Seminar Presentation

Christian studies. Peter Scott read a paper titled “Christian Environmentalism: A Sacramental Ministry of Grace?” to the research seminar at Nazarene Theological College in March 2026. The paper discussed some of the findings of the AHRC-funded project, “Religion, Theology and Climate Change” (2022-25).

New Book Publication

Biblical studies. Our friends at our partner institution, Nazarene Theological College, Svetlana Khobnya and Kent Brower, have published a new book The Gospels (Foundry Press, 2026). Further information.

New Publication

Biblical Studies. Siobhán Jolley has published 'Visual Exegesis and Christian Art' in Verkündigung und Forschung 71.1 (2026): 47-54. Further information.

Postdoctoral Fellowship Opportunity

Religions and Theology. We are pleased to advertise a postdoctoral fellowship at the Lincoln Theological Institute, from 01 September 2026 to 31 August 2028. The closing date for applications is 19 April 2026. Informal enquiries are very welcome. Full details in the Further Particulars.

Public Talk - Chester Cathedral

Biblical studies. Siobhán Jolley and Dawn Llewellyn (Chester) will be discussing ''Faith, Art, and Feminism' in response to the wonderful exhibition of Lilian Delevoryas’ work, ‘Mary Magdalene: Apostle to the Apostles’ at Chester Cathedral on Tuesday, March 31st at 2pm. Free to attend. Further information.

New Publication

Biblical studies. Honorary research fellow Helen R Jacobus has published 'The influence of ancient Jewish scribal practices on Codex Panopolitanus (the Akhmim Fragment): Links between the Book of the Watchers in 1 Enoch, the Gospel of Peter and the Apocalypse of Peter', Journal for the Study of the Pseudepigrapha, March 2026. More information.

Conference Paper

Christianity and the Environment. On 13th March 2026, Finlay Malcolm presented at the Connecting Communities Through Integral Ecology Conference held at the University of Manchester. The conference hosted practitioners based in Manchester and across the UK who draw on their Christian faith to tackle our environmental challenges. The event was hosted by Cecelia Skordilis from the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences and featured talks from a range of speakers including those from the Laudato Si’ Centre in the Catholic Diocese of Salford, the Laudato Si’ Research Institute at the University of Oxford, and members of Ignatian religious orders. Finlay presented on his impact work (social responsibility) delivering formation for clergy and laity people in the local Roman Catholic Church, developed from his research on the AHRC-funded project, Religion, Theology and Climate Change.

New International Network

Biblical studies. Siobhán Jolley and Hannah Strømmen (Lund) have launched a new international network, for those working on Biblical Reception: Interpretation and Method (BRIM). The website launched earlier this month at biblereception.com where you can sign up for occasional news and submit your events to be shared on their calendar. More updates to follow!

National Student Survey: You said... we did.

For students. Every year, our final-year students are invited to complete the National Student Survey (NSS). It’s your chance to share your experience as a Religions and Theology student—and to shape what we do next as a department. We really do take your feedback seriously, and we act on it. 

• You said: feedback sometimes took too long and it wasn’t clear when it would be returned. 
• We did: introduce a clear policy: feedback is returned within 15 working days, and the return date is now published on Canvas alongside assessment deadlines. 
• You said: you would value more structured support during the third-year dissertation, alongside supervision. 
• We did: completely redesign the dissertation Canvas course (thanks to Katja Stuerzenhofecker), making it much easier to track milestones, access guidance, and navigate the ethics approval process. 
• We’re also doing more: from next year, we’ll introduce additional early-year workshops to support students from the outset. 

If you’re a third-year student, this is a real opportunity to have your voice heard. We’d genuinely value your input. We know it’s a busy time, but the survey is short. There’s also the chance to win prizes, and for every response, the NSS donates £2 to charity. You can complete the survey here: https://www.thestudentsurvey.com/

Middle Eastern Studies Seminar

Islamic studies. The department of Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies research seminar invites you to "Debating Issues of War and Peace in the Islamic Tradition" by Professor Asma Afsaruddin, Indiana University (joining us online) and hosted by Dr Tom Woerner-Powell. Tuesday 24th March, 5:00pm, Sam Alex_A112. For a link to join online email Ruth Abou Rached.

