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School of Theology and Religious Studies

Research in the School of Theology and Religious Studies

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The School is pleased that the strategies which we have adopted for postgraduate expansion have been proved so successful by analysis of the RAE 2008 results. With postgraduate numbers which are well above the UK average in theology, it is not surprising perhaps that our research environment was judged amongst the top 12 in the UK. We are determined to develop this position with focussed growth in our strongest areas.

Since RAE 2001, the School of Theology and Religious Studies has expanded its research portfolio to include Pentecostal and charismatic studies, phenomenology of religion and philosophy and psychology of religion, and instigated a vigorous policy of employing new and early career staff. We have sustained our commitment to research excellence in biblical theology within the Christian tradition and religious studies more widely defined. Our research is now focussed on four areas: biblical studies (Davies, Williams, Read-Heimerdinger); historical and theological studies including Welsh religious history (Morgan, Pope); Pentecostal and charismatic studies (Kay, Thomas); and the phenomenology, philosophy and psychology of religion (Schmidt, Huskinson). We have taken full advantage of structural changes within the university that created the College of Arts and Humanities in 2005 to promote inter-disciplinarity, research training and professional development, while strengthening our own systems for supporting quality research output.