PhD studentship

Christian theology. Announcing the Lincoln International Doctoral Studentship, available from Sept 2020.  For details on how to apply, see further information.

Lincoln Theological Institute, annual meeting

Christian theology. Keith Brown, Dean of Humanities, addressed the LTI trustees at the annual meeting, 11 Nov 2019. The LTI is directed by Peter Scott and is a national and international centre of expertise in the theological study of religion and society and a promoter of theological research and study into a variety of ethical, pastoral, social and ecclesial issues. Further information.

Consultancy, video game

Christian theology. David Law has acted as theological consultant for the forthcoming video game I am Jesus Christ by the game developers Steam. 'They needed advice on how to walk on water,' explained Prof Law, drafter of the Dept's REF environment statement. Daniel Langton, Head of Religions & Theology, commented: 'This is just the start of what we hope will be a new strategic direction for our Dept, as part of the Creative Manchester initiative. Certainly, it’s probably the best use we can make of senior colleagues with god complexes.' Prof Law has asked for suggestions for charities to which he can donate his substantial consultancy fees.

Post doctoral Fellowship opportunities

Open to Religious Studies. The University of Manchester offers up to two Simon Postdoctoral Fellowships, 3 years fixed term, £32,816 to £51,034 per annum. These fellowships are for Social Sciences broadly defined, and are open to those working in religious social history, cultural history, and political history, especially if the project engages with social or socio-political history. Deadline: Fri 3 January 2020. For advice from a Religious Studies perspective, contact: daniel.r.langton@manchester.ac.uk. For details on eligibility and on how to apply, see further information.

Social responsibility, widening participation

Oxford and Manchester collaboration. Clive Agnew, Vice-President for Teaching, Learning and Students, spoke at the launch of the Goldsmiths Centre for Philosophy and World Religions at the Whitworth Council Chamber, University of Manchester, 28 Nov 2019. The new centre is associated with the OxNet programme, with which the Dept of Religions & Theology is partnered. The programme is designed to attract A-level students located in the North of the UK, selected by Pembroke College, Oxford, with the aim of encouraging the study of religions and theology at university, among other areas in the humanities. Michael Hoelzl will co-ordinate an OxNet evening seminar series given by Manchester-based lecturers entitled ‘Religion and Knowledge' (early 2020) and Ketan Alder and Kamran Karimullah will host and contribute to the Easter 2020 OxNet conference, also located at the University of Manchester.

Interdisciplinary conference, undergraduate

R&T and ArtsMethods day conference. Brought to you by the Department of Religions & Theology and ArtsMethods, this conference on 'Good and Evil' is an opportunity for undergraduate students to share their own work in front of peers, graduate students, and members of faculty. It is an interdisciplinary conference which approaches and engages the themes of good and evil from multiple perspectives and features student presenters from multiple departments. The conference also features a keynote presentation by Dr Mark Hocknull, who is Associate Professor and Philosophy Programme Leader at the University of Lincoln. Refreshments will be available throughout the conference and a nibbles and drinks reception will follow. 2-7pm, 11 December 2019 Ellen Wilkinson Conference Room & Atrium. Email ugconference@manchester.ac.uk for further information.

Funding, postgraduate

Jewish Studies. Rob Kanter has been awarded SALC PGR travel funding to visit the Anglo-Jewish Archives and the Parkes Institute at the University of Southampton. His doctoral studies are on the subject ‘History of Jewish-Muslim Relations in the UK, c.1900-1999’.

BBC Radio 4

Islamic Studies. Alan Williams discusses with Ernie Rea of Radio 4's Beyond Belief the appeal of the thirteenth-century Persian poet Rumi in front of an audience at the BBC's Contains Strong Language Festival in Hull. Broadcast 4:30pm, Mon 2 December. Further information.

Scriptural Encounters

Reading challenging sacred texts. Scriptural Encounters bring together different faiths to debate and discuss controversial topics. The next theme will be Holy Places, principally Jerusalem (extending to Israel/Palestine) and Mecca. Texts from Jewish, Christian and Muslim traditions will be studied and discussed each time with insights offered from other sources as appropriate. 4.00-5.30pm, 12 December, A115 Samuel Alexander Building. Further information.