Community Cohesion in Action

Social responsibility. Eve Parker recently attended the Manchester United Iftar at Old Trafford, hosted by Manchester United. She was joined by the Leader of Trafford Council, Tom Ross, alongside around 160 Manchester United members including fans, players, staff and Academy players. The gathering brought people together to break the fast and celebrate the spirit of Ramadan in Manchester, highlighting how sport can strengthen unity, community and inclusivity. Eve has also been developing work on theology, sport and social cohesion through the Trafford Faith Action Network. As part of this, she recently organised an event bringing together grassroots community groups and international sports organisations, including the Lancashire Cricket Foundation, to explore inequalities experienced by communities with lower levels of participation in physical activity, and the role sport can play in fostering healthier, more connected neighbourhoods.

Peake Lecture, Nazarene Theological College

Biblical studies.  This year's Peake lecture will take place at the Nazarene Theological College, Didsbury, M20 2GU. The lecture will be given by Dr Siobhán Jolley and Dr Samuel Hildebrandt and is entitled: ‘From Miriam to the Magdalene: Women Witnesses in the Bible and Beyond’. Saturday 21th March, 9.30am - 4.30pm.  In order to secure your place please book your tickets here. 

Wildlife Trust Blog Entry

Christian studies. The Wildlife Trusts — who look after 2,600 nature reserves and run more than 120 visitor and education centres across the UK — have published a blog by Peter Scott, in which he reflects on Christianity’s ecological credentials (social responsibility). To read the blog, click here: All creation in a flower | The Wildlife Trusts.

Graduate Outcomes Survey

Employability. Did you finish your University of Manchester degree between 1 November 2024 – 31 January 2025? You are invited to complete the Graduate Outcomes survey. It’s a quick 10-minute check-in to see where your career has taken you 15 months post-university. Your feedback is essential for helping us support the next generation of students and improving the graduate landscape for everyone. The survey is open until 31 May 2026.

Online interfaith webinar - Social Responsibility

Jewish Studies. On 11th March, Centre of Jewish Studies Honorary Research Fellow Rabbi Dr Lindsey Taylor-Guthartz participated with Canon Sarah Snyder in an online interfaith webinar for Northeastern University (USA), on the path to and experience of interfaith activism.

Theology & Greater Manchester Live Well

Social responsibility. Eve Parker recently delivered a theology paper at the Greater Manchester Faith and Belief Summit, which brought together community groups and faith representatives from across the region to reflect on the Greater Manchester Live Well Strategy. Her presentation explored how theological ideas of belonging, justice and solidarity can help shape communities where people feel safe, supported, and valued. The summit, attended by leaders from across Greater Manchester including Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, focused on strengthening community wellbeing and addressing challenges such as racism, xenophobia, and social exclusion. Discussions highlighted the important role religious and community organisations play in building more inclusive and supportive neighbourhoods.

Career Spotlight: Youth and Community Worker

For students. If you enjoy supporting others and making a positive impact, a role as a youth and community worker could be a great fit. In this job, you’ll design activities, build relationships with young people and local groups, and help individuals and communities develop skills and confidence. Your RELT degree helps you develop these skills through analysing ethical and social issues, engaging with diverse perspectives, and communicating complex ideas clearly, all of which are essential for connecting with different communities. Check out the Prospects page for more detailed information on this role and book a careers appointment to discuss your career ideas further.

Longlisted, ISSR's book prize

Science and Judaism. Congratulations to Daniel Langton whose book, Darwin in the Jewish Imagination: Jews' Engagement with Evolutionary Theory (Oxford University Press, 2025), has been longlisted for the International Society for Science and Religion's 2026 book prize.

Yerushah lecture - University of Cambridge

Jewish Studies. On 11th March, Centre of Jewish Studies Honorary Research Fellow Rabbi Dr Lindsey Taylor-Guthartz and Soferet Dr Jen Taylor Friedman delivered the Faculty of Divinity’s annual Yerushah lecture at Cambridge University, exploring how women in Orthodox and egalitarian Jewish contexts have negotiated access to training, authority, and mastery. Further information.

