Research culture and training
The departmental seminars are a focal point for the research culture of the Department. This is an opportunity for staff, research students or visiting scholars to present papers and receive critical comment on their work. The monthly staff and postgraduate student lunch also provides a lively environment for the exchange of ideas.
The research of the Department can be roughly divided into the sub-disciplines of Biblical Studies, Christian Theology, and Religious Studies. Within these sub-disciplines a dialogue takes place (for example between New Testament and Old Testament) and there is debate and exchange of views across these sub-disciplines.
There are also links between theology and other disciplines:
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Professor Milbank's and Professor Goodchild's work relates not only to theology but also to philosophy and critical theory.
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The work of Professors Goddard and Professor Ford has important implications for politics and international relations.
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Professor Bell's research includes the relationship of theology to physical sciences.
The Department of Theology therefore provides a rich and exciting context for the development of new ideas and theories.
The Department has also welcomed a series of world-class theologians such as Jürgen Moltmann, Wolfhart Pannenberg and John Polkinghorne, and has hosted a number of key conferences such as:
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Christian Social Teaching and the Politics of Money (2009)
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The Pope and Jesus of Nazareth (2008)
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Transcendence and Phenomenology (2005)
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The Invention of Anglicanism (2003)
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The Society for the Study of Theology (2001)
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The Society for Old Testament Study (1998)
Our own staff and postgraduates are also encouraged to go to conferences both in the UK and overseas to disseminate their work.
The Department assists postgraduate students with photocopying and printing costs. Grants are available for conference attendance. Whilst the Library can provide the essential resources for most research, an Inter-Library loan system is available and the Department can offer students a number of free vouchers (£50 for full-time and £25 for part-time students).
Academic German course
All postgraduate students in the Department may also register for the Academic German course run by the School of Humanities. This course is designed to provide research students who have little or no experience in this language with the skills to use German in their research.
Research training
On joining the University, you will receive automatic membership of the Graduate School, a unique facility for our postgraduate students, which provides a range of facilities, training opportunities and support, as well as workshops and events to enhance the postgraduate experience and help you to develop a range of transferable skills.
Workshops and events
The Graduate School runs a series of events throughout the year including:
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Careers workshops – including advice on planning your career following your postgraduate studies
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Recruitment events – to meet potential employers and learn about the opportunities for research careers
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Insider knowledge events – providing in-depth information on postgraduate issues, including how to apply for and make yourself more eligible for specific funding
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Social events – including the ever-popular Coffee, cake and catch up gatherings
Research Training Programme
The experience of undertaking research for the first time can be very different to undergraduate study – and rather daunting. The Graduate School is able to offer support in making this transition. Working closely with academic schools, the Graduate School’s dedicated training team offers core training in line with Research Councils UK standards.
All registered research students are offered training including:
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generic research skills
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IT skills
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communication skills
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career management
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teaching
Arts Graduate Centre - Researcher Portal
The Arts Graduate Centre (ACG) is a platform which supports postgraduate students in the Arts Faculty, by offering a wide range of training opportunities. The Centre aims to enhance the research environment for postgraduates and contract research staff in the Faculty of Arts by working with postgraduates and contract research staff to plan, deliver and review activities which develop skills, support their research work and enhance their employability.
The Researcher Portal is a University intranet dedicated to promoting new cross-disciplinary collaborations and fostering existing interdepartmental collaborative structures. There you will find:
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The latest information about what’s happening in the AGC.
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A searchable research profile area where you can create your own profile and find out what other PG students are doing.
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An online forum where you can share your questions, ideas and needs.
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A calendar with all Faculty and PGSA events.
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Information about funding, placements, conferences and much more…
Download the brochure to find out more about the Arts Graduate Centre Researcher Portal and to get started on your own researcher profile.
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