Training for participation in Bible translation will soon be available at Redcliffe College following a new partnership with Wycliffe Bible Translators UK.

For the last 40 years, students have been coming to the Wycliffe Centre in Buckinghamshire, but from the summer of 2013, they will take part in Wycliffe's training programme at Redcliffe College in Gloucester.

The programme covers how to learn unwritten languages, develop writing systems, and undertake the process of translating the Bible.

The training on offer ranges from short course to MA level, with most of the students coming from the UK and other parts of Europe.

Eddie Arthur, the Executive Director of Wycliffe Bible Translators in the UK, said: "This is a wonderful opportunity for us and for people interested in worldwide mission.

"Redcliffe College already provides a fantastic portfolio of courses equipping people for mission and leadership roles. Drawing Wycliffe’s courses and experienced teaching staff into the mix can only serve to strengthen the quality of education and training offered through Redcliffe."

Rob Hay, Principal of Redcliffe College, said: "This move will create fantastic opportunities for future students who are training to serve God around the world.

"There will be the chance to study cross-cultural mission, Biblical studies and linguistics all under one roof.

"There’s also potential for new courses in the future that formally combine the skills and expertise of the two organisations."