Alumni Activities

Student news. Mariel Havard Griffiths, who graduated in Philosophy and Religion last summer, is now working as a tutor in Community Outreach at an Arts and Culture centre which is part of Bangor University. Mariel facilitates and leads various arts projects such as Dance for Parkinson’s movement sessions, art projects in a children’s clinic in a local hospital, and creative sessions for young people who are experiencing grief. Mariel writes: "It is very interesting and rewarding, but a bit emotionally tiring as you can imagine! But I’m enjoying it very much, and it has been great to get to experience working with a variety of people!"

Faiths in Charity - Food Drives and Iftar Dinner

Student event. Food drives for Greater Manchester are running food banks on 10th and 17th March 10am-5pm in the Student Union and an interfaith Iftar dinner on the 10th from 5.15pm in Academy 3. Tickets free. If you'd like to attend or help out at the food drives email Neva at diversitydialogues. Click here for Iftar booking link.

Lifelong Learning, Limmud Talks

Jewish studies. Honorary research fellow Lindsey Taylor-Guthartz gave two lectures at Netherlands Limmoed in Amsterdam, on 'Orthodox women rabbis' and 'Women in the Book of Judith' on 8th March. Limmoed is an annual Jewish learning event (social responsibility) featuring a variety of lectures, workshops, and cultural activities in the Amsterdam region. Further information. In December, Lindsey also gave 5 lectures and participated in a panel at UK Limmud in Birmingham.

New Publication

Biblical Studies. Sarah Parkhouse has published 'Perpetua in the Amphitheater: Spatial Power, Colonial Archaeology, and Christian History', Journal of Early Christian Studies 34.1 (2026): 19-44. This paper won the SBL Diamond Award for Integrative Studies 2023. Further information.

Online Exhibition

Digital humanities. As part of Centre for Biblical Studies’ CIDRAL-funded programme of events entitled Encountering Biblical Bodies the exhibition has today launched in the glass corridor in Samuel Alexander as well as online, with audio commentary from staff, students, and friends. Check it out here. Remember to sign up for the research cafe conversation on March 16th here (in-person only).

Ehrhardt Seminar in Biblical Studies

 

Biblical studies. 23rd March: Professor Katherine Southwood (University of Oxford), "Arranged Marriage and Migration in the Hebrew Bible: Rehumanising Women’s Stories through Narrative Imagination", 3-5pm, University Place 5.209 and Teams. For further information and/or Teams link, please email Lynne Potts.

Going Beyond Belief Highlights

Public resource.  Is Assisted Suicide Permissible? Michael Hoelzl takes readers through moral, religious, legal, and philosophical dilemmas of decision making on his Beyond Belief pages on Assisted Dying and Decision Making. Drawing on a real-life case taken from the Beyond Belief radio episode on assisted dying, these pages raise questions about autonomy, faith, and issues regarding time-pressured decision making. They challenge readers to think critically about who gets to decide when life ends - and why.

Art History Lecture

Art History. On 9th February, Siobhán Jolley chaired the Pilkington Lecture 2026 by Susanna Avery Quash of the National Gallery speaking on the topic ‘In Search of Women at the National Gallery'. Further information. 

Television Appearance and Consultant - Sky History

Biblical Studies. Andrew Boakye contributed to the TV documentary "Lost Grail with Alice Roberts" available on Sky History and other platforms. Andy spoke about the legends surrounding Joseph of Arimathea and the holy grail. Further information.

R&T Employability Event

For students. All 2nd and 3rd year Religion students on all degree programmes are welcome at a specialised careers event. 25th March, 2-4pm, Simon Building 4.38.

NSS appeal

National Student Survey. A few years back our department of Religions & Theology was one of very few subject areas in the University to achieve the legendary 100% student satisfaction score, and the only religious studies department with publishable results in the Russell Group to do so. We'd like to achieve this again and that means asking you, our students, for feedback and ideas on what we could do to improve your satisfaction. We're particularly interested in hearing about improving assessment and feedback, and also how encourage a  greater student voice. If you have a suggestion, please send it to our Head of Dept, Daniel Langton, or to our Staff-Student Liaison Officer, Eve Parker. Otherwise, please go ahead and complete the NSS!

