by Ruth Peacock, Religion Media Centre
Only 21 British universities now offer single-honours theology and religious studies degrees, as student numbers decline and departments shut or merge. Academics at a Religion Media Centre briefing considered the reasons for the decline, amid calls to reimagine the purpose and content of the discipline, challenge misconceptions and communicate well with schools and parents. Ruth Peacock reports
The number of British universities offering single-honours degrees in theology and religious studies (TRS) degrees has fallen to 21.
Driven by financial pressures and falling demand, departments most recently have shut at Kent, Wolverhampton and Bath Spa; the course at Cardiff has been reduced to one joint honours degree; and the course at Liverpool Hope University, set up by Anglicans and Catholics, is reducing staff from six to two.
A Religion Media Centre briefing this week brought together academics, education leaders and campaigners to examine why student progression from A-level to university is faltering, and what can be done to strengthen the subject’s place in higher education.
The speakers were: Dr Tim Hutchings, of Theology and Religious Studies UK, Nottingham University; Mathew Guest, professor of sociology of religion at Durham University; Dr Suzanne Owen, British Association for the Study of Religions, Leeds University; Dr Roberto Catello, Liverpool Hope University; Professor Christopher Higgins, former vice-chancellor, Durham University; Professor Gordon Lynch, Edinburgh University; Sarah Lane Cawte, chair, Religious Education Council; Deborah Weston, of the National Association of Teachers of Religious Education.
The issue has been highlighted by the Theos think tank, which has published an open letter highlighting the importance of theology and religion in higher education, and warning universities of the danger of abolishing theology and religious studies departments or reducing staffing levels.