Alumni Story

Student success. Hester Stearns shares a story from a BA in Religion to a MA in Medical Ethics: "I started out in 2021 pursuing a degree in Children's nursing at the University of Manchester, however this course ended up not being the right fit for me. When looking to change courses I revisited my passion for Religion after studying it at school and found the BA course in Philosophy and Religion. This course was fascinating and largely interdisciplinary which I found incredibly interesting. From studying the history of Christ to exploring pertinent philosophical debates throughout the three years the course not only deepened my interest in entering into philosophical debates but its broad nature and all the different opportunities of study allowed me to hone in my own passions and merge them into my own learning. Two of my favourite Modules included studying Christ in Film and equally a Module ran on Apocalyptic traditions with lectures on cult's; this eventually spurred my UG dissertation which involved a study of Cult leaders and religious abuse. The support from the teaching teams on this course was also excellent during my time in Manchester and is what eventually pushed me to apply for my current masters now. I have Just completed my Masters in Medical Ethics and Law, a course i would not have been prepared for if it were it not for the multitude of learning opportunities and massive input from lecturers to keep me striving to not only keep learning but also to produce the best work possible."

Ehrhardt Seminar in Biblical Studies

 

Biblical studies. Samuel Hildebrandt (NTC), “Creating the Lonely Prophet: A Reception History of Jeremiah 15" 3rd December, 2-4pm, University Place 6.211/Teams. For further information and/or Teams link, please email Lynne Potts.

Religious Archives Group Conference

Event. Booking is open for this year’s Religious Archives Group conference: ‘Unearthing the unexpected in religious archives’, hosted by the John Rylands Library. From artefacts that have ended up in surprising places to topics you might not expect to find lurking in religious archives. The theme this year is 'the unexpected'. Speakers include Sasha Handley, Tim Procter, Michael Questier, Naomi Baker and Neil Sayer, and papers will cover subjects ranging from poltergeists to royal love letters! See the full programme here. Wednesday 11 November 2026, 10.30-4.45. Booking essential.

New Book Publication

Christian studies. Siobhán Jolley has published Angels (London: National Gallery / Yale University Press, 2026). From agents of divine will to serene celestial presences, this book celebrates the spirituality and symbolism of angels. These winged figures – encompassing messengers and musicians, cherubims and seraphims, archangels and heavenly hosts – are found not only in biblical depictions but also in allegorical scenes in the Gallery’s collection. Immortal beings that bridge the gap between heaven and earth, they conjure an air of mystery that has captivated viewers over the centuries. Further information.

NTC PhD Graduates

Graduates. We are proud to celebrate eight PhD graduates at Nazarene Theological College, one of our validated partners: Bethany Louise Addington (Theology), Daniel Arnold, Daniel J. Atkins (NT), Colin Bearup (Islam), Richard Eugene Clark (Theology), David Harry Lunn (Wesley Studies), Lindi Wells Martsolf (OT), and Lydia Elizabeth Nelson (Womanist Theology). Special congratulations to Richard, Lindi, Lydia, and David, who have all secured academic teaching positions in higher education!

BBC-Manchester Workshop for Schools and Students

Careers. On Wednesday 21st August, we hosted our annual event with the BBC to showcase the Going Beyond Belief resource. We had over 100 sixth form and Year 11 students/teachers along with six representatives of the BBC's production team, including the head of religion and ethics, in attendance. They were treated to Taster Sessions engaging with the resource by Holly and Scott on feminist theologies and roboethics respectively, and a panel presentation and Q&A by the BBC about careers in media. A good showing of current students from R&T and Lib Arts attended the lunchtime BBC Careers session too.

New Publication

Christian studies. David Bundy (Honorary Fellow), Geordan Hammond (Associate Director of the Manchester Wesley Research Centre), and David Han have edited and published Social Engagement in the Holiness and Pentecostal Movements, Studies in the Holiness and Pentecostal Movements (University Park: Penn State University Press, 2026). Further information.

Peer Mentoring Scheme

For students. Peer Mentoring is a program that offers a student-led support network for whatever issues or queries you may have about all aspects of university life, whether that be academic, social, extracurricular, etc. The sessions are designed around you and your needs. The first session is Wednesday 28th October, 1- 2 pm, in Sam Alex_W2.19. A regular stream of contact will be made throughout the year; however, you are free to get in touch with the Team at any point. The student-led team are Rosie Kinch (Student Coordinator), Grace Drysdale, Leen Shabsogh, and Olive Ainsworth.

Webcast, Sherman Lecture 2026

Jewish Studies. We're delighted to announce that the webcast is now ready to view: Dr Jonathan Boyd (London Institute for Jewish Policy Research) gave the 2026 Sherman Community Lecture (co-sponsored by the Jewish Rep Council of Greater Manchester) entitled "British Jews in 2026: Where are we now, and what might the future hold?" Watch again

New Publication

Bible and art. Siobhán Jolley has published 'Ein anderer Blick auf Maria Magdalena? Künstlerinnen und feministische Ambitionen' for the catalogue accompanying the Städel Museum's Mary Magdalene exhibition. Further information.

Response to Public Lecture

Buddhist studies. Gregory Adam Scott responded to a talk by Ben Brose on 'Stranger things: supranormal events in modern Chinese Buddhist autobiography'. 22nd May 2026 at SOAS, University of London. The video is now online.

New Podcast Appearance

Biblical studies. Sarah Parkhouse spoke about the Gospel of Mary on the US-based 'Lost Ladies of Lit' podcast. Further information.

Religion & Theology Research Seminar

 

Religion & Theology. 2nd November, Jillian Marcantonio (Campbell University), 'Igniting a Fiery Imagination: Romanos the Melodist's Liturgical Poetry'. 2pm. Online only. Email Siobhán or Kamran for the link.