CreativeAI Fully-Funded PhD Studentship

Digital humanities. Scott Midson is co-leading a CreativeAI PhD studentship with Łukasz Szulc (Digital Humanities) titled: "Love in the Time of AI: Online Dating, AI Bots and Romantic Relationships of Young Adults". The study is guided by three research questions: How are dating bots designed, deployed and envisioned for future use within the dating industry? How do young adults perceive, interact with and integrate dating bots into their romantic lives? What opportunities, challenges and ethical concerns do dating bots pose for young adults? Applications from students with a strong track record of exploring questions at the intersection of technology, society and intimacy, particularly within the humanities and social sciences are particularly welcomed. The application deadline is March 30th. Further information.

SALC Placement Scheme

Employability. The SALC Placement Scheme allows SALC students on a 3-year programme to convert their course into a 4-year programme with the third year being a placement year. Successful completion of the placement year will allow you to graduate with ‘with Professional Experience’ added to your degree title. Taking a placement year provides a wide range of benefits including valuable experience for future job applications, insight into your potential career choices, and the opportunity to apply your academic learning in a professional setting. You can apply for the scheme during your second year, and applications close on 1 May 2026. Further information.

Encountering Biblical Bodies Exhibition and Event

Biblical studies. Join us for an informal research cafe and exhibition viewing of Sarah Lightman’s Biblical Women. As part of the Centre for Biblical Studies’ CIDRAL-funded programme of events entitled Encountering Biblical Bodies, we are pleased to host works from artist Sarah Lightman’s Biblical Domestic and Menstrual Hystery series in the Samuel Alexander Glass Corridor. In these paintings, biblical heroines trade halos for housework and divine serenity for the messy reality of ageing bodies, menopause, and domestic labour. On Monday March 16th 4:30–6:30pm there will be an informal research cafe where artist Sarah Lightman will be in in conversation with Dawn Llewellyn (Chester), Holly Morse, and Siobhán Jolley. The exhibition is free to see any time Samuel Alexander building is open but the research cafe conversation must be booked in advance. Get your tickets here.

Career Spotlight: Human Resources Officer

For students. Interested in how organisations support and develop their people? Human resources (HR) officers help with recruitment, training, employee wellbeing, and workplace policies. A RELT degree equips you with strong communication skills, empathy, cultural awareness, and the ability to think carefully about fairness and ethics, all central to HR work. Check out the Prospects page for more detailed information on this role and book a careers meeting to discuss your career ideas further.

Ehrhardt Seminar in Biblical Studies

 

Biblical studies. 9th March: Dr Sherry Ashworth (University of Manchester), "Creative Engagement as Method in Biblical Studies: A Case Study and Reflection Drawn from Rewriting the Book of Esther", 3-5pm, University Place 5.209 and Teams. For further information and/or Teams link, please email Lynne Potts.

Interdisciplinary Event on Faces

Interdisciplinary event. Siobhán Jolley is presenting at an interdisciplinary seminar at the John Rylands Institute and Library, provisionally titled  "(Re)imagined and imaging faces: beliefs, arts, and physics." The event is part of a University of Manchester Research Institute 2025 project, ‘Challenging the Impossible’, aiming to reassess some of the issues surrounding the reconstruction of historical faces through interdisciplinary conversations across a wide range of research fields, including Science and Engineering, Dentistry and Maxillofacial surgery, Anatomy, Egyptology, Ancient History and History, Art History, Archaeology, and more. Siobhán's paper is titled "(Re)Constructing a Biblical Woman: Art, History, and the Many Faces of Mary Magdalene". 25th Feb 2026. Further information.

Paid Opportunity for Students - Back to School Programme

For UG students. We have recently opened recruitment for the second cohort of the 25/26 Back to School Programme, where Humanities undergraduate students are paid to return to their former schools/colleges to share their experiences of studying at Manchester. The aim is to inspire prospective students and showcase Manchester as a great place to study. This is a paid opportunity (with travel costs covered) that develops public speaking and presentation skills, enhances your CV, and is a chance to give back to your school community. Sign up here for training. Any questions can be directed to hums-outreach@manchester.ac.uk.

Seminar Presentation

Egyptian History. Honorary Research Fellow Youssef M. Choueiri has been invited by the Betty Behrens Seminar on Classics of Historiography under the directorship of Professor Davide Cadeddu to deliver a presentation on 26th February 2026 to students at Clare Hall, University of Cambridge on the Egyptian historian al-Jabarti (1753–1825). The seminar offers a unique opportunity for students and scholars to reflect on several great historical works and engage in discussion with renowned experts.

