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 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.

New Publication

Hebrew and Arabic studies. Peter Pormann (Classics) and William Smith have published "The Alexandrian Summary of Galen’s Sects for Beginner in Hebrew Translation" in Intellectual History of the Islamicate World. Further information.

New Publication

Methodist studies. Stephen Wright (NTC) has published "'Widest Extremes to Join': Christ Beyond Paradox in the Hymns of Charles Wesley," Pro Ecclesia (Feb 2026). Further information

Greater Manchester Policy Report

Social responsibility. Wren Radford has collaborated with Policy@Manchester to create a research report 'The Embodied Everyday: Ethical approaches to including lived experience in policymaking’. The report, based in Wren’s research with communities in Glasgow and Greater Manchester, highlights key practical, ethical, and creative elements of engaging with people’s lived experiences. You can read more from the Policy@Manchester site, and you can read the report here. A short blurb of the report: "Sharing and engaging with people’s lived experiences can be powerful and impactful, but it can also reinforce the issues of unequal power and exclusion. To ensure that the research process and its outputs are as equitable as possible, this report outlines several steps policymakers can take to address these challenges."

Ehrhardt Seminar in Biblical Studies

 

Biblical studies. 11th May: 'Coptic Texts, Magic and Linguistics'. In honour of recently retired Todd Klutz, we invite you to a special Ehrhardt featuring three short papers by Todd's previous students: Kim Fowler (University of Groningen), Fred Tappenden (University of Alberta), and Sylvia Billington (current MA student), followed by a response by Dr Klutz himself. 3-5pm, University Place 5.209 and Teams. For further information and/or Teams link, please email Lynne Potts.

Sharing Thanks and Good News

Student news. Third year R&T student Niamh Hardman would like to extend a thank you for all the support she has been shown by the department as her fiancée Chloé was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Thankfully Chloé is now in remission after an intensive chemotherapy regime and is recovering well. Chloé and Niamh raised money for Manchester Beat Blood Cancer Together and celebrated with some of the staff at MRI. Hodgkin's Lymphoma primarily affects young adults and catching it early is so important. Please familiarise yourself with further information.

Keynote Address

Practical theology. The British & Irish Association for Practical Theology 2026 conference 'Power and the Common Good' features a keynote from recent PhD graduate Raj Patta who will offer a decolonial theological interrogation of the common good that is rooted in practice and draws on his work in Dalit public theology. Further information.

Project Website Launch

Digital humanities. The website for the UKRI-funded 'Coptic in Manchester: Connecting Manuscripts and Communities' project led by Sarah Parkhouse (PI) has been launched. Check it out here.

New Publication

Methodist studies. Tina Woof (PhD Candidate at NTC) has published "Phoebe Palmer: Holiness as Kenotic Foundation for Proto-Feminist Advocacy," Wesley and Methodist Studies 18 (2026): 54–78. Further information.

SALC student survey on module choice

Student consultation. Frances Connolly (Student Rep for School of Arts, Languages and Cultures) has prepared this 5 minute questionnaire. SALC is reviewing how module options are organised and wants student input on module choice. The survey seeks to understand how much choice students want and what factors (e.g. variety, flexibility, planning certainty) you value when selecting modules. Responses will guide departmental decisions on balancing the number of options with practical constraints, ensuring student priorities are considered in programme restructuring. Further information.

 

International Exhibition

Biblical studies. Centre for Biblical Studies member and Rylands curator, Jeremy Penner, has launched a major immersive exhibition in Austin, Texas that brings to life the voices of a multilingual, multicultural society from Greco-Roman Egypt. One key item on showcase is the world’s earliest known New Testament fragment – the St. John fragment – on view in North America for the first time, alongside rare papyri and artifacts from Greco-Roman Egypt usually housed at the Rylands. The exhibition will run in Texas April 11–August 2, 2026 and come to Manchester later this year. Further information.

New Publication

Biblical studies. Sarah Parkhouse has published 'The Limits of the Dialogue Gospel Genre: Recategorizing the Gospel of Thomas', Early Christianity 17 (2026): 31-47. Further information.

Student Summer Ball

For students. Celebrate the end of the academic year at the 2026 Liberal Arts and Religions & Theology Summer Ball! Saturday, 2nd May, 6:30pm - 12am, King Street Townhouse, 10 Booth Street, M2 4AW.  Dress Code: Black Tie. All students from both courses and any year group welcome, plus one available when purchasing tickets. Buy your tickets here.

New Publication

Jewish studies. Ion Popa, Honorary Research Fellow, Centre for Jewish Studies, has published “A Father and His Sons: Wilhelm Filderman’s Efforts to Shelter His Children during the Holocaust,” Revista de Istorie a Evreilor din România (The History Journal of the Jews in Romania), no. 6-7 (22-23) (2025), pp. 325-342. Further information.

