writing sessions in the college – opening up imaginations, and demonstrating new ways of approaching and representing the self in the world. It has also been a pleasure to read my work at various events throughout the term, adding ‘texture’ to the college experience.
Etchells Fellowship
For inquiries about the fellowship and upcoming opertunites please drop us an email
email: [email protected]
St John’s College, Durham
3 South Bailey
Durham DH1 3RJ
Rachel Goodman
Etchells Fellows 2026
Rachel Goodman is a poet, portrait painter and former actor-presenter whose creative practice spans theatre, broadcasting and the visual arts. After studying English Literature at Durham University (Trevelyan College) and completing an MA in Poetry with Distinction at the University of East Anglia,
In the John's Chronicle
27 March 2026
Rachel Goodman: Being the Etchells Fellow
Rachel Goodman reflects on her time as Etchells Fellow at St John’s. In 1978, a girl arrived at Durham Station on a foggy November day for an interview at Trevelyan College. She was nervous, having had a bruising interview at Cambridge (who subsequently rejected her). She got a taxi to Trevs, and was warmly welcomed by Acting Principal […]