The Department of Theology and Religious Studies is recognised nationally and internationally for its innovative research in the Judeo-Christian and Buddhist traditions and the quality of its teaching.
The research done by the staff in the Department of Theology and Religious studies uses all the available linguistic, historical, philosophical and theological methods to explore these traditions in four main areas:
The Department of Theology and Religious Studies aims to provide excellence in teaching and learning within a stimulating research environment. We aim to produce high-quality graduates with an advanced understanding of religions and the methodologies employed in construing and analysing religions. In addition, the transferable skills taught will equip students for future achievements in many professional or further research fields.
Undergraduate teaching focuses on:
Teachings methods are diverse, including lectures, seminars and individual tutorials, and the latest technologies are used. Students benefit greatly from direct access to the academic staff, and they can specialise very quickly in the area and tradition of their choice.
The Department also draws on the teaching resources of the local theological colleges.
All students are welcome irrespective of their religious background, affiliation or convictions. The student community is diverse with a number of mature students and students from overseas who adds to the variety and life of the Department.
Postgraduate students form a lively community that regularly meets on a formal or informal basis. They also actively participate in meetings in their research field representing the Department postgraduate research community at the national and international levels.
The Department has a vibrant academic and social life. Staff members, research students and undergraduates meet regularly for academic and social activities.
Departmental seminars are organised fortnightly, and many of the staff and students also participate enthusiastically in the activities of the Bristol Institute for Research in the Humanities and the Arts and of the Centre for Medieval Studies through organising conferences and guest lectures.
An annual Joint Postgraduate Conference on Religious Studies is organised in collaboration with Bath Spa University College, University of Exeter, University of Gloucestershire, Trinity College Bristol and Wesley College Bristol, and postgraduates are also encouraged and supported to organise their own events, such as the BIRTHA Postgraduate Women and Religion Conference.