SALC Students Community Page

For students. On the SALC Students Community Page you'll find everything you need to know about your programme, employability, assessment, advising, where to find and access support, and what opportunities are available to you.

Fellow of Royal Historical Society

Jewish History. Daniel Langton has been elected as a fellow of the Royal Historical Society. Founded in 1868, the Royal Historical Society (RHS) is the UK’s foremost society working for historians and history.

Reading Group, Biblical Hebrew

Biblical and Jewish Studies. Philip Alexander leads a Biblical Hebrew reading group focusing that meets weekly online on Mondays, 11am. The primary aim of this non-credit course will be to provide students at BA, MA or PhD levels and researchers beyond who have done some Hebrew with the opportunity to advance their knowledge. For further information, email philip.alexander@manchester.ac.uk.

PhD Success

Islamic and Biblical studies. Daniel Arnold has completed, defended, and been awarded the PhD for his thesis, “Qur’anic Memories of Genesis: Creation and Identity Formation in the Ummah of Mohammed”. Daniel was supervised by Dwight D Swanson and Philip S Alexander.

Religion & Theology Research Seminar

 

Religion & Theology. Monday 16th February, Joy Clarkson (KCL) will present her latest research in the R&T departmental seminar. 3–5pm University Place 5.209 and online. Email Siobhán Jolley for further information. 

Bogdanow Lectures 2026

Holocaust and Jewish Studies. The CJS is delighted to announce that the Bogdanow Lectures in Holocaust Studies 2026 will be given by Professor Susannah Heschel (Dartmouth and Harvard University). The lectures are entitled: The Yellow Star in Church: Baptized Jews in Nazi Germany and It's Happening Here: Antisemitism in the United States. 16 and 17 February 2026, 5.30pm, on campus and online. Venue TBA via registration, which is required - tickets here.

Creative Careers Workshop

For students. Interested in a creative career? Find out what freelancing really involves from professionals working in the music, TV, media and publishing industries. Take part in interactive activities to build your confidence and develop key freelancing skills and hear practical advice from industry experts on how to get started. Run in partnership with the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre (MEC), SALC and the Careers Service. Go along to the workshop on 25th February. Further information.

Ehrhardt Seminar in Biblical Studies

 

Biblical studies. 23rd February: Professor Loveday Alexander (University of Chester/Manchester), "Holy Ghost Greek? Calibrating the Linguistic Register of Luke and Acts", 3-5pm, University Place 5.209 and Teams. For further information and/or Teams link, please email Lynne Potts.

Going Beyond Belief Highlights

Public resource. Has Judaism Updated the Word of God? Alex Samely explores the issue of how ancient religions transmit their content, practices, and ideas to a new generation on his Beyond Belief page. He discusses whether the commandments given in sacred scriptures are received as immutable and what effect such debates have on contemporary Jewish practices. This page, aimed at RS A-level students, is based on Alex’s research on the development of Jewish thought and is complementary to Radio 4’s Beyond Belief programme on ‘Why Religions Change’

Islamic Society and Christian Union Event

Student event. For the first time, Manchester Islamic Society and Manchester Christian Union are co-hosting a joint event to learn, discuss and understand each others' faiths in an open, friendly environment. Wednesday 4th February, 7-9pm in Academy 3, Student Union.

Sherman Conversation in Jewish Studies

Jewish studies event. Prof. Susannah Heschel (Dartmouth) and Dr. Roy Bar Sadeh (Manchester) in conversation "Muslim-Jewish Modernity: Towards an Entangled History?" Chaired by Dr. Tom Woerner-Powell (Manchester). Wednesday 18th February 2026, 5.30-7.00pm, on campus and online. Venue TBA via registration, which is required - tickets here.

Holocaust Memorial Day Event

Event. All students and staff welcome and encouraged to join the Holocaust Memorial Day Event led by the Jewish Society. Includes talks from Michael Newman, CEO of the Association of Jewish Refugees, and Stuart Ferster, son of Holocaust survivor Chaim Ferster. Tuesday 3rd February, 2pm-3pm, in Club Academy, Basement Floor, Steve Biko Students' Union Building, Oxford Road, M13 9PR. Admission free but tickets needed. Get tickets here.