Bible Critical Theory and Reception Seminar

Biblical studies. The 2026 Bible Critical Theory and Reception Seminar will be hosted by Siobhán Jolley at the University of Manchester, 2nd-3rd June. Papers include work by our own Holly Morse, Siobhán Jolley, and Rachel Miller, as well as visiting scholars on topics such as Italian fascist cinema, the problem of Neil Gaiman, and the Bible and the English revolution. Email Siobhán for further information.

Conference Paper

Biblical studies. Honorary research fellow Mary Mills will give a paper at the international conference of the Society for Religion Literature and Culture to be held in Stirling, September 10-13, 2026. The Biblical studies unit focuses on Apocalypse this year and Mary's paper is Affective Entanglements: Land City and People in Isaiah 24-7. Further information.

Career Spotlight: Museum/Gallery Curator

For students. Interested in history, culture, and sharing knowledge with others? Museum and gallery curators manage collections, develop exhibitions, and help make artefacts and stories accessible to the public. Through your RELT degree, you build valuable skills by researching historical and cultural contexts, analysing sources and interpretations, and presenting complex ideas in an engaging way, all of which are highly relevant in this field. Check out the Prospects page for more detailed information on this role and book a careers appointment to discuss your career ideas further.

International Conference Papers

Biblical studies. Siobhán Jolley and Holly Morse are delivering papers at 'The Light of the Word: Exploring Stained Glass and the Bible', Trinity College Dublin, 14–16 May 2026. Siobhán will speak on 'Through a Glass, Clearly: The Penitent Medium and Cazalet’s Mirfield Magdalenes' and Holly on 'Ways of Seeing the Bible Through Stained Glass'. Further information.

Public Talk

Religious & Science. Scott Midson is one of six speakers at 'The Love Lectures' event, May 18th, 7-10.30pm, International Anthony Burgess Foundation, Manchester. Scott with be talking about AI and companionship. Further information. As the bio says: In a world loud with hate, love louder.

New Publication

Jewish Studies. Honorary research fellow Helen R. Jacobus has published “calendars, Jewish.” In Oxford Classical Dictionary. Oxford University Press, 2026. Further information.

Graduate Career Support

Employability. Did you know that the University Careers Service is available to you for two years after graduation? Find out more here.  On Thursday, 18 June there will be a dedicated careers fair for upcoming graduates to meet employers and explore opportunities across a range of sectors. 

Church on Wheels Interview

Religion and politics. On 21st April 2026, Michael Hoelzl was interviewed by Bishop Mick Fleming of the Church on Wheels on the topic: Religion and Politics. See the filmed interview here.

Manchester Universities Scriptorium

For PG students. Trinity Forum Europe have just launched a new scriptorium for postgraduate students at the Manchester Universities. A scriptorium is a post-graduate student community that gathers for structured days of study and writing. Inspired by the monastic practice of a "liturgy of hours" the days comprise periods of personal research and writing interspersed with communal lunch and refreshments, Christian readings, reflection and prayer. Students of all faiths and none are welcome. For further information contact Courtney Owen.

Inaugural Lecture, Medieval History

Christian Studies. Stephen Mossman (History) will deliver his Inaugural Lecture, 'Spirituality and a Military Order: God’s House in Medieval Strasbourg', Wednesday 6 May, 6.30-8pm, Samuel Alexander Building, Room A7. Book here.

Manchester Graduate Talent 2026 Programme

Employability. Manchester Graduate Talent (MGT) 2026 programme is open. Looking for a graduate job in Manchester? Explore roles through Manchester Graduate Talent (MGT) - open for 2025 and upcoming 2026 UoM graduates! New roles added regularly. Check it out here.

Religions and Theology PGR Study Day

For PGR students. You are invited to the annual Religions and Theology PGR Study Day event on Monday, 15th June 2026 at the University of Manchester. The event will be hosted at the University in collaboration with our validation partners Cliff College and Nazarene Theological College, in hybrid format, 10am-3.15pm. Eve Parker is coordinating the event and Holly Morse will offer a workshop, with Stephen Wright (NTC), on creative methodologies. There will be two keynotes and other workshops. Sign up here.

Coptic Collection Encounter

Coptic studies. As part of the 'Coptic in Manchester' project, the first collection encounter event where you can see some of the manuscripts written in Coptic, a late Egyptian language, housed at the John Rylands. 1-3pm, Saturday 30th May, John Rylands Library. All welcome.