BBC News

Jewish Studies. A long-form BBC article on the rise of antisemitism in the UK, including comments from a former student of the department, Rabbi Daniel Walker of Heaton Park Synagogue. 20 April 2026. Further information.

New Publication

Biblical studies. Andrew Boakye has published “The Ethics of Resurrection: The Christ Event and Ethical Praxis in the Pauline Epistles” in New Testament Ethics: Hermeneutics, Texts, and Practice, edited by Nicholas J. Moore, Cheryl Hunt and Timothy J. Murray (Eerdmans, 2026). Further information.

Public Talk

Biblical studies. PhD student Lev Eakins delivered a 'Tuesday Talk' to the Holy Name Chaplaincy on the 24th March, concerning a fresh interpretation of Atonement Theory he coined the 'Agape Atonement Theory. This interpretation was developed out of part of his PhD research where he noticed some literary features in Mark's gospel indicated Mark believed the atonement agency of the Jerusalem Temple had transferred into the body of Jesus. Further information.

New Publication

Biblical studies. Honorary research fellow Walter Houston has published 'Folly at Bethel: Amos on Religion', pp. 177-94 in Religion in Ancient Israel: Essays in Honour of John Day, edited by Katherine Southwood, Stuart Weeks, and H.G.M. Williamson (LHBOTS 756; London: T&T Clark, 2026). In an earlier form, it was a paper read to the Ehrhardt Seminar. Further information.

Conference Papers

Wesleyan studies. Colleagues at Nazarene Theological College have given papers at the annual meeting of the Wesley Theological Society (WTS) in Seattle in March: Jacob Lett, "Christological and Creaturely Perfection: A Dramatic Retrieval of Maximus the Confessor" and Caleb Daniels (PhD Candidate), "Discipling the Reader: The Ethiopian Eunuch as the Implied Reader of Acts". Further information.

Staff News

Coptic studies. A warm welcome to Dr Ibrahim Saweros who joins us from the University of Sohag to work as a Research Associate on the 'Coptic in Manchester: Connecting Manuscripts and Communities' project. Ibrahim will mainly be based at the Rylands, working on the Coptic collections.

Career Spotlight: Management Consultant

For students. Enjoy solving problems and thinking strategically? Management consultants help organisations improve their performance by analysing challenges, identifying solutions, and advising on business strategy. Through your RELT degree, you develop these skills by evaluating complex ideas, constructing well-reasoned arguments, and interpreting different perspectives, all of which are highly valued in consulting. Check out the Prospects page for more detailed information on this role and book a careers appointment to discuss your career ideas further.

Ehrhardt Seminar in Biblical Studies

 

Biblical studies. 27th April: Holly Morse & Siobhán Jolley "Explorations in the Garden of Eve", 3-5pm, University Place 5.209 and Teams. For further information and/or Teams link, please email Lynne Potts.

New Book Publication

Religion and climate. Peter Scott, Celia Deane-Drummond, Gemma Edwards and Finlay Malcolm have published Changing Climate, Changing Religion with Routledge (April 2026). This is one of the research outcomes of the AHRC-funded project, “Religion, Theology and Climate Change”. Further information.

Study Abroad Success

Student news. Congratulations to first-year Philosophy & Religion student Aria Ahmedi who has been accepted to the study abroad programme and will spend a semester next year at Arizona State University. Aria says: 'I'm super excited to experience studying Religion and Theology in a completely new context, and to see how different perspectives shape the way these ideas are understood and discussed. Apart from academics, I'm most looking forward to the independence and personal growth that comes with living abroad - as well as stepping outside my comfort zone and building new friendships!'

New Publication

Biblical studies. Samuel Hildebrandt (NTC) has published "Ein Text, viele Stimmen: Die Polyphonie des 109. Psalm in liturgischer Perspektive." Pages 215–226 in Dem Leiden Ausdruck Verleihen. Biblische und Liturgiewissenschaftliche Perspektiven auf Klagetexte. Mirwach: Jüdische und Christliche Traditionen in Gegenwärtigen Kontexten 4. Edited by A. Marschall and K. Menzel. Ergon, 2026. Further information.

Religion & Theology Research Seminar

 

Religion & Theology. 20th April: Susannah Cornwall (Exeter) will present "Structural Sin and the Death of Institutions" in the R&T departmental seminar. 3–5pm University Place 5.209 and online. Email Siobhán Jolley for further information. 

Prize-Winning Conference Paper

Religion and sport. Congratulations to recent PhD graduate Adam North who has been awarded best overall paper for "The Ethical Way of the Warrior: Can Traditional Martial Arts Offer an Ethical Template for Modern Athletes?" at the International Sport & Discrimination Conference in Dublin, March 2026.

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.