Many have given tips for developing magic out of combat. To develop skills in combat, you can prolong fights with things that can't kill you easily by hitting them until they're not quite dead, and then healing them. If you're in close range, you can heal whatever you can touch.

Good tip. I never tried that. There are other things you can
do also during combat. Use low end weapons/ammo.
Don't berserk. I wonder if you can put Guardian
Angel on a monster? Must try this tonight!